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From the Quad
1/30/2025 2:26:00 PM | General
Presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Good Afternoon Demon Deacon Nation,
After a cold first phase of winter here in our beautiful hometown of Winston-Salem, it's nice to see the sun again as the temperatures climbed into the 60s yesterday.
And, the Atlantic Coast Conference is climbing too, as evidenced by the announcement a few moments ago of an important validation of our long-term agreement with ESPN where the Worldwide Leader exercised its option to extend the league's base rights agreement and ESPN will continue as the ACC's media partner through the 2035-36 academic year. Together with our joint venture, the ACC Network, and our own inhouse production crew, Demon Deacon student-athletes and fans alike enjoy unparalleled worldwide exposure and viewing opportunities on all ESPN platforms – including the "traditional" ABC channel. And, the monetary investment of ESPN and its parent company, The Walt Disney Company, continues to ensure that the ACC is among the top three valued college athletics conferences, which, along with the direct investment of Demon Deacon fans worldwide, helps give Wake Forest student-athletes the opportunity to compete - and study - at the highest level!
I was pretty darn excited to get the heads up from President Susan R. Wente, who serves as vice-chair of the ACC Board of Directors, of this big news! As a charter and founding member of the ACC in 1953, we all know how important this distinction has been in the evolution of Wake Forest into one of the nation's most respected universities today. With that, the ESPN partnership provides an advantageous element of stability and security amidst the roiling seas of unprecedented disruption in college athletics. And, our Power Four athletics status continues to be an important advantage for the quality of life and economic development of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, the Triad, and all of northwest North Carolina.
Meanwhile, tonight in Joel Coliseum our decorated ACC Network crew will produce its 81st broadcast of the year on ACCNX as our women's hoops team, who is coming off a big win over Boston College, hosts No. 17 NC State tonight at 6 p.m. It's a Tye-Dye game so join me in person to cheer on Coach Megan Gebbia's squad - the first 250 fans in attendance get a free t-shirt – so get your tickets here!
With that, let's get to more updates!
Second Half of ACC Men's Basketball Season Starts at Home, Then to California Next Week!
Coach Steve Forbes' team is tied for fourth place in the ACC Standings with a 7-3 league record with 10 conference games to play starting Saturday at noon as the seventh-place Pitt Panthers come to Winston-Salem. So many longtime fans have told me last Saturday night's game against No. 2 Duke was among the best environments of all time inside Joel Coliseum and I can't wait to see Deacon Nation back out in full force this weekend for our DEACTOWN 500 game with tickets starting at just $20. I know our squad will bounce back after Tuesday night's tough game against a hot-shooting Louisville squad. With our senior guards Hunter Sallis and Cameron Hildeth only able to play 45 minutes combined, I was really proud of our team battling until the final whistle.
Next week, the Deacs head west for a pair of contests at Stanford (11 p.m. tipoff on Feb. 5) and Cal (5 p.m. tipoff on Feb. 8). If you are a Demon Deacons fan in California, remember the 'One More Rule' and click the above links for game tickets or the upcoming click-throughs for information on pregame gatherings in Palo Alto and Berkeley. For questions about these games or pregame events, please contact Dustie Lanier ('06) at lanierdn@wfu.edu or 336.758.5464. Bring a friend and create a new Wake Forest! As always, for questions or assistance for home or road games, 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.
Competing and Thriving in College Athletics' New Era
As we move forward together and I engage daily with our student-athletes, coaches, and staff, I'm so proud that Wake Forest is not just "in the game"—but is truly thriving. And, our student-athletes are still students, competing at the highest level while excelling in the classroom.
Remember, the ACC boasts the highest-rated academic institutions in collegiate athletics and has outpaced all other conferences in NCAA Championships in recent years. This includes Wake Forest's NCAA Women's Golf title in 2023 and national prominence across numerous sports including this past fall as Men's Cross Country and Men's Soccer have won two of the seven ACC team championships awarded so far in the newly expanded conference.
Overall with 59 ACC Team Championships and 10 NCAA Championships to date, we've consistently shown that Wake Forest is a formidable presence in collegiate athletics. This success has been fueled by strategic investments, with $175 million directed toward athletics over the last decade, including over $100 million to football alone. Additionally, the launch of the In Her Wake initiative in February 2024 has already generated over $32 million in support of women's athletics, ensuring that all our programs have the resources to compete and thrive in today's competitive landscape. These investments, including the recent dedication of the Tucker Family Student-Athlete Excellence Center are driving student-athlete opportunities to unprecedented levels, further strengthened by our commitment to the opportunities brought by the House Settlement set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
Looking forward – we're gearing up for more fun!
Newly appointed head football coach Jake Dickert is laying the foundation for another historic run, following the path set by Dave Clawson, who led Wake Forest to seven-straight bowl games and the 2021 ACC Championship Game.
Coach Tom Walter's Diamond Deacs are nationally ranked in all preseason polls and are the only program in the country with three alums among MLB's Top 100 prospects. Coach Kim Lewellen's perennial contending women's golf team is ranked in the top 15, Coach Jerry Haas' men's golf team had a successful fall and begins the spring season next week and Tony Bresky's men's tennis team sits at No. 4 in the nation following a historic run to the Final Four last spring.
In the fall, Coach Tony da Luz led our women's soccer team to a No. 2 national ranking in the final poll and College Cup championship game. Our women's tennis team has made eight-consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances while Jeff Wyshner just became the winningest head coach in program history, and Coach Jeff Hulsmeyer is ready to elevate our volleyball program to new heights. Not to be forgotten, Coach Jen Averill continues to push forward leading our three-time NCAA Champion field hockey team and our women's cross country program is steadily improving as well.
So, with all that said, how can you help? It's easier than you think!
Supporting Wake Forest doesn't have to mean a big investment as every little action helps grow Deacon Nation and strengthen our presence on the national stage. Here are a few simple ones:
Honoring Trailblazers: Bill Hayes & Audley Bell
Saturday morning we will kick off Black History Month by celebrating Bill Hayes and posthumously honoring Audley Bell as the next Robert Grant and Kenneth "Butch" Henry Trailblazer Award recipients at a brunch before they are recognized during the Pittsburgh game. Coach Hayes became the first Black assistant coach in Wake Forest and ACC history in 1973, while Audley broke barriers as the first Black tennis player in both Wake Forest and ACC history in 1972. The Trailblazer Award, established in 2021, honors those who have paved the way for future generations. These legendary Demon Deacons exemplify the courage, perseverance, and excellence that define Wake Forest. If you'd like to attend the morning ceremony contact Assistant Athletic Director, Donor Experience, Allison Edwards (edwardsa@wfu.edu) for more details on attending the ceremony and I encourage you to follow @DemonDeacons, @WakeFB, and @WakeMTennis for special content from the celebration.
Big League Weekend in Winston-Salem Includes Historic Return of NASCAR's Top Series
In addition to our big-time ACC clash with Pittsburgh, the national spotlight will be on Winston-Salem as NASCAR kicks off its Cup season with the The Cookout Clash inside Bowman Gray Stadium this weekend. There are two days of action leading up the headline race Sunday night on FOX. Hats off to the France family, the City of Winston-Salem, Winston-Salem State University, Visit Winston-Salem and many others for partnering to bring NASCAR racing back to Winston-Salem for the first time since 1971! If you've never been to a race at Bowman Gray, you are missing out on an unique experience!
Mark Your Calendars: The 2025 Wake Forest Football Schedule is Here!
As January began, head coach Jake Dickert welcomed his staff, 30 new enrollees, and many returning athletes—including star tailback Demond Claiborne, standout defensive back Davaughn Patterson and 2024 captain Nick Andersen. Since their first team meeting before classes started two weeks ago, the group has worked tirelessly to meet the standard and deliver their "B.E.S.T." in preparation for the 2025 season.
Now, as their focus remains on the here-and-now in the offseason with their academics, learning the playbooks and improving within our strength program, the ACC released our full 2025 schedule earlier this week headlined by Big Four home clashes against NC State (Sept. 11) and North Carolina (Nov. 15), as well as special weekends like UNRIVALED Weekend (Sept. 6 vs. Western Carolina), Family Weekend (Sept. 27 vs. Georgia Tech), and Homecoming (Oct. 25 vs. SMU). The Deacs will also close out the home slate on Nov. 22 against Delaware for Senior & Graduates Day. Not to be outdone, our season begins on Opening Night at Allegacy Stadium on Friday, Aug. 29.
With multiple sellouts expected, now is the time to secure 2025 season tickets, starting at just $149. Visit GoDeacs.com/Tickets or call 336-758-3322 ext. 1 to lock in your seats today!
Additionally, as announced in fall 2024, Wake Forest University is excited to partner with the City of Winston-Salem and Carter and Front Street Capital on The Grounds—a transformative mixed-use development designed to enhance the community. Following the official groundbreaking in December, an upcoming phase of the project will include updates to Deacon Blvd. and adjustments to several parking lots for the 2025 football season.
Fans who parked in the McCreary Tower, Gold, Red, and Couch Ballpark lots last season can renew their spots now, with parking costs and Deacon Club commitments due by the March 31, 2025, renewal deadline. For those in the Orange and Blue lots at Allegacy Stadium or the Starry lot at LJVM Coliseum, a $150 parking fee guarantees a parking pass but does not ensure placement in the same lot. Final parking assignments will be determined after March 31 based on Deacon Club priority status. For specific requests, please contact the Wake Forest Ticket Office at tix@wfu.edu.
Fans are encouraged to review the updated parking information to understand how these changes may impact their game day experience, particularly for season ticket holders with parking passes. Construction on Deacon Blvd. will begin on March 26 and is expected to be completed by mid-August.
Remember, we are committed to providing the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina, and The Grounds will be a community asset that enhances the gameday experience and beyond for the entire state. Just as we successfully navigated the challenges of Business-40 being shut down for three years, we can work together to embrace these changes for the greater good!
Passionate Wake Forest Supporters Make Transformational Gifts
Wake Forest football is grateful for the transformative support of two generous families. The Pappayliou family made a $2 million gift to establish the Pappayliou Family Scholarship, providing a football student-athlete with a world-class education at Wake Forest. This scholarship reflects their long-standing commitment to the university and the value they place on education.
Similarly, Ed and Kathy Balogh's generous contribution in 2023 established the Balogh Family Football Assistant Coach for Wide Receivers position, leaving a lasting impact on the program's coaching excellence. In recognition of their extraordinary support, the Baloghs have been named Deacon Club Members of the Year.
Remember Wake Forest Athletics Excellence Funds program launched in 2018 as an avenue for alumni, family and friends to directly impact a specific program of their choice through a budget-enhancing gift specifically to that program. Join these passionate Demon Deacons in their support of the football program or make an experience-enhancing gift to the program of your choosing today!
From the Quad Big 3
Finally, here are today's Big 3:
Hug those closest to you, join us inside Joel Coliseum, send your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to me at wfuad@wfu.edu, and …
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Vice President & Director of Athletics
Good Afternoon Demon Deacon Nation,
After a cold first phase of winter here in our beautiful hometown of Winston-Salem, it's nice to see the sun again as the temperatures climbed into the 60s yesterday.
And, the Atlantic Coast Conference is climbing too, as evidenced by the announcement a few moments ago of an important validation of our long-term agreement with ESPN where the Worldwide Leader exercised its option to extend the league's base rights agreement and ESPN will continue as the ACC's media partner through the 2035-36 academic year. Together with our joint venture, the ACC Network, and our own inhouse production crew, Demon Deacon student-athletes and fans alike enjoy unparalleled worldwide exposure and viewing opportunities on all ESPN platforms – including the "traditional" ABC channel. And, the monetary investment of ESPN and its parent company, The Walt Disney Company, continues to ensure that the ACC is among the top three valued college athletics conferences, which, along with the direct investment of Demon Deacon fans worldwide, helps give Wake Forest student-athletes the opportunity to compete - and study - at the highest level!
I was pretty darn excited to get the heads up from President Susan R. Wente, who serves as vice-chair of the ACC Board of Directors, of this big news! As a charter and founding member of the ACC in 1953, we all know how important this distinction has been in the evolution of Wake Forest into one of the nation's most respected universities today. With that, the ESPN partnership provides an advantageous element of stability and security amidst the roiling seas of unprecedented disruption in college athletics. And, our Power Four athletics status continues to be an important advantage for the quality of life and economic development of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, the Triad, and all of northwest North Carolina.
Meanwhile, tonight in Joel Coliseum our decorated ACC Network crew will produce its 81st broadcast of the year on ACCNX as our women's hoops team, who is coming off a big win over Boston College, hosts No. 17 NC State tonight at 6 p.m. It's a Tye-Dye game so join me in person to cheer on Coach Megan Gebbia's squad - the first 250 fans in attendance get a free t-shirt – so get your tickets here!
With that, let's get to more updates!
Second Half of ACC Men's Basketball Season Starts at Home, Then to California Next Week!
Coach Steve Forbes' team is tied for fourth place in the ACC Standings with a 7-3 league record with 10 conference games to play starting Saturday at noon as the seventh-place Pitt Panthers come to Winston-Salem. So many longtime fans have told me last Saturday night's game against No. 2 Duke was among the best environments of all time inside Joel Coliseum and I can't wait to see Deacon Nation back out in full force this weekend for our DEACTOWN 500 game with tickets starting at just $20. I know our squad will bounce back after Tuesday night's tough game against a hot-shooting Louisville squad. With our senior guards Hunter Sallis and Cameron Hildeth only able to play 45 minutes combined, I was really proud of our team battling until the final whistle.
Next week, the Deacs head west for a pair of contests at Stanford (11 p.m. tipoff on Feb. 5) and Cal (5 p.m. tipoff on Feb. 8). If you are a Demon Deacons fan in California, remember the 'One More Rule' and click the above links for game tickets or the upcoming click-throughs for information on pregame gatherings in Palo Alto and Berkeley. For questions about these games or pregame events, please contact Dustie Lanier ('06) at lanierdn@wfu.edu or 336.758.5464. Bring a friend and create a new Wake Forest! As always, for questions or assistance for home or road games, 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.
Competing and Thriving in College Athletics' New Era
As we move forward together and I engage daily with our student-athletes, coaches, and staff, I'm so proud that Wake Forest is not just "in the game"—but is truly thriving. And, our student-athletes are still students, competing at the highest level while excelling in the classroom.
Remember, the ACC boasts the highest-rated academic institutions in collegiate athletics and has outpaced all other conferences in NCAA Championships in recent years. This includes Wake Forest's NCAA Women's Golf title in 2023 and national prominence across numerous sports including this past fall as Men's Cross Country and Men's Soccer have won two of the seven ACC team championships awarded so far in the newly expanded conference.
Overall with 59 ACC Team Championships and 10 NCAA Championships to date, we've consistently shown that Wake Forest is a formidable presence in collegiate athletics. This success has been fueled by strategic investments, with $175 million directed toward athletics over the last decade, including over $100 million to football alone. Additionally, the launch of the In Her Wake initiative in February 2024 has already generated over $32 million in support of women's athletics, ensuring that all our programs have the resources to compete and thrive in today's competitive landscape. These investments, including the recent dedication of the Tucker Family Student-Athlete Excellence Center are driving student-athlete opportunities to unprecedented levels, further strengthened by our commitment to the opportunities brought by the House Settlement set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
Looking forward – we're gearing up for more fun!
Newly appointed head football coach Jake Dickert is laying the foundation for another historic run, following the path set by Dave Clawson, who led Wake Forest to seven-straight bowl games and the 2021 ACC Championship Game.
Coach Tom Walter's Diamond Deacs are nationally ranked in all preseason polls and are the only program in the country with three alums among MLB's Top 100 prospects. Coach Kim Lewellen's perennial contending women's golf team is ranked in the top 15, Coach Jerry Haas' men's golf team had a successful fall and begins the spring season next week and Tony Bresky's men's tennis team sits at No. 4 in the nation following a historic run to the Final Four last spring.
In the fall, Coach Tony da Luz led our women's soccer team to a No. 2 national ranking in the final poll and College Cup championship game. Our women's tennis team has made eight-consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances while Jeff Wyshner just became the winningest head coach in program history, and Coach Jeff Hulsmeyer is ready to elevate our volleyball program to new heights. Not to be forgotten, Coach Jen Averill continues to push forward leading our three-time NCAA Champion field hockey team and our women's cross country program is steadily improving as well.
So, with all that said, how can you help? It's easier than you think!
Supporting Wake Forest doesn't have to mean a big investment as every little action helps grow Deacon Nation and strengthen our presence on the national stage. Here are a few simple ones:
- Fly the Flag: Raise a Wake Forest flag in your front yard and let your neighbors know that you are a proud Demon Deacon fan!
- Buy a Ticket: Whether it's football, basketball, baseball, tennis or any sport, attending a game is a great way to support our teams and enhance the electric atmosphere
- Wear the Gear: Rock your Demon Deacons apparel—especially when you're traveling. You'd be surprised how many fellow fans you might meet! Visit WakeForestShop.com for all the latest gear.
- Bring a Friend: Share your love for Wake Forest with friends, colleagues, and family. Invite someone to a game, share our content on your social media feeds or tell them about our latest successes.
- ACC Network Awareness & Growth: Ask your friendly bartender, restauranteur or club owner to tune the television to ESPN, ACC Network and The CW for Wake Forest and ACC action – let's keep growing Deacon Nation!
Honoring Trailblazers: Bill Hayes & Audley Bell
Saturday morning we will kick off Black History Month by celebrating Bill Hayes and posthumously honoring Audley Bell as the next Robert Grant and Kenneth "Butch" Henry Trailblazer Award recipients at a brunch before they are recognized during the Pittsburgh game. Coach Hayes became the first Black assistant coach in Wake Forest and ACC history in 1973, while Audley broke barriers as the first Black tennis player in both Wake Forest and ACC history in 1972. The Trailblazer Award, established in 2021, honors those who have paved the way for future generations. These legendary Demon Deacons exemplify the courage, perseverance, and excellence that define Wake Forest. If you'd like to attend the morning ceremony contact Assistant Athletic Director, Donor Experience, Allison Edwards (edwardsa@wfu.edu) for more details on attending the ceremony and I encourage you to follow @DemonDeacons, @WakeFB, and @WakeMTennis for special content from the celebration.
Big League Weekend in Winston-Salem Includes Historic Return of NASCAR's Top Series
In addition to our big-time ACC clash with Pittsburgh, the national spotlight will be on Winston-Salem as NASCAR kicks off its Cup season with the The Cookout Clash inside Bowman Gray Stadium this weekend. There are two days of action leading up the headline race Sunday night on FOX. Hats off to the France family, the City of Winston-Salem, Winston-Salem State University, Visit Winston-Salem and many others for partnering to bring NASCAR racing back to Winston-Salem for the first time since 1971! If you've never been to a race at Bowman Gray, you are missing out on an unique experience!
Mark Your Calendars: The 2025 Wake Forest Football Schedule is Here!
As January began, head coach Jake Dickert welcomed his staff, 30 new enrollees, and many returning athletes—including star tailback Demond Claiborne, standout defensive back Davaughn Patterson and 2024 captain Nick Andersen. Since their first team meeting before classes started two weeks ago, the group has worked tirelessly to meet the standard and deliver their "B.E.S.T." in preparation for the 2025 season.
Now, as their focus remains on the here-and-now in the offseason with their academics, learning the playbooks and improving within our strength program, the ACC released our full 2025 schedule earlier this week headlined by Big Four home clashes against NC State (Sept. 11) and North Carolina (Nov. 15), as well as special weekends like UNRIVALED Weekend (Sept. 6 vs. Western Carolina), Family Weekend (Sept. 27 vs. Georgia Tech), and Homecoming (Oct. 25 vs. SMU). The Deacs will also close out the home slate on Nov. 22 against Delaware for Senior & Graduates Day. Not to be outdone, our season begins on Opening Night at Allegacy Stadium on Friday, Aug. 29.
With multiple sellouts expected, now is the time to secure 2025 season tickets, starting at just $149. Visit GoDeacs.com/Tickets or call 336-758-3322 ext. 1 to lock in your seats today!
Additionally, as announced in fall 2024, Wake Forest University is excited to partner with the City of Winston-Salem and Carter and Front Street Capital on The Grounds—a transformative mixed-use development designed to enhance the community. Following the official groundbreaking in December, an upcoming phase of the project will include updates to Deacon Blvd. and adjustments to several parking lots for the 2025 football season.
Fans who parked in the McCreary Tower, Gold, Red, and Couch Ballpark lots last season can renew their spots now, with parking costs and Deacon Club commitments due by the March 31, 2025, renewal deadline. For those in the Orange and Blue lots at Allegacy Stadium or the Starry lot at LJVM Coliseum, a $150 parking fee guarantees a parking pass but does not ensure placement in the same lot. Final parking assignments will be determined after March 31 based on Deacon Club priority status. For specific requests, please contact the Wake Forest Ticket Office at tix@wfu.edu.
Fans are encouraged to review the updated parking information to understand how these changes may impact their game day experience, particularly for season ticket holders with parking passes. Construction on Deacon Blvd. will begin on March 26 and is expected to be completed by mid-August.
Remember, we are committed to providing the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina, and The Grounds will be a community asset that enhances the gameday experience and beyond for the entire state. Just as we successfully navigated the challenges of Business-40 being shut down for three years, we can work together to embrace these changes for the greater good!
Passionate Wake Forest Supporters Make Transformational Gifts
Wake Forest football is grateful for the transformative support of two generous families. The Pappayliou family made a $2 million gift to establish the Pappayliou Family Scholarship, providing a football student-athlete with a world-class education at Wake Forest. This scholarship reflects their long-standing commitment to the university and the value they place on education.
Similarly, Ed and Kathy Balogh's generous contribution in 2023 established the Balogh Family Football Assistant Coach for Wide Receivers position, leaving a lasting impact on the program's coaching excellence. In recognition of their extraordinary support, the Baloghs have been named Deacon Club Members of the Year.
Remember Wake Forest Athletics Excellence Funds program launched in 2018 as an avenue for alumni, family and friends to directly impact a specific program of their choice through a budget-enhancing gift specifically to that program. Join these passionate Demon Deacons in their support of the football program or make an experience-enhancing gift to the program of your choosing today!
From the Quad Big 3
Finally, here are today's Big 3:
- Emory Moore, a 12-year-old treated for sickle cell disease, had an unforgettable MVP experience with the Wake Forest women's basketball team. Despite her diagnosis, which prevents her from playing the sport she loves, Emory joined the team huddle, ran onto the court with the players, and was recognized during a timeout. She even went home with a signed basketball and memories that will last a lifetime. I encourage you to read more about her inspiring journey here from our Winston-Salem colleagues at WFMY. Pro Humanitate at its finest!
- Join me in congratulating Wake Forest track and field athlete Samantha Heyison, as for the third-consecutive year, she has earned a spot on the 2025 USA National Team!
- Get ready for an exciting 2025 baseball season! Fans can now purchase single-game tickets to see the No. 14 Demon Deacons at David F. Couch Ballpark. With 33 chances to witness the Deacs in action, you won't want to miss out as they aim for their fourth-straight NCAA Regional appearance. Following a record-breaking 2024 season that saw eight sellouts and a 72% increase in attendance, spring plans are heating up! Get your tickets today and be part of the action!
Hug those closest to you, join us inside Joel Coliseum, send your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to me at wfuad@wfu.edu, and …
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Vice President & Director of Athletics
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Players Mentioned
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/ Football
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