Goodsports

Located less than five miles apart, Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State University proudly celebrate a portfolio of sports success, as both powerhouse programs boast multiple national titles, superstar alums, and Hall of Fame coaches.

Wake Forest University

ONE SHINING MOMENT: Seminal moments are almost routine at Wake, as the Demon Deacons hold national titles in numerous sports (including golf, tennis, baseball, and soccer). But ask most alums their favorite memory, and they’ll point to the football team’s improbable ACC Championship run in 2006. Picked to finish last in the conference, the scrappy Deacs instead went 10-2 on their way to the BCS Orange Bowl.

GAMEDAY TRADITION: For decades, students have celebrated big wins by “rolling the quad,” blanketing picturesque Hearn Plaza with hundreds, if not thousands, of toilet paper rolls.

ALL-TIME ALUMS:

Tim Duncan: Regarded as the greatest power forward in NBA history, “the Big Fundamental” won five championships and two league MVPs with the San Antonio Spurs.

Arnold Palmer: One of the most popular golfers in history, “The King” racked up 62 PGA wins during his storied career (No. 5 all-time). However, he might best be known for the drink that bears his name — a mix of sweet tea and lemonade.

Winston-Salem is home to two of the most storied college programs in the state.

By: Michael Breedlove

Brian

Piccolo:

A record-breaking running back, the charismatic Piccolo starred for the Chicago Bears before cancer tragically ended his life at age 26, inspiring the 1971 Emmy-winning film “Brian’s Song.”

WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY

ONE SHINING MOMENT: The Rams have a history of big-time wins, but one triumph stands above the rest. In 1967, led by legendary Coach Clarence “Big House” Gaines, WSSU became the first HBCU to win an NCAA basketball championship.

GAMEDAY TRADITION: Among the school’s biggest points of pride is its marching band, the “Red Sea of Sound.” Recently named the nation’s No. 1 marching band by ESPN, the band is best known for their rousing pregame anthem, “Get Up,” written by a former member in 2000.

ALL-TIME ALUMS:

Earl “the Pearl” Monroe: An NBA Hall of Famer, Monroe won several titles with the Knicks as part of the “Rolls Royce Backcourt” with Walt Frazier.

Yancey Thigpen: A tough-as-nails wide receiver, the former Pro Bowler is best known for leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to the 1995 Super Bowl.

Stephen A. Smith: Before becoming one of ESPN’s most popular hosts, Smith was a scholarship basketball player at WSSU. After an injury, he wrote for the school newspaper.

Meet Winston-Salem’s favorite son — and biggest champion — Chris Paul.