From the Quad

Here We Go Demon Deacon Nation!

As I entered campus this morning it was inspiring to see the record Wake Forest class of 2024 moving in as a new academic year is upon us! Thanks to President Hatch's leadership and the hard work of Wake Forest faculty and staff persevering through an incredibly complex and fluid planning process, we are now in the implementation stage with our first day of classes, August 26, just nine days away. It's heartening to see parents and students alike wearing masks and following our COVID-19 health and safety protocols. After moving my son Jack back to college a few weeks ago, I know firsthand the emotions our students and their loved ones are experiencing!

At OurWayForward.WFU.edu you can read about the herculean effort over the past few weeks of transforming campus to create more social distancing spaces for students for eating, studying and socializing like the huge tents with picnic tables, which have been erected throughout campus. Provost Kersh and Dean Gillespie have also led our faculty in developing an innovative course delivery model. It's not easy to create a safe and meaningful experience for all students in the time of COVID-19, but just because something is hard doesn't mean it's not the right thing to do.

On Saturday, I spent some time on the Doc Martin Football Practice Fields watching Coach Clawson lead his football team through their morning paces. The leadership of our team is emerging, and it's fun to see some of the best players in college football - like Boogie Basham and Sage Surratt - get after it! The organization and discipline of our staff and student-athletes is remarkable. With nearly 120 players in camp, the practice start time is staggered by different groups to de-densify the locker room. "Bring it In" is now accompanied by "Space it Out" as huge concentric circles of players, rather than a tight pack, surround Coach Clawson as he addresses the team. Maskwear is ubiquitous, even as our team clashes in helmets and shoulder pads during 11v11 full-speed "thud" contact periods. Our sports medicine and equipment staff pass out cans of Gatorade and bottled water instead of the usual squeeze containers. Equipment manager Brian Daniels wears a backpack sprayer disinfecting helmets and equipment immediately as players leave the field.

The 2020-21 athletic and academic year will be different than any in our history, but Demon Deacon student-athletes who returned earlier this summer have demonstrated that it can be done! As Deacon Nation, and the entire country, witnessed last Monday, President Hatch visited with our football squad to both thank our student-athletes for leading the way in adapting to the new campus protocols and to listen and understand the thoughts and desires of our players.

Since the onset of the pandemic, I have believed that a path existed to provide our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete this season, and all of our coaches and staff have worked in unity to develop and implement safety measures and strategies to accomplish this goal. I will admit, however, that last Monday morning I hit a low point of optimism as we became fairly certain that the PAC-12 and Big 10 would cancel their seasons. Fortunately, Commissioner Swofford, President Hatch and the ACC Board of Directors stuck with a commitment to follow our process, which includes direction from the ACC Medical Advisory Group, chaired by Dr. Cameron Wolfe.

There are many unknowns that we face. We cannot guarantee 100% safety in any activity whether it is playing soccer, riding a bike or going out to eat. We must all continue to adhere to maskwear, handwashing, social distancing, smart testing, contact tracing and quarantine protocols.

But thanks to the resources provided by the Deacon Club and Wake Forest fans worldwide, I truly believe that the holistic health and safety of the experience being provided to our student-athletes is as good or better than any environment for any cohort of American college students today.

Adaptability, flexibility, empathy and resilience will be paramount for all members of the Wake Forest Community as we navigate the unprecedented path ahead. The mental and physical health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and staff continues to be our foremost priority.

#DeacsDecide: Wake Forest Athletics Launches Voting Registration Initiative
Our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee doesn't just talk and tweet, they take action! SAAC & Wake Forest Athletics leadership are hosting a voter registration event today for all Demon Deacon student-athletes and staff with the intention of ensuring that 100% are registered to vote. I appreciate our Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Development Ashley Wechter and our SAAC President Emilia Migliaccio leading this effort. Our core goals include providing a World Class Student-Athlete Experience — to teach, encourage and support our student-athletes to have an impact in our campus community, their hometown and nationally.

ACC Commissioner Search Update
The ACC is fortunate to be under the leadership of Commissioner John Swofford. The wisdom, energy and vision he has evidenced during the pandemic continues to help build consensus among our universities as we navigate towards the fall season.

The Atlantic Coast Conference announced on Aug. 13 the launch of the search to select its next Commissioner. A comprehensive national search is underway, and we are grateful for President Hatch's leadership within ACC Board.

On the National Scene
With the Big Ten, Pac 12 and several other conference announcements last week, it is a very turbulent and fast-paced time in college athletics. This series of tweets from the Associated Press's veteran writer Ralph Russo sums it up! I appreciate everyone's patience and understanding (especially our student-athletes!) as the ACC, Wake Forest leadership and our coaches continue to adjust as medical information and the landscape evolves.

This coming Wednesday the NCAA Division I Council will meet to further discuss important decisions for fall sport student-athletes. Last week's announcement by NCAA President Mark Emmert raises many questions about fall sport championships, eligibility and more. To help eliminate one element of uncertainty for our student-athletes, I am in favor of not "counting" this fall as one of an athlete's four seasons of eligibility.

Fall Schedule Adjustments Continue
Because of the ongoing global pandemic and the continued risk of large gatherings, President Hatch announced on Aug. 13 that it is necessary to cancel Family Weekend and Homecoming and to postpone the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 until the spring.

Also, with Old Dominion's announcement that they are not competing in fall sports we are finalizing our non-conference opponent for the October 10 weekend.

Fan Updates
Led by associate AD Ellie Shannon, our CAN Committee continues to work towards clarity for student-athletes, student-athletes' parents & families, and all constituents regarding how events (with and without Deacon Nation in the stands) can be held as safely as possible. I encourage you to review this FAQ sheet, which will be updated to address questions as they arise.

Wake Forest Athletics recently announced that all events (if fans can be in attendance) will require physical distancing and mandatory face masks or facial coverings. Additionally, Wake Forest will be transitioning to individual game tickets only for the 2020 season and a more touchless environment with mobile ticketing.

Although we remain hopeful of hosting fans in our venues this fall, given that the state of North Carolina is scheduled to be under Phase 2 reopening parameters until at least Sept. 11, there are many variables which still must be solved to be able to have fans for our football season opener on Sept. 12 against Clemson.

We are working closely with Forsyth County's excellent health director, Joshua Swift, and his team, as well as Wake Forest, Winston-Salem and State of North Carolina officials to determine the feasibility of having a socially-distanced crowd for that contest and following home games.

We are also in regular conversation with the Charlotte Sports Foundation and will plan to update our fans about the Notre Dame game in Charlotte by the beginning of September.

Sustaining Opportunities For the Deacons
Regardless of whether we play games, with or without fans, we are absolutely committed to supporting our 400-plus Wake Forest student-athletes. We budget $16.8 million for athletics scholarships and another $5.3 million on direct student-athlete services such as academic counseling, nutrition and sports medicine. Understanding completely that each of us face different personal and financial challenges during this time, and with incredible appreciation for the Demon Deacon Nation's consistent generosity, I appreciate our fans considering Senior Associate AD Barry Faircloth's message regarding options for your season ticket purchase.

Transition your purchase to a contribution.
Transition your purchase to a Deacon Virtual Season Ticket - any dollar value for your ticket above $179 will count as a contribution.
Roll over your 2020 season ticket purchase to 2021.

While refunds are available as well, I cannot overstate the impact of Wake Forest fans in providing for student-athletes. The $7.2 million accrued annually in fan-related football revenue accounts for about 10 percent of the annual athletics budget. If you are able, please help us "Sustain the Deacs" and continue to provide a World Class Student-Athlete Experience!

As always, keep wearing masks and send your thoughts, questions and suggestions to me at wfuad@wfu.edu.

Go Deacs!

Currie Signature

John Currie
Director of Athletics

Wake Forest Athletics

Related News

Related Videos