BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont’s own UVM “Cardiac Cats” are back in the Green Mountains after being crowned national champs at Monday night’s NCAA Men’s soccer finals in North Carolina.
Green and gold police cruisers led the way Tuesday afternoon for the Catamounts’ return home after a historic national championship win.
Many fans were still in disbelief at the outcome of the game. “All the emotions… it was happiness, sadness – it was electric,” said Corey Bronner, a former UVM player.
Raising the trophy as they got off the bus, the Cats were greeted with a roar from the crowd assembled at Patrick Gym for their homecoming
“We are just really excited to see the championship come home to Vermont,” said Megan Cashman, a UVM junior.
“It’s a big deal for a state our size. Sports are not the be-all-end-all here, but this is pretty good,” said Kevin Arthur of Essex Junction.
And the pride for the Green Mountains continued inside as fans gathered to hear from players and coaches.
But the party is just beginning. We spoke with John Daly Monday Monday night after the Catamount parent picked up one of the first championship shirts after the game. Back in Vermont nearly 14 hours later, he was still wearing it. “We are so proud of the guys. What fun it was to just be a part of this whole thing,” he said.
Some fans say this is the start of something bigger. “I think it’s hopefully gonna start a trend and we can keep winning,” said Gabriella Strarets, a UVM junior.
But if Vermont’s first-ever soccer championship was summed up in one word it would be… “History,” said Lincoln Bronner of Burlington.
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