Someone had a birthday yesterday and there was a soiree at Mario’s Fishbowl, where it was discovered the affable Turk washed down the Final Four experience with an enormous meatball sub.

The Colossal Challenge is just that. Begin with a five-pound meatball sub named the Meatball Deluxe … and the five pounds refers only to the four softball-sized meatballs. Add ciabatta bread, sauce and cheese and figure it’s about seven pounds. If you get it down in 30 minutes or less, you get it for free and your name goes down in history.

Kid’s leaving his mark on campus, yes?

Kilicli returned to Turkey in May for what he thought would be a brief stay, yet he remains there playing for the national team. The word “stuck” is being used a lot, but it seems a bit much. He’ll be there until August, but he’s training and playing. It’s not what WVU would necessarily prefer, but it’s not exactly a bad thing, either.

“Our coaching staff spoke to representatives of the Turkish National Team, and we are fully aware of his participation for Turkey this summer.” says Huggins. “Deniz was not forced to stay and play for the national team. Deniz and the Turkish National Team have always had and will to continue to have our full support. Deniz will be back in Morgantown later this summer.”

He’s making the most of the time home, too. Last week Turkey’s top newsppaper featured Kilicli in an article.

For now, Deniz has two goals. “First, to help Turkey win the World Championship, and, later, to help the Mountaineers become NCAA Champions.” He is also busy educating people. “When I am in West Virginia, I want everyone to know how great my country is. I am lucky, because everyone has so much respect for where I come from. In Turkey, everyone knows New York City and Los Angeles but not many know about the great state of West Virginia. To me it is so important that my countrymen know about how great this state is. It is my home away from home and will always be.”

Turns out that was the most-read article in Turkey for June 25. 

“Sports fans around Turkey are very excited about Deniz and his future and are very fond of West Virginians. Deniz has become very loved amongst our citizens and is representing your State very admirably in Turkey. Turks are very supportive of the Mountaineers,” Melis Alkan, Marketing Director for StudyInAmerica.com, wrote in an email last week.

StudyInAmerica.com produced and published a 16-and-a-half minute video/interview with Kilicli, as well. It’s the featured video on the site’s homepage.