Gold Rush - April 2015

WAKE WILL: THE CAMPAIGN FOR WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY

IN FULL SWING Sophomore slugger Nate Mondou being counted on to be leader for large freshman class as Deacon baseball season cranks up

NO FEAR FRESHMAN CORNELIUS HUDSON ADDS SCORING PUNCH FROM LONG RANGE

APRIL 2015

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VOL. 24 // ISSUE 6 (USPS 014-373) EDITOR

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CONTENTS

// A P R I L 2 0 1 5

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Star cornerback Alphonso Smith, who graduated from Wake Forest in 2008, goes up for one of his 21 career interceptions, which remains an ACC record. Smith is profiled in this issue’s Where Are They Now feature on page 26.

4 20 22

FROM THE AD 100% COTTEN INSIDE THE DEACON CLUB

26 27 46

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? CALENDAR COMPLIANCE CORNER

// 6 READY AT THE PLATE Sophomore second baseman Nate Mondou is being counted on for his bat in the middle of the lineup and being a leader for a younger team.

// 10 SWEET STROKE Cornelius Hudson is among a group of talented freshmen who give the men’s basketball team scoring punch from beyond the three-point line.

// 16 NEW APPROACH Senior Allison Emrey blossoms into a leader for the women’s golf team by focusing on the process, not the outcome.

ON THE COVER Nate Mondou hit .279 last year for the Deacons while finishing second on the team with seven home runs. (Photo by Brian Westerholt)

APRIL 2015

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FROM THE A.D.

// R O N W E L L M A N

Lots of news with football scheduling…

Football scheduling has been in the news recently. Wake Forest has agreed to play a non-conference football series with the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill in 2019 (home) and 2021 (away). Yes, a NON-conference series with an ACC rival. To our knowledge, this is the first time conference foes from any conference have agreed to play a non-conference series. Between now and 2024, we are only scheduled to play UNC in conference games in 2015 and 2022, but both schools felt that this is an important rivalry that should continue even if the games will not be counted in the ACC standings. The overwhelming feedback from Wake Foresters has been extremely positive, as they want to play UNC as often as possible.

RON WELLMAN DIRECTOR O F AT H L E T I C S

The ACC athletic directors have agreed that each ACC school will play a football non-conference opponent from the SEC, Big 10, PAC 12, Big 12 or Notre Dame or BYU annually. We have agreed to a series with Indiana, Purdue, Mississippi and Vanderbilt in the future.

Our other three non-conference opponents will typically include an FCS school and two FBS (Army, Tulane, Utah State, Appalachian State, Rice, Old Dominion, Northern Illinois, Air Force) opponents each year.

Ideally, we would like to play seven home football games each season. We have succeeded in scheduling seven home games in 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020. However, achieving our goal of playing seven home games each season is becoming more challenging in today’s economic environment. The financial guarantees that nonconference opponents are receiving today for “buy games” have doubled and tripled from just a few years ago. Therefore, it is more realistic to play home- and- away series against quality opponents than to “buy” one-time games.

Our tentative future non-conference schedules are: 2016: Tulane (H), Delaware (H), Army (H), Indiana (A) 2017: Presbyterian (H), Utah State (H), Appalachian State (A), Notre Dame (A) 2018: Liberty (H), Rice (H), Notre Dame (H), Tulane (A) 2019: Utah State (H), UNC (H), Elon (H), Rice (A) 2020: Tulane (H), Appalachian State (H), Notre Dame (H), Old Dominion (A) 2021: Old Dominion (H), Northern Illinois (H), UNC (A), Army (A) 2022: Air Force (H), Army (H), Vanderbilt (A) 2023: Vanderbilt (H), Notre Dame (A) 2024: Ole Miss (H), Army (A) 2025: Army (H), Ole Miss (A) 2026: Purdue (A), Army (A) 2027: Purdue (H)

Finally, this year’s schedule includes a Friday night game on Oct. 30 vs. Louisville. This is the first time we have played a home Friday night game. When the ACC signed our ESPN contract, the conference agreed to play 4 percent of our games on Thursdays, Fridays or Labor Day Monday. We would much rather play a Friday night game on the road at one of the northern ACC schools who do not have the same high school football conflicts that we do because their high school games are typically played on Saturdays, but nevertheless, all ACC schools have agreed to the terms of our contract with ESPN, so all ACC institutions must accept playing a Friday night home game if the conference makes such a request.

Sept. 3, which is the date of our first football game vs. Elon, is less than six months away! I look forward to seeing you at BB&T Field!

Go Deacs!

Ron Wellman

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APRIL 2015

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BASEBALL

// N AT E M O N D O U

Man in the

MIDDLE SOPHOMORE NATE MONDOU PROVIDES PUNCH WHILE ANCHORING WFU INFIELD AT SECOND BASE

By Jay Reddick

N

ate Mondou’s competitive streak first showed up around age 4, when he first picked up a baseball bat to play T-ball with his father.

The Wake Forest second baseman says now that he never liked to fail, and in the years since that first swing, he hasn’t failed a whole lot. Today, the sophomore from Lake Tapps, Wash., is one of the top hitters for the Deacons.

He hit .279 last year while finishing second on the team with seven home runs and collected at least one hit in the first six games of the 2015 season while hitting in the crucial No. 3 spot in the lineup.

Mondou gives his parents credit for instilling that drive for excellence at a very young age.

“I didn’t need much of a push to start playing sports,” Mondou said.

“I’m pretty driven, and I’m always striving to do better the next time, in everything I do.”

Mondou grew up immersed in the sports world, playing basketball, soccer and doing some competitive snow skiing. But baseball was the

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No. 1 priority. He started to play for travel teams at age 11, and by age 13 he was on an under-14 Team USA squad that traveled to Ecuador.

“I found something I loved and was good at,” Mondou said. “It turned into something that was not just a game, it was part of my life.”

He said he was an early bloomer physically and was one of the bigger players during his middle-school years, but still played many of his games at second base, usually the haven for quicker players who can crouch for ground balls from a lower center of gravity. Now, at 5-foot10 and 205 pounds, he’s just right for the position.

“I always gravitated toward the middle infield,” Mondou said. “I enjoy it because of the fast pace of ground balls up the middle and because it seems like you’re always in the play.”

Even as he became a standout player locally and on travel teams, Mondou said he never really thought about a future in the game until his sophomore year. Santa Clara University can be thanked for cementing Mondou’s aspirations.

“I was at a tournament in Arizona when I got my first college offer,

NATE MONDOU POSITION: Second base CLASS: Sophomore MAJOR: Business HOMETOWN: Lake Tapps, Wash.

FAVORITE FOOD: Chicken and green beans FAVORITE SPORTS MOVIE: “The Replacements.” “Even though it’s a football movie.”

FAVORITE BOOK: “I enjoy the ones the major leaguers are writing now, guys like Derek Jeter and Dustin Pedroia, learning how they grew up and how they made it.”

FAVORITE ATHLETE: “I’m a big Mariners fan, and I like Kyle Seager. He’s one of those smaller homegrown North Carolina boys who came out of UNC and made it.”

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANY ONE PERSON, LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD IT BE? “Probably Jeter. He’s had such a great career and longevity you don’t see every day. I’d love to hear more about how he sustained it for so long.”

FAVORITE WFU MOMENT: “Knocking off No. 1 Virginia last year in the last series at home. We came in needing one win to make the ACC Tournament, and we won the series.

But the big moment for me was the first game – I hit the tying homer in the ninth, then Conor Keniry hit the walk-off in the 10th.”

APRIL 2015

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BASEBALL

// N AT E M O N D O U

from Santa Clara,” Mondou said. “Before that, I hadn’t really thought about playing college ball to that degree. Then your dreams start to come out, and it really turned into a dream of mine to play in college and go on to a professional career. Now it’s starting to come true.”

Eventually he came around to Wake Forest, and he has blossomed even more as a player here. After a solid season last year, he said he worked as hard as he ever has to get ready for 2015.

“I worked on my mental approach, getting locked in and ready at the plate,” Mondou said. “I have to know I put in more work than the pitcher I’m facing. I want to get away from straight pull swings and use the whole plate. We’re all hearing, ‘look away, react in,’ and that’ll get us going the other way and using the whole field.”

His penchant for hard work carries over into the classroom as well.

He was selected to the All-ACC Academic Team after his freshman season, and he was recently accepted into the business school.

“That field of things has always interested me,” Mondou said.

“Finance and accounting have been really tough – just getting in was tough – but I’m still plugging away.”

You can tell just from looking at him that Mondou is a different player this season.

“Physically I’ve been molding my body where it needs to be,” Mondou said. “I’ve lost some body fat and put on some muscle, and I’m in the best shape of my life.”

Last year when Mondou first showed up on campus, he had plenty of role models to look up to – with nine seniors on the roster, leadership was everywhere. Now with a younger team, Mondou is counted on to be one of those leaders for a large freshman class.

“The season just has a different dynamic, and we’re all adjusting to it,” Mondou said. “I try to help the new guys get used to campus life but also to the speed of the game. If something needs to be said, I’m not afraid to say it. I like to try to keep things loose but serious.”

The season’s just getting started, but Mondou hopes that his improvement and his attitude can drive the Deacons to a better finish in 2015. The team finished fifth in the ACC’s Atlantic Division last year, but that’s not good enough for Mondou.

“Our goals are always set high,” Mondou said. “We’re living one day, one pitch at a time, but in the long term, we can make a regional this year – Wake hasn’t had one of those since 2006, and if we improve every day, we can reach that.”

2015 OUTLOOK 2014 RECORD: 30-26, 15-15 in ACC (fifth in Atlantic Division) COACH: Tom Walter (134-145 in four years at WFU, 560-473 in 17 years overall) POSITION STARTERS RETURNING/LOST: 6/3 STARTING PITCHERS RETURNING/LOST: 3/2 KEY RETURNEES: IF/OF Nate Mondou (So.); IF/P Will Craig (So.); P Aaron Fossas (R-Jr.); P Matt Pirro (Sr.) KEY LOSSES: OF Grant Shambley, P John McLeod OUTLOOK: The Deacons have a lot to replace this year after losing all three weekend pitching starters and a significant part of the offense. Fifteen freshmen are here to take up the mantle, but the team may have some growing pains.

If the team finds chemistry and maturity as the year progresses, it could surprise some people in the spring.

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Teamwork Wins Whether on the field or in the field of law, in the classroom or the boardroom, on the court or in the courtroom, we understand the vision, dedication and teamwork that it takes to win.

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APRIL 2015

9

MEN’S BASKETBALL

// C O R N E L I U S H U D S O N

Photos by Brian Westerholt

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GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

FINDING THE RANGE FRESHMAN CORNELIUS HUDSON NOT AFRAID TO TAKE BIG SHOTS FROM THE PERIMETER

By Sam Walker

W

ake Forest and Cornelius Hudson received word on Sept. 9, 2014, that Hudson had cleared the NCAA Clearinghouse, the initial-eligibility certification process for college-bound student-athletes, and would join the Demon Deacon basketball team. The first call Hudson made was to assistant coach Randolph Childress, whom he said has been like a father and coach to him, and the second was to head coach Danny Manning. It was official. Hudson was going to play collegiate basketball at Wake Forest, in the ACC, and he was the last player signed in Manning’s first recruiting class.

“I had other schools (looking at me), but I felt comfortable here because I like Coach Danny Manning’s style,” Hudson said. “Coach Randolph, I call him “Pops,” he’s just been cool to me. I just had to wait for the NCAA to clear me and my prep school. I had done my

school work, and they just wanted to check and make sure everything with my school was good. (When I found out I was cleared), I called Coach Randolph and then Coach Manning.”

Hudson, who came to the Deacons from Mt. Zion Christian Academy in Durham, where he participated in a one-year college preparatory post‑graduate studies program, has proven to be another valuable addition to the program. Hudson was an “under the radar” recruit who, once consistent, could be a solid foundational player for the Manning era.

“Mt. Zion gave me a chance to get my grades right and my mind right so I could play basketball at this level, and that’s what I did,” Hudson said. “I just showcased my talent, and it went forward from there.”

He has a 6-6 frame and long arms, and he’ll bulk up over his career,

APRIL 2015

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MEN’S BASKETBALL

// C O R N E L I U S H U D S O N

which will make him tougher in the paint and able to withstand the physical play and longer season. His stroke from three is smooth.

in situations where they have to make shots for us to be successful is a lot of weight to put on the shoulders of freshmen, but these guys have handled adversity well.”

“I’m getting there, and I’ve put on 10 pounds since I’ve gotten here, so it’s something I’m working on,” Hudson said. “I’m trying to get bigger, and I can work harder on that over the summer, but I’ll be alright. I work on my shot with Coach Randolph, get my feet set and just get up shots. That’s how I work on my threes.”

Graduate student Darius Leonard has noticed.

Hudson has two older brothers — Keiron Stevenson and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree. Michael was “Big Crab” and Cornelius was “Little Crab,” but at 6-6, “Little Crab” isn’t so little now. So the “little” part faded away, but “Crab” stuck.

Hudson has shown he isn’t afraid to take a big shot or handle the ball in pressure situations. He is still a freshman, making

“There’s been a lot of growth with our freshmen,” Leonard said. “They’ve just got to understand it’s a long season and a long process, and I went through it my freshman season as well. I’m sure Codi (MillerMcIntyre) and D.T. (Devin Thomas) went through it too, so right now it’s just a process.

With Cornelius, he can play outstanding any night he goes out there. He’s just got to clear his mind, think next play and let the game come to him.

“It’s mostly mental in this league. Everybody has a skill set, and everybody can be great, but you have to go make the smart plays and plays that help the team no matter what your numbers look like.

I’ve only seen one other guy play like Crab, and that’s John Wall, and he’s in the NBA. So if he can keep everything under control and playing the way he is, I told him many times he has the potential to be in the NBA. He is always getting up shots. We know he can make shots, and I know I have faith in him every night.”

Junior Codi MillerMcIntyre said that the freshmen have provided a spark with their shooting ability.

some mistakes, but for the most part they’re aggressive mistakes. Something Manning won’t tolerate is a lack of effort, and Hudson has not shown signs of backing away from any challenge. Hudson turned 21 years old this past December, so he isn’t your average freshman. But even though he is a little older, there’s still a learning curve at this level of basketball.

“Our freshmen have to be scorers for us to have success, and that’s been the case since day one,” Manning said. “Putting those guys

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“Our freshmen complement us, where Madison (Jones) and I like to drive, they like to shoot, and that opens up the court more for us to be able to get to the rim,” MillerMcIntyre said. “So the more we drive, the more they can shoot. It works both ways.”

Through 27 games. Hudson was the team’s fourth-leading scorer at 7.8 points per game and was 41 for 123 from 3-point range for 33 percent.

Hudson has shown flashes of being a player who can rise to the occasion and isn’t afraid to take big shots. On Jan. 13, he hit a threepointer to force overtime before Syracuse

Cornelius Hudson POSITION: Wing Guard YEAR: Freshman HOMETOWN: Dallas, Texas MAJOR: Undeclared TOP ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS: Scored in double figures in three of five games in February; Scored a then season-high 18 points at Florida State (5-for-11 from 3-point range) and grabbed a season-best nine rebounds; scored a season-high 19 points and went 8 for 10 at the free throw line at Georgia Tech.

won 86-83. On Feb. 3 against NC State, Hudson hit a pressure free throw to give the Deacons a four-point lead late, and MillerMcIntyre sealed the win with a steal. Then on Feb. 7, Hudson scored a career-high 19 at Georgia Tech, hitting 3 of 9 from three and going 8 for 10 at the free throw line.

In the Feb. 14 game at Virginia, Hudson and Konstantinos Mitoglou each hit big 3-pointers down the stretch that kept the Deacons in the game and ultimately gave them a chance to win on the final possession.

However, Hudson possibly had his biggest 33 seconds of the season in the final home game with a steal and four clutch free throws to help Wake Forest secure a 69-66 victory over Pittsburgh. He finished with 11 points and four rebounds, including swishing all four free throws in the closing seconds.

“We practice free throws every day,” Hudson said after the victory. “We actually do this drill where if we miss a free throw, we run to 22, and he (coach) calls it out. I wanted to knock them down because I didn’t want to run in practice tomorrow. We just wanted win for the seniors on Senior Night.”

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WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

// D E A R I C A H A M B Y

NEW SCORING LEADER Senior Dearica Hamby poses for a photo with head coach Jen Hoover after Hamby poured in 32 points in her final home game on Feb. 28 against Georgia Tech to pass her coach for the program record. Hamby, a 6-3 forward, had amassed 1,729 career points heading into the 2015 ACC Tournament, breaking the record established by Hoover in 1991.

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APRIL 2015

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WOMEN’S GOLF

// A L L I S O N E M R E Y

Heading In The Right Direction Allison Emrey’s focus on mental game is paying off

By Jay Reddick

A

llison Emrey’s senior golf season has been the embodiment of a paradox: The moment she stopped worrying so much about her own score, her scores got better.

Her new mental approach is one of the reasons why Emrey has blossomed into a leader for the Deacons as they enter the heart of their spring season.

The Charlotte native improved her stroke average to 72.5 through five events in 2014-15, a dip of almost three strokes from last year. She finished second at Harder Hall, and her top-5 finish at the Landfall Tradition led the Deacons to a team title.

And though she has done plenty of work on her shotmaking and mechanics, she gives a lot of credit for her improvement to a mental shift of focus.

The team met with Joshua Medcalf, the founder of Train to be Clutch, and Emrey really took to his teachings.

“He told us to focus on the process, not the outcome,” Emrey said. “Ninety percent of golf is between the ears – I knew that, but now I have a new way to approach it.”

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GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

APRIL 2015

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WOMEN’S GOLF

// A L L I S O N E M R E Y

A lot of her approach involves preparation – practicing with a purpose and visualizing the shots needed in any situation, so when the pressure is on in a tournament situation, she can focus on the task at hand.

ALLISON EMREY

The philosophy worked for the entire team at the Landfall Tradition in October. The Deacons were tied for the lead entering the final round of the Wilmington tournament, then they just went out and played their game.

HOMETOWN: Charlotte

“We didn’t know the scores coming down the stretch,” Emrey said. “It helped us stay in the moment and not get ahead of ourselves.”

The Deacons had five birdies on the last three holes and won the tournament by four strokes. Emrey was tied for fourth individually.

Emrey credits her father for getting her started on golf at a young age. The engineer was “good when he was younger,” Emrey said, and would take Allison and her siblings out with him on the course.

“If you won the hole, you got to drive the cart,” Allison said. “That’s how I learned to compete.”

BIRTHDATE: May 31, 1993 CLASS: Senior MAJOR: Computer Science FAVORITE FOOD: Pizza with pepperoni and sausage FAVORITE BOOK: “The Talent Code”

by Daniel Coyle. “It’s about the talent spots in the world and how they got that way – like a school in England that became a big boys soccer school, or a studio in Dallas where both Jessica Simpson and Demi Lovato learned to sing. It’s not a coincidence, it’s about teaching and learning how practice has purpose.”

FAVORITE SPORTS MOVIE: “The Blind Side” FAVORITE ATHLETE: Tiger Woods IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANY ONE PERSON, LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD IT BE? “Probably Tiger. I just want to learn so much about his approach and how he learned.”

FAVORITE COLLEGE CLASS: Broadcast Journalism, with Melissa Painter FAVORITE WFU MOMENT: “Probably at UNC Wilmington (in October). I was our last player on 18, and the whole team was standing to the side of the green looking pretty excited – I didn’t know what I needed for the team score, but I thought we were good. I had a 10-foot putt and just missed it … but then after I tapped in, the whole team came out and jumped on me because we had won.”

Allison drove the cart a bunch, and her fast development continued. By her freshman year at Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, she was good enough to capture the 4A individual state championship right around her 15th birthday.

That’s when the college offers started to roll in. Her parents attended Virginia, and she thought she might follow in their footsteps, but a visit to WinstonSalem the summer before her junior year changed her mind.

“It felt like family there,” Emrey said. “I knew immediately it was the top contender along with UVa. I committed my junior year, and I’m so happy with my decision. I love the school so much.”

For all of of Emrey’s talk about the motivational side of golf, when it comes to academics, she can get quite technical. She had planned to major in economics but eventually settled on computer science, studying straight lines of code instead of the flow of a golf swing.

“I took a class in economic metrics and thought it was over my head. I decided I can’t sit through six or seven classes of this (to finish a major),” Emrey said.

“I had taken some computer-science classes in high school as electives, so I thought, ‘What about that?’ My parents thought I was crazy at first, but I’m really glad I’m doing it. It’s hard, but I like it.”

As the snowy winter brings the beginning of “spring” golf, Emrey is focused on her final go-round as a college player. She thinks the Deacons, ranked No. 10 nationally by Golfweek entering the spring, are ready for whatever comes their way.

“I saw where Golfweek called us one of the sleepers of the season,” Emrey said.

“Sleeper? I don’t know if that was a compliment or an insult. I think other teams need to worry about us more than that. We’ve learned that when you put in the work, you’ll see the benefits down the line. Well, the whole team has done the work, and now it’s all coming together.”

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100% COTTEN

// S TA N C O T T E N

A Senior Moment

S TA N COTTEN VOICE OF THE DEMON DEACONS

By the time you read this, “Senior Night” for Wake Forest basketball will have long since passed and most likely the Deacons will be looking forward to the 2015-16 season and beyond. I’ve taken a window here about three hours before tipoff between the Deacons and final home opponent Pittsburgh to jot down some thoughts on the last home game in the first year of Coach Danny Manning pacing the sidelines.

This isn’t Manning’s first crack at this. He’s played in these games. And he’s coached in these games. And his children are athletes, so he’s been a keen observer of another kind at these types of games.

“They’re usually emotional,” Manning admits. “Especially for the players. It’s their senior night, their last time out. And a flood of emotion usually comes out when they realize their careers are coming to an end and this is the last home game they’ll be a part of.”

The Deacons had three players play in their final home game in a Wake uniform. Seniors Darius Leonard, Daniel Green and Doug Niedrich suited up for the home fans one final time, ending completely different kinds of careers – and none of the three is all that conventional.

Leonard played just one season for the Deacs after completing his eligibility at Campbell and transferring into Wake Forest as a graduate student for a fifth season of basketball.

“I’m blessed for sure,” Leonard admits. “It’s been an incredible experience to be able to stay close to home and play this level of basketball at Wake Forest in the ACC.” Texas senior Daniel Green is a fourth-year forward who missed each of the past two seasons with an ACL injury. The fact that he is still practicing, working and playing here and there for a minute or two this season is a testament to his

toughness and work ethic. But it also paints a vivid picture of his dedication not only to himself but his teammates.

Doug Niedrich is a walk-on from Illinois who, for four years, toiled in relative obscurity and prepared the scholarship players for the games. His career playing time is easier measured by minutes rather than games. It’s something that he and the other non-scholarship players, known at Wake as “Black Ice,” knew from the jump. My question to Doug was simply why do it?

“I love these players, and I love the experience,” Niedrich explains. “I wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to play for an ACC team, and that’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid. To be a part of it and do what I can has been very rewarding.”

Niedrich also adds that he will always be a part of his “Black Ice” brethren.

“I will still be with them in spirit,” he says. “We still have our group texts, and I’m going to have to give the go-ahead on what tweets (follow them @BlackIceWFU) we say yes and no to still, but in terms of being here physically, yes I’ll be gone, but life goes on.”

Indeed life does go on. And the basketball program moves forward with the contributions of seniors Leonard, Green and Niedrich and others, such as senior managers Mike Maugeri and Kevin Piotrowicz and video assistant Luke Williams, trying to find the way back to relevance in a league that makes survival such a tough thing.

Thanks seniors. We’ll miss you, but your “moments” belong to Wake Forest history. And we won’t forget you.

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INSIDE THE DEACON CLUB

Bring Back the Legacy Over the course of the next several weeks, our development team will be focusing our fundraising efforts on a campaign to “Bring Back the Legacy.” With the goal of 500 new members, we are communicating the importance of giving to the Annual Fund by reliving the championship moments that we all have enjoyed over the years and looking forward to new memories to be made at championships in the future.

I feel in speaking with our fans today. I know that we will continue to build on our recent successes and are in for a fantastic future.

As we look ahead, one significant way we can We would like for each of you to reflect back on some of your favorite make this vision a reality is to help our coaches in Deacon memories and share them with us. You are an integral their recruiting efforts. The part of this campaign, and it is only through your enthusiasm and C E L E B R AT I N G T H E next Wake Forest greats are support that we will be able to reach our membership goal.

ACC CHAMPIONSHIP out there, but our coaches I N JAC KS O N V I L L E , We hope you will share your favorite memories and photos on need the support of the FLA. Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with #BringItBack. You can also Deacon Club to have the email them to us at deacclub@wfu.edu. We will be compiling competitive edge and budgets required to compete with the best.

BA R RY memories submitted on our campaign website, WakeForestSports.

With scholarship costs on the rise, your support is more critical than FA I R C L O T H com/bringitback. ever. As donations to the Deacon Club Annual Fund increase, we are A S S O C I AT E As I think back to some of my favorite personal Demon Deacon AT H L E T I C able to spend more of our operating budget on critical areas such as DIRECTOR, memories, the majority have occurred with my family at my side. sports medicine, recruiting and facilities.

DEVELOPMENT Winning the ACC Football Championship in 2006, I cried my eyes out & SALES Our coaches are focused on finding the next Tim Duncan, Chris Paul, on the field with my father, Bill Faircloth. To share that championship Randolph Childress, Riley Skinner or Arnold Palmer. Help us “Bring moment with him after his 34 years of unwavering commitment to Back the Legacy” so you can create a new championship moment for the football program was incredibly special. you and your family.

Just a few weeks later, I observed the overwhelming How can you help? We are asking our current Deacon Club members support of our fans at the Orange Bowl. I know many to increase their contributions through the 110% Campaign, of our alumni, donors and fans have fond memories of voluntarily participating in the new giving levels for 2015-16 or that weekend, and I hope you will share them with us perhaps upgrading to the next giving level to help achieve our goal in the coming weeks. Your commitment to attend our of growing our Annual Fund by 3 percent this year. You can also help first BCS bowl game resulted in Wake Forest support by doing some recruiting of your own to help us reach our goal of that outnumbered Louisville. That game represents 500 new donors to our Annual Fund. another moment in which I was incredibly Proud to be To learn more, or to share your favorite Deacon moments, please a Deacon. visit our website for the “Bring Back the Legacy” initiative at There are so many memories over the years that WakeForestSports.com/bringitback. Our past is a proud one, and our fill me with such pride in our University and athletic future is very bright. Please join us as we “Bring Back the Legacy.” program. Watching our men’s soccer team win the National Championship in Cary with daughters, 1- yearold, 5-years-old and 7-years-old at the time, was a E N J O Y I N G A G O A L O N moment I will never forget.

WA L T C H Y Z O W I C H A L U M N I H I L L AT S P R Y S TA D I U M I N A MOMENT OF PURE E X H I L A R AT I O N

Having a seat in the top row of the Greensboro Coliseum during the ACC Championship in 1996 and working my way down as the game came to a finish, standing in the aisle in the Wake Forest section for Randolph’s game-winner over UNC, was another moment in time I will never forget.

It is always enjoyable reminiscing on the past and reliving the memories we hold dear as Demon Deacon faithful, but as we look to the future, we are committed to “Bring Back the Legacy” and create new moments such as these with our supporters and fans.

As you walk around campus, you can feel the momentum. The passion and determination of our new coaches, big facility projects breaking ground and talented rosters all leave us with much to look forward to in the future. In my many years in the Deacon Club, I have never felt the same level of excitement and anticipation that

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T H E B E L K B O W L C E L E B R AT I O N B E G I N S W I T H A WA K E F O R E S T P E P R A L LY B E F O R E K I C K O F F.

INSIDE THE DEACON CLUB

SAVE THE DATE: Football Spring Game on ESPN3 and Alumni Reunion Weekend The football spring game will be held on April 11 at 3 p.m. at BB&T Field and will be broadcast live on ESPN3. We also invite all football alumni to reconnect with friends and former teammates and stay engaged with Wake Forest Athletics by attending the reunion, April 10-11. Invitations have been mailed to all football alumni, so stay on the lookout for more information coming soon.

Keep up with the Deacon Club on Facebook & Twitter For the latest news and information from the Deacon Club and to connect with other members, be sure to find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook.com/WFUDeaconClub @WFUDeaconClub @DeacOnTheRun @BarryFaircloth

Join the Deacs in Maui this November!

Join the Wake Forest men’s basketball team in Maui, Hawaii, in 2015 as they participate in the Maui Invitational. Travel packages are available and include five nights at the Official Team Hotel, the Sheraton Maui Resort, game tickets to all Wake Forest games, game-day transportation, round-trip airport transfers, lei greeting, exclusive Thanksgiving brunch, a chalk talk and on-site tour directors. For more information, visit AnthonyTravel.com/wake-forest-maui.

Save the Date for Varsity Club Weekend, October 23-24, 2015

We hope you’ll be able to join fellow Varsity Club members, Wake Forest coaches and staff for a weekend celebrating Wake Forest Athletics on Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24. The Deacs will play NC State at BB&T Field on Saturday (game time TBA). More information will be available soon and communicated to all Varsity Club members.

APRIL 2015

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INSIDE THE DEACON CLUB

Top 10 Ways to Increase Your Involvement with the Deacon Club

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s we quickly approach the June 2018 conclusion of Wake Will: The Campaign for Wake Forest, we enter one of the most important times in the history of our athletic department. Accomplishing the remaining goals established for this campaign is critical, and we need your support to make it happen.

“How can I help?” is a simple yet significant question. We have heard this question many times

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since the launch of the campaign, and the variety of ways our members and fans can support the cause is often a surprise to many.

If you have been wondering how you can make a difference, I hope the following ideas will help you see what you can do to help us achieve our athletic department mission of Developing Champions and be successful in our contribution to Wake Will, particularly in this critical final stage.

Be an advocate for Wake Forest. As a smaller alumni and fan base we need to be loud and proud. Wear your Wake Forest gear with pride. Acknowledge other fans in the community with a simple, “Go Deacs!” Talk up Wake Forest and encourage others to get involved.

Attend more games. Come to more of our home and away games. Regardless of the sport, greater attendance and atmosphere starts with you. Be a leader by example and prioritize attendance.

Host an event. Help us engage others to join our cause by hosting a lunch, dinner or gathering that brings Wake Foresters together. This could be family members, friends or coworkers.

Upgrade your membership to the next giving level in the Deacon Club Annual Scholarship Fund. Scholarship support is the core of our mission of providing opportunities to deserving student-athletes.

Participate in the 110% Campaign. Over the past few years, participation in the 110% Campaign has raised over $1 million towards scholarship support through increased donations to the Annual Fund.

Refer a friend or family member. Encourage your classmates, friends and coworkers to support our student-athletes by joining the Deacon Club.

Support a capital project. If you have a passion for one of our sports or coaches, consider getting involved with a capital priority. We currently have active projects in football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis and field hockey. Specific plans have been created, and naming opportunities starting at $10,000 are available for your support.

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

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Create an endowed scholarship. If you have the financial ability, consider creating a family legacy or taking the opportunity to remember a loved one, coach, player or administrator. A minimum pledge of $100,000 is required to name a scholarship fund for a deserving student-athlete. We currently have 149 awarded funds that will provide scholarship funds in perpetuity.

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Leave a Legacy to Wake Forest in your estate. An easy and significant way to make a difference is through a provision in one’s estate to support the athletic department. A percentage or a specific amount of your estate can make a difference in our program. For those who are or will turn 70 by June 30, 2018, the full value of the provision counts toward the Wake Will campaign.

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Think about a transformational gift. Not everyone is in a position to make a transformational gift. This type of gift would transform a sport or facility, or create a new a program or sport.

I know we have asked much of our donors over the course of the Campaign. Your generosity is evident in the ongoing construction and renewed sense of excitement on campus. As we enter the final, critical phase of the Wake Will campaign, I hope you will think about how you can continue to support Wake Forest Athletics in the ways mentioned above. If we all join together, we will continue to transform our department and positively impact our University for generations to come. Let’s bring the Wake Will campaign to a resounding conclusion.

deacon club photos

Deacon Club members are encouraged to submit photos for publication in the Gold Rush. Send your photos in digital format to deacclub@wfu.edu. Submission of a photo does not guarantee that it will be published. Thanks for showing off your Demon Deacon pride!

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1 Andy Wells (‘95), his wife, Missy, daughter, Lilly (2), and son, Wake (4 months) pose with the Deacon after the Boston College game.

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2 Stan Najeway (’51), a former men’s basketball player, poses with his 2014 men’s basketball reunion T-shirtturned-pillow that his daughter, Anne Vainer, made for him.

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3 Andrew Avram (’82, JD ’90) and his son, Gabe, pose with the Deacon at a recent NCTA 10 and under workshop at the Wake Forest Indoor Tennis Center.

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4 Ed Gaskins (‘63) poses with head men’s basketball coach Danny Manning and assistant coach Randolph Childress during a recent visit to campus.

APRIL 2015

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

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ALPHONSO SMITH

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n each issue, Where Are They Now showcases a former Wake Forest student-athlete. Former Demon Deacon Alphonso Smith (‘08) was a standout cornerback for Wake Forest football during his time on campus. He received first-team Freshman All-America honors from CollegeFootballNews.com, ESPN. com and Scout.com. As a junior, he tied for first in the nation with a school-record eight interceptions, was a first-team All-ACC selection and received second-team All-America honors from Walter Camp. As a senior, he tied for first in the nation in both interceptions and pass breakups, was a first-team All-ACC selection and a consensus first-team All-American. He was also named one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. He continues to hold the ACC record for career interceptions (21).

Alphonso Smith When did you graduate from Wake Forest?

December of 2008.

What was your major and minor?

I majored in history and minored in sociology.

What does a being Demon Deacon mean to you?

Being a Demon Deacon is indescribable.

You have to be one to truly know what it is like. Telling someone about the experience is just an eighth of the story.

What is your current occupation?

I am currently the high school head coach for the Pahokee Blue Devils at my old high school. I teach history and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). AVID is a non-profit organization that aims to improve college readiness for all students, especially those traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

What is your favorite memory at Wake Forest?

There are a ton of those! I have way too many to choose one, but since we do not have enough time or room to list them all, I’d have to say graduation day!

Shaking Dr. Nathan O. Hatch’s hand is my favorite moment because, given my circumstances growing up, I was not your typical Wake Forest kid or studentathlete. That day marked the greatest accomplishment of my life thus far.

What makes you most proud of Wake Forest?

Wake Forest is a university that stands firmly on the foundation of integrity, love, class and opportunity. That is why I bleed black and gold.

Why are you still involved with Wake Forest Athletics?

Wake Forest Athletics provided me with the opportunity to become a better man.

The evolution of Alphonso Smith Jr. the man was far greater than the evolution of Alphonso Smith Jr. the football player. Wake Forest afforded me that opportunity.

Why do you feel it is important to give back to Wake Forest?

Wake Forest provided me, a kid from the streets of Pahokee, Fla., an opportunity to achieve my dreams and aspirations. Wake Forest is an institution that provides opportunities and changes lives, but in order to provide those opportunities for future student-athletes, one must give back in some capacity.

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When I come back to Wake Forest I always…

Go to the football office and see “Big Daddy” Faircloth, Bonnie Rae, Jane Caldwell, Julie Griffin (before she retired on me), Dwight Lewis, Doug Bland, Athletics Director Ron Wellman, “Compliance Lady” Kirsten Elleby, “Compliance Man” Todd Hairston and Dr. Beth Hopkins. Those were the people that truly believed in me during my time at Wake Forest. They were patient with me, showed me the light and allowed me to evolve, especially Jane Caldwell – she gave me the hardest time, but it was all out of love.

I was there when…

Chris Paul was selling out the coliseum, so we had to literally sneak our way in to see him play. Webb Simpson told us, on

my freshman bus tour, that he was going to be a pro. Aaron Curry went from 190 to 240 pounds in a summer. Jim Grobe led our football team to the winningest period in Wake Forest history. The late Skip Prosser came to football practice and talked Dean Hood into naming our all-out blitz after him because he was a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. The “Skip Blitz” signal was shooting an air jumper.

Who is your favorite coach at Wake Forest, current or past?

My favorite coach while I was at Wake Forest is a tough question because there were so many great ones. Steed Lobotzke helped me understand why I needed to be a great guy, not just a great football player. Ray McCarthy recruited me and was like my father. Coach Grobe was my fail-safe; he helped me through so much as a person. Keith Henry challenged me every day. Brad Lambert was Mr. Humble Pie and served as a great example for our team. Jeff Mullen helped me believe in myself. Tom Elrod showed me strength and perseverance.

I believe it was Dean Hood, however, that made the greatest impact on me. He told me one day that he will not judge himself as a coach based on how many guys he coached that made it to the NFL, became All-Americans or were named All-ACC, but that he will judge himself 10 years from now on his players’ success as husbands, fathers, neighbors and men of the community. Dean Hood is my favorite coach of all time. I love that man!

DEACONS IN THE PROS BASEBALL

WOMEN’S PRO BASKETBALL

COACHES/SCOUTS Neil Avent Adam Bourassa John Hendricks Michael Holmes Kevin Jarvis Bill Masse Matt Price Mike Rikard Eric Schmitt Ross Atkins Danny Borrell

MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB

Adam Wogan Tommy Gregg George Greer

MLB AAA AAA

Oakland A’s Area Scout San Diego Padres Area Scout Toronto Blue Jays Area Scout Oakland A’s Assistant Scouting Director San Diego Padres Pro Scout Seattle Mariners Area Scout Kansas City Royals Pro Scout Boston Red Sox National Cross Checker New York Yankees International Scouting Cleveland Indians Director of Player Development New York Yankees Minor League Pitching Rehab Coordinator New York Mets Director of Minor League Operations Kansas City Omaha Storm Chasers Hitting Coach New York Mets Las Vegas Hitting Coach

MINOR LEAGUE RANKS Pat Blair Dave Bush Tim Cooney Michael Dimock Allan Dykstra

Jack Fischer Brian Holmes Connor Kaden Conor Keniry Carlos Lopez Mike MacDougal John McLeod Justin Van Grouw Mac Williamson

Tampa Bay Rays Free Agent St. Louis Cardinals San Diego Padres New York Mets Detroit Tigers Houston Astros San Francisco Giants Washington Nationals Washington Nationals Free Agent Baltimore Orioles Arizona Diamondbacks San Francisco Giants

NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL CFL

FB S WR OL WR RB LB OL DB LB DL FB LB DE

NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL

Head Coach Vice President Offensive Line Coach Strength Coach Wide Receivers Coach Executive VP of Football Operations Quality Control Defense Referee

Al-Farouq Aminu Tim Duncan James Johnson Chris Paul Ishmael Smith Jeff Teague Travis McKie Chris Ellis Justin Gray C.J. Harris Chas McFarland Travis McKie Nikita Mescheriakov Darius Songaila Kyle Visser Ty Walker David Weaver Coron Williams Eric Williams

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NBA NBA NBA NBA NBA NBA D-League Indonesia Bulgaria Germany Uruguay Belgium Belarus Lithuania Germany Japan Poland Italy Italy

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

Dallas Mavericks San Antonio Spurs Toronto Raptors L.A. Clippers Philadelphia 76ers Atlanta Hawks Canton Charge Indonesia Warriors Rilski Ratiopharm Olympia Brussels Tsmoki-Minsk Zalgiris Braunschweig Akita NH MKS Dabrowa Gornicza Treviso AV Cantu

Laura (Philo) Diaz LPGA Has played in two tournaments in the 2015 season Jean Chua Symetra Made 76 starts with a top-finish of T14; made over $9,300 in 2014 Nannette Hill LPGA Return to the LPGA Tour in 2015 with a 9th place finish at Final Qualifying Tournament Natalie Sheary LPGA Retained her LPGA Tour status with 2-under 358 at the Final Qualifying Event Michelle Shin Symetra Appeared in 20 events; notched 1 top 15 finish as has made over $5,700 in 2014 Cheyenne Woods LPGA Finished T44th at Women’s Australian Open to start rookie season

Jay Haas Gary Hallberg Scott Hoch Len Mattiace Kyle Reifers Curtis Strange Webb Simpson

PGA Won Humana Challenge; 14th in the FedEx Cup Standings Champions T6th at Allianz Championship; 17th on money list Champions Has played in just one event in 2015 Champions Made the cut at two events in 2015 Web.com Has played in one event in 2015 PGA Finished T8th at Northern Trust Open Champions Has made three starts in 2015 PGA Finished T7th at Humana Challenge

MEN’S SOCCER

NY Jets Denver Broncos Baltimore Houston St. Louis Pittsburgh Oakland San Francisco Washington NY Jets Baltimore NY Giants Dallas Montreal Alouettes

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Pau Orthez FoA Nice

WOMEN’S GOLF

Bill Haas

COACHES/STAFF Jim Caldwell Charlie Dayton Pat Flaherty Joe Kenn Ricky Proehl John Spanos Brad White Jeff Triplette

France Puerto Rico France

MEN’S GOLF

FOOTBALL Tommy Bohanon Josh Bush Michael Campanaro Tyson Clabo Chris Givens Josh Harris Justin Jackson Joe Looney Kenny Okoro Calvin Pace Zach Thompson Nikita Whitlock Kyle Wilber Kris Redding

Lakevia Boykin Sandra Garcia Alex Tchangoue

Detroit Carolina NY Giants Carolina Carolina San Diego Indianapolis

Anthony Arena Cody Arnoux Corben Bone Brian Carroll Sam Cronin Austin da Luz Chris Duvall Chris Estridge Akira Fitzgerald Tolani Ibikunle Stephen Keel Michael Lahoud Collin Martin Justin Moose Ben Newnam Ike Opara Sean Okoli Michael Parkhurst James Riley Jalen Robinson Wells Thompson Jared Watts

Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL) Wilmington Hammerheads (USL) Wilmington Hammerheads (USL) Philadelphia Union Colorado Rapids Carolina Railhawks (NASL) New York Red Bulls Indy Eleven (NASL) New York City F.C. (signed Dec. 11, 2014) Charlotte Eagles (USL) FC Dallas Philadelphia Union D.C. United Wilmington Hammerheads (USL) Charlotte Independence (USL) Sporting Kansas City New England Revolution (signed Jan 20, 2015) Columbus Crew L.A. Galaxy D.C. United Carolina RailHawks (NASL) Colorado Rapids

Previous: Houston Dynamo (2013-14) Previous: Real Salt Lake (2011-12) Previous: Philadelphia Union (2014) Previous: Columbus Crew (2008-10) Previous: San Jose Earthquakes (2010-14) Previous: Orlando City FC (2014)

Previous: Carolina RailHawks (2011-14) Previous: New York Red Bulls (2011-12) Previous: Chivas USA (2009-12) Previous: SJK (Finland) (2012-14) Previous: Charlotte Eagles (2013-14) Previous San Jose Earthquakes (2010-12) Previous: Seattle Sounders (2014) Previous: FC Augsburg (Germany) (2013-14) Previous: D.C. United (2013) Previous: Charlotte Eagles (2014)

WOMEN’S SOCCER Aubrey Bledsoe Katie Stengel Kelsey Zalimeni

Sky Blue FC Bayern Munich Crystal Palace Ladies FC

FIELD HOCKEY Lauren Crandall (Captain) Michelle Kasold Jamie Montgomery

USA National Team USA National Team USA National Team

APRIL 2015

29

WA K E F O R E S T AT H L E T I C S

School-produced games on ESPN3 create opportunities The women’s basketball game versus the Duke Blue Devils on Feb. 5 marked the beginning of a new era for Wake Forest fans and the athletic department. The game was delivered on ESPN3, and although it wasn’t the first Demon Deacon contest to be shown on ESPN3, it was the first school-produced production to be carried on ESPN’s live multi-screen sports network.

The event featured a four-camera HD production with full ESPN graphics integration, replay and two-person announcing team, but the programming was produced entirely by the athletic department’s internal multimedia team. A newly rebuilt production vehicle tucked away in a corner of the coliseum’s loading dock served as the epicenter for this momentous production. Led by James Overstreet, Director of Multimedia, a team of more than a dozen people including camera operators, a director, replay operator, audio technician, engineer, graphics personnel, on-air talent and more, came together to produce an event that gave the fans watching at home or on their mobile device the same look and feel as a game they would watch on television.

“When I meet with the crew, we talk about what to expect throughout the game, who we’re going to highlight, what kind of shots they need to look for, what unexpected scenarios we need to be prepared for. Next, I meet with the talent.

I brief them on who we’re featuring during the opening of the show and make them aware of any special circumstances such as a player who could potentially score their 1,000th point or surpass a school record. We walk through the planned halftime programming and make sure they are prepared as possible. Meeting with each person involved in the broadcast is critical to our success because I want to make sure everyone on the crew is on the same page and knows what is expected of them once we go live. Any breakdown in communication will have an impact on the quality of our broadcast, so we must do everything we can to avoid that.”

Once the preparations are complete, transmissions are checked, timing sheets are reviewed and clocks are synced, all that is left to do is wait for the real fun of the broadcast to begin. From the minute the event goes live, the scene in and around the production vehicle is one of well-organized chaos. The director continuously calls out desired shots and camera angles; another person is updating statistics on the fly; another is pulling up the next graphic; another is updating the announcers about the highlight package that will run coming out of the next time out. To the casual observer watching behind the scenes, it may all seem very overwhelming, but for Overstreet and his crew, it is exactly what they prepared for. As for the fan watching at home, on their computer, or on their mobile device, all they see is the high-quality production they expect from ESPN. So what does this new capability mean for Wake Forest and Demon Deacon fans across the country? Besides the high-quality of the broadcasts, games featured on ESPN3 have the potential to reach a much larger audience than those streamed live at WakeForestSports.com. ESPN3 is accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app and streamed on televisions through Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast (via the WatchESPN app), Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One. The network is currently available to more than 99 million homes at no additional cost to fans who receive their high-speed Internet connection or video subscription from an affiliated service provider. The network is also available at no cost to approximately 21 million U.S. college students and U.S.-based military personnel via computers, smartphones and tablets connected to on-campus educational and on-base military broadband and Wi-Fi networks.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for us,” said Bill Oakes, Associate Athletic Director of Strategic Communications. “The broad reach of ESPN3 will not only benefit our fans by giving them access to more high-quality, live content, but it also has the potential to provide significant recruiting advantages. As we continue to work with ESPN3 to offer even more live events, opportunities for prospective studentathletes to be exposed to Wake Forest will continue to increase.”

In recent years ESPN has been working with schools across the country to expand the content available through ESNP3, but until now, Wake Forest did not have the capabilities to produce content that met the standards for ESPN3 productions.

Therefore, if a Wake Forest event was to be selected for live coverage on ESPN3, ESPN would have to send its own personnel and equipment to Winston-Salem to produce the event.Committed to taking Wake Forest’s online content to the next level, the athletic department invested in the necessary equipment and upfit of the mobile production vehicle, and has taken the first steps towards increasing the amount of content available and reaching an exponentially larger audience.

Through every step of the process, Overstreet has worked closely with ESPN to ensure that the content he and his team are able to produce lives up to the standards of what is expected from an ESPN3 event. In addition to new HD cameras, the mobile production vehicle includes a production package from Ross Video that includes both the company’s Carbonite switcher and Xpression graphics engine, which allows ESPN to provide a uniform, high-quality graphics package. The mobile nature of the production vehicle will allow Wake Forest to produce live events from any one of its athletic venues.

While having the right equipment is critical for producing a high-quality broadcast, having a skilled team to run the equipment is just as important, so from hiring the on-air talent to preparing his crew for any challenge they may face, Overstreet works hard to ensure that they have the best possible team in place for each broadcast.

Although the exact production timeline can vary depending on the sport, preparation for a live broadcast typically begins two or three days in advance with the building of the graphics packages. Using the templates provided by ESPN, Overstreet’s staff spends several hours inputting the visiting team roster, the latest individual and team statistics, conference standings, etc. – anything that could be applicable during the broadcast. On the day of the game, work begins early in the morning as graphics packages are loaded, cameras set up, audio cables run and transmissions to Bristol are tested. Once everything is set up and double-checked, Overstreet, who typically serves as the producer for each broadcast, conducts pre-production meetings with the camera operators as well as each member of the crew.

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With one women’s basketball broadcast under their belt and five baseball broadcasts slated for this spring, Oakes recognizes that there is still room for growth when it comes to the amount of live content available on ESPN3, but he’s excited about what the future holds.

“We are just getting started. I encourage our fans to take advantage of every upcoming opportunity to watch the Deacs compete on ESPN3. As the demand from our fans continues to increase and we continue to demonstrate that we are capable of producing broadcasts on par with those being produced by our fellow ACC schools, I am confident that we will see our number of live broadcasts continue to increase as well. We are appreciative of the opportunities ESPN has given us, and we look forward to growing that relationship even further in the future.”

UPCOMING ESPN3 SCHEDULE: 3/20/15 3/21/15 3/22/15 4/11/15 4/24/15 4/25/15

WFU vs. Miami – 6 p.m.

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31

WA K E F O R E S T AT H L E T I C S

Career Night turns out to be huge success Wake Forest student-athletes are no strangers to preparation. From practice and weightlifting, to tutoring and study hall, each and every day is packed with activities that will prepare them for their classes, prepare them for exams and prepare them to compete at the highest level.

On Feb. 4 Wake Forest student-athletes carved out time in their busy schedules for an event aimed at preparing them for something even bigger – life beyond Wake Forest.

At the second annual Career Development and Networking Night, more than 300 studentathletes gathered at Deacon Tower for a full evening of activities aimed at getting them to think about what path they will take after graduation and how best to prepare for it.

“We want our students to be prepared for the 50 years of their lives after college, and we believe this program really gets them to start thinking about their futures,” said Dwight Lewis, Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development.

The event, planned and executed by Ashley Wechter, Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development, Skip Brown, Assistant Athletic Director, Student-Athlete Development, and Kristin Weisse, Assistant for Student-Athlete Development, was intended to both educate student-athletes and encourage them to start thinking about their careers early.

“The motivation behind our Career Development and Networking Night was to educate our

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student-athletes on a broad range of career industries, give them practical skills and knowledge about attire and networking and show them that it is never too early to start the career exploration process,” Wechter said.

“Our goal is to encourage our student-athletes to start the career exploration and planning process as early as their freshmen year, and work with our staff to gain the proper tools throughout their four years at Wake Forest, to maximize their platform as a Division I studentathlete.”

With more than 300 student-athletes in varying stages of the career exploration and planning process, the Student-Athlete Development staff focused on developing a program designed to benefit student-athletes at any stage in the process, from freshmen, just beginning to think about their future careers, to seniors and graduate students preparing for interviews or maybe even considering job offers.

Encouraged in advance to “dress to impress,” student-athletes arrived looking very sharp, ready to learn and network with representatives from more than 25 different industries. Enjoying a buffet-style dinner together gave them an opportunity to practice their etiquette and think about how they should behave during an interview involving a meal. Following dinner, the student-athletes participated in two informational programs: a discussion with former student-athlete, Elton Ndoma-Ogar, and a fashion show designed to

be a fun and engaging way to teach them how to dress appropriately for a variety of business situations.

The fashion show, emceed by local television personality, Wanda Starke, featured several student-athletes modeling outfits representing varying styles from business casual to dressier suits. Student-Athlete Development partnered with Men’s Wearhouse and LOFT®, who provided the outfits for the fashion show as well as coupons so student-athletes could begin to build their business wardrobes.

Ndoma-Ogar, a former Wake Forest football player, provided another highlight of the evening as he shared his story of success with the student-athletes.

Ndoma-Ogar graduated with honors from Wake Forest University in 1996 with a degree in Health and Sports Science. While at Wake

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WA K E F O R E S T AT H L E T I C S Forest, Ndoma-Ogar was recognized regionally and nationally by the ACC and the NCAA for his efforts in academics, athletics and community/ social services. Academically, he earned President’s List recognition, was awarded the NCAA Ethnic/Minority Scholarship, and was noted as an Academic All-American. For his community service efforts, NdomaOgar was one of 11 student athletes chosen in the United States to be on the CFA “Good Works” Team in addition to being awarded the Exxon Community Service Award. He was selected co-captain of the football team and received All-American accolades from Football News Magazine.

having a resume on file for each and every Wake Forest student-athlete.

Looking back at the event and how it has developed since the inaugural event just last year, Wechter is excited about the growth and encouraged by the response from the student-athletes.

“Last year we were fortunate to host our inaugural event at IMG College with 10 employers who participated in a ‘speed networking’ series. After much success, we recognized the need for a larger space to fit all 350 of our student-athletes, as well as an added educational component.

Between the location change, the addition of 15 more employers, a buffetstyle dinner, an etiquette fashion show, and a former student-athlete speaker, we were able to serve all of our student-athletes in a two-hour time frame and provide them with information and opportunities that are going to serve them extremely well throughout their career planning and beyond. The biggest change we witnessed was the attitude shift of our student-athletes. The concept of career exploration and planning is becoming the ‘norm,’ and they understand we are trying to provide the key competencies necessary to thrive in their life after Wake Forest. We are taking big strides, requiring each student-athlete to create a resume and offering career coaching from the Office of Personal and Career Development to help direct those who may have no idea what steps to take next. The progress we are seeing is tremendous, and we are very excited about what the future holds, not only for this event, but more importantly, for the careers of our student-athletes.”

Lewis echoed that excitement and praised the hard work and dedication of the Student-Athlete Development staff.

“Ashley, Skip and Kristin did an incredible job planning and executing this event, “ he said. “Their hard work is not only helping our student-athletes build a stronger foundation for their future success, but they are setting an excellent example at the same time.”

Now a dynamic and engaging speaker, trainer and coach, Ndoma-Ogar has dedicated his career to the service and development of others.

With professional experience in financial services, healthcare, oil/gas/ energy, and aerspace/defense, Elton utilizes a wealth of knowledge from nearly two decades as a business leader. He is the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Raytheon and the co-founder of the JumpStart Advisory Group – a professional services firm specializing in all aspects of diversity and inclusion. In 2013, Elton reached back into his athletic roots and copublished his first book, Last Tick, Where Will You Be When the Clock Runs Out, which provides current and former athletes a tool to transition from the playing arena to life after athletics.

Wechter and her colleagues believe that student-athletes tend to hear some messages more clearly when it comes from someone who has been in their shoes and understands the challenges they face, and she said that Ndoma-Ogar did an excellent job of engaging the student-athletes while explaining the importance of networking and connecting with others.

“Elton focused on the importance of forming valuable connections with others. Student-athletes often feel that their success in life is based solely on performance, but Elton stressed the value of ‘who you know,’ communicating the vital importance of networking and marketing one’s own brand. He encouraged all of the athletes to master and practice their own ‘elevator speech.’”

Following Ndoma-Ogar’s speech, the student-athletes had the opportunity to put his words into practice as they began the networking portion of the evening. Twenty-five industry representatives and members of Wake Forest’s Office of Personal and Career Development were on hand to answer questions, provide insight, and discuss potential internship and job opportunities. There was even a special booth where student-athletes could get their photos taken and receive assistance and advice about how to set up an effective LinkedIn profile.

The event was scheduled to conclude at 8:30 p.m., but the fifth floor of Deacon Tower was still alive with activity at 9:15 as student-athletes continued to mingle with employers and seek guidance about career planning – a clear sign of a successful event. In addition to the valuable networking and educational opportunities, Student-Athlete Development collected 265 student-athlete resumes that evening, and Wechter says the resumes continue to come in as they strive toward their goal of

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GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

Although still in the very early stages, planning for next year’s Career Development and Networking Night is already underway. If there are any alumni, business leaders or others who are interested in being a part of next year’s event, they are encouraged to contact Ashley Wechter at (336) 758-4609 or wechtean@wfu.edu.

WA K E F O R E S T AT H L E T I C S

Wake Forest offers a wide variety of summer camps Summer will be here before we know it, and many parents may be already trying to make summer plans for their children. Don’t forget that Wake Forest offers a wide array of Sports Camps for children of all ages. For information on Wake Forest Summer 2015 Sports Camps, please visit WakeForestSports.com/camps. Enrollment in all camps is limited, so register today.

The Ethan Reeve Speed and Athletic Development Class This camp is designed for local athletes within driving distance of campus. There will be four two-hour classes each week for four weeks. You can choose morning or evening sessions. Athletes who want to be able to run faster, jump higher, be more flexible, attain body awareness, balance, strength, speed, power and sport performance in his/her particular sport should attend. For more information, email reeveec@wfu.edu or call (336) 758-6406.

All Sports Camp Now in its 54th year, this camp continues to offer a vast array of sporting activities for boys and girls ages 6-12. From box hockey to volleyball, from archery to the climbing wall, the All Sports Camp truly does provide something for every child. As guided by an experienced and enthusiastic staff of instructors and counselors, this camp is a must for every Piedmont youngster. The camp continues in its popularity not only due to the quality staff and top-notch facilities but the sporting and social fun that the camp format provides. Spots are limited. For more information, visit wfuallsportscamp.com.

Field Hockey Camp The mission of the Field Hockey Camp is to ensure that all participants receive a premier camp experience based on a creative curriculum and an energetic and knowledgeable staff, while playing on a world-class artificial playing surface. Campers will be exposed to the most recent coaching styles and strategies.

We have an outstanding staff that includes the Wake Forest University hockey coaches, as well as other college coaches and elite players. For more information, visit WakeForestFieldHockeyCamps.com.

The Dave Clawson Football Camp In his second season as head football coach at Wake, Coach Clawson invites all prospective campers to Winston-Salem to participate in the many different camps we are offering this summer. The camps will be coached by the Wake Forest Football Staff who have coaching experience at the high school, college and professional levels. Come develop your skills and learn what it takes to play in the ACC. For more information, visit coachdaveclawsonfootballcamps.com.

Baseball Camp

Golf – Male

The Tom Walter Baseball Camps are dedicated to providing a baseball camp that is both instructional and informational along with creating a great atmosphere to learn! The coaching staff prides itself on teaching the game of baseball to players of all ages and ability levels. All camps are taught by our coaching staff and players. The mechanics and drills that are taught at the camps are used with the Wake Forest college players. The coaching staff is determined to provide the best possible learning experience for their campers. For more information, visit collegebaseballcamps.com/wake.

The Jerry Haas Summer Golf Camp gives young golfers, ages 11-18, a unique opportunity to live on a college campus and learn the game of golf from some of the best in the business. Coach Haas and a staff of college coaches serve as camp counselors and golf instructors during each session. Campers receive personal instruction covering everything from short game to the rules of golf. Play and practice are at the new Wake Forest state-of-the-art golf practice facility and at local courses. For more information, visit WakeForestGolfCamp.com.

Basketball Camp – Male Our commitment to conducting the best fundamental basketball camps is second only to having as much fun as possible. Becoming a player is hard work, but we believe the game should always remain fun!

Fundamentals, sportsmanship, teamwork, work ethic, discipline and good listening skills are all components of becoming a basketball player. We focus on these areas significantly as we proceed through the day together. Daily full-court games add excitement to the atmosphere, build confidence and help instill the love of competition. Players excel during the season, but are developed in the offseason. Come join us at one of our camps as we help you strive to become the best person and player you can be.

For more information on these camps, please visit DannyManningBasketballCamps.com.

Basketball Camp – Female The mission of Jen Hoover Basketball Camp is to ensure that all participants receive a unique and memorable experience based on a creative curriculum, an energetic and knowledgeable staff, and engaging activities that enhance skills! Campers will be exposed to the fundamental individual and team skills necessary to learn the game of basketball. We have an outstanding staff that includes the Wake Forest University women’s basketball coaches, including WFU

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Hall of Famer and head coach Jen Hoover, as well as many of our current Demon Deacon student-athletes!

For more information, visit JenHooverHoops.com.

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

Golf – Female The Dianne Dailey Girls Golf Camp is for overnight and day campers ages 8-18. Participants receive professional instruction from a qualified staff of collegiate coaches and LPGA teaching professionals on Wake Forest’s new state-of-the-art on-campus learning center. Campers are grouped by age and skill and receive personal instruction on full swing, chipping and putting, and will be supervised at all times. Other topics include fitness, nutrition, sport psychology, college admissions and recruiting as well as course management, rules and etiquette. For more information, call Kevin Diaz at (336) 758-5619 or email diazkm@wfu.edu.

The Dianne Dailey Ladies Golf Camp is unique because classes are small and the instruction is geared toward women and their swings. This camp is for ladies ages 18 and over. Sessions are limited to 18 participants, which allow top-line instructors to spend more time with each player on a one-on-one basis. The camp employs up-to-date techniques, which include videotaping of all swings, teaching aids, and hitting bays for inclement weather. The session is highlighted by a 9-hole playing lesson at Bermuda Run. For more information, please call (336) 758-5751.

Soccer – Male The Bobby Muuss Soccer Camp takes great pride in providing each camper with a memorable soccer experience! Wake Forest University has developed over 38 professional players in the past 12 seasons, at the same time going to four consecutive College Cups, winning five ACC Championships and the 2007 NCAA National Championship. Coach Muuss was responsible for recruiting the players on those teams and is ecstatic to be back at Wake Forest! Wake Forest Soccer is a unique brand in college soccer where every pass has a message for players running off ball. This allows for fantastic combination play and a fun way to play for not only the players but for fans as well. You have a choice in the way you want to play and develop...make it THE WAKE WAY. For additional information on any of these camps, please go to WakeSoccerCamp.com or contact Dane Brenner at 336-758-3059, wfsoccer@wfu.edu.

Soccer – Female The Tony da Luz Wake Forest Girls Soccer Camp is committed to each individual player’s development from the ground up emphasizing first touch ball control, composure under pressure and confidence in attack. We believe that soccer should be played with style, creativity and teamwork. Our priority in teaching is to master the ball first, then move on to competitive play and team tactics. Our staff will create an intense, passionate soccer environment, inspiring your daughters to reach new levels in their game.

Residential and day camps are available. For more information, please go to WakeForestGirlsSoccerCamp. com or contact Megan Jessee at 610-217-8759 or JesseeM@wfu.edu.

Tennis Camps The Tennis Camps at Wake Forest University offer boys and girls ages 6-18 of all tennis abilities and experience, the opportunity to work on their games under the continued tutelage of Coaches Tamer Hegazy (Lead Instructor for tennis camps at Wake Forest since 2001), Andy Roland (Assistant Women’s Tennis Coach) and Jeff Wyshner (Head Women’s Tennis Coach). Camp utilizes the world-class tennis complex that is home to both the ATP Tour’s Winston-Salem Open and the Wake Forest men’s and women’s tennis programs. The Camp program emphasizes a gameoriented, fun learning environment while giving the technical instruction and repetition required for tennis improvement in combination with both singles and doubles match-play. Full-day resident and commuter programs are offered to campers ages 8-18 and halfday opportunities are available to campers ages 6 and 7. Extensive use of the University’s eight indoor courts helps to make camp more productive and fun.

For more information, visit WakeForestTennisCamps. com, call (336) 422-4358 or email wftenniscamps@ gmail.com.

Volleyball Camp The Ken Murczek Volleyball Camps are designed and offered for beginner, intermediate and advanced players. Campers work on various aspects of their games led by some of the top coaches in the country.

For camp dates, visit wakeforestsports.com/camps/ volleyball.html . For more information, call Jen Murczek at (336) 758-5118 or email wfvbcamp@wfu.edu.

Graduation Central When convenience matters, The Twin City Quarter - home to the Marriott with newly renovated guest rooms, the Embassy Suites and Benton Convention Center - is the answer. Located downtown, it is near Wake Forest University, the most popular attractions and museums, golf courses, wineries, the arts district and Fourth Street’s Restaurant Row. Celebrate graduation with us whether an intimate gathering with family and close friends in our restaurant GRAZE or one of our private dining rooms, or a grander event in one of our ballrooms. Our guests enjoy personal service, attention-to-detail and excellent cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients and products from local farms and businesses.

To check availability or for menus, contact us at 877.888.9762 or info@twincityquarter.com.

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A LETTER FROM RON WELLMAN, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

I

f you have had the opportunity to visit our campus recently, you have no doubt seen the significant impact that the success of “Wake Will: The Campaign for Wake Forest” is already having on the athletic department. With two projects actively under construction on the Reynolda campus, another project at the tennis complex slated to begin this month and final fundraising pushes underway to bring additional projects to fruition in the near future, it is truly an exciting time for our department.

To date, the athletic department has received more than $119 million in campaign commitments. As a result, we have more active facility projects underway than at any other time in our history. We broke ground on the McCreary Field House last fall and after months of site work and preparation, we expect to see steel going up soon and hope that our teams will be taking advantage of this great new facility by late fall. Construction is also underway on the Site work continues in preparation for the construction of McCreary Field House.

Haddock House at the Arnold Palmer Golf Complex. Barring any unforeseen delays, that project is also expected to be completed in late 2015.

Later this month, we plan to begin construction on the first phase of a new seating addition at the Wake Forest Tennis complex. Phase one will include the construction of bleacher style seating on the south end of the Leighton College Courts. Additional seating will be constructed along the west side of the courts in a future phase. This project is very important for our tennis programs, as it will not only enhance the game day experience for both fans and student-athletes, but it will also prove beneficial for the Winston-Salem Open as well as the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships which we will be hosting in 2018.

Plans for tennis seating addition

For more information, visit http://wakewill.wfu.edu/athletics or call (336) 758-5626.

Thanks to a generous commitment from David Couch (’84), we are also nearing our fundraising goal that would allow us to begin the next phase of the baseball stadium renovation. Plans call for the construction of a new state-of-the-art clubhouse, renovation and relocation of the home dugout and bullpen, construction Concept for new baseball clubhouse & stadium renovations of a pitching lab, and creation of a new concourse viewing platform. The new clubhouse will be located along the third-base line and will include locker rooms, coaches offices, a team lounge, training room, equipment room, video room, team meeting room, professional players locker space and the Wake Forest baseball heritage area. The home dugout will be relocated to the thirdbase side of the stadium, and the pitching lab will be built Concept for pitching lab adjacent to the renovated bullpen.

As you can see, we have made a lot of strides so far thanks to the generous support of our fans and donors.

However, there is significant progress yet to be made. Our department’s highest priority for the Wake Will campaign remains the construction of the Sports Performance Center. The SPC is absolutely critical to our future success, and no other project will benefit our entire department as significantly as the Sports Performance Center. It will be the catalyst for the training and development of every Wake Forest studentathlete, and the recruiting advantage the facility will provide for all our sports is beyond measure.

We understand the challenge that lies ahead of us in order to raise the funds to begin work on this vital facility, but the momentum surrounding the project is evident as we are close to making major financial announcements about the project. We are confident that all of our fans and donors will recognize the urgent need for this facility and that, together, we can bring the Sports Performance Center to fruition. I encourage everyone to consider supporting this important project. Be on the lookout for more information about the status of our fundraising efforts for the SPC and about how you can get involved to make this facility a reality.

Thanks for your loyal support of our program!

Sports Performance Center concept

For more information, visit http://wakewill.wfu.edu/athletics or call (336) 758-5626.

Campaign Support Comes in Many Forms Support for the Wake Will campaign comes in many forms. From volunteering to making a multi-year commitment to the Deacon Club Annual Fund to establishing endowed funds and making capital gifts, there are a multitude of ways to support the campaign. The stories of the following donors exemplify just a few of the ways to get involved.

Fred Robbins (‘09) Fred Robbins retired from the NFL in 2012 following a storied 12-year career. He was named a Sports Illustrated All-Pro in 2008 and became a Super Bowl XLII champion in the same year with the New York Giants. Drafted in the second round, he played four years for the Minnesota Vikings, six with the New York Giants and two with the St. Louis Rams. Few people may realize, however, that his first love was baseball, not football, and his opportunity to play two sports was one of the major reasons he came to Wake Forest.

“Growing up, baseball was my favorite sport and I only played two years of high school football. My senior year I was really focusing on baseball, which was my passion,” said Fred. “I knew that was something that I wanted to do in college – play two sports. Wake Forest recruited me late in the process when Coach Teryl Austin came down to visit me. One of the reasons I was really drawn to the University was because they said I could play two sports.”

Fred also noted that Wake Forest appealed to his parents, both teachers, who placed a high value on education. The strong academic reputation also appealed to Fred, who always “welcomed a challenge.”

“When I came to visit, I felt a sense of home. Most of the schools that Fred Robbins (‘09) with wife Tia and their children I visited, the emphasis was on ‘here’s what you can have,’ whether it was clothes or facilities, but my parents were both teachers and education was very important to them. Wake Forest was a different experience. Coach Caldwell sat there and told me ‘I can’t promise you the NFL. But you will graduate from here with a great education.’ I think that was the thing that stood out the most for me throughout the whole process.”

Fred started every game for four years for the Demon Deacons, was named Second-Team All-ACC as a senior and helped lead Wake Forest to a decisive Aloha Bowl victory in 1999 over Arizona State. In 2000, the Minnesota Vikings drafted Fred in the second round. During his NFL career, Fred found it difficult to visit campus and ended up losing touch with the athletic department. Following his retirement, however, he reconnected through the Deacon Club and is currently serving his first year on the Board of Directors.

“While I was playing in the NFL, which I was fortunately able to do for 12 years, it was hard to stay connected, especially when I first left campus and social media wasn’t what it is today. Everybody went their different directions and the amount of time and work my job required made it hard to get back to campus for games.

So I basically had a 12-year gap in involvement with the University, and now I am just trying to reconnect and make up for that time, especially in my role with the Deacon Club Board of Directors. I wanted to get involved again because I didn’t want the history that I had here, and the connections I had with the guys on

the football team, to disappear.”

Fred was motivated to serve on the Board of Directors to help support the Wake Will campaign and the current football team. He also hopes his service inspires his teammates and other former football players to reengage with the University.

“I feel it’s important for both myself and my teammates to reconnect, relive those moments and get back into the spirit, not just during football season but throughout the year. We need to rebuild those personal relationships we had when we were in school, both on and off the field, to stay connected, support each other and contribute to the success of our current team. We need to build that brotherhood back up, whether its getting guys involved through volunteering or contributing financially. It goes a long way, having an active alumni group, especially in recruiting and helping our current team be successful both on and off the field, knowing they have that support behind them.”

Fred said he was wowed when he visited Wake Forest for the first time since his playing days, marveling at all of the changes that have happened on campus. Beyond the changes that have already taken place, he is excited to see future plans come to fruition, particularly the Sports Performance Center, which he feels strongly will have a positive impact not only on the current team, but will be an asset in recruiting.

“There has been so much change since I was a student, and any of my teammates or other football alumni who haven’t been back haven’t had a chance to experience it first-hand. It’s funny, because where we’re sitting now [Bridger Field House], didn’t exist when I played here. There were tents set up right here, and we would get dressed on campus, take the bus over to the stadium and put on our shoulder pads once we arrived to go out and play the game. For the guys who haven’t been back, that’s their last memory of this place. Although they may see it on TV, coming back here, seeing this building and touring Deacon Tower first-hand is very powerful. It’s exciting.”

Fred was also motivated to get involved with the Deacon Club because of the positive impact the University has had on his life, both during his NFL career and beyond. He noted that the strong academic reputation, one of the things that initially drew him to Wake Forest, is recognized throughout the country.

“Something I didn’t fully realize for several years was the weight the name of the University carries and the respect it gets,” said Fred. “I have a Wake Forest license plate on my car and when people see that they always say ‘Wow, you went to Wake Forest? That is a great school.’ I think that’s really something to be proud of, that our school has a great academic reputation throughout the country. I think we’re on the right track to raise the profile of our athletic programs as well, and it is really exciting to be a part of that process.”

To fully appreciate the progress and direction of the Wake Will campaign, Fred said alumni and supporters need to visit campus and see it for themselves.

“One of the things I would love is for more supporters and alumni, specifically football alumni, to come back to campus and see the vision first-hand. I’ve had the opportunity to be back, see what’s changed and what the plans are, that’s what excites me about the future,” said Fred.

Fred currently serves as the head of his foundation, Mr. Robbins Neighborhood, which he founded with his wife, Tia, and aims to educate and support aspiring collegiate athletes. Fred said he conveys his own experience earning his degree as a lesson for the youth he mentors.

“During my senior year, which was the spring of 2000, I didn’t realize the amount of time that I needed to dedicate to pursuing my goal of playing in the NFL. Between playing in the Senior Bowl, training, flying here and there and having my Pro Day, in no time at all it was mid-April,” said Fred. “I didn’t finish school then, but I was drafted in the second round and played four years for the Minnesota Vikings, six with the New

York Giants and two with the St. Louis Rams. While I was playing for the Giants, I had a knee injury and as I was sitting there, laid up, I thought ‘If my career ended today, what would I do?’ So the following year I enrolled in classes at Wake Forest and finished up while I was playing in 2009. I think the most important part about earning my degree was leaving a legacy and setting an example for my own children and the kids I work with through Mr. Robbins Neighborhood. I tell them all the time how important education is. I was blessed to have 12 years in the NFL, but I’ve seen a lot of guys play two years or less.”

Looking to the future, Fred is excited about the direction of the athletic department. He hopes his service on the Board of Directors will not only help the Wake Will campaign succeed and come to a resounding conclusion, but inspire others to get involved.

“Being a part of the Deacon Club Board of Directors has been a great experience,” said Fred. “I hope that I can not only contribute to the success of our athletic department through volunteering in this role, but help reengage my fellow teammates and football alumni. There are a ton of exciting things happening on campus as a result of the Wake Will campaign, and I’d love for everyone to experience them first-hand.”

Melanie (‘06) & Westin (‘06) Galloway Melanie Schneider Galloway (’06) and Westin Galloway (’06) were both from the Atlanta area, but didn’t really cross paths until they arrived at Wake Forest as freshmen.

Melanie, a soccer standout from Peachtree City, was drawn to Wake Forest by the strong academic reputation and the women’s soccer coaching staff.

“The reason I fell in love with Wake Forest was the opportunity to get an amazing education while playing soccer,” said Melanie. “Tony da Luz really believed in me and I think that was what resonated with me at the time, the feeling that the coaching staff would really support me and push me. The Pro Humanitate motto also really appealed to me and the importance placed on giving back and being involved in the community.”

Westin, on the other hand, did have a history with the University through his grandfather, a Wake Forest alum. Despite this connection, the University was not a given when he began the college search.

“My grandfather attended Wake Forest on the Old Campus and was president of the alumni association for several years while I was growing up, so I certainly was aware of the University and would go to events from time to time, like when the basketball team would travel to Atlanta. I didn’t really know that much about the school, however,” said Westin.

“When it came time for me to talk about colleges, Wake Forest was always in the conversation, but it wasn’t until I went on a visit that Melanie (‘06) and Westin (‘06) Galloway I really understood what the University was all about. When I met with the track and field team, faculty and students on campus, they really made me feel at home.”

That strong sense of community became even more apparent for Westin as a member of the track and field team.

“Some of my favorite memories from my time at Wake Forest are going on longer trips with the track team.

We went to Oregon one time and we went up to Penn State… it’s the memories of the ‘trials and tribulations’ with the team that are lasting, becoming closer with your teammates and bonding. That was an invaluable experience, traveling the country and competing in what you love doing,” said Westin. “Those trips really made you appreciate all that the University was doing for us as student-athletes.”

Melanie also enjoyed the sense of camaraderie among her soccer teammates.

“The most valuable things I gained at Wake Forest were the friendships that I still have with my teammates,” said Melanie. “There’s something about that bond that you have with someone, when you are running in the middle of the summer and it’s 100 degrees out. It’s a special bond that’s created when you have to pull strength from such a deep place.”

The Galloways now live in the greater Los Angeles area, and admit that the relative scarcity of alumni prompts them to be even more enthusiastic when they come into contact with fellow Demon Deacons.

“When you live in a place where there aren’t as many Wake Forest alumni, I think you find that bond to be a strong one. Whether it’s seeing a bumper sticker in traffic or sprinting across the pool to talk to a guy wearing a Wake Forest Athletics t-shirt, there’s a common bond and shared love for the University,” said Melanie.

The Galloways share a passion for their alma mater and stay connected to the University by “going crazy watching games on TV.” They also have enjoyed staying connected by attending events hosted in their area.

“Some of the coolest things that we’ve done since we’ve moved to the West Coast have been the events that we’ve been invited to that help us continue to feel connected with Wake Forest. We’ve had a chance to meet current students, alumni and other supporters. Everyone is equally passionate in their support of the Deacs, and that’s something I’m not sure you get at other schools,” said Melanie.

As part of their goal to continue supporting the University from afar, the Galloways have made a five-year commitment to the Deacon Club Annual Fund as well as the 110% Campaign. In addition, they have made a three-year pledge in support of the Sports Performance Center project.

“I have always felt compelled to support the programs that supported me as a student-athlete,” said Melanie. “I know many of our friends, whether they attended Wake Forest or went elsewhere, graduated with student loans, and since Westin and I were lucky enough to graduate with little debt, we were very motivated to contribute to the Wake Will campaign. I feel like we were given such a gift in the opportunity to go to Wake Forest, get a great education and have such a great experience as student-athletes. I really want everyone who wants it to have that same opportunity.”

In their support of the Wake Will campaign and the Sports Performance Center project, the Galloways view the potential impact as truly transformative and broad reaching.

“We wanted to help increase awareness of the University both across the country and worldwide, and the campaign is definitely helping achieve that higher level of recognition,” said Westin.

“Whether it’s through new facilities that help us recruit future student-athletes or train our current studentathletes and help us compete better, Wake Will was something that we wanted to be a part of. Living on the West Coast, we run into people that are not familiar with Wake Forest, but because of our ambassadors, specifically in the professional sports realm such as Tim Duncan and Chris Paul, they have heard of us. It definitely makes a difference, and having the appropriate facilities to attract the next generation of Demon Deacon ambassadors, whether they go on to a career in professional sports or not, is critically important.”

In looking to the future, the Galloways are excited to visit campus again, which they haven’t been able to do in

almost six years, and see the changes on campus with their own eyes.

“It is going to be really exciting to come back and see all of the great changes that have been happening first-hand,” said Melanie. “We’re really looking forward to returning and seeing the impact of the campaign. We hope others are encouraged to do the same and support the athletic program no matter how big or small of a gift. Every dollar really counts and you don’t have to be a major gift donor to take ownership of the future of the athletic program.”

Alfred (‘68, JD ‘73) and Beth Adams Alfred Adams (’68, JD ’73) bleeds black and gold. His father was a Demon Deacon on the Old Campus, and Alfred’s daughter, Amanda (’01), continued the family legacy as a third generation Wake Forest student.

“We have a long history with the University,” said Alfred. “My dad graduated from the Old Campus, and so growing up, I just really loved Wake Forest. I used to go to football games at Bowman Gray Stadium, and I saw Norman Snead play his first football game there. My brother and I used to take the bus over for the games.”

Alfred worked for a couple of years following graduation before deciding to return to campus for law school.

He became a “Double Deac” when he earned his law degree in 1973. Alfred moved to Asheville following his law school graduation, where he met Beth. After they married, the couple moved to Winston-Salem.

One of the fondest athletic memories Alfred and Beth have of the Demon Deacons occurred not long after they moved from Asheville to Winston-Salem, when they attended their first ACC Tournament game.

“My favorite memory by far, since I’ve been coming to games, was the ACC Tournament in 1995, when Randolph hit the gamewinning shot against Carolina in the title game,” said Beth. “We were actually there with clients of Alfred’s, and they were huge Carolina fans. He literally had to sit on his hands, but luckily there were some Wake Forest fans in front of us that we could live vicariously through.”

“Because we lived in Asheville, we didn’t come down to the ACC Tournament games,” said Alfred. “During the blizzard of 1993, we Alfred (‘68, JD ‘73) and Beth Adams watched it on TV with a foot and a half of snow on the ground on a battery powered set about 10 inches wide. So, the 1995 game was our first ACC Tournament game ever.

These were our most important clients at the time and they asked us to go with them to the game. I couldn’t say anything, but I really enjoyed it when Randolph hit that shot.”

After moving to Winston-Salem, Beth quickly embraced the University community and found a home with Wake Forest.

“Moving to Winston-Salem and not having any connection to the city, it was nice to have a sense of community in the University, even for somebody who didn’t go to Wake Forest,” said Beth. “It was very welcoming, and we really enjoyed getting to know people through the Alumni Council, events and games.”

Alfred and Beth also enjoyed connecting with the athletic department and the Deacon Club, where they again felt a strong sense of community.

“More than any other place, I think Wake Forest is a family,” said Alfred. “Here we are given the opportunity to

get to know the student-athletes more, since it’s a smaller school. You really feel that you are part of the process at Wake Forest.”

After moving back to Winston-Salem, Alfred and Beth became involved in the University community through multiple avenues. It was through this involvement that they felt driven to support the Deacon Club, and more recently, the Wake Will campaign.

“In becoming more active, and in serving as president of the Alumni Council, I was exposed to the need for scholarship support, so that was one of the main reasons I got involved in the Deacon Club,” said Alfred. “I’ve always felt that, if you’re going to be involved with something, you need to support it in all ways because continuity is not created just by physical support, but by financial support as well.”

Alfred and Beth increased their support over the years, as they were able to contribute more to each of the initiatives they felt strongly about. Most recently, they made an estate gift in conjunction with the Wake Will campaign.

“We have always given to the Annual Fund at a level where we felt we could afford to be, and we have moved up over the years, starting out with smaller gifts and moving up as we had the ability to give more,” said Alfred.

“Now, as I am nearing retirement, we tried to think of something we could do to leave a lasting legacy, which ended up being the endowed scholarships we are establishing.”

Alfred and Beth have plans in their estate to contribute to the scholarship Alfred’s father, a longtime physician in Winston-Salem, created for the Wake Forest medical school, the Adams Family Scholarship.

“We wanted to be sure that our plans included a gift to that scholarship, to help perpetuate the legacy that my dad started,” said Alfred. “He was a very humble man, and I know it’s something he would have wanted.”

They also have plans to fund two new scholarships, which will benefit the undergraduate college and the athletic department.

“Because of my involvement in the undergraduate school, we wanted to set up a scholarship for students who exhibit leadership qualities, have great interpersonal skills and would be an asset to the campus community,” said Alfred. “We also wanted to establish an athletic scholarship because of the strong connection we’ve had with athletics over the past several years, probably more so than any other sector of the University.”

Along with their estate gift, Alfred and Beth have made a contribution to the Haddock House, currently under construction. They have contributed to the football project and are club seat ticket holders in Deacon Tower.

They have also volunteered in the past to host the golf team during the ACC Tournament, where they got to know several of the student-athletes on the team.

“I am so impressed with the quality of our student-athletes,” said Alfred. “We recently attended the Stewardship Brunch and it was really great interacting with the student-athletes at our table and seeing the conversations happening across the room. When we walked out, I was really impressed to see four football players shaking hands, hugging people and saying thank you. That’s what I think makes Wake Forest special. These young men really got it; they heard what Josh Howard said and wanted to express their thanks. It makes me really proud.”

When asked why he was drawn to establish two new scholarships and contribute to his father’s existing fund, Alfred did not hesitate.

“You feel like you are really providing for these young men and women, and giving them a springboard for their lives,” he said. “It truly makes a difference.”

For more information, visit http://wakewill.wfu.edu/athletics or call (336) 758-5626.

COMPLIANCE CORNER

// T O D D H A I R S T O N

Freshman Eligibility The issue of freshman eligibility has emerged recently as a topic of conversation throughout college athletics.

Beginning with the 1972-73 season, freshmen have been eligible for competition in all NCAA sports.

However in recent months, the discussion to reinstate the eligibility ban on first year student-athletes has gained momentum, citing academic benefits for firstyear students as they attempt to acclimate to the rigors of college life.

TODD HAIRSTON A S S O C I AT E AT H L E T I C DIRECTOR, COMPLIANCE

Although no conference has formally endorsed the concept of freshman ineligibility, the Big Ten has engaged its member schools in open dialogue on the topic. Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany stated, “We look forward to working with our colleagues in the NCAA Division I governance structure and exploring a broad exchange of ideas from both inside and outside of intercollegiate athletics.”

The impact of mandating a freshman “redshirt” season would have a significant impact in the sport of basketball in particular. Since 2010, an average of seven college freshmen have been selected in the first round of the NBA draft. If adopted, this measure would likely result in fewer high profile student-athletes electing to attend college, with more presumably opting to play overseas rather than serve a year in residence while ineligible. This discussion also coincides with new legislation scheduled to take effect in the fall of 2016, which will increase the initial eligibility standards for freshman student-athletes.

For any questions related to this issue, please contact Todd Hairston at hairstct@wfu.edu.

A formal legislative proposal has not been put forth at this point. However, any proposed change to the current legislation would need to be voted on by the full NCAA membership, not just the Power Five conferences, as eligibility rules are not a part of the autonomy structure recently adopted by the NCAA.

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GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

A N N OU NC I NG

One in five children in America lives without consistent access to adequate food. On May 9th, we hope you’ll join Wake Foresters in your community as we come together to fight childhood hunger.

For more information regarding how you can make a difference

on National Pro Humanitate Day, visit go.wfu.edu/phd2015

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