From the Quad

From the Quad

10/11/2025 11:20:00 AM | General

Presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
 
Happy Gameday Morning Demon Deacon Nation!
 
It's a "West Coast Saturday" for both Demon Deacons Football and Futbol, as Coach Jake Dickert's team touched down in Oregon and Coach Bobby Muuss and the lads landed in the Bay Area on Thursday for their games today. Tune in at home — or tell your local club or tavern bartender to turn on The CW at 3:30 p.m. to catch the Deacs as they take on the Oregon State Beavers in our first-ever game in the state of Oregon! Here are all the ways to catch the game or if you are in Corvallis, join the pregame gathering at McMenamins on Monroe from 10:15 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. PT, generously hosted by Jason ('97) and Allison Abernathy. 
 
Meanwhile, back on Tobacco Road, fresh off a dominant 3-0 home win over NC State on Wednesday night, Coach Jeff Hulsmeyer and our Wake Forest volleyball team take the court in Reynolds Coliseum at 2 p.m., looking for a season sweep of the Wolfpack! ACCNX will stream both the volleyball match at 2:00 p.m. ET and the big men's soccer clash in Berkeley against the Cal Bears at 6:00 p.m. Even better—if you're local to either of these matches, remember that just a few Wake fans in attendance can bring great energy to our Demon Deacon student-athletes!
 
Tomorrow in Winston-Salem, our fifth-ranked field hockey team puts its 10-match winning streak on the line against Delaware at noon inside Kentner Stadium. Admission is FREE to watch this talented squad play as three-time NCAA Champion Jen Averill has her program playing its best hockey of the decade right now. 
 
This week we have five Demon Deacon teams in the Top 25, including No. 13 women's soccer who remained unbeaten at home with a 1-1 draw versus Louisville on Thursday night, and men's cross country sits at No. 10 and is gearing up to chase a second-straight ACC title at the conference meet at the end of the month.
 
The AD's Travel Notebook - My Perspective on the NCAA and the SCORE ACT
I've been on the move this week—first to Indianapolis on Tuesday for the NCAA Division I Cabinet meeting, then flying Wednesday to San Francisco while following our volleyball triumph on GoDeacs.com from high above America! In the Bay Area, I spent a few days visiting with several passionate Deacon fans and grabbed coffee with new Stanford AD John Donahoe on campus in Palo Alto. On Friday afternoon, I caught up with Coach Dickert and the Deacs at the team hotel—ironically in Eugene, home of the Oregon Ducks and just a 42-mile drive to Oregon State's Reser Stadium. It was fun to sit in the back of our team meeting room last night and observe the energy and enthusiasm of our student-athletes and their deep connection with Coach Dickert and his staff. We have a huge road challenge this afternoon in Corvallis, but I love the way our team has gotten better and better every week thus far this season.
 
You may recall that ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips appointed me just over a year ago to serve as the ACC's AD representative on the NCAA Division I Council. In the new NCAA Division I governance structure adopted by the membership this past summer, key changes were made to both strengthen the role of the Power Four conferences in decision-making and enhance the depth of real dialogue as we tackle the major issues facing college athletics. The former "Council" is now smaller and has a new name—the "NCAA Division I Cabinet." While the name change is largely cosmetic, the smaller group size has enabled much more candid discussion among members. I continue to be impressed by, and appreciative of, the pragmatic leadership of NCAA President Charlie Baker.
 
An important accomplishment in Indianapolis was the adoption of a single transfer portal window for football, in an attempt to reduce both academic and team disruptions in December, and by eliminating the spring period, facilitate better roster certainty and stability to the benefit of current and prospective student-athletes and programs alike.
 
The new football portal period will be January 2-16. It's not a perfect solution, but it is an improvement and I will continue to speak in favor of adding some sort of limited declaration or notification period – perhaps for seven days in mid-December to enable student-athletes who wish to explore options to have more time to do so. One of the most encouraging aspects of the NCAA governance process is the active participation of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee members, including our own Matthew Dennis. As a member of the national S.A.A.C., Matthew is making Demon Deacon Nation (and definitely me!) proud - and building his own network and reputation across the country.
 
On another matter of note, I cast a "no" vote as the Cabinet voted to eliminate the NCAA rule that banned college staff and athletes from legally betting on professional sports. While I don't agree with this decision, there are reasonable arguments for it. Meanwhile, we continue our educational and monitoring efforts about both the prohibition on college sports wagering and the risks of problem gambling on college campuses. 
 
Protecting the Future of College Sports: Support the SCORE Act
Our Indianapolis discussions included an update on the status of the SCORE Act. As college athletics is undergoing a period of major transformation, with new models of revenue sharing and evolving name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules creating both opportunities and confusion for student-athletes. One of our biggest problems in establishing consistency and fairness for student-athletes is the ongoing inability to enact and enforce national rules that all institutions can be held to. Only Congress can establish the uniform national standards needed to preserve fair competition and protect athletes' futures.
 
The bipartisan Student Compensation and Opportunity Through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act addresses these issues by:
  • Establishing national standards for athlete revenue sharing while preserving NIL opportunities.
  • Guaranteeing scholarships, medical coverage, mental health resources, and career guidance.
  • Offering degree completion support even after athletic eligibility ends.
  • Protecting women's and Olympic sports by maintaining athletes' status as students, not employees.
The bill could be voted on by the U.S. House of Representatives soon. Fans and supporters can make a difference by contacting your local member of Congress to urge a YES vote.
 
Road Warriors! A Gritty Win in Blacksburg Shows Continued Growth for Deacon Football
Team captain Devin Kylany saluted Wake fans helping propel our Deacs to wins, and last  week's triumph at Virginia Tech was an incredible moment of perseverance as Coach Dickert's squad earned a hard-fought 30–23 victory over the Hokies. It marked Wake Forest's first win there since 1983. I made the short trip up to Blacksburg with my mom and it was a great reminder of just how special and spirited this regional ACC rivalry can be.
 
Coach Dickert's team did it in all phases as the Deacs racked up nearly 350 yards of offense and controlled the line of scrimmage when it mattered most. Senior running back Demond Claiborne found the end zone for the fourth-straight week, redshirt senior quarterback Robby Ashford threw for 256 yards and a touchdown, and the defense came up with big stops all afternoon — capped by senior safety Nick Andersen's clutch pass breakup in the final two minutes.
 
I also wanted to share a note I received from a longtime season ticket holder who attended the game with his son. He wrote about how engaging, focused, and kind our players were — and how much it meant to his son to connect with Deacons like Demond Claiborne, Dominic Deluca, and Kerrington Lee, who took time to talk and celebrate after the win. "It was a very special experience," he shared. "They just play so very hard, and it shows."
 
That's what makes Wake Forest Football so easy to root for — talented young men who represent our University with class, effort, and genuine care for the people around them.
 
Next week's open date comes at a perfect time for rest and recovery before the Deacs return home on Saturday, Oct. 25 for our annual Homecoming Game against SMU in Allegacy Stadium. Tickets are selling fast with prices as low as $55 and there is a limited amount of Bojangles Four-Pack ticket packages that include four tickets, a Joel Coliseum lot parking pass and a $20 Bojangles gift card. We also have a special $99 ticket package for a ticket to Homecoming and the North Carolina game on Nov. 15! Click here for all the info or call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1 / email us (tix@wfu.edu) for help.
 
Appreciation for President Wente
Wake Forest President Susan R. Wente announced last week that she will conclude her presidency at the end of her fifth year, on June 30, 2026.  Dr. Wente has been a strong leader for Wake Forest Athletics — celebrating student-athletes' successes and strengthening the University's national profile as Chair of the ACC Board of Directors. Her tenure has seen six ACC championships, two NCAA titles, and transformative moments such as the 2021 ACC Football Championship appearance and 2023 Men's College World Series run. Beyond athletics, she has advanced access and affordability through the For Humanity scholarship initiative, helped launch the North Carolina Gateway to Wake Forest program, and played a key role in the development of The Grounds and the new medical campus in Charlotte. I'm looking forward to celebrating more Deacon wins with President Wente this year and beyond.
 
Campus Life and Athletics Partner with Student Artist Kyan Patel
Wake Forest is at its best when we practice radical collaboration — connecting ideas, people, and passions across campus to enhance the student experience. A new partnership between the Division of Campus Life and Wake Forest Athletics embodies that spirit through the creative talent of junior Kyan Patel, a nationally recognized student artist whose clients include the NFL, NBA, and NCAA. Together with Vice President for Campus Life Shea Kidd Brown and her team, our collaboration with Kyan will showcase the intersection of athletics, art, and student life in a way that reflects the vibrancy of Wake Forest. Over the coming months, Kyan will produce an exclusive portfolio of artwork celebrating the Wake Forest experience — from the energy of DEACTOWN to the creativity and connection that define our community.
 
This initiative represents more than just art; it's a model of partnership across divisions that strengthens our shared commitment to educating the whole person and delivering an unparalleled student experience. Learn more about Kyan and see his work here.
 
Pro Humanitate in Action: Hit The Bricks Sets Records
Wake Forest's annual Hit the Bricks tradition brought record participation and energy to Hearn Plaza this year, raising more than $348,000 for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. With more than 2,200 participants and 160 teams, the event continues to embody the heart of Pro Humanitate. I'm especially grateful to Coach Jake Dickert for joining several of his players at the closing ceremony and sharing powerful remarks about perseverance, teamwork, and the legacy of Brian Piccolo. Earlier in the day, Coach Dickert had the opportunity to enjoy some time with Brian's wife Joy, on her first visit to campus in over 30 years. Joy visited with Joy's and Brian's daughter Traci who, in thanks to our strong partnership with Campus Life and Kyan Patel, added a special moment, as Traci received a stunning portrait of her father created by Kyan.
 
This year's event was proudly sponsored by the Chicago Bears, and in a fitting tribute, Coach Dickert, Demond Claiborne, and Chris Barnes signed a Piccolo Bears jersey that will hang in the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Research Center — a lasting symbol of the connection between Wake Forest, the Bears, and the enduring spirit of Brian Piccolo.
 
Wake Forest Men's Tennis Honored at NCDOT for 2025 NCAA Championship
Last week, I had the incredible honor of representing Wake Forest at the North Carolina Department of Transportation as they recognized our 2025 NCAA Champion Men's Tennis team. That event followed a special dinner we held at Graylyn Estate a couple of weeks ago to mark this incredible championship too. Honk your car horn when you see one of the 2025 NCAA Men's Tennis Championship signs while driving around Winston-Salem and on I-40!
 
Wake Forest Hoops Programs Took Center Stage at ACC Tipoff
It's officially 'talking season' for college basketball as both Demon Deacons basketball programs were in Charlotte for ACC Tipoff earlier this week where the league put on a first-class showcase giving fans a sneak peek at the 2025–26 season. Among the highlights, Coach Megan Gebbia shared her perspective on our women's team, previewing a roster full of potential, experience, and exciting newcomers. This year's women's team blends youth and experience, with eight new additions including all-conference transfers Raven Preston (Elon) and Mary Carter (Cal Poly), plus ESPNW Top-100 recruit Grace Oliver. It was fun to see freshman Milan Brown, Grace and Coach Gebbia represent our University with class at this event on Monday. Remember, Wake Forest women's basketball single-game tickets start at $10 for any game and season tickets can be purchased for just $60 and include a bevy of added benefits. Visit GoDeacs.com/Tickets or call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 today!
 
Meanwhile, Coach Steve Forbes, graduate forward Tre'Von Spillers and senior transfer guards Nate Calmese (Washington State) and Mekhi Mason (Washington) took center stage on Wednesday in the Queen City, highlighting how Wake Forest has been one of the ACC's winningest programs over the past four years, with 61 home wins at LJVM Coliseum since 2021 (tied for fourth nationally), 29 ACC home wins (tied for third in the league), 47 total ACC victories from 2021–25 (a program record), and the distinction of being the only ACC team with a First-Team All-ACC player each season. With key returners, impactful transfers, and a talented freshman class, this squad is poised for another exciting year. Fans can choose from season tickets, non-conference single-game tickets, Bojangles 4-Packs, and flex plans for the 2025–26 season. Premium options include floor seats and single-game suites, while flex plans allow 10 admissions to be used across multiple games. Tickets are available now at GoDeacs.com/Tickets
 or by calling 336-758-3322.
 
From the Quad Big 3
Finally, here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs: 
  1. Read about how Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient Kendra Graham ('85) captained the United States to victory at the Women's World Amateur Team Championships at Tanah Merah Country Club last weekend!
  2. Join me in congratulating seven Wake Forest student-athletes who have been honored with the 1A FAR Academic Excellence Award. This award is presented annually to student-athletes who graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.80 or higher and have competed for at least two years in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision athletics. 
  3. The Deacon Club is on another record pace in giving in FY26 and every dollar counts in the battle to Win Championships! To join more than 5,000 Demon Deacon alumni, parents, friends, and fans, please visit the Deacon Club website, email deacclub@wfu.edu or call 336-758-5626 to connect with a donor representative.
I look forward to seeing Deacon Nation at Reser Stadium and back in Kentner Stadium, Spry Stadium, Allegacy Stadium or Varsity Arena in the days ahead of us. As always, send your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to me at wfuad@wfu.edu, and … 
 
Go Deacs! 

John Currie Signature for FTQ 

John Currie
Vice President & Director of Athletics
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