The Big 5 is truly special

From Meran's Law, Andy Meran's, Fall 95 But it wasn't a Quakers game that led to this raucous atmosphere in the most hallowed of sites. Instead, it was the red of St. Joseph's and the blue of Villanova which decorated the house. It was the most intense of games. The sound was deafening. Even those with no loyalty to either side could not help but be taken in by the emotion. Hawks fans eventually stormed the hardwood to celebrate the upset victory. It was a typical Big 5 game. Tonight marks the start of yet another year of City Series match-ups for Penn. While the doubleheaders and round robins that originated back in 1955 have since been broken off, the ferocity remains. As the rest of us struggle to cope with the start of classes, the Quakers face an immediate test. Starting the Big 5 schedule is not a friendly way to rebound from Saturday's loss to UMass -- especially with the strength and familiarity inherent in the intra-city wars. While No. 25 Penn is the only Big 5 team to appear in the national rankings, the quality and balance throughout the group has already become apparent. In the conference opener the Hawks upended the Wildcats, while Temple proceeded to knock off St. Joseph's last weekend. The Big 5 has more than held its own against outside opponents. Each of the teams owns a winning record and with the Quakers' victories over Michigan and St. John's coupled with Villanova's wins over Florida and Louisville, the Big 5 has upended some reputable national foes. Temple is off to a 7-2 start and La Salle played very competitively in tough losses to the likes of Arizona and Massachusetts. But this league is not about the nation. It's about Philadelphia, and Philly products take center stage. With Jerome Allen and Kareem Townes engaged in yet another head-to-head showdown tonight at the Palestra, the city can watch its own go to war. Villanova starts three local players, including Jason Lawson and Jonathan Haynes, while the Hawks are keyed by Philly native Carlin Warley. One would be hard-pressed to find another conference that features such a plethora of home-grown talent. But the local stars are not only confined to the court. On the sidelines, La Salle's Speedy Morris started his coaching career at Roman Catholic High before moving on to capture over 170 wins for the Explorers. Penn's Dunphy graduated from La Salle en route to becoming the head man and key figure in the Quakers' success. John Griffin graduated from St. Joseph's before returning home to guide the Hawks and Temple's John Chaney has become a legend in his come a legend in his 13th year leading the Owls. The familiar faces help add to the mystique of a league that has seen each of its members play in the Final Four. While it may not be what it used to be, the Big 5 will always be special. Another chapter of the storied script will be unveiled at the Palestra this evening. Aside from one oh-by-the-way game against Lafayette each remaining game for Penn is against either an Ivy or a Big Five school. And with the way the Quakers have manhandled the rest of the Ancient Eight the last 31 times they have stepped onto the hardwood, the City Series games become even that much more crucial. None of the games will be easy. They never are. Each of the teams is talented, and with a series based on heroic tales of underdog victories, none of these contests will be taken for granted. As St. Joe's proved in the opener against Villanova, the Big 5 is wide open this season. With games against the Explorers and Hawks before the week is over, a lot will be told about the character of this Penn team. These games always seem to come down to pride. Tonight's should be no exception. Andy Meran is a Wharton junior from Boca Raton, Florida and a sports writer for The Daily Pennsylvanian.