Gold Rush - November 2020

INTERNATIONAL ATHLETES OVERCOME OBSTACLES

NOVEMBER 2020

Christian Beal-Smith grew up coming to Wake Forest football games, and now he has transitioned to wearing the Black and Gold and being a featured running back for his hometown team

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VOL. 30 // ISSUE 3 (USPS 014-373) EDITOR

Jim Buice PHOTOGRAPHERS

WFU Athletics and others as noted.

WRITERS

Marc Pruitt, Bob Sutton, Sam Walker Design & Layout

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CONTENTS Gold Rush is published eight times a year in August, October, November, December, February, March, May and June

by Learfield IMG College in conjunction with Wake Forest Athletics. Periodicals postage paid at Winston-Salem, NC 27102 and at additional mailing offices. The price of an annual subscription is $20. Members of the Deacon Club receive a oneyear subscription as part of their membership. Persons wishing to subscribe to Gold Rush should send a check or money order (credit cards not accepted) to: Learfield IMG College 540 N. Trade St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101 All material produced in this publication is the property of Wake Forest University and Learfield IMG College and shall not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission.

POSTMASTER: Please send all address changes to the attention of Stephanie Hudson, Wake Forest Athletics, 519 Deacon Blvd. Winston-Salem, NC 27105.

The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser and/or the advertiser’s product or service

by Wake Forest or Learfield IMG College. The use of the name of the University or any of its identifying marks in advertisements must be approved by WFU and IMG.

ON THE COVER Redshirt junior Christian Beal-Smith is a key player in Wake Forest's potent rushing attack.

// N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0

Ron Wellman, former Director of Athletics at Wake Forest, has been selected by the board of the LEAD1 Association to receive the 30th Homer Rice Award. The national honor is awarded annually to retired athletics directors with transformative contributions to intercollegiate athletics. Wellman spent 27 years as Wake Forest University's athletic director (1992-2019) and elevated the Demon Deacon athletics program to unprecedented success both on the field and off. Under Wellman's leadership, Wake Forest won five national championships and 24 Atlantic Coast Conference titles.

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DEACONS IN THE PROS COMPLIANCE CORNER

// 6 PATIENCE PAYS OFF Christian Beal-Smith was a star running back in high school at East Forsyth, but he knew he first needed to find his spot in the pecking order at Wake Forest before developing into a key component in the offense.

// 12 UNIQUE CHALLENGES Three Wake Forest international student-athletes were among those who faced extra obstacles when dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic to finally get home in the spring and then return back to campus and the playing fields this fall.

// 18 ‘A DIFFERENT KID’ Christina Morra, a junior forward for the women’s basketball team, used the COVID-19 pandemic’s uncertainty to implement a new workout plan and diet to transform herself into a “different kid,” according to head coach Jen Hoover.

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Fall semester flying by Demon Deacon Nation,

JOHN CURRIE DIRECTOR O F AT H L E T I C S

Last spring, as the pandemic began, it felt like time slowed to a crawl, now it’s hard to believe how quickly this semester seems to be flying by. I’ve said it a lot this semester, but it’s worth repeating — I am so incredibly proud of the way our student-athletes, coaches and staff have handled the many challenges they have faced as a result of the pandemic and associated safety protocols. It has been a true joy watching them return to competition and continue to excel on the field and off. My only regret is that more of Deacon Nation hasn’t been able to cheer them on in person.

In years past, this particular issue of Gold Rush has typically

Steve Forbes is raring to go in his first season as the head coach of the men’s basketball program.

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been a basketball preview. With the later start to the season this year, we decided to push that back until the next issue. But you can still get your hoops fix by checking out the article about women’s basketball junior Christina Morra.

I was really impressed by the commitment she showed while quarantining at home in Canada, and I’m looking forward to seeing her on the court soon.

Another story you won’t want to miss is the one about Christian Beal-Smith. He’s a hometown guy who has been wearing Black and Gold since he was a young kid.

It’s so great to see his hard work, commitment and patience pay off in such a big way this season.

You’ll find another interesting read in the story about how the pandemic has impacted a few of our international student-athletes.

Just imagine flying a total of 32 hours to get home to your family in Hong Kong.

As usual, there’s plenty more great content to entertain you and keep you up to date on the Deacs. Remember that if you have questions or comments, always feel free to email me at wfuad@wfu. edu. Stay safe and keep wearing your masks.

Go Deacs!

John Currie Director of Athletics

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FEELINGAT RIGHT

HOME RUNNING BACK CHRISTIAN BEAL-SMITH GIVES DEMON DEACONS KEY LOCAL CONNECTION

By Bob Sutton

T

his is Christian Beal-Smith’s fourth season as a member of the Wake Forest football program – in an official capacity.

In reality, he has been on board for much longer than that.

Before he became a running back for the Demon Deacons, he was a young fan.

“Since I was 8 years old, my whole room was covered with Black and Gold,” Beal-Smith said. “I grew up coming to football games here.”

Much of that growing up process has evolved as a Wake Forest student-athlete. He brings a hometown tone to the Demon Deacons, a nice touch to go with the speed and power he has displayed out of the backfield.

By the time Beal-Smith was racking up 25 touchdowns as a high school senior at East Forsyth, the recruiting fervor had been going at a high pitch. Todd Willert, his high school coach, praised Demon Deacon staff members for making his player one of their priorities.

After all, player and coach had visited places such as Penn State, and it was clear multiple programs were in hot pursuit.

“Christian didn’t want to go all over,” Willert said. “He got the offer at one of the colleges he dreamed to go to. After he committed, Wake Forest obviously did a great job in keeping him.”

The recruitment of Beal-Smith was a big deal for the Demon Deacons. Head coach Dave Clawson said that the player would be able to help elevate the program.

Offensive coordinator Warren Ruggiero was intrigued by the possibilities of making Beal-Smith one of the featured components in an emerging well-rounded offense.

“Christian was a huge recruit for us,” Ruggiero said. “He was one of those kids a lot of times you don’t land at Wake Forest with NOVEMBER 2020

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BEAL-SMITH SAID HE ADMIRED FORMER WAKE FOREST QUARTERBACK RILEY SKINNER DURING HIS FORMATIVE YEARS. IN SOME WAYS, BEAL-SMITH’S INITIAL DEVELOPMENT AS A THREAT WITH THE BALL IN HIS HANDS CAME BY MISTAKE.

a high percentage – to have an incredible amount of offers from a lot of different places. I think his dream was always to come to Wake Forest since he was a kid, which was great for us.”

Beal-Smith said he admired former Wake Forest quarterback Riley Skinner during his formative years. In some ways, Beal-Smith’s initial development as a threat with the ball in his hands came by mistake.

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He remembered being a kicker and punter on the Pop Warner level. One game while in punt formation, he mishandled the snap.

Not knowing what else to do, he just took off with the ball – and kept running. From there, the coaches decided it would be best to make sure he carried the ball more often.

CHRISTIAN BEAL-SMITH Height: 5-10 Weight: 201 Position: Running back Class: Redshirt junior Major: Communication Hometown: Winston-Salem High School: East Forsyth

“And I became a running back,” he said.

By the time he reached Wake Forest, there were needed adjustments for Beal-Smith. Much of it involved patience because the Demon Deacons had developed a stout stable of running backs.

There was a redshirt season and then finding his spot in the pecking order.

“We were fortunate over the years to have some other really good running backs,” Ruggiero said, mentioning Cade Carney and Matt Colburn II. “It’s always nice to keep developing, and we didn’t have to play (Beal-Smith) early.”

Beal-Smith’s role on the 2017 scout team proved valuable. The coaches noticed his work.

By the end of that season, one of the Beal-Smith’s favorite moments as a member of the team took place – and he was on the sideline watching. That was the thrilling Belk Bowl victory against Texas A&M in Charlotte.

“Just that everybody worked so hard and we found a way to win,” he said. “The excitement and joy. That made me fall in love with what the program is.”

NOVEMBER 2020

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“ COACH CLAWSON INSISTED I GET BIGGER SO I’D BE MORE DURABLE. I HANDLE MORE REPS AND I’M TAKING MORE HITS … AND BEING ABLE TO BLOCK ACC LINEBACKERS.”

Then it was time for a more active role on game days.

Beal-Smith was fully aware that there would be challenges along the way.

He said he aimed to learn from older running backs, remember the emphasis that Carney and Colburn stressed to run low and avoid standing so tall with the ball.

–CHRISTIAN BEAL-SMITH While things came so naturally in high school, he sensed the importance of refining his skills.

“I even went through that phase. I was the best in high school.

Now we’re at the top level where everybody on the team is good,”

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he said. “I adjusted by having the mindset that I’m not the best football player on the field.

In high school, I was bigger and faster. Now I know that I have to work harder.

“I learned to be patient.

That made me who I am today.

They really taught me how to be a better running back.”

That included off the field work. He put on bulk, and now checks in at more than 200 pounds.

“Coach Clawson insisted I get bigger so I’d be more durable,” he said. “I handle more reps and I’m taking more hits … and being able to block ACC linebackers.”

It was a block earlier this season that helped spring teammate Donavon Greene’s kickoff return for a touchdown against nonconference opponent Campbell.

“I saw that I could do that to help (Greene),” he said. “I love to see my teammates have success.

It’s about the whole team and not just what I’m doing.”

That blocking didn’t surprise Willert.

“I loved the block on that kick return,” his high school coach said. “He just wants to compete and be out there. Anything you ask him to do, he’ll do. He was one of those guys you had to rein back in at practice because he goes all out. That’s what makes him different.”

Still, there was a transition period, perhaps part of that hometown connection.

“There are definitely challenges sometimes to having a kid who went to high school right down the road and all his friends are still in town and all those things,” Ruggiero said. “Christian has handled his business. He’s a neat kid. (Having him in the program) has been awesome.”

Beal-Smith liked to leave campus during his first year of college. He said it took time to forge close friendships, so it was easier to go home.

He recalls running backs coach John Hunter explaining that it would work best to begin creating an identity with his teammates.

“That was my biggest struggle,” he said. “Coach Hunter sat down with me. It just felt like I found out who I was. I started being in the film room. … My family was even happy to have me out of the house.”

Beal-Smith, who now lives off campus with teammates, said he’s known for having a goofy side.

That’s a fun-natured element he’s happy to supply.

“I just try to make everybody around me laugh,” he said.

It tends to be working.

“It’s good to see him out there smiling and playing football,” Willert said.

Another part of the appeal of playing so close to home is the opportunity for people he cares about to see him in action.

“To make sure my family is always going to all my games,” Beal-Smith said.

It’s just an ideal combination.

“We knew he was a very talented kid,” Ruggiero said. “One of those guys we were very excited to get. We knew he was going to have a great career.”

If the running back’s three-touchdown outing in early October is an indication, it’s all coming together. Beal-Smith wants Wake Forest fans to appreciate what he does much like he appreciates the opportunity to put on that Black and Gold uniform.

“I hope they see a hard-working student-athlete who tries to love everybody equally,” he said.

BEAL-SMITH, WHO NOW LIVES OFF CAMPUS WITH TEAMMATES, SAID HE’S KNOWN FOR HAVING A GOOFY SIDE. THAT’S A FUNNATURED ELEMENT HE’S HAPPY TO SUPPLY.

NOVEMBER 2020

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WORKING THRO

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Calvin Harris

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PAN

UGH

NDEMIC WAKE FOREST’S INTERNATIONAL ATHLETES FACED PLENTY OF LOGISTICAL COMPLICATIONS WHEN COVID-19 SHUT DOWN CAMPUS IN MARCH

By Marc Pruitt

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alvin Harris was only seeking a little adventure when he went to Miami over spring break with a few of his friends. Little did he know at the time how much life was about to change.

Harris, a sophomore on the men’s soccer team who hails from Middlesbrough, England, and who played club soccer in New Zealand from ages 14-18, enjoyed some fun in the sun while he was in Miami, a city he hadn’t visited yet since he arrived in the states.

“We were on our way back to North Carolina when we got the call about what was going on and that they were going to close campus,”

said Harris, who has been a starting forward for the Deacons since midway through his freshman season. “Our spring workouts were being canceled, and we needed to go home. At first, I really just wanted to try and stay in Winston-Salem because I was worried if I would ever be able to come back. There was a lot of uncertainty about everything in March. I called my parents, and they wanted me to come to them. Only, they were living in Hong Kong at the time.”

Harris, who is one of five international soccer players at Wake Forest, and his parents searched for flights and settled on a few that would get him to Hong Kong in a timely fashion, at least in terms of how quickly they were able to find them.

“The flights I ended up taking had me in transit for 32 hours,” Harris said. “So, I ended up staying in Hong Kong during the entire quarantine.”

HARRIS, WHO IS ONE OF FIVE INTERNATIONAL SOCCER PLAYERS AT WAKE FOREST, AND HIS PARENTS SEARCHED FOR FLIGHTS AND SETTLED ON A FEW THAT WOULD GET HIM TO HONG KONG IN A TIMELY FASHION, AT LEAST IN TERMS OF HOW QUICKLY THEY WERE ABLE TO FIND THEM. NOVEMBER 2020

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“ THEY WERE PRETTY STRICT WITH EVERYTHING AND WERE CAREFUL TO SHUT THINGS DOWN IF THE CASES REACHED A CERTAIN LEVEL. INITIALLY, ALL THE SOCCER PITCHES STAYED OPEN AS DID MOST OF THE GYMS, SO I COULD MAINTAIN MY FITNESS AND GET ON THE PITCH IF I NEEDED TO.” –CALVIN HARRIS Hong Kong wasn’t a hotspot for the coronavirus. Harris was surprised at how much he was able to do in terms of working out and getting around.

“They were pretty strict with everything and were careful to shut things down if the cases reached a certain level,” Harris

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Anne van Hoof

“ AS SOON AS WE FOUND OUT ABOUT CAMPUS SHUTTING DOWN, I CALLED MY PARENTS TO SEE WHAT THEY WANTED ME TO DO. THEY WANTED ME TO COME HOME. AND KEEP IN MIND, THINGS WERE ALREADY PRETTY BAD WITH THE VIRUS ACROSS EUROPE. I WAS ABLE TO BOOK A FLIGHT HOME THE DAY AFTER I GOT BACK TO CAMPUS.” – OLIVIA CORTHALS said. “Initially, all the soccer pitches stayed open as did most of the gyms, so I could maintain my fitness and get on the pitch if I needed to. Towards the end of my stay, they did shut some things down, though, because cases started to rise.”

Once Harris got the word that Wake Forest was going to hold its season, he formulated a plan to return to campus.

“It was easy to get a flight back,” Harris said. “The plane was pretty empty. I did have to quarantine for two weeks when I

Olivia Corthals came back and was pretty much confined to an off-campus hotel. But once I did get back out there with everyone, it was pretty exciting. We have a chance to be special this season and everyone is taking the proper measures to be safe. We all want to be able to continue to play our season, and we will do what we have to do.”

Field hockey teammates Olivia Corthals and Anne van Hoof found themselves in similar predicaments to Harris.

Corthals and van Hoof are two of the seven international players on the field hockey team.

Corthals, a junior defender from Gavere, Belgium, had enjoyed a spring break trip to Detroit, Mich., that also included a jaunt over the border into Canada.

“As soon as we found out about campus shutting down, I called my parents to see what they wanted me to do,” Corthals said.

“They wanted me to come home. And keep in mind, things were already pretty bad with the virus across Europe. I was able to book a flight home the day after I got back to campus. I packed up my room and headed home.”

Van Hoof, a senior from Schijndel, Netherlands, didn’t leave campus during spring break.

“I had a lot of homework I needed to catch up on,” van Hoof said.

“But when everything started happening, I talked to my mom and dad, and they wanted me to come home. My dad said they had already started closing some of the borders in Europe, and he was afraid they might not let me into the country if I didn’t leave immediately.”

Van Hoof packed up her room, booked a flight and headed home.

“There weren’t too many cases where we lived, but they had already shut down the restaurants, outdoor cafes, shops and malls. Once the proper protocols were being followed, things started to get better.”

Both Corthals and van Hoof did what they could to stay in shape during their time home as well.

“We would hold weekly Zoom meetings to stay in touch and then we got the go-ahead that we could return to campus and that we were going to be able to have a season, which was in doubt,” Corthals said. “I think we were all really relieved by that because we just didn’t know when we left when we might play again or come back to campus. My parents and I had definitely thought of possible alternatives if there wasn’t going to be a season.”

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“ I HAD A LOT OF HOMEWORK I NEEDED TO CATCH UP ON. BUT WHEN EVERYTHING STARTED HAPPENING, I TALKED TO MY MOM AND DAD, AND THEY WANTED ME TO COME HOME. MY DAD SAID THEY HAD ALREADY STARTED CLOSING SOME OF THE BORDERS IN EUROPE, AND HE WAS AFRAID THEY MIGHT NOT LET ME INTO THE COUNTRY IF I DIDN’T LEAVE IMMEDIATELY.” –ANNE VAN HOOF Van Hoof dedicated herself to keeping her fitness up while she was home, rotating cardio activities such as running, biking, swimming, and even finding time on a field to work on her individual stick skills.

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She said that she was determined to make it back to campus regardless of whether there was going to be a season or not.

“Everything was up in the air, but I knew I wanted to be here,” van Hoof said. “I knew I wanted to be here from the moment

I visited four years ago. I was very aware of their past success and the national championships. It’s what helped me make my decision to come here. Wake Forest is the perfect balance for my sport and the academics it offers.”

Both Corthals and van Hoof made it back to campus and quarantined before they resumed team activities.

“Things have definitely changed a little bit,” Corthals said.

“We wear masks during warm-ups and cool downs in practices, and there are always protocols to follow before we can enter the facility. We have temperature checks and fill out forms describing

any symptoms we may have so we can take the proper precautions. We all know that we can be really successful this season and don’t want to do anything that my hurt those chances.”

Van Hoof was excited to be back with her teammates once she completed her quarantine.

“Doing the Zoom calls was a nice way to stay in touch, but it was very exciting to be back together with everyone, playing the game that we love,” she said. “We are lucky to be in the ACC so that we can have our season. I think we all feel that way.”

NOVEMBER 2020

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// C H R I S T I N A M O R R A

PLAYING AT A

HIGHER LEVEL DAD’S ENCOURAGEMENT PUT CHRISTINA MORRA ON PATH TO BASKETBALL SUCCESS, WHICH SHE HAS EMBRACED INTO BECOMING A MORE COMPLETE PLAYER

By Sam Walker

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hen Christina Morra first started playing basketball as an 8-year-old in a House League, she didn’t want to dribble. She froze, held the ball above her head and stood motionless until her father, Giovanni, who was also her coach, yelled for her to “score.” That’s when she finally dribbled, took the ball to the basket, and indeed scored. It’s also when she learned she could play the game well.

Today, she feels a particular responsibility to play to the best of her ability to represent Wake Forest and her home country of Canada.

“I didn’t really know what to do, but that’s when I found out I could actually dribble, could score, and it got me started,” Morra

said. “My mom and dad were supportive every step of the way and drove me to practices and encouraged me to keep going, and I fell in love with the game.”

Jen Hoover, the Deacons’ head coach, first saw Morra in a tournament in the U.S., liked what she observed and reached out.

“I went up to see her play several times, and we were able to establish a great relationship with her right off the bat,” Hoover said. “She was intrigued by playing in the ACC all along, and she is a high academic kid as well, so I think when she came down on her visit, she fell in love with the campus, our staff, the community and the connectedness you have here. She was the No. 1-ranked recruit in Canada the year we got her, and she has played on the younger national teams. So she got a lot of attention up there.”

As a freshman, Morra played in 21 games and averaged 3.5 points and 10.4 minutes per game. She had two double-digit scoring performances, both against ACC opponents (Notre Dame and Florida State).

“Her freshman year we were so excited to have her, and she was adjusting to the different style of basketball and everything else, and then she got an illness that wiped out about 10 games of her freshman year, and that’s why she only played in 21 games,” Hoover said.

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In Morra’s sophomore season, she played in all 32 games, with 19 starts. She averaged 8.7 points in 21.7 minutes per game.

She had 14 double-digit scoring outings and three double-digit rebounding games. Her first career double-double came in a win over College of Charleston (13 points and 10 rebounds), and she had a then career-high 13 rebounds with 13 points against No. 7 Louisville. She set a new career-high in scoring with 19 points and 10 rebounds in a first-round win over North Carolina in the 2020 ACC Tournament.

“Last year, she got more comfortable and came into her own, and we started to see the benefits we thought we were going to see near the end of her freshman year,” Hoover said. “There was

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a different confidence about her after adjusting to playing in the ACC. She went from averaging three and a half points her freshman year to almost nine. If we had had a few more games, I think she would have averaged doubledigit scoring.”

Morra won the Silver medal with the Canadian U18 National Team at the FIBA Americas tournament and was named to the All-Star five group. During that tournament, she was the tournament leader in efficiency, rebounds, double-doubles and averaged 14.5 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. Morra was a member of Team Ontario at each of the last three Canadian Basketball Championships. She

CHRISTINA MORRA Height: 6-2 Position: Forward Hometown: Toronto, Ontario Class: Junior Major: Psychology High School: Kings Christian Collegiate Favorite Wake Forest Memory: Defeating Virginia Tech 58-55 to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2020 ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament.

NOVEMBER 2020

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“ THE TWO YEARS I PLAYED ON THE CANADIAN TEAM – PLAYING INTERNATIONALLY – GAVE ME AN EDGE AT WAKE FOREST BECAUSE INTERNATIONAL BASKETBALL IS DIFFERENT FROM AMERICAN BASKETBALL. HAVING A DIFFERENT MENTALITY AND IQ WHEN IT COMES TO BASKETBALL HELPS ME UNDERSTAND POSITIONING WHEN GUARDS DRIVE, AND THEY’RE A LOT OF LITTLE THINGS LIKE THAT THAT GIVE ME AN EDGE.” –CHRISTINA MORRA

helped her team win Gold in 2015 and 2016 on the U15 and U17 teams while helping the 2017 U17 team finish runner-up.

“The two years I played on the Canadian team – playing internationally – gave me an edge at Wake Forest because international basketball is different from American basketball,” Morra said. “Having a different mentality and IQ when it comes to basketball helps me understand positioning when guards drive, and they’re a lot of little things like that that give me an edge. I take pride in the way I play because I am representing my country, and few people have the opportunity to do that. I understand the gravity behind that. It’s a responsibility, it’s pride, and it motivates me.”

Hoover said that Morra has a lot to offer to the Wake Forest program.

“Morra is really good with her back to the basket and likes the physical part of the game,” Hoover said. “She is working on expanding her game out to the 3-point line, and she is a good

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passer out of the post. She’s just a great teammate, as humble as they come, and she wants to do what it takes for the team to win.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic’s uncertainty, Morra used the time to work out on her own using an app, the equipment she had at home and a program developed by the Director of Sports Performance for Women’s Basketball Jena Ready. She also went on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate pescatarian diet.

“I had a goal to feel better about myself physically and mentally, so I felt a good goal was to understand what I was eating,” Morra said. “I used Jena’s workout plan and grasped how to fuel my body. I worked out a lot at home and lost 20 to 25 pounds. That helped me become quicker and keep up with the guards better. I have more options and can use my shot now, so it’s been beneficial.”

Hoover likes what she has seen this fall.

“She has come back almost a different kid,” she said. “Since the whole COVID thing, she was intentional and committed to the workout she was doing. With the limitations, she took them and made the best out of them. She is really in the best shape of her life.

She is leaner and has a little more bounce than in the past, and her body has changed. She’s confident and playing like you’d expect an upperclassman to play. I think she has done what she’s done to be more thought of as a complete athlete, so she’s excited.”

Morra said that her No. 1 goal is to play on Team Canada in the Olympics.

“I’ve played on the junior team, and I’d need to jump up one step to the senior team, but they have contacted me to say they are looking at me for future years,” she said. “My second goal after college is to play professional basketball in Italy. My dad is half-Italian and has a dual passport with Italy, and I can use that to play professionally in Italy. Plus, I just love Italy.”

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Series(ous) Business

S TA N COTTEN VOICE OF THE DEMON DEACONS

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Sadly, Wake Forest and Virginia don’t play football against one another much anymore. The series that began in 1889 has taken a serious hit, as have others, because of ACC expansion. So, it was good to see the Cavaliers of the Commonwealth recently as they visited Winston-Salem and Truist Field for a 50th game alltime against Wake Forest on the gridiron. The Deacs’ win on that beautiful Saturday afternoon was a big one. It got Wake to level at 2-2 before a visit from Virginia Tech, and we saw continued development from a lot of young players who will be carrying the flag for years to come.

Over the years, Virginia, quite frankly, has been the dominant team in the series with the Demon Deacons.

Series, though, are generally about the past. Sports are mostly ‘what have you done for me lately’ deals.

And on that front, Wake has certainly turned the tide against Thomas Jefferson’s team as we take a look at a few tidbits from this matchup that the Deacs have turned in their favor.

First, even though Virginia has won 34 of the now 50 games since the inaugural contest in the late 19th century played in Richmond, Wake Forest has won the last four played – a series best run.

Now, Virginia fans will likely boast about their 17-game win streak from 1984-2000, which is certainly brag-worthy, but that was yesterday.

Today’s news has Wake Forest back in the driver’s seat with wins in four consecutive meetings, the last two under current Deacon mentor Dave Clawson in 2016 and again recently here in 2020 – both at Truist Field.

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

Wake’s win to stop that epic 17game skid mentioned above was a fun one. Jim Grobe was in his first season as head coach, and he was a Virginia grad making his firstever trip back to Charlottesville with a team trying to leave town with a win over his alma mater.

The Deacons won a thriller, 34-30, to stop the streak and give Grobe and the Deacs quite the satisfying trip back home down the Seminole Highway with that nasty losing streak in the rearview mirror.

Deacs. The Wahoos had won 15 of 18 all-time games at Truist Field and 10 of the last 12. So, there’s that. The Deacons’ 40 points were the most since a 38-34 win in late October 1983. The only time Wake has scored more than 40 against the Cavs takes us back to 1975, a 66-21 October lashing at Scott Stadium when Neil Sedaka’s ‘Bad Blood’ was topping the charts. Bad blood indeed!

Even though Wake committed a Clawson-era record one dozen penalties against Virginia, the good far outweighed the bad. The Deacs got to plus-8 on the season with three takeaways and no turnovers, including a fourth straight game to start the season without an interception. The last time the Deacs had that kind of a passing start without throwing to the opponent was in 1965.

Sophomore running back Ken Walker had 128 rushing yards and his second game of the season with three rushing touchdowns.

He also found the end zone three times in the Deacs’ earlier season loss at NC State. The last Deacon to rush for three touchdowns in two games in a season was the great Chris Barclay in 2003 in games against Duke and Maryland.

Another personal number of note from the Virginia game is 22. That is the number of consecutive games for Carlos ‘Boogie’ Basham, perhaps the best name of a defender ever at Wake, with a tackle behind the line of scrimmage. Here’s hoping that streak is still alive.

At the time, it was the best in the country by 10 games, Boogie

SERIES, THOUGH, ARE GENERALLY ABOUT THE PAST. SPORTS ARE MOSTLY ‘WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY’ DEALS. AND ON THAT FRONT, WAKE HAS CERTAINLY TURNED THE TIDE AGAINST THOMAS JEFFERSON’S TEAM AS WE TAKE A LOOK AT A FEW TIDBITS FROM THIS MATCHUP THAT THE DEACS HAVE TURNED IN THEIR FAVOR. Coach Grobe didn’t make as much about that win as I did, but it had to be particularly meaningful to him.

It sure was to Wake Forest fans everywhere.

Back to present day in the wake of the Deacs' 40-23 win on Oct. 17.

The victory helped the Deacons tap the breaks on some pretty impressive numbers for Virginia when playing at the home of the

AND SO, THE RECENT WAKE FOREST-VIRGINIA FOOTBALL GAME GOES INTO THE RECORD BOOKS. FOR THE RECORD, IT WAS A WIN BADLY NEEDED, SO ADMITTED DAVE CLAWSON TO US POSTGAME ON THE RADIO. IT WAS A GAME IN WHICH THE DEACONS NEVER TRAILED AND FOUGHT OFF A CAVALIER OFFENSE THAT JUST KEPT COMING AND DOING IT WITH A THREE-QUARTERBACK SHUFFLE THE LIKES OF WHICH I’VE NEVER WITNESSED IN MY 41 YEARS CALLING COLLEGE GAMES, 25 NOW FOR THE DEACS. ADD TO IT THE UNUSUAL UNIFORM NUMBERS BEING WORN BY THOSE THREE VIRGINIA SIGNAL-CALLERS: 36, 99, 98. lapping the field in terms of residing in an opponent’s backfield.

And so, the recent Wake Forest-Virginia football game goes into the record books.

For the record, it was a win badly needed, so admitted Dave Clawson to us postgame on

the radio. It was a game in which the Deacons never trailed and fought off a Cavalier offense that just kept coming and doing it with a three-quarterback shuffle the likes of which I’ve never witnessed in my 41 years calling college games, 25 now for the Deacs. Add to it

the unusual uniform numbers being worn by those three Virginia signal-callers: 36, 99, 98.

Only in 2020. Now those are some series(ously) crazy numbers.

I’ll see you soon on the radio.

GO DEACS!

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25

INSIDE THE DEACON CLUB

Sustain the Deacs

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

The further we get into the 2020 season, the more impressed I am with the incredible commitment of our student-athletes who are abiding by stringent COVID-19 safety protocols — wearing masks at all times on campus as well as safety shields during travel and staggering their use of locker rooms, training rooms, strength areas and dining services.

They are more or less living a socially distanced college experience, forgoing most normal social interactions for the opportunity to study and compete at Wake Forest.

The extremely low COVID-19 positive test rate for our student-athletes thus far is evidence that our safety protocols are working. Under the leadership of Senior Associate AD, Athletics Healthcare Administrator Murphy Grant and the medical team, we have, to this point, defied the odds and experienced minimal disruption to the competition schedule. While critical to our success, these safety protocols and testing come with a significant cost.

This year, Wake Forest Athletics expects to spend over $4 million on testing alone to ensure our student-athletes can safely compete.

While our COVID-19 expenses are continuing to rise, we are also experiencing significant shortfalls in revenue due to reduced fan capacity in our venues.

From the 75 fans allowed for our first football game to the approximately 2,000 fans admitted for the next few games, there has been extremely limited capacity to accommodate our ticket purchasing fans and therefore, little opportunity to generate revenue. As we look toward basketball season, there

is little doubt that our capacity will continue to be limited, especially given the indoor venue.

In summary, we have costs rising significantly while revenues are falling. What does this all mean? We need your help to Sustain the Deacs!

In an effort to offset the falling revenue, we began reaching out to football season ticket holders to ask for their help in Sustaining the Deacs by converting their ticket purchases to a charitable donation. I have been blown away by the response from our fans who have demonstrated their generosity by converting both football season ticket purchases as well as Notre Dame ticket purchases into donations to the Sustain the Deacs Fund. On behalf of the entire athletic department, thank you!

Your support is truly making a difference. We know that some fans are still contemplating this donation conversion and encourage you to consider making the commitment to donate those funds as we continue to work to provide a World Class StudentAthlete Experience.

Although use of McCreary Tower continues to be limited, we also hope that our fans with suites or Flow Lexus Club tickets will consider converting their lease payments into donations as well. But as we approach the end of the football season, our goal is to continue to deliver as much value as we possibly can, so please know that we are doing everything we can to provide opportunities for our fans in the stands, as well as McCreary Tower patrons, to attend our games.

Right around the corner we have basketball season, and the likelihood of having any significant number of fans in our arena remains in question.

With our new men’s basketball coach Steve Forbes working incredibly hard and Coach Jen Hoover and the women’s basketball staff focused on preparing for the coming season, they need the support of Deacon Nation to emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever before. It will take considerable resources, and we will be asking that you consider transitioning your usual basketball season ticket purchases into a donation as well.

Sustaining the Deacs during a pandemic takes the collective efforts of all of us, and we thank you in advance for your incredible support despite these very uncertain times. I’m definitely looking forward to packing Truist Field, LJVM, Spry, Kentner and Varsity Gym with passionate, screaming fans in the near future. In the meantime, thanks for stepping up and providing support for the good of the cause.

Go Deacs!

Barry

26

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

EN C HI A ELAUD EAT RE D E A C O N C L U B PA // F IG NA PD

Deacon Nation keeps stepping up As the end of the fall competitive season approaches, we look back on this season with much gratitude for everyone who helped make it possible for the Deacons to compete and give Deacon Nation something to cheer for during this unprecedented time.

Despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Deacon Nation has continued to step up and help #SustainTheDeacs through this tumultuous time.

Total gifts are up 42 percent over the same time period last year. That is driven, in part, by an increase in restricted giving which includes the program-specific Excellence Funds. The annual Deacs Day of Giving, which occurred on Sept. 8, illustrated the eagerness of Deacon Nation to support the sports and programs for which they care most. We were thrilled to see so many Deacon Club members add to their Annual Fund support by giving to various Excellence Funds.

FY20

FY21*

% Change

Deacon Club Annual Fund

$551,293.80

$517,330.97

-6.16%

Restricted

$382,321.16

$1,043,820.59

173.02%

Capital Projects

$1,111,242.16

$1,731,723.47

55.84%

Endowment

$385,759.75

$664,902.94

72.36%

Other

$392,821.34

$52,109.14

-86.73%

$2,823,438.21

$4,009,887.11

42.02%

TOTAL

Excellence Funds not only provide donors with an opportunity to direct their gifts to a specific sport or program, but they can help offset the cuts that are being made to the budgets as a result of the pandemicrelated financial challenges. Below is a snapshot of year-to-date giving for the Excellence Funds.

FY20 Gifts YTD Men's Basketball Women's Basketball Cheer Dance Field Hockey Football

FY21 Gifts YTD* FY21 Pledges Due

FY21 Total

--

$51,250.00

$74,635.00

$125,885.00

$5,000.00

$25.00

$1,750.00

$1,775.00

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

$10,530.00

$854.00

$72,843.00

$73,697.00

$5,000.00

$25,332.06

$101,323.90

$126,655.96

Men's Golf

$56,219.01

$24,250.00

$117,480.50

$141,730.50

Women's Golf

$13,066.89

$11,833.34

$27,500.03

$39,333.37

Men's Soccer

$81,975.00

$89,052.00

$132,380.90

$221,432.90

$390,875.00

$390,875.00

Women's Soccer Men's Tennis Women's Tennis Men's Track/Cross Country Women's Track/Cross Country Volleyball Nutrition S-A Career Development

---

--

$5,125.00

$5,125.00

$1,000

--

$35,666.67

$35,666.67

--

$750.00

$23,625.00

$24,375.00

$15,100.00

$500.00

$19,000.00

$19,500.00

--

$100.00

$6,150.00

$6,250.00

$8,122.50

--

$33,054.23

$33,054.23

--

$1,000.00

$42,214.28

$43,214.28

S-A Sports Performance & Healthcare

--

--

$15,000.00

$15,000.00

AD Discretionary

--

$118,115.00

--

$118,115.00

AD Discretionary

--

$118,115.00

--

$118,115.00 As of 10/6/20

Although 2020 has presented a number of challenges, it has not lessened Wake Forest Athletics’ commitment to providing a World Class Student-Athlete Experience, so we are grateful for Deacon Nation’s continued support and generosity. If you are interested in making a gift to the Deacon Club Annual Fund, one or more Excellence Funds, a capital project, or would like to learn more about endowing a scholarship or talk to someone about setting up an estate gift, please contact the Deacon Club at (336) 758-5626.

NOVEMBER 2020

27

DONOR PROFILE

//

S U S TA I N T H E D E A C S

Initiative aimed to offset deficit ast spring, despite growing concerns about the spread of COVID-19, Deacon Nation was eagerly looking forward to the 2020 football season. Plans were underway for an exciting weekend of fun, fellowship and ACC action at the Duke’s Mayo Classic vs. Notre Dame in Charlotte. Deacon fans were purchasing their 2020 season tickets and making plans for a season that everyone hoped would culminate with the Deacons’ fifth-straight bowl appearance. At the time, few could have predicted how different the 2020 season would be.

By late June, conditions around the country were beginning to improve after weeks of staying at home, and excitement grew as the football team returned to campus, committed to adhering to strict safety protocols.

Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the coaches, staff and student-athletes, positive test rates remained extremely low. Eventually, the ACC announced that the football season would be played, and Deacon Nation was pumped up for the much-anticipated return of sports.

L

Mark Townsend and daughter Ashley

28

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

But as the first game approached, it became clear that, at least for a while, Truist Field would not be hosting sold-out crowds of tens of thousands of screaming Deacon fans this fall.

Everyone was grateful that the games would be played, but without fans buying tickets, the financial implications were staggering.

Stringent testing and safety protocols were causing the athletic department’s COVID-related expenses to rise dramatically, and with the significant drop in ticket sales revenue, it was evident that there would be substantial financial challenges ahead.

In response, Wake Forest launched “Sustain the Deacs,” an initiative aimed at helping to offset the deficit created by those challenges. And in true Deacon fashion, Deacon Nation stepped up to help.

Season ticket holders and fans who had purchased tickets for the Duke’s Mayo Classic in Charlotte were asked to consider taking the money from their purchases and converting it into a charitable donation instead of receiving a refund. The response from the fanbase was tremendous.

Jim Prusko lives in Boston and his daughter, Anna, is a junior at Wake Forest. He has been a football and basketball season ticket holder and came to town as often as he could. This year, however, was obviously different.

But Prusko opted to turn his purchase into a gift, explaining it this way.

“I think all the universities in our communities are facing such tough times with COVID and what it has done financially. Schools are trying to manage their own finances and at the same time, they're trying to help their students and even their employees. For me, asking for the ticket money back just didn't seem like the right thing to do. In my mind, that money was spent anyway. Sadly, there were no games to go to, but I never expected to get that money back, so it seemed like passing it on to the Sustain the Deacs was a good thing to do.

“To the extent we can, I think we all have some responsibility to help out those less fortunate and most severely impacted by the pandemic,” he explained. “As members of the Wake community, this is a way to directly help people by putting that money toward

Josh Knipp and son Jackson

PA G E H E A D E R

sustaining the Deacs. Everyone has to make their own financial decisions, but I think there's certainly a need, so I think, for anyone who has the wherewithal, it's a great thing to do to help out that way.”

Mark Townsend (’84) lives in Charlotte and regularly came to town to visit his daughter, who is a senior, and attend games.

He viewed the Sustain the Deacs initiative as a way to show his appreciation for Coach Clawson.

“The last six months have been tough for everybody,” he said. “And I really respect the job that Coach Clawson has done. This was an easy way — just a small token — to show how I, as a fan, appreciate all Jim Prusko the hard work and the dedication that he brings to our program. I the program that we have. As one of understand the funding of the athletic the smallest schools in the Power Five, program and the lack of revenue that we all know how unique Wake is, and I is going to impact every single college think we all value that. We have a small program. I know how important it is for alumni base, so we have to give a little the alumni to chip in and help a little bit. I bit more than our friends at the larger don’t even view this as chipping in — I just schools down the road. So, if you can, view it as a small way to say thank you.” go ahead and give that money that you Townsend recognizes what a personal probably already thought of as being decision it is for each individual, but for spent anyway to help Sustain the Deacs.” those still on the fence about whether or Josh Knipp graduated from the Wake not to convert their ticket purchase to a Forest School of Law in 2009. He wanted to support Sustain the Deacs because donation, he suggests they think about he is grateful for the opportunity he the state of the football program. received as well as the relationships he “I would ask them to think about has built within Athletics. the success that the program has had “Wake Forest was great to me,” Knipp over the last several years with Coach said. “They literally gave me a shot by Clawson. Also look at the monies that letting me into law school. Things have have been spent by some of our larger gone pretty well, and I’ve been blessed. I benefactors to provide the facilities think my time at Wake Forest was a big and help the coaching staff develop

driver of that, so I give Wake a lot of credit. Now I’m a season ticket holder and go back for football games and enjoy going to basketball now as well. I also have ties to the baseball program. I am impressed with Wake Athletics overall.

The coaches and players do a great job, so I want to support that, but I also really want to support the folks within the athletic department who do such a fantastic job — folks like Alan Ashworth and Rich Millard and basically anyone I've come across at Wake.

With Sustain the Deacs, I look at it as helping the coaches and the players, but I expect it's probably helping the budgets of the people who are working day-to-day in the athletics department as well, so I figured if there's a way we can help them out, we should be able to do that. I hope people will remember that these gifts are more than just a drop in the bucket of a big capital project. These funds are helping the staff with day-to-day expenses during this challenging time.

No matter the reason, more and more fans like Jim, Mark and Josh are making a commitment to help Sustain the Deacs.

The pandemic has certainly impacted Deacon Nation in different ways, but if you are able, please consider joining in and converting your ticket purchases into a charitable gift to help Sustain the Deacs.

For more information, please contact the Deacon Club at (336) 758-5626 or deacclub@wfu.edu.

Keep up with the Deacon Club on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

For the latest news and information from the Deacon Club and to connect with other members, be sure to find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! @WFUDeaconClub Facebook.com/DeaconClub

DEACON CLUB

@WFUDeaconClub | @DeacOnTheRun @BarryFaircloth NOVEMBER 2020

29

DEACONS IN THE PROS BASEBALL COACHES/SCOUTS Ross Atkins Neil Avent TJ Barra Dave Bush Michael Holmes Bill Masse Matt Price Mike Rikard Eric Schmitt

MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB

Toronto Blue Jays Oakland A’s Major League Baseball Boston Red Sox San Francisco Giants Miami Marlins Kansas City Royals Boston Red Sox New York Yankees

General Manager Area Scout Sr. Baseball Data Quality Analyst Pitching Coach Amateur Scouting Director Special Assignment Scout Area Scouting Supervisor Vice President of Amateur Scouting Director of Player Development

MAJOR LEAGUES

Minor League Ranks Johnny Aiello Carter Bach Ben Breazeale Will Craig Parker Dunshee Stuart Fairchild Aaron Fossas Patrick Frick Connor Johnstone Garrett Kelly Morgan McSweeney Nate Mondou Colin Peluse D.J. Poteet Griffin Roberts Jared Shuster Donnie Sellers Gavin Sheets Bruce Steel Mac Williamson

Toronto Blue Jays (A) Tampa Bay Rays (Rookie) Free Agent Pittsburgh Pirates Oakland Athletics (AAA) Cincinnati Reds (AA) Cincinnati Reds (AA) Seattle Mariners (Short Season A) Atlanta Braves (AA) Chicago Cubs (High A) Baltimore Orioles (A) Oakland Athletics (AA) Oakland Athletics (Short Season A) Detroit Tigers St. Louis Cardinals (High A) Atlanta Braves Toronto Blue Jays (High A) Chicago White Sox (AA) Kansas City Royals (A) Free Agent

WOMEN’S GOLF Jennifer Kupcho Natalie Sheary Sierra Sims Cheyenne Woods

MEN’S SOCCER Luis Argudo Jon Bakero Corben Bone Joey DeZart Brad Dunwell Chris Duvall Omir Fernandez Sam Fink Akira Fitzgerald Michael Gamble Logan Gdula Ian Harkes Jack Harrison Jacori Hayes Alistair Johnston Bruno Lapa Collin Martin Mark McKenzie Ike Opara Sean Okoli Hayden Partain Kevin Politz Sam Raben Jalen Robinson Brandon Servania Ema Twumasi

LPGA Symetra Symetra LPGA Inter Miami Phoenix Rising FC Louisville City FC Orlando City SC Oklahoma City Energy FC Portland Timbers (trial) New York Red Bulls Saint Louis FC Richmond Kickers Loudoun United FC Charleston Battery Dundee United (Scotland) Manchester City/Leeds United Minnesota United FC Nashville SC Birmingham Legion FC San Diego Loyal SC Philadelphia Union Minnesota United FC Pinzgau Saalfelden (Australia) San Antonio FC Hartford Athletic Sporting II Free Agent FC Dallas FC Dallas/Austin Bold FC

COACHES/MLS FRONT OFFICE James Riley Kurt Schmid Zack Schilawski Stephen Keel Ryan Martin John Hackworth Mike McGinty Kelvin Jones

MLS Director of Player Relations Inter Miami (Head Scout) North Carolina FC U23s (Assistant Coach) MLS Social Media Manager London Head Coach Louisville FC Head Coach NCFC Assistant Coach Columbus Crew Academy Director

WOMEN’S SOCCER Aubrey Bledsoe Bayley Feist Ally Haran Katie Stengel Sarah Teegarden Maddie Huster

Washington Spirit (NWSL) Washington Spirit (NWSL) Houston Dash (NWSL) Houston Dash (NWSL) Lille Olympique Sporting Club (Ligue 1 – France) Kvarnsvedens IK (Swedish Premier League)

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Al-Farouq Aminu John Collins James Johnson Chris Paul Ishmael Smith Jeff Teague Jaylen Hoard Doral Moore Austin Arians Bryant Crawford

30

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Orlando Magic Atlanta Hawks Minnesota Timberwolves Oklahoma City Thunder Washington Wizards Atlanta Hawks Portland Delaware Blue Coats Schalke Juventus

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C.J. Harris Darius Leonard Jamaal Levy Nikita Mescheriakov Codi Miller-McIntyre Dinos Mitoglou Troy Rike Devin Thomas Terrence Thompson Ty Walker Andre Washington David Weaver Mitchell Wilbekin Coron Williams L.D. Williams Keyshawn Woods

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Guangzhou LL Sportivo America Bahia Basket Spartak SP Cedevita Olimpija Panathinaikos AMA Penarol Kutaisi Windsor Al-Hala Kumamoto Konyaspor Dorados Sporting Rotterdam

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Dearica Hamby Chelsea Douglas Amber Campbell Elisa Penna Alex Sharp

WNBA Romania Ireland Italy WNBL

Las Vegas Aces and Italy Phoenix Constanta Ambassador UCC Glanmire Cork Venezia Perth Lynx

FOOTBALL Alex Bachman Essang Bassey Jessie Bates III Jake Benzinger Greg Dortch Duke Ejiofor Nate Gilliam Phil Haynes Amari Henderson Justin Herron Kendall Hinton Kevin Johnson Marquel Lee Joe Looney Justin Strnad Scotty Washington Kyle Wilber John Wolford

NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL

WR DB S OL WR/KR DE OL OL DB OL WR CB LB OL LB WR LB QB

NY Giants Denver Cincinnati Free Agent Free Agent Houston LA Chargers Seattle Jacksonville New England Free Agent Cleveland Free Agent Dallas Denver Cincinnati Oakland LA Rams

COACHES/STAFF Chad Alexander Joe Kenn John Spanos James MacPherson Brad Idzik Teryl Austin Chip Vaughn Calvin Pace Jr.

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NY Jets Carolina Chargers Chargers Seahawks Steelers NY Jets NY Jets

Dir Player Personnel Strength Coach Executive VP of Football Operations Scout Assistant WR coach Secondary coach Defensive assistant Scouting intern

MEN’S GOLF Bill Haas Webb Simpson Billy Andrade Jay Haas Gary Hallberg Len Mattiace Kyle Reifers Will Zalatoris Lee Detmer

PGA PGA Champions Champions Champions Champions Korn Ferry Tour Korn Ferry Tour G PRO

FIELD HOCKEY Lauren Crandall Michelle Kasold Melissa Gonzalez (Coach)

USA National Team (Retired Fall 2016) USA National Team (Retired Spring 2017) USA National Team (Captain, Retired Summer 2018)

MEN’S TENNIS Noah Rubin Petros Chrysochos Skander Mansouri Borna Gojo

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WOMEN’S TENNIS Emma Davis

WTA

NASCAR PIT CREWS Kevin Harris (football) Spencer Bishop (football) Dion Williams

No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing (Daniel Suarez) No. 15 Premium Motorsports (Ross Chastain) Motor Racing Network analyst

C O M P L I A N C E C O R NPA E RG//ET OHDE DA HA DI R ESR TON

NCAA ALLOWS ACCOMMODATIONS FOR WINTER SPORTS The NCAA Legislative Council recently adopted legislation that will allow studentathletes in winter sports to have extended participation opportunities due to COVID-19.

Under this provision, winter sport athletes will be granted the ability for the following:

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

1. Self-apply a season-of-competition waiver, meaning that even if they participate with their seasons, it will not count as one of the four seasons they are granted; 2. Self-apply a one-year extension of eligibility which will allow these athletes to participate beyond the normal 5-year limit; and 3. H ave their scholarship exempted from the NCAA team limit provided they return to their original institution the following year.

The winter sports sponsored at Wake Forest are men’s and women’s basketball and indoor track. This is similar to the blanket waiver that was provided to spring sports earlier this year following the onset of COVID-19 and also sports whose competitive season occur during the fall semester. With this decision, the NCAA has now provided an extended competitive opportunity to studentathletes in all sports as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While this does create some issues for consideration around roster management and subsequent financial decisions, it was done in an effort to allow student-athletes to make a decision based on health and safety without feeling the pressure of competitive ramifications.

PROUD TO BE A DEMON DEACON! Women’s Golf ACC & East Regional Championship Teams 1994 & 1995

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