Villanova Tops Recent College Basketball AP Rankings Poll

A resident of New Jersey, Ralph Serpe has served as president of Kemsco Construction and Equipment Company since 1982, and continues to work an extensive schedule to ensure the company's success. When he isn't working and developing new business relationships with clients throughout New Jersey, Ralph Serpe enjoys following college basketball. 

According to the weekly AP Top 25 poll for the week ending on January 28, the Villanova Wildcats are the best team in college basketball. The Wildcats scored wins over Providence and Marquette in the previous week and, through 21 games, the team boasts a win-loss record of 20-1 with its only loss coming against Butler on December 30. The team also has wins over Top 25-ranked teams Gonzaga and Xavier. Villanova received 47 of a possible 65 first-place votes for the AP Top 25 poll, while Virginia, which also boasts a 20-1 record, received 17 first-place votes. Purdue, Duke, and Michigan State rounded out the top five.

As impressive as Villanova's season has been, it means very little if they are once again unable to succeed in the annual March Madness tournament. Last season, the Wildcats were granted the No. 1 seed in the East bracket, but suffered a second-round defeat to eighth-ranked Wisconsin. The University of North Carolina won last year's tournament and were ranked No. 19 in the AP Top 25 poll.

Strength Training Tips

Based in Newark, New Jersey, Ralph Serpe founded Kemsco Construction and Equipment Company in 1982 and has built it into a thriving business with annual revenue in excess of $70 million. In his free time, Ralph Serpe enjoys staying in shape and has recently begun strength training. 

Strength training is a great addition to a cardio routine with its own benefits, including muscle development and toning. Here are some tips from Harvard Health for strength training workouts. 

1. Be sure to warm up and cool down before and after each workout. 

2. Use proper form. Correct form is necessary in order to avoid injuries, and it's usually best to work with a trained professional or through a class, especially when just starting out. 

3. Be sure to breathe out during the lifting or pushing and breathe in while releasing the load or weight.

4. Don’t lock the joints. Be sure to always keep a slight bend in the knees and elbows. 

5. Stop immediately if the work becomes painful. Strength training should never cause pain, and physical challenges should be increased in intensity slowly over time.