'Hoagies, beer and a football ball game'

Millions of viewers around the globe last night gazed at the television simultaneously to watch 24 men attempt to move an oblong ball one hundred yards. It was the Super Bowl. All viewers have a different definition of the game. Some say it is an American tradition, others say that it is about friendship, and still others are there to eat and drink. Wharton senior Craig York, who "has probably never missed [a Super Bowl] since the late 70's," explained last night that the event is defined as "Hoagies, beer, and a football game." All three elements were present at the Kappa Alpha Society house, where about 20 brothers watched the game, won by the New York Giants 20-19 after the Buffalo Bills missed a last second field goal. Because of the war in the Persian Gulf, recent rumors that the Super Bowl could be postponed or cancelled due to a possible terrorist attack caused unrest among some of the viewers. "There are more important things going on in this world," College sophomore Matt Bastian said last night. "You've got to look at [the Super Bowl] in perspective." Robert Giacopetti agreed that the war with Iraq is more important, but said the Super Bowl served a role in alleviating some of the tension. "Right now with crisis in the Gulf it's a great escape from reality," College freshman Giacopetti said. "It's good for everyone to look away from the crisis for a few hours." College sophomore Ed Ostad, who was enjoying the event and free chicken wings at Barley and Hops restaurant, recognized that patriotism abounded during the pre-game rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner." "Everyone was getting into the National Anthem, and everyone was waving a flag," he said. Doug Emanuel, a College senior who watched the game at the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity house, lauded the Super Bowl as an exciting event that is celebrated annually at his house. "It's a non-social event, unlike a party, where those in the fraternity can get together and have a good time," Emanuel said. Other students were watching the game for a wide range of reasons. Wharton junior Joon Park was rooting for the Giants to win the game. But his reasons have nothing to do with a favorite player, favorite team, or even a dislike for the Giant's opponent -- the Bills. "Every single time an N.F.C. team wins, except twice, the stock market has closed up for the year," Park said. Domino's Pizza also has monetary reasons to enjoy the event. "The sales have been incredible," said Domino's manager Alan Libowitz, adding last night was one of the best nights of the year. Jan Zucker, the owner of Lee's Hoagie House, reported the same results. Zucker said the "Giants have made this a fantastic year." He said since many University students live in or near New York, the Giants are "almost like a home team."

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