From the Quad
2/24/2023 6:14:00 PM | General
Presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Good Evening Demon Deacon Nation,
Another exciting weekend is underway as baseball and women's tennis have already claimed victories on this #WFFriday! Here in Winston-Salem, our hardworking staff is hosting eight events through Sunday evening. Meanwhile, our track and field programs are in Louisville this weekend at ACC Indoors looking to Win Championships, and our women's tennis squad is in Montgomery, Ala. competing in the Blue Gray Classic.
Coach John Hayes' team got off to a great start yesterday in the first day of competition at the league championships as the Deacs were led by All-ACC honorees Addison Berry (pentathlon), Joe O'Brien (5,000m run) and Andrew White (weight throw).
Speaking of astounding starts, our No. 4-ranked Diamond Deacs are 6-0 and are competing against Binghamton right now in this evening's night cap as the weekend action continues at Couch Ballpark. This afternoon's 18-2 victory over Mount St. Mary's marked the 800th victory of Coach Tom Walter's career. Wake Forest has now outscored its opponents 83-12 so far this season!
Individually, a pair of sophomores, Nick Kurtz and Sean Sullivan, swept the first Atlantic Coast Conference Weekly Awards as announced by the league on Monday. Additionally, Kurtz and redshirt junior Adam Cecere were the only two players in the nation to launch four home runs during the opening slate of games last weekend.
Couch Ballpark hosted an Opening Weekend record 3,321 fans and I encourage you to watch our 2023 season hype video that was voiced by the legendary Tal Jobe!
In addition to a number of exciting season-ticketing options, college baseball fans can purchase single game tickets now as we continue our 12-game homestand. Tickets begin at just $5 and you can ask our ticket sales staff when you arrive to purchase an upgraded experience including access to the All-American Club!
Meanwhile, our second-ranked women's golf program has been hard at work after back-to-back team victories to open the spring season. The Deacs tee it up on Monday at the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate as they look to defend their title from a season ago. Follow along here and competition will be broadcast on the Golf Channel!
On the men's side, Coach Jerry Haas' team is on a well-deserved break following a pair of team titles of their own this spring and is back in action at Pinehurst for the Wake Forest Invitational on March 6.
Finally, our men's tennis team qualified for the ITA Indoor National Championships last weekend and tested themselves against some of the best competition in the country in preparation for the ACC schedule coming up after final tune-ups this coming week when the Deacs host VCU Tuesday and Belmont Abbey on Tuesday afternoon.
With so much news and exciting things to get to, let's jump right into our 94th edition of From the Quad, presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist!
Primetime Hoops & Senior Day Games On Deck For Men's & Women's Basketball
Last night's one-point loss against No. 23 Florida State inside Joel Coliseum was heartbreaking for our women's basketball team but I'm so encouraged with the progress and evident improvement of our players in Coach Megan Gebbia's inaugural season. For example just three weeks ago those same Seminoles downed the Deacs by 28 points. Please join us Sunday afternoon and help honor a special group of 12 seniors, including Niyah Becker, Kaia Harrison, Alex Scruggs, Olivia Summiel, Mack Maier and seven managers/graduate assistants. Tickets for the 2 p.m. tipoff against Boston College begin at just $5 so grab your friends and neighbors and come early Sunday to help salute these special seniors.
Having already exceeded last year's ACC win total the Deacs need three more wins to ensure our first winning season since 2016 and I can't wait to see them compete in the ACC Tournament in Greensboro next week.
Meanwhile, there are just two more opportunities in Winston-Salem to see the talented men's basketball squad, including ACC Player of the Year candidate Tyree Appleby, with a 7 p.m. contest against Notre Dame tomorrow and then Boston College on Tuesday at 7 p.m. We will honor Tyree, Daivien Williamson, Grant van Beveren and three managers / graduate assistants before the game on Tuesday as a part of our Senior Night festivities.
While we're on the topic of recognitions, please ensure you help us thank longtime statistician David Kivett, public address announcer Jeffrey Griffin and official scorer Gary Strickland all of whom Wake Forest Athletics will recognize in the coming days at these aforementioned games.
And before we get to the rest of the updates, get your single season tickets now for ACC Men's Basketball Tournament in Greensboro, presented by New York Life March 7-11.
Annual Endowed Scholarship Celebration Saturday Afternoon
Prior to Saturday evening's primetime tipoff against Notre Dame inside Joel Coliseum, our hard-working development staff will welcome our Wake Forest Athletics scholarship supporters. The entire audience, which will include nearly 100 student-athletes, will hear from a speaking panel of Kaia Harrison ('23, Women's Basketball), Ryan Janvion ('16, Football) and Ginny Charest ('86, Volleyball). Stay tuned to our social media feeds for unique content from this event.
Finally, help me thank these loyal supporters for their leadership and support of our young men and women!
Senior Vice President and General Counsel J. Reid Morgan Honored at Annual Founders' Day Convocation
Each February, in observance of the University's beginnings in 1834, the Wake Forest family gathers for Founders' Day Convocation. Annually at this exciting event, the Medallion of Merit is presented to an individual who has rendered distinguished service to the University, including past presidents, trustees, benefactors, alumni, and retired faculty and administrators.
Most fittingly, last week's event saw J. Reid Morgan ('75, JD '79), senior VP and general counsel bestowed with the Medallion. For more than 40 years, Reid has provided legal counsel across the spectrum of university activities and initiatives. Even more important than his sage legal counsel has been his wisdom, perspective, strategic advice and mentoring throughout his career. Four presidents and three athletics directors (including me!) have benefitted immeasurably from his guidance - his impact on the development of Wake Forest Athletics and indeed the Atlantic Coast Conference is extraordinary.
I encourage you to read this full recap of the event from our talented communications and external relations colleagues, which includes remarks from Dr. Ed Wilson ('43)!
ACC Fan Survey Lauds Deacs - More Exciting Opportunities Coming Field This Fall
Fans attending last fall's home football slate comprised three three sellout crowds and a record number of students attendees, and gave Truist Field a 9.2 rating by the ACC in its annual postseason fan survey. That score, which is on a scale of 1-to-10, ranked as the second-highest in the conference and is further recognition of our efforts towards creating the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina. As our 2023 schedule is now set and with multiple sellouts expected, let's continue to raise the standard together this fall inside Truist Field by purchasing season tickets! For questions or assistance, please contact the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext 1 or tix@wfu.edu. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Additionally before moving on, take a look at the most recent pictures we posted on the update of the McCreary Football Complex! The 4th Quarter Drive continues in our quest to continuously elevate the Demon Deacons World Class Student-Athlete Experience!
Men's Soccer Partners with Second Harvest Food Bank for Third-Annual Goal-a-Thon
Wake Forest men's soccer brought Value to Winston-Salem and the Triad Community as the program partnered with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC for the Deacs' annual Goal-a-Thon to raise more than $12,000, with $6,161 of the proceeds providing more than 43,000 meals for families in need of food assistance in the greater Winston-Salem area.
On Saturday, Feb. 11, members of Wake Forest men's soccer, from Stef Hamilton representing squads from the early years to the current 28-man team, participated in small-sided matches until 100 goals were scored!
Pro Humanitate at its finest!
From the Quad Big 3
Before we close, here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
Thanks for your support and for continuing to show respect to one another, be loud and provide good sportsmanship in our venues as we strive to deliver the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina. Continue to send your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to me at wfuad@wfu.edu, and …
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Director of Athletics
Good Evening Demon Deacon Nation,
Another exciting weekend is underway as baseball and women's tennis have already claimed victories on this #WFFriday! Here in Winston-Salem, our hardworking staff is hosting eight events through Sunday evening. Meanwhile, our track and field programs are in Louisville this weekend at ACC Indoors looking to Win Championships, and our women's tennis squad is in Montgomery, Ala. competing in the Blue Gray Classic.
Coach John Hayes' team got off to a great start yesterday in the first day of competition at the league championships as the Deacs were led by All-ACC honorees Addison Berry (pentathlon), Joe O'Brien (5,000m run) and Andrew White (weight throw).
Speaking of astounding starts, our No. 4-ranked Diamond Deacs are 6-0 and are competing against Binghamton right now in this evening's night cap as the weekend action continues at Couch Ballpark. This afternoon's 18-2 victory over Mount St. Mary's marked the 800th victory of Coach Tom Walter's career. Wake Forest has now outscored its opponents 83-12 so far this season!
Individually, a pair of sophomores, Nick Kurtz and Sean Sullivan, swept the first Atlantic Coast Conference Weekly Awards as announced by the league on Monday. Additionally, Kurtz and redshirt junior Adam Cecere were the only two players in the nation to launch four home runs during the opening slate of games last weekend.
Couch Ballpark hosted an Opening Weekend record 3,321 fans and I encourage you to watch our 2023 season hype video that was voiced by the legendary Tal Jobe!
In addition to a number of exciting season-ticketing options, college baseball fans can purchase single game tickets now as we continue our 12-game homestand. Tickets begin at just $5 and you can ask our ticket sales staff when you arrive to purchase an upgraded experience including access to the All-American Club!
Meanwhile, our second-ranked women's golf program has been hard at work after back-to-back team victories to open the spring season. The Deacs tee it up on Monday at the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate as they look to defend their title from a season ago. Follow along here and competition will be broadcast on the Golf Channel!
On the men's side, Coach Jerry Haas' team is on a well-deserved break following a pair of team titles of their own this spring and is back in action at Pinehurst for the Wake Forest Invitational on March 6.
Finally, our men's tennis team qualified for the ITA Indoor National Championships last weekend and tested themselves against some of the best competition in the country in preparation for the ACC schedule coming up after final tune-ups this coming week when the Deacs host VCU Tuesday and Belmont Abbey on Tuesday afternoon.
With so much news and exciting things to get to, let's jump right into our 94th edition of From the Quad, presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist!
Primetime Hoops & Senior Day Games On Deck For Men's & Women's Basketball
Last night's one-point loss against No. 23 Florida State inside Joel Coliseum was heartbreaking for our women's basketball team but I'm so encouraged with the progress and evident improvement of our players in Coach Megan Gebbia's inaugural season. For example just three weeks ago those same Seminoles downed the Deacs by 28 points. Please join us Sunday afternoon and help honor a special group of 12 seniors, including Niyah Becker, Kaia Harrison, Alex Scruggs, Olivia Summiel, Mack Maier and seven managers/graduate assistants. Tickets for the 2 p.m. tipoff against Boston College begin at just $5 so grab your friends and neighbors and come early Sunday to help salute these special seniors.
Having already exceeded last year's ACC win total the Deacs need three more wins to ensure our first winning season since 2016 and I can't wait to see them compete in the ACC Tournament in Greensboro next week.
Meanwhile, there are just two more opportunities in Winston-Salem to see the talented men's basketball squad, including ACC Player of the Year candidate Tyree Appleby, with a 7 p.m. contest against Notre Dame tomorrow and then Boston College on Tuesday at 7 p.m. We will honor Tyree, Daivien Williamson, Grant van Beveren and three managers / graduate assistants before the game on Tuesday as a part of our Senior Night festivities.
While we're on the topic of recognitions, please ensure you help us thank longtime statistician David Kivett, public address announcer Jeffrey Griffin and official scorer Gary Strickland all of whom Wake Forest Athletics will recognize in the coming days at these aforementioned games.
And before we get to the rest of the updates, get your single season tickets now for ACC Men's Basketball Tournament in Greensboro, presented by New York Life March 7-11.
Annual Endowed Scholarship Celebration Saturday Afternoon
Prior to Saturday evening's primetime tipoff against Notre Dame inside Joel Coliseum, our hard-working development staff will welcome our Wake Forest Athletics scholarship supporters. The entire audience, which will include nearly 100 student-athletes, will hear from a speaking panel of Kaia Harrison ('23, Women's Basketball), Ryan Janvion ('16, Football) and Ginny Charest ('86, Volleyball). Stay tuned to our social media feeds for unique content from this event.
Finally, help me thank these loyal supporters for their leadership and support of our young men and women!
Senior Vice President and General Counsel J. Reid Morgan Honored at Annual Founders' Day Convocation
Each February, in observance of the University's beginnings in 1834, the Wake Forest family gathers for Founders' Day Convocation. Annually at this exciting event, the Medallion of Merit is presented to an individual who has rendered distinguished service to the University, including past presidents, trustees, benefactors, alumni, and retired faculty and administrators.
Most fittingly, last week's event saw J. Reid Morgan ('75, JD '79), senior VP and general counsel bestowed with the Medallion. For more than 40 years, Reid has provided legal counsel across the spectrum of university activities and initiatives. Even more important than his sage legal counsel has been his wisdom, perspective, strategic advice and mentoring throughout his career. Four presidents and three athletics directors (including me!) have benefitted immeasurably from his guidance - his impact on the development of Wake Forest Athletics and indeed the Atlantic Coast Conference is extraordinary.
I encourage you to read this full recap of the event from our talented communications and external relations colleagues, which includes remarks from Dr. Ed Wilson ('43)!
ACC Fan Survey Lauds Deacs - More Exciting Opportunities Coming Field This Fall
Fans attending last fall's home football slate comprised three three sellout crowds and a record number of students attendees, and gave Truist Field a 9.2 rating by the ACC in its annual postseason fan survey. That score, which is on a scale of 1-to-10, ranked as the second-highest in the conference and is further recognition of our efforts towards creating the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina. As our 2023 schedule is now set and with multiple sellouts expected, let's continue to raise the standard together this fall inside Truist Field by purchasing season tickets! For questions or assistance, please contact the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext 1 or tix@wfu.edu. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Additionally before moving on, take a look at the most recent pictures we posted on the update of the McCreary Football Complex! The 4th Quarter Drive continues in our quest to continuously elevate the Demon Deacons World Class Student-Athlete Experience!
Men's Soccer Partners with Second Harvest Food Bank for Third-Annual Goal-a-Thon
Wake Forest men's soccer brought Value to Winston-Salem and the Triad Community as the program partnered with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC for the Deacs' annual Goal-a-Thon to raise more than $12,000, with $6,161 of the proceeds providing more than 43,000 meals for families in need of food assistance in the greater Winston-Salem area.
On Saturday, Feb. 11, members of Wake Forest men's soccer, from Stef Hamilton representing squads from the early years to the current 28-man team, participated in small-sided matches until 100 goals were scored!
Pro Humanitate at its finest!
From the Quad Big 3
Before we close, here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
- No matter where you are, represent the Deacons with your Old Gold & Black every Friday! #WFFriday is an easy way to show the global spirit of Demon Deacons Nation!
- Please join me in congratulating Wake Forest alum and former football student-athlete Josh Strickland on starting a new role with Student-Athlete NIL and Roll the Quad collective! Reach out to him at josh@studentathletenil.com to learn more about how you can participate in helping Wake Forest student-athletes through Roll the Quad!
- With vacation season on the horizon our valued partners at Hanesbrands, Learfield and CLC have helped ensure you can buy Wake Forest gear as you fly in and out of Piedmont Triad Airport (GSO). When you "Fly PTI" make it a point to pick up a shirt or cap to take to a friend and be sure and thank the clerk for repping the Deacs!
Thanks for your support and for continuing to show respect to one another, be loud and provide good sportsmanship in our venues as we strive to deliver the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina. Continue to send your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to me at wfuad@wfu.edu, and …
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Director of Athletics
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Players Mentioned
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
F
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's BasketballFootball Media Availability (9/18/25)
Thursday, September 18
Matt Barrie SportsCenter at Wake Forest with Demond Claiborne
Wednesday, September 10
Matt Barrie SportsCenter on Wake Forest Campus (Arnold Palmer Complex)
Wednesday, September 10
Football Media Availability (9/9/25)
Wednesday, September 10