Wake Forest Athletics
Carney Leads Deacons From Solid Ground
10/19/2019 9:18:00 AM | Football, Les Johns
When Wake Forest football running back Cade Carney recruited Alex Bachman to assist last year on his efforts with the Santa's Helper organization, it was assumed that Carney would be the one dressed up in the big red suit.
As it turns out, Bachman played the part of Santa and Carney was merely one of the helpers, donning an elf hat with ears attached as he helped pass out Christmas presents to underprivileged children in the area.
"He looked funny, because you see Cade as the big, strong guy as he is," Bachman said. "I didn't realize he wasn't going to be Santa."
Former Wake Forest defensive back Ryan Janvion originally invited Carney to participate with Santa's Helper, where he's now served as a board member the last two years.
"It's so rewarding to be out in the community and see how much of an impact you can make," Carney said. "You see the smiles on these kid's faces, who meet you at the car. To be able to bless those kids around Christmas is so fulfilling. It's great to be able to give back that way. I truly enjoy being a part of that."
It's Carney's work with Santa's Helper and Athletes in Action, along with his four years of leadership with Wake Forest football that led to him being named one of the first recipients of the Ron and Linda Wellman Life Teammate.
"When I think 'teammate,' I think Cade Carney," Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman said. "That guy is the epitome of selflessness. He's going to have your back, no matter what. If you mess up, he's going to be there for you. That's a guy I can call anytime, any day."
Hartman and Carney have been teammates not only at Wake Forest, but also in high school at Davidson Day.
Former Wake Forest wide receiver Alex Bachman saw something special in Carney from the moment he arrived on campus.
"You saw it instantly when he came in as an early enrollee," he said. "He's a high character guy who comes in to work hard every single day. If he's injured, he's working to help somebody else be their absolute best.
"It tells you a lot about who his is and about his parents. Hats off to the Carneys. They did a great job not just with him, but with that entire family. You wish you had 20 Cade Carneys on your team."
Carney, who was named a team captain entering his senior season, is coming off the best campaign of his career, rushing for 1,005 yards and eight touchdowns on 188 carries. He now has gained more than 2,000 yards at Wake Forest, scoring 18 touchdowns with nine of them coming from the one-yard line.
"I have tremendous respect for his character, work ethic and what he has brought to the table," Bachman said.
Carney is overwhelmed with the honor of being one of the first to be recognized with this award bearing the Wellman's name.
"The relationship I've been able to build with him the last few years has been really cool," Carney said. "He's an amazing guy and has such a legacy here. His Christian foundation has allowed him to lead with integrity for 27 years at Wake Forest.
"I've had conversations with him about his faith, and it's great to see him be able to live that out. It's inspiring for me."
