2000 Runway to the Fashionable 4

2000 marked the third season of Runway competition, a competition that had been dominated by Hofstra head coach Jay Wright. There was no reason to think much would change, especially after Wright took the head coaching position at Villanova. But there was another style maven with designs on dethroning the champ. Lehigh’s Sal Mentesana came within a tie’s length of beating Wright in 1999 and, with his cashmere socks, was ready for a rematch. The early rounds were a mere formality, as both Mentesana and Wright steamrolled to the Fashionable 4. The two met in the fashion finale where dreams of a three-peat came to end, courtesy of the cashmere socks and high-end cuff links. Mentesana’s run to the crown was chronicled in John Feinstein’s book, “The Last Amateurs.” The 2000 field is considered the greatest collection of fashionable coaches. Along with newly crowned champion Mentesana and two-time champ Wright, future champions Gary Waters (Kent State) and Willis Wilson (Rice) rounded out the field. Fashionable Four (Head Coaches): Sal Mentesana (Lehigh), Gary Waters (Kent State), Willis Wilson (Rice), Jay Wright (Villanova) Champion Best-Dressed Head Coach: Sal Mentesana (Lehigh)