.jpg&height=300&type=webp)
From the Quad
10/24/2025 4:19:00 PM | General
Presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Happy Homecoming, Deacon Nation!
It's a spectacular afternoon in DEACTOWN and the faithful are rolling in for Homecoming Weekend! Coach Forbes and I took a lunch time walk through the old trails east of the Shah Basketball Complex, down Faculty Drive and around campus today and it was fun to visit with alums and families who are back visiting Mother So Dear. The University Advancement staff has done their usual stellar work setting up "Party So Dear" on Manchester Plaza, which kicks off at 4:30 p.m., as well as building the incredible tent village on Poteat Field for the 0's & 5's reunion parties tonight! Around 9 p.m. our traditional "night-before-home-game" fireworks show will be an extra special finale for a fun evening.
Earlier today, I spent an hour with the Deacon Club Board and Athletics Advisory Committee at the Allegacy Club inside Joel Coliseum before catching up with the Alumni Council in Reynolda Hall. As always, people are at the heart of Wake Forest's momentum and we are grateful for the time and expertise of these volunteer leaders who have journeyed back to Winston-Salem from distances far and near.
Last night, Coach Tony da Luz's squad got Homecoming weekend started off with a win over Pitt in our annual Pink Match for Breast Cancer research. At 5 p.m. today right down I-40, Coach Averill's No. 6 nationally-ranked and ACC leading field hockey team takes on No. 8 Duke in a match that you can stream on ACC Network Extra. That squad will be back home on Sunday for its Seniors & Graduates day match at noon against App State inside Kentner Stadium.
Also tonight, Coach Bobby Muuss and our men's soccer team plays at Pittsburgh at 7 p.m. on ACCNX and Coach Jeff Hulsmeyer's volleyball squad are in Dallas tonight for an 8 p.m. match at No. 7 SMU and at No. 4 Pittsburgh on Sunday for a 1 p.m. contest. Finally, our No. 21 men's golf and fifth-ranked women's golf programs continue their fall schedules this weekend in Mobile, Ala. and Wilmington, N.C., respectively.
Stay tuned to GoDeacs.com and our sport-specific social media platforms for Olympic Sports postseason information. One week from today our defending ACC Champion men's cross country team will look to defend its conference crown in Louisville, Ky.! Our harriers are coming off stellar performances, including our women's team winning its third meet of the season last weekend! Our women's team will compete in the 6k race at 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 31, and the men's squad will start their 8k race at 10:30 a.m. Both races will be live on ACC Network.
A Super Special Homecoming Saturday On Deck!
All eyes turn to Allegacy Stadium tomorrow at noon as we host first-place SMU in a nationally televised matchup on The CW, presented by our great partners at Lowes Foods. I'm so proud of the improvement of our team under Coach Jake Dickert's leadership throughout the first half of the season. At 4-2, Wake Forest has won two straight, with a huge road win at Oregon State on Oct. 11 and a historic 30-23 victory at Virginia Tech — our first win in Lane Stadium since 1983! Fans can take advantage of a limited number of Bojangles Four-Pack ticket packages, which include four game tickets, a parking pass, and a $20 Bojangles gift card. For those looking ahead, we're also offering a special $99 combo package that includes tickets to both the SMU game and the North Carolina matchup on Nov. 15. Click here for all the info, or call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1 / and feel free to email us (tix@wfu.edu) for help.
The Mustangs, led by head coach Rhett Lashlee, are one of the hottest teams in college football with an 11-0 record in ACC play since joining the league. SMU brings one of the nation's most explosive offenses, led by quarterback Kevin Jennings, who ranks among the top 10 nationally in passing yards (1,948) and touchdowns (17). Our Deacs will have their hands full — but with the power of DEACTOWN and the Screamin' Demons behind us, it's an opportunity to make a major statement on a national stage.
For the Deacs, veteran safety Nick Andersen, a shining example of the "Pro Humanitate" spirit, was recently named a semifinalist for both the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award and the William V. Campbell Trophy, recognizing excellence in leadership, academics, and community service. Meanwhile, playmakers Demond Claiborne and Chris Barnes have each earned ACC Player of the Week honors for their standout performances this fall.
We encourage you to arrive early and enjoy live music beginning at 9 a.m. in the Lowes Foods DEACTOWN Fan Zone prior to the Deacon Walk at 9:45 a.m. And, you'll definitely want to be inside Allegacy Stadium early as women's tennis alumnae and former member of Wake Forest's Board of Trustees Janice Story Opens the Gate for our team! And, with so many alums back in town, it has been fun to see our @WakeFB social media accounts get in the Homecoming spirit!
As always, we appreciate your patience as our dedicated ushers, security and concessions staff work to provide the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina. Click here to read about all the gameday information so that we can create an incredible atmosphere and home-field advantage!
It will be a fun afternoon for the whole community on Saturday and don't forget your gameday D.E.A.C.S.:
Of course, Homecoming is about more than football — and my Saturday will begin at the Hopkins Hall Dedication as we honor the remarkable legacy of Dr. Larry ('72, '77) and Beth ('73) Hopkins, two of our most distinguished and trailblazing alumni.
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership: Hopkins Residence Hall Dedication
Tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m., the Wake Forest community will gather to celebrate the naming of Hopkins Residence Hall, honoring two extraordinary alumni and leaders — the late Dr. Larry Hopkins ('72, '77) and Professor Muriel "Beth" Hopkins ('73). Having a campus residence hall bear the name of a former Wake Forest football student-athlete is profoundly meaningful, and Dr. Hopkins' legacy as both a record-setting running back and a compassionate physician continues to inspire generations of Demon Deacons. Beth and Larry Hopkins' collective impact on Wake Forest and the Winston-Salem community is remarkable — as educators, advocates, and mentors, they have strengthened our University's foundation of leadership and service. I treasure memories of my time with Dr. Hopkins and remain grateful for my continued friendship with Beth, whose grace, integrity, and commitment to others embody our motto of Pro Humanitate.
We are deeply honored to recognize Beth and the Hopkins family during Saturday's Homecoming football game, as we celebrate a legacy that reflects the very best of Wake Forest.
ACC Football Sees Massive National Viewership Growth - Surpasses Big 10 & Big 12
On Monday and Tuesday, I was in Charlotte for ACC fall meetings along with Deputy AD Lindsey Babcock and Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Pete Brubaker. I'm excited about the direction of our conference and according to Nielsen and as written in today's Sports Business Journal, ACC football viewership has surged an incredible +98% year-over-year! Through Week 8 of the 2025 season, ACC-controlled games account for 19% of all college football minutes watched, totaling over 19 billion minutes viewed nationwide. The ACC now ranks second only to the SEC in average viewership across Nielsen-measured networks, averaging 2.8 million viewers per game, ahead of the Big Ten (1.9M) and Big 12 (1.5M).
Remember, wherever you are on game days or nights, help build the ACC brand by asking your friendly bartender, club manager or hotel operator to dial that TV to the Wake Forest game, or if the Deacs aren't playing, tell them to turn it to the ACC Network!
Fehring Family Gives for the Excellence in Football Athletic Training
Wake Forest is proud to officially name the Fehring Family Head Football Athletic Trainer position in honor of the support of Dr. Tom and Anne Fehring ('75) of Charlotte for Wake Forest Athletics Sports Medicine and Athletic Training. Their generosity ensures continued leadership in student-athlete health, safety, and care. Tom, a former Deacon football player, and Anne have long embodied Pro Humanitate through decades of giving, service, and advocacy. The position, currently held by Alison Mitchell, reflects the University's commitment to providing the very best in player health and well-being. We are deeply grateful to the Fehrings for their lasting impact on Wake Forest and their leadership in advancing the holistic student-athlete experience.
This announcement comes during the 75th anniversary celebration of the Deacon Club, the official fundraising arm of Wake Forest Athletics. Since its founding in 1950, the Deacon Club has empowered generations of Demon Deacons through scholarship support, excellence funds, and strategic investments in facilities and leadership positions—delivering on Wake Forest's promise of a World Class Student-Athlete Experience. The Fehring's were recognized at Wake Forest's home football game against NC State for their generosity and Wake Forest Athletics has recognized other generous supporters too! To learn more about the Deacon Club's 75th Anniversary and ways to support Wake Forest student-athletes, visit DeaconClub.com.
Wake Forest Recognized by Forbes as One of America's Top "Vibe Schools"
Wake Forest's unique blend of academic rigor, community, and spirit continues to earn national recognition — most recently with our inclusion on Forbes' 2025 list of "10 Vibe Schools." The feature highlights universities experiencing record student demand thanks to their balance of academic excellence, vibrant social environments, strong pre-professional programs, and campus cultures that reflect stability and belonging.
It's no surprise that Wake Forest stands among peers like SMU, Richmond, Miami, and Oregon. Our University's combination of world-class academics, competitive athletics, and a distinctive sense of purpose and place make it a truly special community. This recognition reflects the intentional work of our faculty, staff, and students who bring the Wake Forest experience — and its unmistakable "vibe" — to life every day.
Secure Your Seats for Wake Forest Men's Basketball!
Deacon Nation — it's almost time to tip off inside LJVM Coliseum as we are just 10 days away from our Opening Night double header! Wake Forest men's basketball is one of the nation's top home-court teams with 61 wins over the last four seasons so make your plans now to bring a friend and experience the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina! Ticket options — including the popular Bojangles Four-Packs, Flex Plans, and Season Tickets — are available here and you won't want to miss any of our marquee matchups inside the Joel. Click here to see our full promotional schedule, which includes group days, giveaways, and more – and, tickets for ACC games go on sale on Friday, Oct. 31 at 10 a.m.! With that, if you want to apply for the Wake Forest Basketball Supporters Group, click here to apply and join our loudest and proudest Deacon fans who bring the energy every game inside LJVM Coliseum. Members receive complimentary season tickets, special event access, and the chance to help elevate one of college basketball's best homecourt advantages. Call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1 / email us (tix@wfu.edu) for assistance today!
Celebrating a Wake Forest Legend: Mark Freidinger Retires After 35 Years on the Mic
After 35 remarkable years calling Wake Forest men's basketball — including more than 1,000 games and countless unforgettable moments — longtime analyst Mark Freidinger has announced his retirement. A former assistant coach under Carl Tacy at Wake Forest and Larry Brown at Kansas before joining the radio crew in 1991, "Dinger" has been a trusted, passionate voice who brought generations of fans closer to the game and our student-athletes. We look forward to celebrating him throughout the season — and welcoming him back home to The Joel often!
From the Quad Big 3
Finally, here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Vice President & Director of Athletics
Happy Homecoming, Deacon Nation!
It's a spectacular afternoon in DEACTOWN and the faithful are rolling in for Homecoming Weekend! Coach Forbes and I took a lunch time walk through the old trails east of the Shah Basketball Complex, down Faculty Drive and around campus today and it was fun to visit with alums and families who are back visiting Mother So Dear. The University Advancement staff has done their usual stellar work setting up "Party So Dear" on Manchester Plaza, which kicks off at 4:30 p.m., as well as building the incredible tent village on Poteat Field for the 0's & 5's reunion parties tonight! Around 9 p.m. our traditional "night-before-home-game" fireworks show will be an extra special finale for a fun evening.
Earlier today, I spent an hour with the Deacon Club Board and Athletics Advisory Committee at the Allegacy Club inside Joel Coliseum before catching up with the Alumni Council in Reynolda Hall. As always, people are at the heart of Wake Forest's momentum and we are grateful for the time and expertise of these volunteer leaders who have journeyed back to Winston-Salem from distances far and near.
Last night, Coach Tony da Luz's squad got Homecoming weekend started off with a win over Pitt in our annual Pink Match for Breast Cancer research. At 5 p.m. today right down I-40, Coach Averill's No. 6 nationally-ranked and ACC leading field hockey team takes on No. 8 Duke in a match that you can stream on ACC Network Extra. That squad will be back home on Sunday for its Seniors & Graduates day match at noon against App State inside Kentner Stadium.
Also tonight, Coach Bobby Muuss and our men's soccer team plays at Pittsburgh at 7 p.m. on ACCNX and Coach Jeff Hulsmeyer's volleyball squad are in Dallas tonight for an 8 p.m. match at No. 7 SMU and at No. 4 Pittsburgh on Sunday for a 1 p.m. contest. Finally, our No. 21 men's golf and fifth-ranked women's golf programs continue their fall schedules this weekend in Mobile, Ala. and Wilmington, N.C., respectively.
Stay tuned to GoDeacs.com and our sport-specific social media platforms for Olympic Sports postseason information. One week from today our defending ACC Champion men's cross country team will look to defend its conference crown in Louisville, Ky.! Our harriers are coming off stellar performances, including our women's team winning its third meet of the season last weekend! Our women's team will compete in the 6k race at 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 31, and the men's squad will start their 8k race at 10:30 a.m. Both races will be live on ACC Network.
A Super Special Homecoming Saturday On Deck!
All eyes turn to Allegacy Stadium tomorrow at noon as we host first-place SMU in a nationally televised matchup on The CW, presented by our great partners at Lowes Foods. I'm so proud of the improvement of our team under Coach Jake Dickert's leadership throughout the first half of the season. At 4-2, Wake Forest has won two straight, with a huge road win at Oregon State on Oct. 11 and a historic 30-23 victory at Virginia Tech — our first win in Lane Stadium since 1983! Fans can take advantage of a limited number of Bojangles Four-Pack ticket packages, which include four game tickets, a parking pass, and a $20 Bojangles gift card. For those looking ahead, we're also offering a special $99 combo package that includes tickets to both the SMU game and the North Carolina matchup on Nov. 15. Click here for all the info, or call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1 / and feel free to email us (tix@wfu.edu) for help.
The Mustangs, led by head coach Rhett Lashlee, are one of the hottest teams in college football with an 11-0 record in ACC play since joining the league. SMU brings one of the nation's most explosive offenses, led by quarterback Kevin Jennings, who ranks among the top 10 nationally in passing yards (1,948) and touchdowns (17). Our Deacs will have their hands full — but with the power of DEACTOWN and the Screamin' Demons behind us, it's an opportunity to make a major statement on a national stage.
For the Deacs, veteran safety Nick Andersen, a shining example of the "Pro Humanitate" spirit, was recently named a semifinalist for both the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award and the William V. Campbell Trophy, recognizing excellence in leadership, academics, and community service. Meanwhile, playmakers Demond Claiborne and Chris Barnes have each earned ACC Player of the Week honors for their standout performances this fall.
We encourage you to arrive early and enjoy live music beginning at 9 a.m. in the Lowes Foods DEACTOWN Fan Zone prior to the Deacon Walk at 9:45 a.m. And, you'll definitely want to be inside Allegacy Stadium early as women's tennis alumnae and former member of Wake Forest's Board of Trustees Janice Story Opens the Gate for our team! And, with so many alums back in town, it has been fun to see our @WakeFB social media accounts get in the Homecoming spirit!
As always, we appreciate your patience as our dedicated ushers, security and concessions staff work to provide the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina. Click here to read about all the gameday information so that we can create an incredible atmosphere and home-field advantage!
It will be a fun afternoon for the whole community on Saturday and don't forget your gameday D.E.A.C.S.:
- 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: Check your parking lot and preferred route to it before driving to Allegacy Stadium.
- S: STEER clear of prohibited items before you arrive at the game.
Of course, Homecoming is about more than football — and my Saturday will begin at the Hopkins Hall Dedication as we honor the remarkable legacy of Dr. Larry ('72, '77) and Beth ('73) Hopkins, two of our most distinguished and trailblazing alumni.
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership: Hopkins Residence Hall Dedication
Tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m., the Wake Forest community will gather to celebrate the naming of Hopkins Residence Hall, honoring two extraordinary alumni and leaders — the late Dr. Larry Hopkins ('72, '77) and Professor Muriel "Beth" Hopkins ('73). Having a campus residence hall bear the name of a former Wake Forest football student-athlete is profoundly meaningful, and Dr. Hopkins' legacy as both a record-setting running back and a compassionate physician continues to inspire generations of Demon Deacons. Beth and Larry Hopkins' collective impact on Wake Forest and the Winston-Salem community is remarkable — as educators, advocates, and mentors, they have strengthened our University's foundation of leadership and service. I treasure memories of my time with Dr. Hopkins and remain grateful for my continued friendship with Beth, whose grace, integrity, and commitment to others embody our motto of Pro Humanitate.
We are deeply honored to recognize Beth and the Hopkins family during Saturday's Homecoming football game, as we celebrate a legacy that reflects the very best of Wake Forest.
ACC Football Sees Massive National Viewership Growth - Surpasses Big 10 & Big 12
On Monday and Tuesday, I was in Charlotte for ACC fall meetings along with Deputy AD Lindsey Babcock and Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Pete Brubaker. I'm excited about the direction of our conference and according to Nielsen and as written in today's Sports Business Journal, ACC football viewership has surged an incredible +98% year-over-year! Through Week 8 of the 2025 season, ACC-controlled games account for 19% of all college football minutes watched, totaling over 19 billion minutes viewed nationwide. The ACC now ranks second only to the SEC in average viewership across Nielsen-measured networks, averaging 2.8 million viewers per game, ahead of the Big Ten (1.9M) and Big 12 (1.5M).
Remember, wherever you are on game days or nights, help build the ACC brand by asking your friendly bartender, club manager or hotel operator to dial that TV to the Wake Forest game, or if the Deacs aren't playing, tell them to turn it to the ACC Network!
Fehring Family Gives for the Excellence in Football Athletic Training
Wake Forest is proud to officially name the Fehring Family Head Football Athletic Trainer position in honor of the support of Dr. Tom and Anne Fehring ('75) of Charlotte for Wake Forest Athletics Sports Medicine and Athletic Training. Their generosity ensures continued leadership in student-athlete health, safety, and care. Tom, a former Deacon football player, and Anne have long embodied Pro Humanitate through decades of giving, service, and advocacy. The position, currently held by Alison Mitchell, reflects the University's commitment to providing the very best in player health and well-being. We are deeply grateful to the Fehrings for their lasting impact on Wake Forest and their leadership in advancing the holistic student-athlete experience.
This announcement comes during the 75th anniversary celebration of the Deacon Club, the official fundraising arm of Wake Forest Athletics. Since its founding in 1950, the Deacon Club has empowered generations of Demon Deacons through scholarship support, excellence funds, and strategic investments in facilities and leadership positions—delivering on Wake Forest's promise of a World Class Student-Athlete Experience. The Fehring's were recognized at Wake Forest's home football game against NC State for their generosity and Wake Forest Athletics has recognized other generous supporters too! To learn more about the Deacon Club's 75th Anniversary and ways to support Wake Forest student-athletes, visit DeaconClub.com.
Wake Forest Recognized by Forbes as One of America's Top "Vibe Schools"
Wake Forest's unique blend of academic rigor, community, and spirit continues to earn national recognition — most recently with our inclusion on Forbes' 2025 list of "10 Vibe Schools." The feature highlights universities experiencing record student demand thanks to their balance of academic excellence, vibrant social environments, strong pre-professional programs, and campus cultures that reflect stability and belonging.
It's no surprise that Wake Forest stands among peers like SMU, Richmond, Miami, and Oregon. Our University's combination of world-class academics, competitive athletics, and a distinctive sense of purpose and place make it a truly special community. This recognition reflects the intentional work of our faculty, staff, and students who bring the Wake Forest experience — and its unmistakable "vibe" — to life every day.
Secure Your Seats for Wake Forest Men's Basketball!
Deacon Nation — it's almost time to tip off inside LJVM Coliseum as we are just 10 days away from our Opening Night double header! Wake Forest men's basketball is one of the nation's top home-court teams with 61 wins over the last four seasons so make your plans now to bring a friend and experience the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina! Ticket options — including the popular Bojangles Four-Packs, Flex Plans, and Season Tickets — are available here and you won't want to miss any of our marquee matchups inside the Joel. Click here to see our full promotional schedule, which includes group days, giveaways, and more – and, tickets for ACC games go on sale on Friday, Oct. 31 at 10 a.m.! With that, if you want to apply for the Wake Forest Basketball Supporters Group, click here to apply and join our loudest and proudest Deacon fans who bring the energy every game inside LJVM Coliseum. Members receive complimentary season tickets, special event access, and the chance to help elevate one of college basketball's best homecourt advantages. Call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1 / email us (tix@wfu.edu) for assistance today!
Celebrating a Wake Forest Legend: Mark Freidinger Retires After 35 Years on the Mic
After 35 remarkable years calling Wake Forest men's basketball — including more than 1,000 games and countless unforgettable moments — longtime analyst Mark Freidinger has announced his retirement. A former assistant coach under Carl Tacy at Wake Forest and Larry Brown at Kansas before joining the radio crew in 1991, "Dinger" has been a trusted, passionate voice who brought generations of fans closer to the game and our student-athletes. We look forward to celebrating him throughout the season — and welcoming him back home to The Joel often!
From the Quad Big 3
Finally, here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
- As recently announced by Co-chairs of the Presidential Search Committee Jeanne Whitman Bobbitt ('79, MBA '87) and Curt Farmer ('84, MBA '91, P '16, P '17), our Board has formed a presidential search committee, supported by an executive search firm and a Trustee advisory group, to identify Wake Forest's 15th President. Click here to learn more including listening sessions and input opportunities.
- Wake Forest women's basketball season tickets are on sale starting at $60 and include a bevy of perks! Megan Gebbia's squad tips off the season on Monday November 3 at 5 p.m. in the Joel — I'm excited about our team, which blends experience and newcomers like ESPNW Top-100 recruit Grace Oliver. Visit GoDeacs.com/Tickets or call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 today!
- Read about Dr. Caryl Guth being honored posthumously with the Gene Hooks Lifetime Achievement Award for her extraordinary dedication to Wake Forest Athletics, including her support of women's basketball and golf programs.
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Vice President & Director of Athletics
Players Mentioned
Forward
/ Women's BasketballThis is home. | Wake Forest Football '25 Homecoming Trailer
Saturday, October 25
Wake Forest Field Hockey: Inside the Circle Episode 6
Wednesday, October 22
Football Media Availability (10/22/25)
Wednesday, October 22
Football Media Availability (10/21/25)
Tuesday, October 21