The weekend of the Feb. 4, 5, and 6 was an exciting one on the hilltop for many reasons. Students were able to enjoy the Abbey Players’ One Act plays, take a break from classes, and most importantly, watch the biggest sporting event of the year. On Sunday, Feb. 5, the Atlanta Falcons faced the New England Patriots in Superbowl LI. In the weeks leading up to the event, the Patriots seemed to be the odds on favorites to win it all.

However, by the time Lady Gaga took the stage at the Superbowl LI Halftime Show, things looked all but positive for New England who found themselves down 21-3. Many felt utterly disheartened at the performance of the Patriots, feeling as though defeat was imminent. However, many New England fans, despite clear fear and anger, understood that Tom Brady has a knack for big comebacks.

Michael Ciardelli ’17 explained, “I was angry with how the Patriots were playing, but in the back of my mind I knew that if anyone could come back from this its Tom Brady and the Patriots”.

The third quarter started out equally disappointing for New England fans as Matt Ryan and the Falcons would drive down the field and increase the deficit to 28-3. From this point on, it was all New England. Tom Brady and the New England Patriots scored 25 unanswered points, mounting the largest comeback in Superbowl history and sending the game to the famous event’s first overtime in its 51 year history. At the coin flip, New England would successfully guess “heads” placing the ball in veteran quarterback Tom Brady’s hands. The Patriots offense would make a drive down field and, with a 2 yard rush by running back James White, the Patriots would become Superbowl champions for the 5th time in franchise history.

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Crier\Tim Mannila

Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo with the Lombardi Trophy at the Super Bowl Parade.

The third quarter started out equally disappointing for New England fans as Matt Ryan and the Falcons would drive down the field and increase the deficit to 28-3. From this point on, it was all New England. Tom Brady and the New England Patriots scored 25 unanswered points, mounting the largest comeback in Superbowl history and sending the game to the famous event’s first overtime in its 51 year history. At the coin flip, New England would successfully guess “heads” placing the ball in veteran quarterback Tom Brady’s hands. The Patriots offense would make a drive down field and, with a 2 yard rush by running back James White, the Patriots would become Superbowl champions for the 5th time in franchise history.

St. Anselm students were quick to react to the game-winning touchdown, immediately storming the FBC (Uppers) courtyard to celebrate the incredible feat. Students could be seen screaming in excitement and singing songs such as “Sweet Caroline” and “We Are the Champions”.

When asked about the scene in the courtyard, Zachary Procek ’17 responded, “It was pretty exciting to be out there with all those other Patriots fans celebrating a win that truly made up for the chaos of 2016”. The celebration was so exhilarating that fireworks could even be seen in the cold night sky. It was truly a scene to attest to the passion of sports on this small New England campus.