From the Quad
10/6/2022 11:36:00 AM | General
Presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Good Afternoon Demon Deacon Nation!
With women's soccer currently heading down I-40 for a Big Four clash with Duke at 7 p.m. tonight on ACC Network Extra, thousands of Wake Forest students "Hitting the Bricks" on Hearn Plaza today and parents and loved ones rolling into Winston-Salem for Family Weekend, we are at full speed in DEACTOWN!
But first, let's all send our best thoughts to all those affected by Hurricane Ian including many in our community here in Winston-Salem who dealt with falling trees and experienced extended power outages last weekend. Together we salute the brave efforts of first responders and emergency planners who have been on the front lines of managing the challenges brought on by the storm.
Despite the rain and wind, our phenomenal student-athletes provided a positive jolt of energy this past Sunday with three big ACC wins on our beautiful Reynolda campus! Our Big Four win over Duke in field hockey, women's soccer team dispatching Syracuse 2-0, and the Demon Deacons volleyball squad taking down Boston College 3-1 were all made possible in part because of the efforts of our Wake Forest facilities and maintenance staff who cleared fields of debris amongst their work across campus to remove downed trees and limbs. Our fan experience and event management staff displayed flawless teamwork producing three events within a four-hour span, and I am thankful for the thoughtful extra effort of people like Emily Adams who helped us fulfill our goal of providing the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina by handing out free ponchos to spectators at Spry Stadium!
Of course, those three victories took place within the same 24-hour window as an important road win on the gridiron as our now No. 15-ranked Wake Forest football team defeated then-ranked No. 22 Florida State in Tallahassee, 31-21. It was fun to see Old Gold & Black in the stands inside Doak Campbell Stadium and the reaction of our student-athletes in the locker room. All wins are big, but to me this one was a milestone validation of the nine-year process, led by Coach Dave Clawson, to build a sustainable championship level football program.
To earn that road victory against a nationally ranked opponent and a school in Florida State with a multi-national championship heritage in front of a very enthusiastic crowd and a national ABC audience, following a very tough loss to No. 5 Clemson, (not to mention the stress of traveling through a hurricane!) was extra special!
I admit to taking a few extra minutes to sit inside a then-empty Doak Campbell Stadium to soak in the scene and reflect gratefully before we boarded the buses to go to the airport last Saturday!
Naturally, the "process" never stops as we have another challenge this week against a determined Army football team that took the Deacs to the wire last season.
And now, let's get to the updates for an exciting weekend including five total home matches for field hockey, volleyball and women's soccer Friday and Sunday!
Football Continues Ascent Into National Spotlight
Coach Dave Clawson's 15th-ranked football team is ready to host Army in primetime on Saturday night inside Truist Field! However, before we jump into all the details for the 7:30 p.m. kickoff, I want to reflect on the incredible competitive accomplishments of our student-athletes.
Last Sunday's Associated Press Top 25 Poll marked the sixth time the Deacons have been ranked inside the top 15 in the past calendar year. Prior to this current run, Wake Forest had only been ranked that high just three times since 1950. The Deacs latest top 15-ranking came after our third-straight win over Florida State. That victory was our first in Tallahassee since 2008 and was Wake Forest's sixth win over a ranked opponent in the last seven years.
Here's a graphic illustrating the national success Coach Clawson, Sam Hartman, Ryan Smenda and their teammates are bringing to Wake Forest and Winston-Salem. Viewership on ABC averaged an impressive 2.5 million people for the Wake Forest - Florida State game, second in Saturday's crowded 3:30 p.m. window to only the Alabama-Arkansas game. One week before, an average audience of 3.2 million for the Clemson game surged to 5.8 million people during the fourth quarter and overtime as viewers across America hit their clickers, leaving other games, to catch the conclusion of the double overtime ACC duel between the top two winningest programs in our league over the last six years.
And when national media members arrive to cover our games, they stay in our hotels, eat at our incredible restaurants and we get fun mentions like Sports Illustrated's Pat Forde highlighting Wise Man Brewing in his column, another example of Wake Forest Athletics bringing Value to Wake Forest, Winston-Salem and the Triad Communities.
Saturday's sellout will be Wake Forest's third-straight (first time since 2011!) and is the fifth in the last six games dating back to last season. Two of our first three games have brought record student crowds, including over 80 percent of the student body in attendance for that Sept. 24 matchup with the Tigers.
You can see the secondary market availability and prices here on Stubhub for Saturday - which is a great reminder of the extraordinary value Demon Deacons season ticket holders enjoy thanks to their loyal support. Remember that 2022 season tickets were priced as low as just $125 each! You can lock in your season ticket for 2023 with a $50 deposit now or purchase tickets for our remaining home games here.
With the Carolina Classic Fair in full swing, plan plenty of extra time to get to Truist Field on Saturday. Click here for gameday details including shuttle parking options and the complete TV broadcast info.
Annual Hit the Bricks Event Takes Center Stage on Hearn Plaza
Today's Hit the Bricks event on our beautiful Reynolda Campus is just another example of Pro Humanitate spirit in action. This campus-wide philanthropic event, which began in 2003, benefits the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund and the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.
All Wake Forest Athletics teams have signed up for the event on Hearn Plaza as students, faculty, staff, and alumni take turns running and walking laps around the Quad to show their solidarity in the fight against cancer. Throughout the day, participants, volunteers, and spectators enjoy fun activities, live music, and special guest speakers.
It's not too late to register for the event and donations can be made here.
Wake Forest Athletics Honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Like many of you, breast cancer has directly affected my family and I am proud of my Mom - a 25-year survivor of this terrible disease. Our teams are specifically honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, beginning with women's soccer this past Sunday as the Demon Deacons dawned pink jerseys. Also at Spry Stadium last weekend, pink shakers, wristbands and ribbons were distributed to highlight this important cause. Wake Forest is also auctioning off a pink jersey!
Additionally, field hockey will host their pink match on Friday at 6 p.m. when the Deacs take on Louisville inside Kentner Stadium and volleyball will host its annual "dig pink" match tomorrow at 7 p.m. inside Varsity Arena. Meanwhile, men's soccer will host the Genna Wiley Memorial Match on Saturday, Oct. 15, when Wake Forest takes on Boston College.
Stay tuned to GoDeacs.com and our teams' social media accounts for more information on giveaways and other promotional items to help raise awareness for Breast Cancer.
Thank You! Tremendous Day of Giving on Tuesday
Earlier this week was Wake Forest University's annual Deacs Day of Giving, a 24-hour fundraising event for the worldwide Wake Forest community to provide opportunities for current Demon Deacons through generous donations. Wake Forest fans responded with a remarkable 1,300 gifts on Tuesday demonstrating your commitment to a World Class Student-Athlete Experience. Wake Forest's student-athletes, coaches and staff join me in thanking you for your loyalty and generosity.
Overall for the entire University, Giving Day generated over $1 million in resources to help deserving students and faculty at Wake Forest!
Update Your Calendars! Men's & Women's Basketball Schedules Announced
Coach Megan Gebbia and her staff are ready to hit the hardwood with All-ACC honoree Jewel Spear and other veterans, while Coach Steve Forbes enters the 2022-23 season with a new-look roster anchored by Daiven Williamson and his three fellow captains. In our effort to provide the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina, options are available for men's basketball traditional season tickets or our innovative "FLEX" pass option. This unique ticketing opportunity includes 17, eight or five-game options. Click here to learn more! Meanwhile women's hoops season tickets are on sale now for $50 and youth/senior season tickets start at $25.
Don't forget, both teams will tip-off their seasons with exhibition games on Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 against Winston-Salem State, respectively!
Stay tuned to ACC Network next week as Coach Gebbia, Coach Forbes and several Demon Deacon student-athletes will represent Wake Forest at ACC Tipoff in Charlotte!
Finally, it has been fun to follow our regionally and nationally ranked cross-country teams and see our tennis teams in action at the ITA All-American Championships!
From the Quad Big 3
Here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
Be safe this weekend, cheer loud and send your thoughts to me at wfuad@wfu.edu, and...
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Director of Athletics
Good Afternoon Demon Deacon Nation!
With women's soccer currently heading down I-40 for a Big Four clash with Duke at 7 p.m. tonight on ACC Network Extra, thousands of Wake Forest students "Hitting the Bricks" on Hearn Plaza today and parents and loved ones rolling into Winston-Salem for Family Weekend, we are at full speed in DEACTOWN!
But first, let's all send our best thoughts to all those affected by Hurricane Ian including many in our community here in Winston-Salem who dealt with falling trees and experienced extended power outages last weekend. Together we salute the brave efforts of first responders and emergency planners who have been on the front lines of managing the challenges brought on by the storm.
Despite the rain and wind, our phenomenal student-athletes provided a positive jolt of energy this past Sunday with three big ACC wins on our beautiful Reynolda campus! Our Big Four win over Duke in field hockey, women's soccer team dispatching Syracuse 2-0, and the Demon Deacons volleyball squad taking down Boston College 3-1 were all made possible in part because of the efforts of our Wake Forest facilities and maintenance staff who cleared fields of debris amongst their work across campus to remove downed trees and limbs. Our fan experience and event management staff displayed flawless teamwork producing three events within a four-hour span, and I am thankful for the thoughtful extra effort of people like Emily Adams who helped us fulfill our goal of providing the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina by handing out free ponchos to spectators at Spry Stadium!
Of course, those three victories took place within the same 24-hour window as an important road win on the gridiron as our now No. 15-ranked Wake Forest football team defeated then-ranked No. 22 Florida State in Tallahassee, 31-21. It was fun to see Old Gold & Black in the stands inside Doak Campbell Stadium and the reaction of our student-athletes in the locker room. All wins are big, but to me this one was a milestone validation of the nine-year process, led by Coach Dave Clawson, to build a sustainable championship level football program.
To earn that road victory against a nationally ranked opponent and a school in Florida State with a multi-national championship heritage in front of a very enthusiastic crowd and a national ABC audience, following a very tough loss to No. 5 Clemson, (not to mention the stress of traveling through a hurricane!) was extra special!
I admit to taking a few extra minutes to sit inside a then-empty Doak Campbell Stadium to soak in the scene and reflect gratefully before we boarded the buses to go to the airport last Saturday!
Naturally, the "process" never stops as we have another challenge this week against a determined Army football team that took the Deacs to the wire last season.
And now, let's get to the updates for an exciting weekend including five total home matches for field hockey, volleyball and women's soccer Friday and Sunday!
Football Continues Ascent Into National Spotlight
Coach Dave Clawson's 15th-ranked football team is ready to host Army in primetime on Saturday night inside Truist Field! However, before we jump into all the details for the 7:30 p.m. kickoff, I want to reflect on the incredible competitive accomplishments of our student-athletes.
Last Sunday's Associated Press Top 25 Poll marked the sixth time the Deacons have been ranked inside the top 15 in the past calendar year. Prior to this current run, Wake Forest had only been ranked that high just three times since 1950. The Deacs latest top 15-ranking came after our third-straight win over Florida State. That victory was our first in Tallahassee since 2008 and was Wake Forest's sixth win over a ranked opponent in the last seven years.
Here's a graphic illustrating the national success Coach Clawson, Sam Hartman, Ryan Smenda and their teammates are bringing to Wake Forest and Winston-Salem. Viewership on ABC averaged an impressive 2.5 million people for the Wake Forest - Florida State game, second in Saturday's crowded 3:30 p.m. window to only the Alabama-Arkansas game. One week before, an average audience of 3.2 million for the Clemson game surged to 5.8 million people during the fourth quarter and overtime as viewers across America hit their clickers, leaving other games, to catch the conclusion of the double overtime ACC duel between the top two winningest programs in our league over the last six years.
And when national media members arrive to cover our games, they stay in our hotels, eat at our incredible restaurants and we get fun mentions like Sports Illustrated's Pat Forde highlighting Wise Man Brewing in his column, another example of Wake Forest Athletics bringing Value to Wake Forest, Winston-Salem and the Triad Communities.
Saturday's sellout will be Wake Forest's third-straight (first time since 2011!) and is the fifth in the last six games dating back to last season. Two of our first three games have brought record student crowds, including over 80 percent of the student body in attendance for that Sept. 24 matchup with the Tigers.
You can see the secondary market availability and prices here on Stubhub for Saturday - which is a great reminder of the extraordinary value Demon Deacons season ticket holders enjoy thanks to their loyal support. Remember that 2022 season tickets were priced as low as just $125 each! You can lock in your season ticket for 2023 with a $50 deposit now or purchase tickets for our remaining home games here.
With the Carolina Classic Fair in full swing, plan plenty of extra time to get to Truist Field on Saturday. Click here for gameday details including shuttle parking options and the complete TV broadcast info.
Annual Hit the Bricks Event Takes Center Stage on Hearn Plaza
Today's Hit the Bricks event on our beautiful Reynolda Campus is just another example of Pro Humanitate spirit in action. This campus-wide philanthropic event, which began in 2003, benefits the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund and the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.
All Wake Forest Athletics teams have signed up for the event on Hearn Plaza as students, faculty, staff, and alumni take turns running and walking laps around the Quad to show their solidarity in the fight against cancer. Throughout the day, participants, volunteers, and spectators enjoy fun activities, live music, and special guest speakers.
It's not too late to register for the event and donations can be made here.
Wake Forest Athletics Honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Like many of you, breast cancer has directly affected my family and I am proud of my Mom - a 25-year survivor of this terrible disease. Our teams are specifically honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, beginning with women's soccer this past Sunday as the Demon Deacons dawned pink jerseys. Also at Spry Stadium last weekend, pink shakers, wristbands and ribbons were distributed to highlight this important cause. Wake Forest is also auctioning off a pink jersey!
Additionally, field hockey will host their pink match on Friday at 6 p.m. when the Deacs take on Louisville inside Kentner Stadium and volleyball will host its annual "dig pink" match tomorrow at 7 p.m. inside Varsity Arena. Meanwhile, men's soccer will host the Genna Wiley Memorial Match on Saturday, Oct. 15, when Wake Forest takes on Boston College.
Stay tuned to GoDeacs.com and our teams' social media accounts for more information on giveaways and other promotional items to help raise awareness for Breast Cancer.
Thank You! Tremendous Day of Giving on Tuesday
Earlier this week was Wake Forest University's annual Deacs Day of Giving, a 24-hour fundraising event for the worldwide Wake Forest community to provide opportunities for current Demon Deacons through generous donations. Wake Forest fans responded with a remarkable 1,300 gifts on Tuesday demonstrating your commitment to a World Class Student-Athlete Experience. Wake Forest's student-athletes, coaches and staff join me in thanking you for your loyalty and generosity.
Overall for the entire University, Giving Day generated over $1 million in resources to help deserving students and faculty at Wake Forest!
Update Your Calendars! Men's & Women's Basketball Schedules Announced
Coach Megan Gebbia and her staff are ready to hit the hardwood with All-ACC honoree Jewel Spear and other veterans, while Coach Steve Forbes enters the 2022-23 season with a new-look roster anchored by Daiven Williamson and his three fellow captains. In our effort to provide the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina, options are available for men's basketball traditional season tickets or our innovative "FLEX" pass option. This unique ticketing opportunity includes 17, eight or five-game options. Click here to learn more! Meanwhile women's hoops season tickets are on sale now for $50 and youth/senior season tickets start at $25.
Don't forget, both teams will tip-off their seasons with exhibition games on Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 against Winston-Salem State, respectively!
Stay tuned to ACC Network next week as Coach Gebbia, Coach Forbes and several Demon Deacon student-athletes will represent Wake Forest at ACC Tipoff in Charlotte!
Finally, it has been fun to follow our regionally and nationally ranked cross-country teams and see our tennis teams in action at the ITA All-American Championships!
From the Quad Big 3
Here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
- Read these great Wake Forest newsletters from our talented colleagues in the Communications & External Relations Office and forward to a Deacon friend today!
- Click here to view our complete Wake Forest Athletics competitive schedule! The "One More Rule" applies to field hockey, volleyball, men's and women's soccer and all our sports. Don't miss out on a fun time for the entire family in our world-class facilities!
- Our traditional night-before-home-game fireworks will take place tomorrow night shortly after 8 p.m. following the conclusion of our field hockey match at Kentner Stadium!
- Bring some friends to Truist Field for the October 22 game versus Boston College! Click here to grab our super affordable four-pack ticket offer for $89, including a parking pass!
- D: DOWNLOAD your mobile tickets for Saturday's football game.
- E: Arrive EARLY to DEACTOWN on Saturday!
- A: ASK our staff questions and call anytime at 336-758-GAME.
- C: Remember to bring your CLEAR bags to Truist Field.
- S: STEER clear of prohibited items before you arrive at the game.
Be safe this weekend, cheer loud and send your thoughts to me at wfuad@wfu.edu, and...
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Director of Athletics
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