Gold Rush - May/June 2014

THROWER DRIVES WOMEN’S TRACK SUCCESS

BACK HOME GREENSBORO NATIVE DANNY MANNING TAKES OVER AS THE NEW HEAD BASKETBALL COACH AT WFU

A WINNER

SENIOR ADAM LEE PUTS HIS NAME IN TENNIS RECORD BOOK WHILE BECOMING LEADER FOR YOUNG TEAM

MAY / JUNE 2014

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VOL. 23 // ISSUE 7 (USPS 014-373) EDITOR

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CONTENTS

// M AY/ J U N E 2 0 1 4

Danny Manning poses with a couple of young Wake Forest fans after he was introduced as the new basketball coach of the Deacons on April 8.

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FROM THE AD

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

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100% COTTEN

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CALENDAR

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INSIDE THE DEACON CLUB

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COMPLIANCE CORNER

// 6 A NEW COACH Danny Manning leaves Tulsa to take over as the new head basketball coach at Wake Forest.

// 12 MOVIN’ ON UP Senior Adam Lee has climbed to No. 2 in the WFU men’s tennis lineup after enjoying a record-setting season as a junior.

// 16 NOT YOUR TYPICAL THROWER 5-foot-3 Jessie Merckle makes shift from sprinter and jumper in high school to shattering WFU school records and winning ACC titles as a thrower.

ON THE COVER Danny Manning was in the spotlight on the Tuesday after the Final Four when he came to Winston-Salem and was introduced as the Wake Forest’s new basketball coach.

MAY/JUNE 2014

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FROM THE A.D.

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

SPRING BRINGS PLENTY OF EXCITEMENT … AND A NEW MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH Spring is always an exciting time in our department, and this year is no different. Football is wrapping up spring practice, and everybody associated with the program is excited for the start of the 2014 season.

Coach Clawson and his staff have made an indelible impression on everybody they have met through recruiting, fund-raising and their on-field coaching.

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

The baseball team has gotten off to a great start in ACC play by winning four of its first five series. Jeff Wyshner’s women’s tennis team has shown great improvement over last year, and we expect Tony Bresky’s men’s tennis team to have another strong finish to its season. A number of individual records have been set by the track teams as they prepare for the ACC Championships.

Graduation is also right around the corner as we send another senior class into their post-collegiate career.

We are confident that their experiences at Wake Forest will serve them well for the rest of their lives.

Page High School, Danny had a chance to watch some of the great Deacon players of that era, from Skip Brown to Rodney Rogers. Danny’s exploits as a college and professional player have been well documented: National Player of the Year, Final Four Most Outstanding Player and an NBA All-Star. He has learned from some of the great coaches in basketball history, from Lenny Wilkens to Larry Brown and Bill Self. He also experienced success as a coach, from helping Kansas win a national championship to leading Tulsa to the NCAA Tournament in March and was recently named the Conference USA Coach of the Year and was a finalist for National Coach of the Year.

Our future at Wake Forest is extremely bright. We look forward to the 2014-15 year and the hope and promise that our teams will bring to Deacon fans across the nation.

Go Deacs!

Ron Wellman

The arrival of Danny Manning as our new head men’s basketball coach has created even more excitement on campus. We are thrilled to have Danny, his wife Julie, and their children Taylor and Evan, join our Demon Deacon family. As a high school star at Greensboro

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MAY/JUNE 2014

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BASKETBALL

// D A N N Y M A N N I N G

Big Man, on Campus NEW WAKE FOREST COACH DANNY MANNING IS READY TO GET TO WORK

By Jay Reddick

T

he Danny Manning Era at Wake Forest is off to a roaring start.

Manning was hired April 4 as the 22nd head coach in the history of the men’s basketball program. Five days later, the 47-year-old Manning was introduced to the Wake Forest community in a big way – riding onto the Quad on the back of the Deacon’s motorcycle.

Manning’s words wowed Tie-Dye Nation as much as his entrance. The former Tulsa head coach, who was raised in Greensboro, said he is ready to return the Deacons to their glory years.

“We have aspirations of being a championship team,” Manning told the media before his Quad unveiling. “We want to cut down nets. We’re going to put forth the work to put ourselves in that situation. It’s not going to be easy.

But, I’m willing to roll up my sleeves, and let’s go get it.”

Manning brings a unique combination of youth and experience to WFU. The Kansas graduate, who was a member of the U.S. Olympic team in 1988, went on to play 15 years in the NBA. In 2003, the two-time All-Star transitioned into a role as director of student-athlete development and team manager at his alma mater. During nine seasons there under head coach Bill Self, he worked his way into an assistant coach’s role, was part of a national championship in 2008 and coached 12 NBA Draft picks and two Academic All-Americans.

He moved on to become head coach at Tulsa, where he won 21 games in his second season and piloted the Golden Hurricane back into the NCAA tournament for the first time in 11 years.

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MAY/JUNE 2014

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BASKETBALL

// D A N N Y M A N N I N G

DANNY MANNING BIRTHDATE: May 17. 1966 FAMILY: Wife Julie, daughter Taylor, son Evan PLAYING EXPERIENCE: 15 seasons with seven different NBA teams; career averages of 14 points and 5.2 rebounds per game COACHING EXPERIENCE: 20032006, Kansas (team manager, director of student-athlete development) 2006-2012, Kansas (assistant coach) 2012-2014, Tulsa (head coach) 2014- Wake Forest (head coach)

The Deacons compiled a 51-76 record during the past four seasons, but Manning is used to recovering from adverse situations. He suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during his rookie year in the NBA and later became the first person in the history of the league to return to the court after reconstructive surgeries on both knees.

Director of Athletics Ron Wellman cited Manning’s last season at Tulsa – specifically his poise and commitment to a system – as a big reason he hired the big man.

“One of the factors that really attracted me to Danny was that his team started out 1-6 this year, and they ended up winning the last 11 games of the season,” Wellman said. “When I asked Danny when they started 1-6, ‘What did you do differently to turn that team around?’

He said, ‘Nothing. We didn’t do anything differently. We just believed in the system that we had, and we worked a little bit harder.’ ” What set Manning’s first day apart was the reception he got from the Wake Forest faithful.

A large contingent greeted his plane when it landed at Smith Reynolds Airport, then hundreds were waiting for him on the Quad, many with buttons that read “DMann Deacon.”

Manning said he expects his players to be hard-nosed and ready to work.

“We’re going to go out there, and we’re going to go toe-to-toe,” Manning said. “We’re coming out and we’re throwing blows, and we’re going to continue to throw blows. We’re going to take some knocks along the way. But we’re going to fight, we’re going to scrap. At the end of the day, I think if we put forth the effort necessary, we’re going to continue to develop and get better.

Hopefully there will be a lot of teams that don’t want to see us.”

Beyond the attitude, though, Manning said he brings specific ideas about X’s and O’s to the Deacons.

“I think for us, we want to come in and be an up-tempo team,” Manning said. “We want to be

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aggressive offensively and defensively. We want to create energy. We’re going to hang our hat on the defensive side of the ball. … We don’t want to give up any unearned, or easy buckets.

I think that’s the first thing we have to establish.

“And offensively, we want to be in an attack mode. I believe in paint touches. We want to get the ball into the paint, either by the bounce or by the pass. But I think once you’re able to do that, you break down the defense, and it gives you a chance to be a little bit more successful on the offensive end.”

You can tell a lot about a coach from his pedigree, and Manning’s might be second to none. Before working for Self, Manning played for Hall of Fame coaches such as Larry Brown, Don Nelson and Jerry Sloan.

Manning’s Triad ties are well-established – he was the linchpin for an undefeated statechampionship team at Page High School in 1982-83. He said he had fond memories of playing games up the road at Reynolds High School and living just a few miles from the Deacons’ ACC home court at the Greensboro Coliseum.

“I was a professional basketball player for 15 years,” Manning said. “I got traded quite a bit, so where you go is where you go professionally.

So to make the decision to come back to this area, where basketball is so special – I’ve lived it, I’ve been a part of it, and thanks to my late father, it’s in my blood. I’m thrilled to be back.”

Growing up so close to Wake Forest has also given Manning a real sense of Wake Forest’s values and its history, as embodied by some of

the great coaches of the past.

“I remember watching a lot of Coach [Carl] Tacy’s teams, and it was a lot of fun,” Manning said. “You go back to Coach [Bones] McKinney who led Wake Forest to its first and only Final Four appearance. Jump to Coach [Dave] Odom who had a great run, winning two ACC championships. You talk about Skip Prosser, how he affected so many people with his positive and great spirit. I am really honored to be following those great men and great coaches, and I am going to do my best to live up to the standards that they set for this university.”

Manning will have a strong base to build

from. The Deacons return four starters, including their top two scorers and rebounders, from a team whose 17 wins were the most since 2009-10.

“He’s going to try to prove his place in the ACC, which I love, because as players that’s what we’re trying to do,” said rising junior Codi Miller-McIntyre.

As Manning looks forward to debuting in the conference next fall, one thing is for sure – the man knows how to make an entrance.

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MAY/JUNE 2014

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// S TA N C O T T E N

The Winds of Change

S TA N COTTEN VOICE OF THE DEMON DEACONS

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There’s been a prevailing wind blowing through these parts for a few months now. Change. It’s one that sneaks up on us from time to time, and sometimes it’s uncomfortable. But for any of us who have been involved in college athletics for just about any amount of time ... it shouldn’t be all that surprising.

In this business, change is, well, constant. A given. And although you can’t set your watch by it, you know, sooner or later, it’s coming.

Danny Manning rode in on the Harley recently to usher in the switch of direction in men’s basketball. That comes on the heels of Dave Clawson taking over in football. Both sports will look and feel drastically different when the start of their respective seasons roll around – and with the differences should come renewed enthusiasm and optimism for what lies ahead.

As I get a little older I can sense that part of me that wants to resist change in some of the everyday aspects of my life.

I see that tendency even more in my aging parents and my wife’s mother who just celebrated her 90th birthday. Change of the routine can be frightening, but it can also get us to a better place. Give a different perspective. Freshness. Change can be a good thing.

Jim Grobe is a good friend. I miss him. How could I not?

But I have pressed on to get ready for Dave Clawson and what he and his staff will bring to the table come fall. I already like him a lot. He seems to have a great mix of business and pleasure that no doubt have enabled his success to date. I’ve tried to do some homework already, calling folks at Tennessee and Bowling Green to inquire about what I was about to get myself into. The message came back loud and clear from both

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

places: I was going to enjoy working with Dave Clawson. I was at a spring practice recently and was walking in the very back corner of the endzone when three or four Deacons came running right at me. With a grin from ear to ear, Clawson yelled, “If anybody gets in the middle of a drill just run him over!” Kind of Prosser-like. I loved it.

Jeff Bzdelik and his staff were great to me. I enjoyed time with them talking about basketball, life’s challenges, Seinfeld.

But I welcome Danny Manning. I thought he showed an enduring thoughtfulness and honesty at his press conference and time with fans when all nearly seven feet of him towered into our lives on that Tuesday after the Final Four.

All I know about Manning is that he was one of the best college basketball players – ever. He was Tim Duncan before Tim Duncan was Tim Duncan. And Dinger coached him and has known him since their time together at KU and has nothing but great things to say about him. I’ve learned to trust Dinger on all things basketball. If he’s OK by Dinger, he’s OK by me. There’s also that little thing about taking his second Tulsa team to the NCAA Tournament. I’m certainly OK with that!

And so the wind blows. My plan? Turn my back to it, spread my arms as wide as I can – and ride.

Personal Note A friend and mentor, Bobby Denton, died this month in Knoxville, Tenn. The past general manager at WIVK Radio and Dick Broadcasting, Bobby was a broadcast pioneer in East Tennessee and for 48 years the legendary public address announcer at University of Tennessee football games. He gave me my first job in radio for which I will be eternally grateful.

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MAY/JUNE 2014

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TENNIS

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// A D A M L E E

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

Climbing the Ladder ADAM LEE PLACES HIS NAME IN WFU RECORD BOOK WHILE LEADING YOUNG TENNIS TEAM

By Sam Walker

S

tamina can be intimidating. In college tennis, it can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Certainly, physical stamina is a must when the body might endure long points, long games, long sets and marathon matches. But mental stamina — that raw grit, fortitude and resilience that a player like Wake Forest senior Adam Lee possesses — can weigh heavily on his opponent even before the first toss of the ball.

Lee was born in Sheffield, United Kingdom, but grew up in Auckland, New Zealand, and from the age of 12 he gave soccer as much attention as tennis. But at the age of 15 he knew he had to make a choice, and tennis won his focus. He achieved a junior ranking of 91st in the world and won two ITF Junior singles titles along with one

doubles title. He won the 2009 New Zealand 18 and under singles title. Many a U.S. university came calling, but then Deacon assistant coach Brett Ross conveyed the value of Wake Forest to Lee, and one visit to Winston-Salem was all it took for Lee to cancel all his other scheduled official visits that included as many as seven other major programs.

Now Lee is the lone senior on a young Wake Forest men’s tennis team that has just two juniors, seven sophomores, one redshirt freshman and five true freshmen. He is coming off a junior season where he etched his name atop the record book for most single-season singles victories in school history and was leading the youthful Deacons to a winning season at 14-8 overall after back to back team wins over MAY/JUNE 2014

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TENNIS

// A D A M L E E

Boston College and George Washington in early April.

“Right now, mentally one of his greatest strengths is that he is just a great athlete, is tough, just never gives in, and overall he has a world-class backhand,” said second-year head coach Tony Bresky. “There isn’t a part of his game where there’s a weakness. He serves well, he can come forward, he keeps balls in play, he can attack, he can defend, and he can adapt to his opponent and figure out what they don’t like, and he can do that.

He can do a bit of everything.”

This season Lee is playing mostly No. 2 singles, up from No. 4 and No. 5 from a season ago, and through April 6 was 17-11 overall in singles and ranked 45th by the ITA. He was 12-9 in doubles playing with three different partners. The numbers aren’t the 38 singles wins of a year ago, but the season isn’t over, he’s playing a higher-seeded position, and the schedule has been stacked with tough competition.

“I started off the year pretty well, then I got hurt and had to have a cortisone shot, and now I’m back on winning terms,” Lee said. “Being the lone senior and captain is definitely an honor. It’s definitely tough leading a young team, but I was one of those guys before, and you learn as you get older.

Last year it was just a matter of working hard, and I believed in myself a lot. Getting

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wins every week just builds your confidence, and I just got to a spot where I felt like I could never lose. The credit goes to the coaching staff because I couldn’t have done it without those guys. It was an incredible year and achievements I’ll always have. When people have a lot of confidence in you, it always helps.”

also makes him incredibly difficult to play in singles because he can adjust his style of play to any opponent.

As a junior, Lee earned All-ACC honors and went 38-9 in singles, including a 24-2 mark in dual matches. He won his last 12 matches of the season and went 25-11 in doubles, playing mostly with Danny Kreyman.

Things are going well for Lee, but that wasn’t always the case. When he came to Wake Forest, Jeff Zinn was the head coach. Bresky took over in 2012. Change is certain in life but not usually easy. Admittedly, there were moments of frustration. Lee was a talent, adjusting to collegiate tennis after enrolling at Wake Forest in January of 2011, and some of the adjustments that Bresky saw he needed to make were mental ones.

“He started out the year at No. 5 and finished out at No. 4, and he got on a great roll there,” Bresky said. “The thing about him was when his opponent stepped on the court with him, they realized it was going to be long and painful, and that he was never going to quit. They were going to have to work for everything. That goes a long ways in college tennis. And arguably he was the best player on our team at that time. Unfortunately, because of the way the ITA rules work, it would have been tough to move him up any further, but it would have been interesting to see what kind of success he could have at the top of our lineup because he did have an outstanding year.”

According to Bresky, Lee’s ability to mold his game to the situation makes him an ideal doubles partner for any teammate, and it

“I’m playing a few spots up in the lineup, but I gained confidence from the summer and my season before (junior season), and then you start to develop as you play better players up in the lineup,” Lee said.

Sometimes Lee’s emotions got in the way of his talent, which stood in the way of victories.

“When I first arrived you could obviously see right away he is a great athlete, very quick, very strong and having said that, he had a bit of a temper and maybe had some issues on the court of not always being mentally ready to compete and fight his hardest,” Bresky said. “He has matured so much from a mental standpoint, and of course he’s gotten stronger and better from a physical standpoint. That (his mental game) was the

biggest thing we had to work on with him. But now you know every time he steps on the court he’s going to fight his hardest and leave everything on the court and do what he can to come out on top in the end.”

The result is Lee has become one of the finest players in the ACC and is a consummate team player who puts the success of team above personal success.

“There was a bit of a transition, and there were a lot of changes from the last coach that was here, different coaching styles or philosophies or whatever, and that was something Adam had to get used to,” Bresky said. “But now I think he’s made as much or more improvement in the past two years as anybody I’ve coached in my 13 years of coaching.”

Lee gives Bresky a great deal of credit for helping him make the successful transition from a top junior player to collegiate standout.

Adam Lee

“Coach Bresky has definitely been a big part of my life and changed a lot of things about my game,” Lee said. “He was strict on me. He told me I had to do this and that to get better, and it completely changed my perspective. Now I’ve had him for three years, and he completely changed me as a player.”

YEAR: Senior

Bresky said that he has enjoyed watching Lee grow as a player and a leader in his time as a Deacon.

“I did inherit him, but he has improved a ton since he came here,” Bresky said. “He played a little No. 6 and was in an out of the lineup as a freshman, and now he has worked all the way up to No. 2 singles, he’s nationally ranked, and hopefully will finish out the regular season playing strong and play in the NCAA Tournament, which would be great for him. He’s team captain and a great leader for the younger guys. Overall he’s responsible, well-liked by his teammates, and obviously we’re going to miss him when he graduates.”

MAJOR: Communication HOMETOWN: Auckland, New Zealand CHOSE WAKE FOREST over Illinois, New Mexico, Michigan and several other programs after his official visit to the Reynolda Campus, and cancelled all other official visits after visiting Wake Forest.

TOP ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS: His single-season school record-setting singles mark of 38 singles victories and his junior season; Won two ITF Junior singles titles and one doubles title; Won the 2009 New Zealand 18 & Under singles championship, defeating Jordan Kelly-Houston (Florida State) in the finals.

MAY/JUNE 2014

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TRACK & FIELD

// J E S S I E M E R C K L E

The Best, Far and Away Jessie Merckle’s record throws drive women’s track success

By Jay Reddick

“I

bet I can throw farther than you.”

A simple dare between two highschool kids near Pittsburgh some five years ago has helped to make today’s Wake Forest women’s track-and-field team better.

Jessie Merckle was a sprinter and jumper at Fort Cherry High School in Hickory, Pa., One day after practice, she saw the school’s javelin thrower and decided to give it a try.

“I was just waiting for a ride to come home,” Merckle said. “I just yelled over, ‘I bet I can throw farther than you’ as a joke.

And I did. It was at the end of my ninthgrade year.”

Just weeks later, Merckle’s first official high-school throw was good enough to place in a small meet. Today, she’s shattering school records, winning ACC championships and leading the resurgence of the Wake Forest throws team.

Merckle was the cornerstone of the first recruiting class for throws coach Zeb Sion at Wake Forest – she was the fourth-best high-school javelin thrower in America.

Sion, who oversees the shot put, discus, hammer throw, javelin and heptathletes, is also the entire track-and-field team’s lead strength trainer.

Sion, the 2004 ACC shot-put champion while at Georgia Tech, is building a throws roster one discipline at a time – after Merckle’s class, which included a crosssection of skills, the 2013 incoming class was focused on the hammer throw. Casidy Callahan, the top high-school hammer thrower in the U.S., has already broken WFU records in the hammer and discus, while Charlie Ionata and Kyle Johnson have had high placements in college meets on the men’s side.

This fall’s class will be focused on the shot-put and discus, and if history is any indication, there will be school-record holders up and down the lineup soon.

“It’s just about trying to have a plan,” Sion said. “It’s fun to see it all develop strategically, and I’m glad it worked out.”

Sion’s attention to detail has helped the squad – he said he takes pride in the technical side of things, finding small

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JESSIE MERCKLE CLASS: Sophomore PLANNED MAJOR: Double in Communication and Sociology. “That gives me lots of options. My dream is to do anything where I can help people and help people grow.

I can’t sit still in a cubicle.”

FAVORITE COLLEGE CLASS: Race and Ethnic Diversity in America. “We had deep conversations about race and everybody had different opinions – sometimes there would almost be fights. It was interesting.”

FAVORITE BOOK: “Divergent” by Veronica Roth FAVORITE SPORTS MOVIE: “Remember the Titans” FAVORITE FOOD: Pizza IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANY ONE PERSON, WHO WOULD IT BE? “Probably Carrie Underwood. She’s my favorite famous person.”

FAVORITE ATHLETE: “I like Dejuan Blair. He played basketball for Pitt and made it to the pros. I always enjoyed watching him. I loved playing basketball – the gym is my happy place.”

FAVORITE WFU MOMENT: “Definitely winning ACCs. I can remember my first week of school, Coach Sion brought me into his office and said, ‘I think you can go far. I think you can win an ACC title.’ I thought, ‘This guy’s crazy. I don’t have that in me.’

And to go through that my first year is pretty special.”

tweaks to improve a strength program or a thrower’s technique that can make a big difference.

Nowhere is that more evident than with Merckle. Her best high-school throw was 47.75 meters. Her freshman year best, already a WFU record, was 50.32 meters.

And on March 22, 2014, she shattered that mark with a 51.88-meter throw at the Wake Forest Open.

“The cool part of the sport is that there’s so much technique to learn before you throw,” Merckle said. “In high school, I didn’t know what I was doing – I just winged it and went on natural ability.

Charlie Ionata Now, I spend a day or two every week just watching video of my throws, to understand what I need to do before I make a change.”

At 5-foot-3, Merckle doesn’t look like the typical long-limbed javelin thrower.

Casidy Callahan Her technique has provided a way to get the most from her body.

“I think you have to be very explosive,” Merckle said. “You have to have a lot of power in you. I’m not tall and lengthy, but it’s a good example of how other aspects can help.”

Besides the proper run-up and throwing motion, Merckle said, her work with Sion in the weight room has been critical.

“Coach Sion had me lifting weights and lifting things with speed to get that explosiveness, then we’ve worked on transferring that onto the runway,” Merckle said.

That seemed to come easily for Merckle, and Sion said that learning ability is one of Merckle’s greatest traits.

“I don’t know if coachable is the right word – all kids are coachable – but it’s her ability to take what I say one time and go do it,” Sion said. “Her ability to learn new motor skills and changes is second to none.

It’s kind of freaky.”

That trait may come from Merckle’s family. Her mother Sharon was voted “most athletic” in high school and played softball at Wheeling Jesuit, and Merckle said her father Jack was also a good athlete.

“I grew up with it my whole life,” said

Jessie. “I was blessed with the ability that has helped me become the athlete I am. You can listen (to coaching) all you want, but you have to understand what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. That’s what some people lack.”

Merckle’s ability to listen has been put to use more than she’d like at WFU. A pair of injuries have kept her out of some key meets during her short stint with the Deacons.

Her 2013 season ended early because of an umbilical hernia, forcing her to miss the East Regional and NCAA national meets. This year, she suffered a wrist injury while lifting and also strained her calf but returned quickly to school-record form.

She credits Sion with much of her recovery.

“It was a lot of challenges,” Merckle said. “Now that they’re over, I’m glad they happened. I became a better athlete, and I think coach Sion became a better coach as well. He modified my workouts and let me keep going, overcome the injuries in different ways, and I think I grew more mentally than physically.”

Sion sees Merckle’s growth continuing, and projects big things in the next two-plus years and beyond.

“She’s been phenomenal, not just with her ACC title and statistics, but as a leader,” Sion said. “She can do great things for us at the conference and national level, but she’s also been a huge factor in recruiting the last two classes. It’s a treat for me to coach her, because she’s been impactful beyond her statistics.”

MAY/JUNE 2014

17

INSIDE THE DEACON CLUB

WFU Supporters Excited About New Coach

BA R RY FA I R C L O T H A S S O C I AT E AT H L E T I C DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT & SALES

The “Mann The Quad” event introducing our new basketball coach, Danny Manning, brought together many Wake Forest supporters who seemed energized by a spirit of hope and anticipation for the future of Wake Forest basketball. As I made my way through the festivities on Hearn Plaza, I was pleased to run into throngs of Wake Forest alums, fans and staff who all make Wake Forest so special – people such as Ashby Cook, sporting his famous yellow bowler, who was clearly inspired by the festivities; Cook and Julie Griffin who were excited to be there to welcome our new coach; and Bob McCreary, his son Robert and his wife Michelle, who made the trip to Winston-Salem after concluding their work at the furniture market.

While some enjoyed complimentary hot dogs, ice cream and cotton candy, many Wake Forest families such as alum Bobby Finch and his two kids, who could be seen jumping around in the bounce house, had a blast playing on the Quad. With Danny’s Page High School connection, there was also a strong Greensboro contingent in attendance. Kyle Young and his daughter Amy Jordan and her two boys had fun suiting up for the sumo wrestling game, while John Newman, a former teammate of Danny’s, was there to show his support as well.

It appears Greensboro has been reengaged by this hire, and I look forward to seeing supporters in the stands as we welcome Coach Manning back to the area to lead the Triad’s ACC team.

As Danny conducted his Q&A session with the crowd, there were fans who were overcome by emotion as they posed their question. I love and respect fans that care so deeply that their emotions sometimes get the best of them, and I think this feeling is indicative of how many in attendance were feeling at that time.

It was fun to listen to Danny’s stories about growing up watching the Demon Deacons and mentioning names such as Rodney Rogers, Jim Johnstone, Danny Young and one of his all-time favorites, Anthony Teachey. Hearing these former players’ names resonated with me, and it was great to know that our new coach has a knowledge and appreciation of our history and tradition having grown up watching Wake Forest in the Greensboro Coliseum.

The words that inspired me most, however, were delivered during Coach Manning’s press conference when he said, “We have aspirations of being a championship team. We want to cut down nets. We’re going to put forth the work to put ourselves in that situation. It’s not going to be easy. But, I’m willing to roll up my sleeves, and let’s go get it.”

While Danny was speaking to the large crowd assembled at the “Mann the Quad” event, I was able to spend a little time with Danny’s “right-hand man,” Justin Bauman, and briefly discuss our Development Plan for Coach Manning. This plan is intended to help Danny connect with our donors and fans and engage our basketball alums and encourage them to become more involved with our program.

Some of the ideas we have for getting Danny connected include conference calls with key groups of donors and volunteers, as well as basketball alumni, possible participation in some of the Spring Tour events with Coach Clawson, involvement in various activities and events in the Wake Forest and Winston-Salem communities, and planning a reunion to reengage our basketball alumni.

This is truly an exciting time for Wake Forest athletics. As we move forward in a renewed spirit of hope and optimism, there are many ways donors can help our program whether you are local or live far away: 1. Buy tickets and come to as many games as you possibly can 2. Invest in the Deacon Club Annual Scholarship Fund by joining, renewing or upgrading your membership 3. Find and explore a capital project that inspires you and support as much as possible

This next year will be a critical one in the development of our football and basketball programs, and our coaches need As Danny interacted with the crowd and addressed the media your support to make our mission of “Developing Champions” throughout the day, the best word I could use to describe him possible. It will take an “all-in” approach with the entire Wake is “genuine.” He has a very sincere nature about him. Although Forest community coming together and doing their part. We he has a soft-spoken disposition, his words carry weight with look forward to having you join us in this exciting new era of Wake Forest athletics. real purpose in his message.

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GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

INSIDE THE DEACON CLUB

SAVE THE DATE HOMECOMING AND VARSITY CLUB WEEKEND Homecoming Weekend, Sept. 19-20. The Homecoming football game will be against Army on Saturday, Sept. 20. Also, all former student-athletes and managers are invited to return to campus for Varsity Club Weekend, Oct. 17-18. The Varsity Club football game will be against Syracuse on Saturday, Oct. 18. More details will be sent later this spring, so be on the lookout for more information coming your way 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

2014 SPRING COACHES TOUR LOCATIONS ANNOUNCED

WE NEED YOU

Join fellow Deacon Club members, Wake Forest alumni and fans for a unique opportunity to learn more about all of the exciting things going on with Wake Forest Athletics! Check back to WakeForestSports.com for updated information leading up to this year’s events.

The 2014 Deacon Club Spring Tour will be coming to the following locations:

Greenville, S.C. - Tuesday, May 6

Greensboro, N.C. - Thursday, May 8

Raleigh, N.C. - Tuesday, May 20

ON OUR TEAM GIVE 110%. SIGN YOUR LETTER OF INTENT. DEVELOP CHAMPIONS. We are putting together the strongest donor class in history, and if you haven’t already committed, we need you on the roster. Commit to the Class of 2014. Together, we’re Developing Champions.

Charlotte, N.C. - Wednesday, May 21 – Lunch Event Winston-Salem, N.C. – Wednesday, May 21 – BB&T Field

Join the team at

DEACONCLUB.COM/ CLASSOF2014 #DEACONCLUB14

Watch the video on

FB.ME/DEACONCLUB #GODEACS

MAY/JUNE 2014

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DONOR PROFILE

// B I L L R O B I N S O N

Bill Robinson Proud To Be A Deacon And Give Back To Alma Mater

B

ill Robinson (’87), a walk-on for both the football and basketball teams during his four years at Wake Forest, recalled his time as a student as an experience that helped foster his development during college and influenced his career after graduation.

“As a student, I really appreciated the liberal arts curriculum, along with the campus size, which allowed me to get to know my professors,” Bill said. “The curriculum exposed me to many disciplines, which allowed me to determine my interests and strengths.

I enjoyed that about Wake Forest, and I ultimately graduated as a communications major.”

Bill grew up in the Washington, D.C., area and was aware of Wake Forest, but it was his official visit to campus, at the invitation of head football coach Al Groh, that was his true introduction to the University.

“I came down for a recruiting visit and just really fell in love with the University,” Bill said. “I really liked the size of the school, the beauty of the campus, the terrific people I met that weekend, and I felt very much at home at Wake Forest from the beginning.”

That first impression was the beginning of a time in which Bill said he learned a lot about hard work and discipline from his involvement in the Wake Forest football and basketball programs.

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GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

“My experience didn’t really turn out the way I thought it would, or wanted it to, in terms of playing time,” Bill said.

“I walked on both the football and basketball teams, and I think that experience really helped me learn how to get over disappointment quickly and make the best of any situation.

I came to the realization that just because you want something to happen in a certain way doesn’t always mean it will, which was a really valuable lesson. I think my experience at Wake Forest has really proven to be valuable in my career, in keeping things in perspective – continuing to fight and never giving up.”

That determined attitude, along with the direction gained in courses taken as an undergraduate, led Bill to a successful career in human resources.

“The liberal arts curriculum at Wake really helped me understand what my strengths were and what my areas of development were,” he said. “I ultimately moved into human resources because I really gravitated toward my communication courses that I took. Wake Forest really helped me in deciding what to do from a career perspective.”

Today, Bill serves as executive vice president and chief human resources officer at global technology provider Sabre.

He was recently appointed to the position after having served in similar roles in several companies, including 20 years at General Electric, and is responsible for leading the company’s global human resource function, including talent management, organizational leadership and culture, and talent acquisition and management.

Looking back on his time at Wake Forest, Bill said he feels strongly about giving back to the institution that gave him so much as a young man.

“I think as you get older and you start to reflect on some of the special times you’ve had in your life and in your career, you quickly get back to the wonderful experiences

at Wake Forest,” he said. “It’s just a special place, and to be able to give back to a University that has meant so much to me and also allow other student-athletes to have such a great experience, that will be one of the highlights of their life.”

Bill is able to get back to campus a few times each year, and when he does, he always walks the Quad, which he said brings back great memories and allows him to soak in the beauty of campus. It also allows him to reflect on the significance of his time as an undergrad and how it has helped shape his life.

that. I also feel proud of Wake Forest’s commitment to world-class academics and athletics; I think that is something that differentiates Wake Forest from other universities. I’m really proud that I graduated from, and now support, a school that puts a premium on winning

by the vision and direction of Wake Forest athletics and is looking forward to seeing the program develop in the coming years.

“This is a really exciting time of change for Wake Forest,” he said. “Now is the time to step up and contribute to supporting the University, especially as it relates to athletics.

Because of the change in the ACC with a lot of new, talented schools coming in to the conference, and with the addition of a new football coach and basketball coach to the athletic program, this is a really critical time for the University to be able to compete against those schools and to bring in the best talent that we can. I would encourage all Deacon fans to contribute so we can take advantage of this time of change at Wake and in the conference.”

“It’s just a special place, and to be able to give back to a University that has meant so much to me and also allow other student-athletes to have such a great experience, that will be one of the highlights of their life.”

“Being a Demon Deacon, you feel like you’re part of a special club because of the size of the school and the size of the alumni base compared to other, bigger schools,” Bill said. “You’re part of a smaller circle, and there’s a feeling of pride in

on the field and on the courts and also in the classroom, and is dedicated to recruiting student-athletes that have Wake Forest values.”

Looking to the future, Bill is excited

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 Deacon Club members Jerry and Ruby West, and Larry and Lynn Senger pose for a photo while attending a Demon Deacon basketball game.

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2 Deacon Club member David Griffin and his son, David Griffin, Jr., enjoyed a hunting trip this spring.

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3 Deacon Club member Linda Tucker poses for a photo before the Arnold Palmer statue dedication event at the Wake Forest Reynolda campus.

MAY/JUNE 2014

21

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

//

ASHLEY WECHTER

I

n each issue, Where Are They Now showcases a former Wake Forest student-athlete. Ashley Wechter (’06) graduated from Wake Forest with a bachelor of science in health and exercise science and ran track & field and cross country as an undergrad. Ashley recently returned to Wake Forest and currently serves as the assistant director of Student-Athlete Development, where she oversees opportunities for student-athlete development, including leadership, career development and community engagement. She also leads and guides the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Ashley Wechter When did you graduate from Wake Forest?

2006 What was your major and/or minor?

Health and Exercise Science What does being a Demon Deacon mean to you?

Being a part of one of the most unique institutions in the United States.

Why are you still involved in Wake Forest Athletics?

The athletic department, in particular CHAMPS/Life Skills and Student-Athlete Development, poured so much time into me during my time as a studentathlete. They helped ignite my career in intercollegiate athletics (served as SAAC president, Athletes-in-Action servant team, attended NCAA leadership conferences, served as the ACC Futures Husband Austin and mentor Julie Intern at ESPN’s Wide World Griffin pose with Ashley of Sports in 2006 and then worked for the NCAA from 2009-2013). The constant support that the athletic department provided, opened up opportunities I would not have received otherwise. When I graduated, I told them I would be ‘Julie Griffin’ someday – I just didn’t realize at the time that my dream would come true and I would replace my mentor!

In many ways, I took the position as the assistant director of Student-Athlete Development as a way to pay-it-forward in hopes of helping other student-athletes much life myself.

Why do you feel it is important to give back to the University?

Wake Forest University is such a special place. The intimate environment and small campus produce BIG things that other schools cannot compete with. It’s important to give back so we can continue to show how exceptional and uncommon a place like Wake Forest is. I’m proud to be a Demon Deacon, both as a former student-athlete and current employee. I feel it’s my job to now share our unique qualities and help others model their athletic departments after us.

What is your current occupation?

Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development. My primary role is to help mentor student-athletes, create leadership opportunities, assist in the development of their career path and get them involved in community service initiatives. While

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GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

Ashley with Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at the 2013 retreat.

other institutions have this same type of department, ours is very intimate, and I get to know our student-athletes on an individual level.

What is your favorite memory of your time at Wake Forest?

The pure excitement we all shared during our streak of wins in men’s basketball from the 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons!

Rushing the court after beating Duke and being known for having one of the loudest sets of fans in the nation!

What makes you most proud of Wake Forest?

That we never sacrifice our integrity to get ahead.

When you come back to Wake Forest, you always… visit Julie Griffin, of course! Except now I’m the “new” Julie Griffin!

I was there when…

Field hockey won three national championships, Skip Prosser led the Deacs to the NCAA Tournament, and Chris Paul and his teammates were ranked No. 1 by the Associated Press. Our football team was on the verge of a bowl game, and standout track and field teammates competed at the NCAA level, like Annie Bersagel and Michelle Sikes. All of Wake Forest athletics was thriving!

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

Unfair question now that I work here! Truly, I do not have a favorite; however, as an Ohio valley girl, I was always a fan of Skip Prosser being that he lived and coached in my neck of the woods. Skip was always friendly and would strike up a conversation with me. He embodied what Wake Forest is about.

He embraced our academic standards but also proved you can have big- time success at our incredible university.

Since 1926, Goodwill has provided hope and opportunity for people in Winston-Salem. With every donation, you support programs that help others in our community find jobs and reach financial stability.

Find your financial motivation .

Partner with Allegacy Investment Group and CFS* for help with: creating an objective plan to meet your needs, preserving your wealth while minimizing taxes, deciding when to take Social Security benefits, understanding your Medicare options and maximizing 401(k) plans through former employers.

N ot y e t a m e m b e r o F a l l e gaC y ?

N ot a p r o b l e m .

I t ’ s e a s y to j o I N .

Call 336.774.3400 / 800.782.4670 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. *Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. Allegacy Federal Credit Union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members. For specific tax advice, please consult a professional tax advisor. ©2014 Allegacy Federal Credit Union

MAY/JUNE 2014

23

AT H L E T I C S

The Wake Forest motto, Pro Humanitate, which translates as “For Humanity,� is embodied by Wake Forest student-athletes who regularly go above and beyond their academic and athletic duties by volunteering their time in the community.

Student-athletes gathered at a recent baseball game with children from Twin City Outreach to enjoy a meal together and watch the game.

TCO is an organization that empowers young girls to be leaders in their community and WFU student-athletes serve as great role models for them.

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GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

Several members of the football team have shown their commitment to the fight against hunger by volunteering with H.O.P.E., which stands for “Help Our People Eat” on several occasions.

Members of the women’s basketball team share their love for reading with students at Old Town Elementary.

MAY/JUNE 2014

25

DEACONS IN THE PROS BASEBALL

MEN’S SOCCER

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

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 Adam Wogan MLB New York Mets Director of Minor League Operations Tommy Gregg AAA Kansas City Omaha Storm Chasers Hitting Coach George Greer AAA New York Mets Las Vegas Hitting Coach

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

Brian Holmes Carlos Lopez Mike MacDougal Niko Spezial Justin Van Grouw Mac Williamson

Tampa Bay Rays Free Agent St. Louis Cardinals Houston Astros New York Mets Houston Astros Washington Nationals Free Agent Washington Nationals Arizona Diamondbacks San Francisco Giants

MEN’S GOLF Lee Bedford Bill Haas Jay Haas Gary Hallberg Scott Hoch Len Mattiace Kyle Reifers Jay Sigel Curtis Strange Webb Simpson Ron Whittaker

Web.com Has yet to play an event on the Web.com; made one cut on the PGALA Tour PGA Has finished in the top-25 in 8 of 11 events; 33rd in FedEx Cup standings Champions Has played in 5 events and hasn’t finished any worse than 12th; is 4th on the money list Champions Has played in three events and finished T59 at the Allianz Championship Champions Is playing well; finished sixth at the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic Web.com Finished T49 at the PGA Tour’s OHL Classic at Mayakoba in November Web.com Has two top-3 finishes in three events this season Champions Has yet to play an event this season Champions Finished T34th in the season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Champ.; has made 4 starts PGA Has 5 top-10s in 10 events; Is currently 9th in the FedEx Cup Standings Web.com Hasn’t played an event on tour this season

WOMEN’S GOLF Laura (Philo) Diaz Jean Chua Nannette Hill Natalie Sheary Michelle Shin Cheyenne Woods

LPGA Made 2 hole-in-ones at the Kia Classic; has made 3 starts with a top finish of T25 Symetra Finished T14 at the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic, her best finish in four starts Symetra Has played in four events LPGA Was T16 at the Symetra Tour’s Volvik Championship; has made four starts this season Symetra Finished T28 at the tour’s season-opening event, her best result in four events Symetra Won the Australian Ladies Masters on the LET; Has made the cut in all 3 Symetra events

Anthony Arena Corben Bone Brian Carroll Sam Cronin Austin da Luz Chris Duvall Akira Fitzgerald Luca Gimenez Tolani Ibikunle Stephen Keel Michael Lahoud Collin Martin Justin Moose Ike Opara Sean Okoli Michael Parkhurst James Riley Jalen Robinson Zack Schilawski Jared Watts

Houston Dynamo Philadelphia Union Philadelphia Union San Jose Earthquakes Carolina RailHawks (USL Pro) New York Red Bulls Carolina RailHawks (NASL) Philadelphia Union Colorado Rapids FC Dallas Philadelphia Union D.C. United SJK (Finland) Sporting Kansas City Seattle Sounders Columbus Crew L.A. Galaxy D.C. United Carolina RailHawks (NASL) Colorado Rapids

COACHES John Hackworth Rob Vartughian

Philadelphia Union (Head Coach) Philadelphia Union (Technical Director)

WOMEN’S SOCCER Bianca D’Agostino Boston Breakers

MEN’S BASKETBALL Al-Farouq Aminu Tim Duncan Taron Downey James Johnson Chris Paul Ishmael Smith Jeff Teague Ty Walker Justin Gray C.J. Harris Jamaal Levy Chas McFarland Nikita Mescheriakov Darius Songaila Kyle Visser David Weaver L.D. Williams

NBA NBA Cyprus NBA NBA NBA NBA NBADL Turkey Germany Argentina Japan Belarus Lithuania Germany Portugal France

New Orleans Pelicans San Antonio Spurs Etha (Cyprus) Memphis Grizzlies L.A. Clippers Phoenix Suns Atlanta Hawks Maine Red Claws Pertevniyal Istanbul Ludwigsburg MH Basket Akita NH Tsmoki-Minsk Lietuvos Rytas NY Phantoms Benfica Bourg

WOMEN’S PRO BASKETBALL Lakevia Boykin Sandra Garcia Alex Tchangoue

France Puerto Rico France

Pau Orthez FoA Nice

FOOTBALL Tommy Bohanon Josh Bush Tyson Clabo Brandon Ghee Chris Givens Joe Looney Calvin Pace Steve Vallos Kyle Wilber

NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL

FB S OL CB WR OL LB OG LB

NY Jets NY Jets Miami Cincinnati St. Louis San Francisco NY Jets Denver Dallas

Carolina NY Giants Carolina Carolina Minnesota San Diego Indianapolis

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

COACHES/STAFF Charlie Dayton Pat Flaherty Joe Kenn Ricky Proehl Diron Reynolds John Spanos Brad White

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GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL

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.

Proud Sponsor of Wake Forest University Athletics

Spa & Salon • Starbucks • Indoor Pools • Fitness Centers 5th and Cherry Streets • Winston-Salem NC 27101 336.725.3500 • www.twincityquarter.com

MAY/JUNE 2014

27

A New Kind of Power is Planned ...

Restaurants, Entertainment, Retail and Innovation Local seasonal ingredients. Fresh from scratch. Extensive wine list.

Space Are Coming to Bailey Power Plant

For information on Bailey Power Plant in the heart of Wake Forest Innovation Quarter in Downtown Winston-Salem, contact:

Cindy Christopher

Charlie McCurry

Class of 1981

336.926.14ll cindy@CommercialRealtyNC.com 101 North Cherry Street, Suite 502 Winston-Salem, NC 27101

BA 2005 / JD 2008

336.782.4421 charlie@CommercialRealtyNC.com

www.CommercialRealtyNC.com

411 South Marshall Street | Winston-Salem, NC 27107 336-722-8889 | www.meridianws.com

Live for gameday

EXPERIENCE WAKE FOREST FOOTBALL FROM DEACON TOWER AT

CLUB SEATING & SUITES NOW AVAILABLE LIMITED AVAILABILITY

For more information, contact Jon Hoban at 336-758-4030 or hobanj@wfu.edu 28

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

SUN 20

MON 21

Baseball vs. Florida State 1pm

TUE 22

WED 23

THUR

FRI

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Baseball vs. Charlotte 6pm

S AT

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Baseballvs. Duke 6pm

Football Spring Game 2pm

BB&T FIELD

APRIL // MAY 2014

WAKE FOREST ATHLETICS

Baseball vs. Duke 4pm

Deacon Club members at or above the Golden C level may present their 13-14 membership cards for free admission to Olympic Sport events (immediate family only).

Olympic Sport single game tickets and season passes are available at WakeForestSports.com or by calling (336) 758-3322.

SPORTS MARKETING (336) 758-5011 TICKET OFFICE (336) 758-3322

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Baseball vs. Virginia 6pm

Baseball vs. Virginia 6pm

Baseball vs. Virginia 2pm

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Baseball vs. Duke 1pm

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Spring Coaches Tour Greensboro, N.C.

Spring Coaches Tour Greenville, S.C.

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Spring Coaches Tour Raleigh, N.C.

Spring Coaches Tour Charlotte, N.C. (Lunch) Spring Coaches Tour Winston-Salem, N.C.

BB&T FIELD 25

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2014 SPRING COACHES TOUR LOCATIONS ANNOUNCED Join fellow Deacon Club members, Wake Forest alumni and fans for a unique opportunity to learn more about all of the exciting things going on with Wake Forest Athletics! The 2014 Deacon Club Spring Tour will be coming to the following locations: Greenville, S.C. - Tuesday, May 6

GROUP TICKETS (Football & Basketball) (336) 758-4030

Greensboro, N.C. - Thursday, May 8 Raleigh, N.C. - Tuesday, May 20

DEACON CLUB (336) 758-5626 www.deaconclub.com deacclub@wfu.edu

Charlotte, N.C. - Wednesday, May 21 – Lunch Event Winston-Salem, N.C. – Wednesday, May 21 – BB&T Field For more information on the 2014 Spring Coaches Tour, please visit WakeForestSports.com

COMPLIANCE CORNER

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

Student-Athlete-Employees?

For years, student-athletes have been viewed as just that — students who happen to play a particular sport.

However, after a recent groundbreaking decision, student-athletes might be trading in their meal cards for time cards.

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

The March 26 ruling by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) allowing student-athletes at private institutions to unionize has sent shock waves throughout the sports world, but what exactly does this ruling mean for student-athletes and the colleges and universities they represent? If it is upheld, the decision would allow student-athletes to be considered as employees of these institutions rather than simply as students. As such, they would then have the right, under the National Labor Relations Act, to collective bargaining, which would allow them to negotiate the terms of their new-found employment status. This would, in turn, open the door to compensation for student-athletes, an issue that has long since been a point of contention.

Amateurism has been a bedrock principle of the NCAA since its inception. Though the concept of pure amateurism has been eroded by numerous legislated exceptions in recent years, it would likely

be completely dismantled by the type of employee model that has now been endorsed by the NLRB. In his 24-page ruling, Peter Ohr, regional director of the NLRB, cited the amount of time student-athletes are engaged in athletically related activities, as well as the amount of money generated by college athletics, as factors in his decision. Northwestern has appealed this decision, which could ultimately wind up in the Supreme Court. Similar efforts that would afford these same privileges to student-athletes at public institutions are expected to follow suit.

The labor issue comes just months before the O’Bannon v. NCAA case is scheduled to go to trial.

The O’Bannon case is challenging the NCAA’s use of student-athletes’ names and likenesses. Taken together, the results of these two cases could change college athletics as we know it. Given all that is at stake, these are certainly interesting times for the NCAA and all who follow college sports.

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

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GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

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