Fly, Dragons, Fly: Drexel University Faculty Chime in with Super Bowl Excitement
You (probably, definitely) already know this, but: the Philadelphia Eagles are headed to the Super Bowl this Sunday.
For the Drexel University Dragons who experienced the excitement during the Eagles' Super Bowl win in 2018, the city is once again lit up both literally (have you seen the green lights on the skyline?) and figuratively. It's a Philly thing, after all, and Drexel has its own beloved winged mascot: Mario the Magnificent. But for some of this year's new faculty members, this might be a totally new experience.
Four of those faculty members — all of whom already had a connection to Philly and the Eagles — shared what it's been like to start at Drexel during this sports-filled year, and what it was like seeing the team win the NFC Championship. They also talked about their Super Bowl plans: one assistant teaching professor will be going to the Super Bowl for a very special "day trip" and another assistant teaching professor will even be working at the big game (her fourth Super Bowl), since her company put together the supporting halftime show performance band!
Kaisha Blackstone
Assistant Teaching Professor of Music Industry
Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Q: Are you new to Philly? What did you think of Philly sports when you started at Drexel, or were you a fan before?
A: I have lived in the area for 17 years. And I am a Ravens fan but have adopted the Eagles as my NFC team because I am an Eagles fan by marriage!
Q: What was going through your mind during the NFC Championship game? What are your plans for the Super Bowl?
A: I was expecting the win! You could already feel the momentum!
I will be traveling to the Super Bowl again this year, as our company [BASSic Black Entertainment] helped put together the supporting halftime performance band and my husband is the musical director. We've done the 2018 Justin Timberlake halftime show, the 2020 Jennifer Lopez/Shakira halftime show and the 2022 halftime show with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent and Kendrick Lamar.
Daniel E. Coslett, PhD
Assistant Professor of Architecture
Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Q: Are you new to Philly? What did you think of Philly sports when you started at Drexel, or were you a fan before?
A: I grew up in Delaware County (Broomall/Media) but hadn't spent much time here since leaving the area 21 years ago. Although my family has always been very dedicated to all the local teams, I wasn't much of a sports fan back then. I became one while living in Seattle when I realized I was missing something about Philadelphia during the fall. I'm generally a hometown fan (Go, Seahawks!), but quickly adopted the Phillies and Eagles upon my return this past fall. How could I not?! What a great time to come back! This city has always been special to me and it's awesome to experience the unity, passion, and pride. It's definitely a "Philly thing."
Q: What was going through your mind during the NFC Championship game? What are your plans for the Super Bowl?
A: I live in Center City and watched the Championship game at a nearby restaurant bar. Walking home after the win, it was great to hear the cheers echoing throughout the neighborhood. We didn't make it down to Broad Street, but definitely will after the upcoming Super Bowl win (fingers crossed!).
Monika Julien
Assistant Teaching Professor of Music Industry
Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Q: Are you new to Philly? What did you think of Philly sports when you started at Drexel, or were you a fan before?
A: I’m an alumna of the Music Industry Program (Class of 2012), and I returned to the program this past fall as a professor after the last 10 years living in New York City. Before I came to Drexel as a student in 2008, I had heard tales of how dedicated Philly sports fans were. In the fall of 2008, after only a couple months of living in the city, the Phillies won the World Series, so for the first time in my life I got to experience what it was like to live in a real sports town. I ran to Broad Street that night and experienced all the insanity — it was incredible. From that moment forward, Philadelphia became my city.
I tell my students my story of the Phillies winning during my freshman year, and how being on Broad Street that night in 2008 is still a core memory for me. I tell them that if the Eagles win (knock on wood), I hope they also experience it — even if they’re not really sports fans or football fans. Everyone celebrating together… it’s such an unforgettable experience that you will always remember, and it deepens your love and appreciation for this city.
Over the years I attended Phillies playoff games and even Flyers playoff games. Admittedly I haven’t been to an Eagles game yet, but I watch them on TV. Even though I still cheer for Atlanta teams, because I grew up in Georgia, I’m rooting for Philly teams too. The Falcons aren’t that great, so I feel like there isn’t much of a conflict of interest with the Eagles! As my neighbors say to me: “As long as you’re not a Cowboys fan.” Now that I live in Philly again, my Philly fandom is definitely stronger!
Q: What was going through your mind during the NFC Championship game? What are your plans for the Super Bowl?
A: I was so nervous for the NFC game! But San Francisco was kind of falling apart. Honestly, it was a pretty weird game. Fifth string QB for SF?! Wiregate?! I didn’t go to Broad Street, but people on my block in Fishtown were celebrating and people were shooting off fireworks in the neighborhood. I love how the entire city celebrates. Even before the game started you could feel the energy. It’s so exciting we’re in the Super Bowl! Maybe I’m a little superstitious, but I feel like it further reinforces that moving back to Philadelphia was a great decision!
For the Super Bowl, I'll probably be watching at home with some good snacks and my Eagles jersey on. It’s kind of like having a front row seat!
Joe Marsini
Assistant Teaching Professor of Television & Media Management
Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Q: Are you new to Philly? What did you think of Philly sports when you started at Drexel, or were you a fan before?
A: I was born and raised in Delaware County (aka Delco) and have been an Eagles fan all my life. My dad had season tickets, so he and I went to pretty much every game when I was a kid and teenager. I left the area for a few years for college and work, but when I came back, I decided to get my own tickets and have been a season ticket member since 1999.
Q: What was going through your mind during the NFC Championship game? What are your plans for the Super Bowl?
A: Relief! I was thrilled that the team was going to go to another Super Bowl just five years later. My wife and I will be going to the big game (we got lucky and were able to buy the tickets at face value). We are taking a "day trip" and flying out and back on Sunday. We didn't plan on it, but we figured these opportunities don't come up very often (just ask Cowboys fans).