From the Quad

From the Quad

10/11/2024 9:51:00 AM | General

Presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
 
Happy Friday Deacon Nation!
 
Get your Old Gold & Black on because with our No. 3 ranked women's soccer team unbeaten in their last five matches, including last weeks commanding 4-1 win over defending NCAA champs No. 6 Florida State, men's cross country ascending to a No. 6 national ranking and football coming off a gritty, tough come-from-behind win at NC State last weekend in Raleigh – the Demon Deacons are rocking in October! 
 
This morning our cross country teams are competing at the Royals XC Challenge in Charlotte and women's golf is underway at the Ruth's Chris Intercollegiate in Chapel Hill. Meanwhile, this afternoon at 5 p.m. our field hockey program hosts Duke inside Kentner Stadium, and a few steps away beginning at 7 p.m. Wake volleyball serves up Big Four action against the Blue Devils inside Varsity Arena. Remember, attendance at all four events is free!
 
Meanwhile, ESPN's national cameras will be on for tomorrow's huge football showdown against No. 10 Clemson at high noon inside a sold out Allegacy Stadium and men's soccer heads to Durham for another Big Four ACC clash with Duke on Saturday night
 
But, before we go further, let's pause to send our thoughts to all those affected by Hurricane Helene. Wake Forest has deep roots in western NC and eastern Tennessee which is home for many students, fans and alumni. The images and stories that are emerging are heartbreaking on so many levels. Being true to our motto of Pro Humanitate – we stand with those affected by Helene, and continue to offer support or assistance. 
 
We have been proud to help in a small way through donations at our home events, including the Dave Clawson Radio Show and we have promoted QR codes on our video boards for funding that would go towards the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund or the United Way of North Carolina - Helene. Additionally, we are thinking about our Florida friends in the wake of Hurricane Milton. 
 
Last weekend, the Spirit of the Old Gold & Black joined forces with NC State's Power Sound of the South for a memorable halftime performance during the game inside Carter-Finley Stadium. Together, both bands played a moving rendition of "Amazing Grace" in solidarity with those affected by Hurricane Helene. The emotional performance was featured on NBC's TODAY Show and other national outlets exemplifying the spirit of unity and support between our schools.
 
We salute the leadership of director of bands Dr. Tim Heath and SOTOGAB for planning another special treat tomorrow as the Deacons and Clemson University's Tiger Band will take the field together at halftime in Allegacy Stadium for a joint performance of 'America The Beautiful' – I'm getting goosebumps as I type this – I can't wait to see and hear it!
 
With that, we continue to be in contact with our neighboring institutions, including Appalachian State and UNC Asheville offering assistance, hospitality and the use of our facilities as needed.
 
Deacons-Tigers Clash Inside Allegacy Stadium for Noon Kickoff on Main ESPN
Coach Dave Clawson's football team has had a great week of practice after the Deacs captured their fifth win over the past eight games against the Wolfpack. Looking ahead a bit, that seismic victory set up two massive games in November (at UNC on Nov. 9; vs. Duke on Nov. 30) where if we win both we can capture our ninth Big Four Championship in program history - and first since 2019!
 
Meanwhile, between the aforementioned band halftime performance, the tremendous effort in comeback fashion from our coaches and players and then a big men's soccer win over Boston College at Spry Stadium, it was hard to settle down after a full-day of Demon Deacon triumphs. 
 
So - let's do it again tomorrow!
 
The 10th-ranked Tigers roll into Winston-Salem tomorrow for a huge ACC game and with the experience of battling Clemson down to the wire in each of the last two years, I know our team will be ready to go at noon inside Allegacy Stadium in front of a national television audience on ESPN
 
Our game against Clemson has officially sold out, but if fans are interested in purchasing from the limited remaining general admission tickets, located in the top rows of Section 17, for Saturday's seismic conference showdown, call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 or click here for more information. Additionally, reserved seat tickets for Saturday can be purchased on the secondary market thanks to Wake Forest's partner, SeatGeek.
 
Tomorrow's game is also our WEAR BLACK SATURDAY game so fans are encouraged to don their best black Wake Forest gear! If you need a wardrobe refresh, just click here to view and purchase the latest gear from WakeForestShop.com!
 
Remember that the annual Carolina Classic Fair is in session right next door at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, so please arrive extra early to Allegacy Stadium on Saturday. Wake Forest Athletics will open all stadium parking and tailgate lots at 7 a.m. and we encourage all fans to allow for extra time to park, enter and get to their seats before the game. We'll also open up the free DEACTOWN Fan Zone presented by Lowes Foods early with live music, food, and games for all ages. The Deacon Walk will take place at approximately 9:45 a.m. for you and your family to welcome Demond Claiborne, Jasheen Davis, Nick Andersen and their teammates!
 
While we cheer loud for the Deacs, please remember that our goal of providing The Best Fan Experience in North Carolina includes ensuring all fans feel welcome in Winston-Salem.  Thanks for continuing our reputation for hospitality and helping to ensure a great experience for all wherever you may be sitting inside Allegacy Stadium. Anytime you need help or have concerns during the game, call or text our Gameday Hotline at 336-758-GAME.
 
Deacon Hoopers Take Center Stage in Charlotte at ACC Tipoff
Over the last few days, Wake Forest men's basketball players Cameron Hildreth, Hunter Sallis, and Efton Reid III, along with head coach Steve Forbes, represented the Demon Deacons with class at the ACC Tipoff in Charlotte. The quartet took part in media events, providing insights into the upcoming 2024-25 season and exhibited the intellect and thoughtfulness that reflects the high expectations for this team.
 
On the women's side, guards Elise Williams and Demeara Hinds, accompanied by head coach Megan Gebbia, proudly represented Wake Forest at the ACC Tipoff. Their day included interviews and live segments on ACC Network, where they highlighted the growth of the program and the excitement surrounding the upcoming season. Elise and Demeara epitomize dedication and commitment to Wake Forest and I'm excited to cheer them on at our Opening Night doubleheader on Nov. 4 inside Joel Coliseum!
 
Mark your calendars for all our men's and women's basketball home games! Men's season tickets start at just $199, giving you the best seats and value for the action at the LJVM Coliseum. Plus, don't miss the new ACC Premier 3-Game Package for the UNC and Duke matchups in January! Women's hoops season tickets are just $60 and include special insider events throughout the season. Grab yours now and be part of the excitement! For questions or assistance as you lock in your seats for this season, 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.
 
Not to be forgotten, our men's season gets serious fast on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. at the First Horizon Coliseum as Deacon Nation will come together for a seismic neutral site game between Wake Forest and Big Ten power Michigan. Buy now and join us!
 
Wake Forest Selected As 2028 Women's Golf NCAA Regional Site
We are excited to bring more Value to the Winston-Salem & Triad Community, as the NCAA has awarded Wake Forest the 2028 Women's Golf NCAA Regional Championships. These events will be played at Bermuda Run Country Club, just across the Yadkin River in Davie County. Bermuda Run and our community did a wonderful job of hosting the 2024 NCAA Regional at this world-class course back in May and will also host an NCAA Men's Golf Regional in 2026. In partnership with Director of Golf Mary Thomas and General Manager Brian Meeks, the staff at Bermuda Run is second-to-none!
 
Wake Forest Students Shine at URECA Day
During Family Weekend, over 130 Wake Forest undergraduate students, alongside 120 faculty mentors, showcased their research at URECA Day in the Sutton Center. From 3D models of museum artifacts to studies in chemistry, communication, and more, students proudly presented their hard work across 30 unique majors. Psychology professor and URECA director Wayne Pratt called the event a "celebration of creative work and scholarly inquiry" fueled by collaboration between students and faculty. It was an inspiring display of innovation and determination!
 
From the Quad Big 3
Finally, here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs: 
  1. Join me in congratulating a pair of Wake Foresters on a pair of huge accomplishments! Wake Forest researcher and remote sensing expert Ovidiu Csillik is co-investigator on a new three-year, $1 million NASA-funded study using lidar technology to analyze carbon storage changes in tropical forests, in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, Caltech's Jet Propulsion Lab, and UCLA. Also bringing national acclaim to our world-class University, two-time captain wideout Taylor Morin was named a Semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy! In addition to being one of the most reliable receivers in program history, Taylor's on pace to earn his MBA after already graduating with honors in engineering while also being on the Dean's List and AD Honor Roll every semester he has been at Wake Forest. Great work, Ovidiu and Taylor!
  2. Spread the word about the great work ASM Global is doing as they continue to increase the star-studded lineup of concerts and special events for our community at LJVM Coliseum. GM Brandon Berry and his staff are bringing lauded jam band Goose for a Hurricane Helene benefit concert on Friday, Oct. 25!
  3. With just over 10 weeks left in the calendar year, consider joining the Deacon Club or contributing to sport-specific excellence funds. We pledge to be careful stewards of your generosity and remain deeply grateful for your unwavering dedication and support of a World Class Student-Athlete Experience.  
As we close, I'm sure our many loyal From the Quad readers know that the settlement of the House antitrust case received preliminary approval from the court last Monday, with a final approval hearing set for April 7, 2025. In this new era of college athletics, be assured that Wake Forest is absolutely committed to competing at the highest level and Winning Championships.
 
Wake Forest University is known for its distinctive combination of world-class academics, unrivaled campus experience, intimate learning environment and Power 4 athletics in a top-growing metro market with 1.7 million people in one of the fastest-growing states in the union. While the settlement certainly changes some dynamics it doesn't affect our commitment to the most important elements of a World Class Student Experience  and we'll continue to thrive as a premiere institution and destination for top-tier prospective students. 
 
Have fun tonight at field hockey and volleyball, wear black tomorrow, cheer loud, send your thoughts to me at wfuad@wfu.edu, and...
 
Go Deacs! 

John Currie Signature for FTQ 

John Currie
Vice President & Director of Athletics
Coach Jake Dickert Press Conference (Sept. 22, 2025)
Monday, September 22
Wake Forest Football Head Coach Jake Dickert Press Conference (Week 5)
Monday, September 22
Football Media Availability (9/18/25)
Thursday, September 18
Matt Barrie SportsCenter at Wake Forest with Demond Claiborne
Wednesday, September 10