Jan. 31,
2009
The Super Bowl Skipper Returns
By Sean Ryan
CollegeBaseballInsider.com Co-Founder
 Come
Sunday, one college baseball coach will know exactly what it’s
like to play in the Super Bowl.
Sacred Heart’s Nick Giaquinto (profiled
last year by CBI), was a running back for the Washington
Redskins Super Bowl teams in 1982 and 1983. He earned a ring as
Washington won in 1982, then came up short the following year,
when the Raiders humbled the Redskins.
The Super Bowl Skipper returns to share more
Super Bowl memories in a special Nine Innings, er, Four
Quarters.
First Quarter
How did it compare to have two weeks between
the NFC Championship and the Super Bowl like you did your second
trip to the first time, when you only had one week?
The first year was like a whirlwind.
We got on a roll after the strike and just kept playing well so
it worked out well for us in SB XVII against the Dolphins. The
following year we really needed the two weeks after the long
season and a tough NFC Championship game. I do not think the
extra week had anything to do with the outcome against the
Raiders. It was more Marcus Allen and the Raiders.
How was preparation different entering the 1983 Super Bowl as
the defending champs?
Being defending champs, I thought we had great preparation
and had time to heal some bumps and bruises. We had experience,
we had a great team and we were well prepared. But on that
Sunday, the Raiders earned the victory. I guess that's why they
play the game.
Second Quarter
You'd lost twice in 1983 by a total of two
points before losing to the Raiders in the Super Bowl. How
shocking was the result of that game?
It was a disappointing loss but I
would not say shocking. I think since SB III it was proven that
if you get there you can win; unless you are Minnesota or
Buffalo.
What was your favorite part of Super Bowl
week?
To this day the favorite part of Super
Bowl week is the game. After that, I would say practice. Now I
usually turn the TV on just before kickoff. We actually have
practice, then a camp from 4-6 on Super Bowl Sunday this year.
Third Quarter
How was Media Day? Any crazy questions
directed at you? What was the most memorable question asked of
you or any of your teammates?
Media day was fun with most of the
attention going to Theismann and Riggins, of course. It was
hectic, but not like now. We all had a table and reporters would
come up and ask questions. I just did a few interviews mainly
about my journey from UCONN to the NFL after getting cut
numerous times, to the Super Bowl.
Do you wear your Super Bowl ring? If not, where do you keep
it? If not, how often do you put it on or just look at it?
I wear my ring to banquets or when I speak to groups. Other
then that I leave it in the safety deposit box.
Fourth Quarter
Where will you watch the game Sunday?
The past few years, I have watched the
game with my brothers Tony and Mike and my cousin Joe at Joe's
house. We just get a couple of pizzas and watch the game; just
the way we like it!
Any predictions on the game (with score)?
Cardinals 27-24.
(photo courtesy of Sacred Heart
Media Relations Office)
|
