Q&A WITH DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS RON WELLMAN
BEST IN THE ACC Sophomore Will Craig puts up big numbers to receive league’s top honor
JUST KJ DEACONS’ STAR CORNERBACK GOES IN THE FIRST ROUND OF THE NFL DRAFT TO THE HOUSTON TEXANS
JULY 2015
WAKEFORESTSPORTS.COM
Can YP get you to the championship game? YP, the even-more-powerful Yellow Pages.
Proud Supporter of Wake Forest University Athletics
Š2014 YP Intellectual Property LLC. All rights reserved. YP, the YP logo and all other YP marks contained herein are trademarks of YP Intellectual Property LLC and/or YP affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. 14-30493 PNT_07/25/14
VOL. 24 // ISSUE 8 (USPS 014-373) EDITOR
Jim Buice PHOTOGRAPHERS
Donnie Roberts, Brian Westerholt WRITERS
Jay Reddick, Sam Walker, Stephanie Hudson, Katharine Williams Design & Layout
Summit Athletic Media www.summitathletics.com Advertising
IMG College Jeff Salisbury, Ike Fullard, Neil Bishop, Melissa Sexton For information on advertising, please call (336) 758-7230
CONTENTS
Gold Rush is published eight times a year in August/ September, October, November/ December, January, February/ March, April, May/June and July by IMG College in conjunction with Wake Forest Athletics. Periodicals postage paid at Winston-Salem, NC 27102 and at additional mailing offices. The price of an annual subscription is $20. Members of the Deacon Club receive a one-year subscription as part of their membership. Persons wishing to subscribe to Gold Rush should send a check or money order (credit cards not accepted) to: IMG College 540 N. Trade St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101 All material produced in this publication is the property of Wake Forest University and IMG and shall not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission. POSTMASTER: Please send all address changes to the attention of Stephanie Hudson, Wake Forest Athletics, 519 Deacon Blvd. Winston-Salem, NC 27105. The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser and/or the advertiser’s product or service by Wake Forest or IMG. The use of the name of the University or any of its identifying marks in advertisements must be approved by WFU and IMG.
// J U LY 2 0 1 5
HISTORIC RUN: Deacon freshman Noah Rubin made it to the title match in the NCAA Singles Championship on May 25 before losing to Virginia’s Ryan Shane 4-6, 7-6, 6-1. No Wake Forest player had ever advanced past the second round of the championship before Rubin’s historic run. Rubin, who finished 26-4 and had won 17 straight matches before the loss in the finals, was named the National Rookie of the Year by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association and was also ACC Player and Rookie of the Year. As a team, the Deacons won a school-record 24 matches and made it to the Sweet 16 for the third time in school history. (Photo by Brian Westerholt/Sports On Film)
4
FROM THE AD
24
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
18
100% COTTEN
27
CALENDAR
INSIDE THE DEACON CLUB
30
COMPLIANCE CORNER
20
// 6 BIG STICK Sophomore Will Craig was named the ACC Player of the Year in baseball after leading the league with a .401 average and ranking second in RBI and fourth in home runs.
// 10 Q&A Athletics director Ron Wellman discusses another busy and productive year in Wake Forest athletics.
// 14 LENDING A HELPING HAND Women’s soccer player Caroline Wootten is one of the Wake Forest student-athletes filled with the volunteer spirit. ON THE COVER Will Craig led the ACC in hitting with a .401 average, and he was among the leaders in home runs (13) and RBI (58).
JULY 2015
3
FROM THE A.D.
// R O N W E L L M A N
A look back … and a look ahead to a bright future Dear Deacs, As I write this letter, all of our teams have completed their seasons with the exception of women’s golf and track and field. In reviewing our year competitively, there were some very encouraging accomplishments that provide much promise for the future. This spring, the men’s tennis, men’s golf and the women’s golf teams were all ranked consistently in the top 13 in the country.
RON WELLMAN DIRECTOR O F AT H L E T I C S
Not only were our men’s golf, women’s golf and men’s tennis teams highly ranked, but field hockey and men’s soccer were also among the nation’s top 25 teams in the fall with field hockey ranked as high as No. 5. And nearly every one of our teams across the board has established positive momentum going forward into the 2015-16 season. When you look at our team sports, we will have more than 80 percent of our starters returning next year, and 12 of our 16 first team All-ACC selections will also return. The women’s golf team is in Bradenton, Fla., at the NCAA Nationals where 24 teams are competing for the national championship. Our team is ranked No. 14 going into the tournament. We have finished the season strong in our last few tournaments, and the team is in good shape to challenge for a very high finish. Men’s tennis finished second in the ACC Tournament and then won the NCAA Regionals, beating George Washington and Pepperdine on our home courts. The team advanced to the NCAA Championships and finished tied for ninth in the country. Freshman Noah Rubin, widely considered the best high school player in the country last year, had an incredible freshman year as he was named the ACC Rookie of the Year, first team All-ACC and the nation’s top freshman tennis player. Men’s golf had an excellent fall and spring season but faltered in the ACC Tournament and NCAA Regionals. However, freshman Will Zalatoris was named the ACC Rookie of the Year and a member of the All-ACC Team. Our top three finishers at the NCAA Regionals were freshmen in Zalatoris, Paul McBride and Tanner Owen. The combination of outstanding returnees and one of the top-ranked incoming recruiting classes in the country certainly suggests another highly rated team next season with the experience and talent to compete for the ACC Championship and advance deep in the NCAA Tournament. Our baseball team was the best offensive team in the ACC as the team finished second in team batting average, fourth in runs scored, first in doubles and second in total bases and slugging percentage. Additionally, sophomore Will Craig was named the ACC Player of the Year and was joined on the All-ACC Team by sophomore Nate Mondou and freshman Stuart Fairchild. All of our eight position players were freshmen and sophomores this year, so our offense is a proven commodity going into the 2016 season. However, we do need to strengthen our pitching staff, and help is on the way with seven freshmen pitchers leading an excellent recruiting class. The 2016 season should be a really exciting year for the Diamond Deacs. Women’s tennis took another step forward this year even though we did not advance to the
4
GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE
NCAA Tournament. However, the No. 7-ranked recruiting class in the country will become Demon Deacons next year, which should boost our team to a much higher finish in the ACC and an anticipated NCAA Tournament bid. Our track teams also showed considerable improvement this year. Senior Nyki Caldwell won the indoor and outdoor ACC Championship in the high jump, becoming the first Wake Forest high jump champion in both the indoor and outdoor championships. Jessie Merckle earned her third consecutive first team All-ACC honors, and John Maurins was a first team All-ACC selection in the shot put. All three, along with 11 other teammates, will head to the NCAA Track and Field Regionals in late May and will attempt to qualify for the national championship. We are building our program on the field and distance events. That strategy fits Wake Forest perfectly, and we anticipate very positive results as we move forward. As you can see, our spring sports all have a very promising future. In addition, our fall sports as well as both basketball programs are well positioned for continued improvement and success. Next year should be an exciting one for the Deacs. I look forward to sharing some great moments with you! Go Deacs! Ron Wellman
Providing Environmentally Responsible Pest & Wildlife Solutions The McNeely family has been providing pest control services for homes and businesses throughout the Piedmont, Northwest North Carolina and Southern Virginia since 1944. MCNEELYPEST.COM • 336-922-0606 TOLL FREE 855-671-7855 facebook.com/McNeelyPestControl
JULY 2015
5
BASEBALL
// W I L L C R A I G
THE ACC’S BEST HARD WORK PAYS OFF WITH A SPECTACULAR SOPHOMORE SEASON FOR DEACON SLUGGER WILL CRAIG By Sam Walker
I
t’s not uncommon to find Will Craig at the Wake Forest Baseball Park at “odd hours” working on his swing. By odd hours, how about 8 a.m. and again at 10 p.m. or later?
For a college sophomore, that kind of work ethic may sound obsessive, but Craig is a player who is so passionate about baseball and being good at playing it, he puts in the work and then some. Hard work pays off. The result was his sophomore campaign was so outstanding that he was named the ACC Player of the Year, although his Demon Deacon team narrowly missed postseason play. In a league filled with future major league players, Craig meant so much to the Wake Forest team, primarily on offense, but also on the mound, that he was recognized for the ultimate ACC baseball honor, becoming Wake Forest’s sixth player to earn the award – and the first since Jamie D’Antona earned the honor in 2003. “You know I sometimes go up to the field, maybe I forgot something and go back to get it, and you show up at 10 o’clock at night and there’s Will, swinging, or just having just gotten done hitting,” said Tom Walter, Wake Forest’s head coach. “He’ll be out there at 10 o’clock at night, on a Saturday night, or 8 o’clock in the morning. “Baseball’s a hard thing to do, and if you’re going to be good at it, it takes an incredible amount of discipline. Will gets that work in, and sometimes he’s hitting off the tee or with the pitching machine, and sometimes he is out there with other guys. He’s got baseball guys on his hall, so he’ll hit with or bring along other guys. So he does take a leadership role and sets the example. He’s been good for our team from a leadership standpoint.” At the end of the regular season, Craig was atop the league in batting average (.401), second in RBI (58), tied with teammate Nate Mondou for second in the ACC in hits with 73 and ranked fourth in home runs with 13. Surprisingly, Craig could be considered under-recruited, only being seriously pursued by Georgia Southern and Samford. Yet, he was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 37th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft. According to Walter, Craig turned down “a good sum of money” to come to Wake Forest and improve his game at the collegiate level.
6
GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE
“I’m really honored to be the ACC Player of the Year, being the first since Jamie D’Antona, and he was a great ballplayer,” Craig said. “It’s nice to put my name under some of the other great names who are and have played in the majors. It’s pretty great. Personally though, I want to win an ACC championship. But as a player, it shows I was a good enough hitter and was able to persevere through what people may have thought were my weaknesses. Awards are great, but there are schools that I think now see missed out...” Craig came to Wake Forest mainly because he wanted to play in the ACC. He said he could see a baseball program growing and with the potential to be good year in and year out. Wake Forest was a school that was also comfortable and similar, as Science Hill in Johnson City, Tenn., is a high school that has an enrollment of more than 2,000 students. If you haven’t seen Craig play, you’ve missed watching a talented player with an uncommonly diverse set of skills. “He’s certainly a special player, and obviously very talented,” Walter said. “He’s been gifted with good power and bat control, and you don’t often see both of those things in the same hitter. He also has good strike zone awareness and discipline. So for a power hitter, he doesn’t strike out a lot –again a rare combination. He’s a great talent, but he also works hard at it. I think the younger guys are always surprised that a guy like him works so hard and sets a good example.” Craig felt his best offensive series came against Virginia Tech where he went 5 for 10 with three doubles and a grand slam, totaling four RBIs in a doubleheader, and then he wrapped up the series with his first-career multi-homer game, with a double and went 3-for-5 with three runs scored. But as much as Craig meant to the 2015 Demon Deacons offensively, he also contributed from the mound as a pitcher simply because the team needed him in that role. It’s atypical for a player with his offensive production to pitch. It’s incredibly taxing on the body, and yet Craig was asked to produce with the bat and his arm throughout the season, alternating from the bullpen to being a starter. On the mound, he felt his best outing was against N.C. State where he pitched six innings, giving up three hits and two runs in a 3-2 loss. “That’s not Will’s first love,” Walter said. “He doesn’t mind pitching, but it does take away from his hitting. But he did it because we
In addition to his hitting, Will Craig also contributed as a pitcher, both out of the bullpen and as a starter.
On the path to financial enlightenment,
who’s your guru? Start your financial journey today. It’s so easy to join. 336.774.3400 | AllegacyFCU.org
Allegacy is federally insured by NCUA and is an Equal Housing Lender. Must meet member eligibility requirements. © 2015 Allegacy Federal Credit Union
JULY 2015
7
BASEBALL
// W I L L C R A I G
needed it, and as a coach you are grateful for guys like Will who sacrifice and put the team first. There were weekends where Will would start on Friday or Saturday, and we’d have to play one or two more games after he pitched. After you throw 100 pitches, you’re sore in places you aren’t normally, and you don’t feel 100 percent. But Will would go out there and help us find ways to win. That’s impressive.”
– the late nights, weekends and hard work – that make him the player he is. Wake Forest finished 27-26 overall and 12-18 in the ACC this season, but it wasn’t good enough for Walter or Craig. Otherwise, they’d both still be coaching and playing this season. And therein lies the passion that is motivating Craig to keep improving. Wake Forest hasn’t made the NCAA Tournament since 2007.
Craig said that his numbers weren’t what he hoped they would be, but he felt he still helped the team by taking the mound.
“My biggest goal is to help the team make a regional because that’s something we haven’t done in almost 10 years,” Craig said. “I want a team feel because everybody likes to win awards, but we want to make it to the ACC Tournament, and that’s our first step – to make it there every year.
“I’m a pretty decent pitcher, but I’d rather hit than pitch,” he admitted. “But given the proper time and amount of work (I could be better). But it helps you know what pitchers are going to throw in certain situations so…” On April 22, Wake Forest announced Craig had been named to the John Olerud TwoWay Player of the Year watch list. The award is named for the former Washington State standout who pitched and played first base and subsequently was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007. The Olerud Award will be announced as part of the Hall of Fame’s Night of Champions celebration set for June 28-29 in Lubbock, Texas. Craig was also named to the USA Baseball 2015 Golden Spikes Watch list, which recognizes the top amateur baseball players in the nation. Semifinal voting for the Golden Spikes began May 22, and the 2015 Golden Spikes Award winner will be named on Tuesday, June 23, at a presentation in Los Angeles. There are loads of facts, figures, stats and moments that can describe Craig and his impact, but it’s the moments many can’t see
8
GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE
“Our program is heading in the right direction. We have a new coach in (Matt) Hobbs, and he came from Missouri. He’s getting our pitching staff on the right trail, and I’ve seen such change in the past two years. It’s been great to see better and better players coming in every year. I feel like we’re at the corner, looking around the corner, and next year we can make the tournament. We’ll be pretty young next year, but I think we can make a big splash in the conference.” This summer, Craig will spend his time playing for the Chatham Anglers of the Cape Cod League. It’s a place where he wants to improve his mental game as well as every physical aspect. Baseball is as much mental and emotional as it is physical. Craig has talked about much of this with hometown friend Daniel Norris, now a pitcher with the Toronto Blue Jays. He also keeps in touch with a cadre of players with whom he is friends who play at a variety of levels, and talking baseball face-to-face seems to be as much a part of Craig’s learning curve as a late
Will Craig YEAR: Sophomore HOMETOWN: Johnson City, Tenn. HIGH SCHOOL: Science Hill MAJOR: Communications CHOSE: Wake Forest over Georgia Southern and Samford TOP ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS: 2015 ACC Player of the Year; Named to the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Watch List.
evening at the batting cage. “Everybody’s dream is to play professional baseball, and Cape Cod is probably the closest to playing like professional baseball as you can get,” he said. “It’s a big honor to go up there and play this summer. I’ll be playing with some of the best teams and players in the nation, so I’m blessed to be part of it.”
Teamwork Wins Whether on the field or in the field of law, in the classroom or the boardroom, on the court or in the courtroom, we understand the vision, dedication and teamwork that it takes to win. Kilpatrick Townsend is proud to support the Wake Forest University athletic program. Go Deacons!
www.kilpatricktownsend.com
JULY 2015
9
Q&A
// R O N W E L L M A N
THERE ARE MANY THINGS TO BE EXCITED ABOUT As another busy and productive year in Wake Forest athletics comes to a close, Gold Rush’s Jay Reddick had a conversation with Ron Wellman about the season highlights, how they fit into Wake Forest’s legacy and what they mean for the future. GOLD RUSH: It’s been a big year in many sports with big-time performances all over campus, starting with the ACC field-hockey title. Jen Averill and that squad seem to attract excellence consistently. What does the high profile in that sport do for Wake Forest as a whole? WELLMAN: All ACC championships are extremely valuable and raise the profile of our overall program. When an ACC championship is won by any of our teams, everyone in our department and many other constituencies benefit. It is especially valuable in today’s world when every ACC championship game is televised nationally. In fact, many of the regular-season games are televised nationally and those offerings will increase in the future. Jen continues to produce quality squads. Winning ACC championships (this is her fourth, along with three NCAA championships) is a reflection upon her coaching excellence and, frankly, her expectations of our program. Developing teams that are national contenders annually is an earmark of our field hockey program. There is every reason to anticipate similar results from field hockey in the foreseeable future. GOLD RUSH: The football and basketball squads didn’t have the best records, but it seems like all three are in the process of building something special. What are Dave Clawson, Jen Hoover and Danny Manning doing right? WELLMAN: All great coaches have certain skills that are critical to building a championship-caliber program. At Wake Forest, it is important that all of our coaches and personnel understand, appreciate and support the ideals, standards and values of the University. Jen, Danny and Dave all pass that test with flying colors. Other qualities that are evident with great coaches are the ability to recruit, develop athletes to their full potential and create a culture within their program that will promote cohesiveness and individual and collective excellence. Jen, Danny and Dave do all of those things exceptionally well. Jen has recruited three consecutive top-25 classes; Danny’s first class is currently rated in the top 25; and Dave has recruited the highest-ranked class ever at Wake Forest. They all have demonstrated outstanding recruiting ability. While it is too early to evaluate their other abilities while serving as our head coaches, there is every reason to believe they will do equally well in developing their athletes individually and collectively as well and eventually producing championship teams. We have some very exciting years ahead of us with Jen, Danny and Dave leading our programs. GOLD RUSH: Those three teams also turned out some great individual
10
GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE
performances, with Dearica Hamby and Kevin Johnson showing they’re among the country’s best seniors. WELLMAN: All coaches will tell you that you don’t win unless you have great players. Dearica and Kevin are examples of the type of athletes we need to attract to Wake Forest. Dearica and Kevin were not AllAmericans when they arrived on campus, but they were talented athletes who developed tremendously while they were here. That is the model that has typically produced great teams for us. It is the model that we will continue to use to get us to the top of the ACC not only in those sports but also with all of our sports. Developing the talented athletes who come to Wake Forest to realize or even exceed their potential is the way we will win in the ACC. GOLD RUSH: This seemed to be a year with a lot of great individual triumphs — from track and field stars such as Jessie Merckle and two-time ACC champ Nyki Caldwell, to tennis’ Noah Rubin and more. What will stick with you from watching this year? WELLMAN: There are many moments that were exciting this year. You’ve mentioned three outstanding athletes who led their teams to excellent achievements this year. Jessie and Nyki both have developed tremendously since they became Demon Deacons. On the other hand, Noah was recognized as the best high school tennis player in the country last year. He has not disappointed since he has been here! We won the NCAA regionals and advanced to the Sweet 16 with Noah playing No. 1 for us throughout the year. That is quite a year for a freshman playing No. 1 for you. We have other programs that are on the verge of challenging for ACC championships. Watching those teams develop this year was very satisfying. We fully intend to have a number of our teams competing for championships in the ACC as well as nationally in the very near future. GOLD RUSH: The departure of Jay Vidovich for a Major League Soccer job had to be difficult, but it seems like Bobby Muuss has stepped in and represented the school well. How important was it for you to get a guy like Bobby, with a Wake Forest background and a winning history? WELLMAN: We were disappointed to lose Jay as he had been an outstanding coach for us for 23 years. When Jay decided to coach in the MLS, we were fortunate to attract Bobby Muuss to lead our program. Bobby was an assistant coach for us under Jay for many years and certainly understands Wake Forest. Bobby helped recruit the classes that won the NCAA championship. He had outstanding success as the head coach at Denver. He has a proven track record as a head coach and at Wake Forest. He will do very well for us. GOLD RUSH: As for facilities, the soccer-field renovation has gotten underway. What is the status of the other ongoing projects? WELLMAN: Great facilities are critical to the success of any program. Our golf programs and tennis programs have both taken huge leaps forward with improved facilities. The Arnold Palmer Golf Complex and the new Leighton Tennis Courts have to be the best in the country. Even though we have the same golf coaches as we have had for many years, our recruiting, as a result of the facility improvements, is in the midst of an incredible uptick. All four of those programs will attract highly ranked classes this year. Each of
C
hef Timothy Grandinetti’s Italian heritage and upbringing has inspired a new dining destination reminiscent of a classic Italian neighborhood restaurant/ gathering place ~ family-owned and operated, of course ~ with the familiar aromas, flavors, and passion associated with this beloved cuisine. Located in the heart of Downtown Winston-Salem, Quanto Basta: Italian Eatery & Wine Bar reveals the rich, comforting flavors of “Cucina Italiana.” Lynette and Lynn Murphy, and Timothy and Heidi Grandinetti, the experienced partnership team behind Spring House Restaurant, Kitchen & Bar, have transformed Mr. Murphy’s former corporate offices into a rustic, yet comfortably modern space for celebrating fine food and wine with friends and family. The concept of Quanto Basta ~“qb” for short ~ is true to its Italian culinary
definition, which is “as much as you require; as much as you need.” Antipastos and Salads offer satisfying lighter fare and starters. For heartier appetites, Quanto Basta offers a delicious progression to heaping platefuls of freshly prepared pastas with traditional sauces; hand-crafted pizzette; and rotisserie fire-roasted chicken and porchetta. Old-world Italian specialties are prepared in an open kitchen, and showcase Chef-curated artisanal provisions from Italy ~ foods that are naturally beautiful and honest; earthy and authentic. The Quanto Basta Wine Bar offers a unique opportunity for wine lovers of all levels. A curated and comprehensive wine list of more than 250 labels – both old and new-world offerings - has been hand-selected for diversity and depth. Over 1,000 bottles are stored in a oneof-a-kind, custom-designed, climate controlled Tuscan Stone Wine Tower, allowing for a selection of more than 50
wines by the glass – and providing a level of excitement and value found nowhere else in the region. An Italian-inspired Eatery & Wine Bar, Quanto Basta celebrates the art of food and the joyful voice of the Italian culture ~ we invite you to gather, to taste, and to enjoy!
Q&A
// R O N W E L L M A N
those coaches attribute their recruiting successes to their improved facilities. Our primary facility goal now is to build the Sport Performance Center, which will connect to the McCreary Field House. We have an exciting opportunity to successfully complete the fundraising for the Sport Performance Center. We plan to release that information sometime this summer. We also want to continue to renovate the coliseum and build a practice gym for our basketball programs. Fundraising for the renovation of Gene Hooks Field at the Wake Forest Baseball Park has gone exceptionally well, and we hope to begin that renovation project sometime this summer. We have numerous other projects on the books that are important to our program. We will announce those projects soon. GOLD RUSH: Wake Forest’s service programs have always been top-notch. It has to make you proud to see how many Deacons are helping in the community. WELLMAN: Our staff and student-athletes recognize that we are very fortunate, and even privileged, to have the opportunity to work at Wake Forest or compete for this University. Each year our staff gathers together to volunteer our services to those in our community who are not as fortunate as we are. We get a tremendous response from our staff that day as they are anxious to find a meaningful way to give to those who are less fortunate. Likewise, our athletes volunteer their services throughout the year. This year we will be close to having 90 percent of our athletes volunteer. That is an amazing percentage for college students, and we are thankful and appreciative of their desire to help others.
12
GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE
In an emergency, time is precious. Get peace of mind knowing help is a click away. With V.ALRT, at the push of a button, initiate your smartphone to: • Trigger an alarm • Send a personalized urgent text message to up to 3 contacts • Pinpoint your location using your smartphone’s GPS technology • Automatically call your 3 designated contacts
Peace of mind in the palm of your hand.
map example only
Wearable device or can be attached to keychain, purse or backpack.
Wirelessly connects to iPhone® 4S /iOS 7 or newer and any smartphone using Android™ 4.3 or newer with Bluetooth® 4.0. Range of up to 75’ indoors / 300’ outdoors.
www.vsnmobil.com
VALRT_half_page_ad.indd 1
7/31/14 10:41 PM
Recently awarded “Certificate of Excellence” from Trip Advisor
Outdoor Pool
JULY 2015
13
WOMEN’S SOCCER
// C A R O L I N E W O O T T E N
A Gift For Helping Others WOMEN’S SOCCER PLAYER CAROLINE WOOTTEN STAYS BUSY WITH VOLUNTEERING
Full Menu Extensive Wine List Tapas at the Bar
By Jay Reddick
W
ake Forest student-athletes are filled with the volunteer spirit. Events such as Santa’s Helper Director of Athletics Ron Wellman said nearly 90 percent of all WFU competitors volunteered this school year in various projects, spending that time over and above their usual academics, competitions, travel and practices. Caroline Wootten might have been one of the busiest. A rising junior women’s soccer player, Wootten was named one of WFU’s “Top Six for Service” at the Black & Golden Globes awards ceremony May 2. Just listing a few of Wootten’s projects is enough to tire a normal person out: • She volunteers as a tutor with Next Level Youth Enrichment in Winston-Salem, visiting once a week, sometimes more. “It’s an after-school program, usually elementary-school kids, sometimes middle school,” Wootten said. “Me and a couple of teammates go over after class to help them with homework and play some games.” • She works as a mentor and counselor at Fellowship of Christian Athletes camps, including a camp run by UNC-Wilmington last fall.
411 South Marshall Street, Winston-Salem, NC 336.722.8889 www.meridianws.com
336-712-5278
BugsBITE.com
• She joined the rest of the women’s soccer team on an outreach trip to Guatemala during spring break, working with the BFB Foundation to mentor children at schools in low-income areas. “We all mentor one of the students – basically put on field days for the girls, play with them at school, teach them some soccer. It was a way to bring them joy for a couple of hours each day.” • She serves on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, which works as a liaison with the faculty and the student body as a whole. The SAAC also organizes events for student-athletes – in
Keeping Deacon Fans Mosquito Free! Locally owned and operated by Chip & Shea Crutchfield
14
GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE
When Convenience Matters The Twin City Quarter, home to the newly renovated Marriott, upscale Embassy Suites and Benton Convention Center, is the answer. It’s more than a central, convenient downtown location near the city’s colleges and universities, the most popular attractions and museums, golf courses, wineries, the arts district and Fourth Street’s Restaurant Row. It’s also about the convenience of not one but two premiere full-service hotels with all the features, amenities and services guests have come to expect...Wi-Fi, cafes, restaurants, lounges, spa and salon, Starbucks and fitness centers. Come see for yourself. Proud Sponsor of Wake Forest University Athletics
5th and Cherry Streets • Winston-Salem NC 27101 336.725.3500 • www.twincityquarter.com
Relax.
Let US handle YOUR Plumbing Needs. (336) 778-2008 pfplumbing.com
JULY 2015
15
WOMEN’S SOCCER
// C A R O L I N E W O O T T E N
fact, she helped to set up the Black & Golden Globes themselves. “I thought they turned out great,” Wootten said. “It was a really nice celebration of all the work (the student-athletes and the athletic department) put in during the year.” • This summer, she plans to work as a tutor at A Step Ahead Academic Center in Winston-Salem. How does she do it? She said her passion for hard work and volunteerism came from an early age and has only continued as she has become an integral part of the women’s soccer team. “I guess I’ve had some really amazing people who set good examples for how I can manage time,” Wootten said. “I’ve always just seen all of that as the norm. But all I want to do is help out the kids whenever I can.” Wootten has long had a keen interest in children’s issues. Her mother is a psychiatrist, and when Wootten came to Wake Forest from her hometown of Atlanta, she was immediately drawn to psychology. “Looking at parent-child relations is super cool,” Wootten said. “It made me think about the way I grew up, and how different that may be from others around me.” Now a psychology major, she hopes to
16
SRC - Gold Rush Ad.v.mech.indd 1
GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE
become a children’s counselor after she graduates. “I’ve known a lot about the field growing up because of my mom,” Wootten said. “She sparked my interest, and once I took a couple of classes I knew it was for me. Some of it involves science, some of it involves stats and math – and I’m also a people person, so it’s a good fit for me.” Wootten’s on-field development was hindered last fall when she contracted mononucleosis in September and missed a majority of the season. The forward, known for her attacking ability, did have a goal and an assist in seven games. She’s hoping to get back to – or exceed – the promise she showed in her freshman year, when she finished fourth on the team in points despite starting only half of the team’s games. The squad could have used her scoring punch, as the Deacons finished with a 5-9-3 record. This fall’s team will include a large freshman class and only three seniors, but Wootten is optimistic about the team’s development. “We never saw this past season as rebuilding – we want to be competitive no matter what. The same is true this year,” Wootten said. “Yes, we’ll be super young, but it’s a really competitive group that I think can get a lot done in the ACC. We want that NCAA bid.”
CAROLINE WOOTTEN POSITION: Forward HOMETOWN: Atlanta CLASS: Entering her junior year BIRTHDATE: Oct. 22, 1994 FAVORITE BOOK: “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers FAVORITE SPORTS MOVIE: “The Blind Side” FAVORITE FOOD: “My teammates will tell you it’s wings.” FAVORITE ATHLETE: “Obviously I liked Mia (Hamm). She’s the coolest person ever, no doubt about that. My favorite to watch now is Alex Morgan, with her tenacity and power.” IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANY ONE PERSON, LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD IT BE? “Probably my grandfather on my mom’s side. I never met him, but I’ve always heard such great things about him from family members.” FAVORITE WFU MOMENT: “My freshman year, we were playing Duke. They’re kind of my idol in soccer – they play similar to us and recruit similar to us. Katie Stengel and I were playing up top, and I thought she was headed out of bounds. But she tapped it to me for the goal, we took the lead, and we got a 3-1 win. It was superexciting.”
7/25/14 9:26 AM
Come In Today!
No Appointment Necessary Mon-Fri 8am-6pm & Sat 8am-4pm
WE DO STATE INSPECTIONS
Toll Free: 1.800.852.1504 www.timwelborn.com
PROUD SUPPORTER OF 2015 WFU ATHLETICS JULY 2015
17
100% COTTEN
// S TA N C O T T E N
Just ‘KJ’ Will Do For Standout Cover Corner
S TA N COTTEN VOICE OF THE DEMON DEACONS
18
You don’t really need to call him Kevin. It’s just so … formal. Johnson is his last name, but to get his attention all you really need to say is, “KJ.” Yep, KJ will do. KJ will do whatever his coaches ask him to do. And then some. He’ll be there early. He’ll be one of the last to leave. For basketball players, the term is “gym rat.” I have no idea what the football equivalent to a gym rat is, but whatever it is – that’s KJ. Since his prep days in and around the Clarksville, Md., community southwest of Baltimore, Kevin Johnson has been about excelling in football. Like most players who end up in the NFL, KJ was all-everything in high school. He did it all for his River Hill Hawks while they were winning 47 of the 50 games in his four-year varsity career. But Johnson wasn’t heavily recruited. My guess is that his body, or lack thereof, was a problem. I don’t know how much KJ weighed when he stepped on campus at Wake Forest in the fall of 2010, but it couldn’t have been much more than 155 pounds – and that was with a brick in each pocket. But he was so skilled that Jim Grobe’s staff couldn’t keep him off of the field. He played “heavier” than he really was or appeared and was one of only three true freshmen to play for the Deacons that season. From day one, he was a cover corner. At 6-1, he had length. He could run. And he could flip his hips and change direction better than any corner any of us had seen in years – maybe ever at Wake. And to top it off … he had zero fear. He played in 11 games that first season and started five, holding his own against ACC competition. Wake had taken a chance on this skinny kid with the crazy skills, and it looked like the roll of the dice was going to pay huge dividends. And then 2011 came, and KJ was ruled academically ineligible for the season. I don’t know all of the details surrounding that bump in the road. Johnson was certainly capable of doing the work and getting it done. But it didn’t get done, and KJ didn’t play. Now we would learn something else about this young man whom his teammates all liked, who checked his ego (I’m not sure he really has one) at the door and was the hardest worker on the team. Would he stay? Would he do the work to restore his academic standing? And how would he handle having to practice and work for an entire year with no game to play as a reward? Yes. Yes. And harder and longer and with more dedication than anyone ever thought or even asked. In 2011, Kevin Johnson had to be the best scout team player in the country. Period. He attacked practice. He made everyone around him better. He was only in his second year on campus, but he was a leader who showed maturity and humility beyond his years. His ability was matched by his work ethic. He was a defensive player, but often times you could find him in the quarterback meetings watching film just to learn how those on the “other side” of the ball processed and thought, hoping to gain an edge. He trained
GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE
his body in the weight room to get stronger and heavier, addressing the only real weakness he had. With 2011 behind him, KJ took off. He started each of the 36 remaining games in his career, and by the time his final season came around, this past fall teams wanted no part of Wake’s No. 9. He was simply the best player on the field, and wherever you found him, you would find opposing offenses headed in the other direction. So who really is Kevin Johnson? What are the Texans getting with their first round draft choice? Well, his feet will leave an impression in the grass now. I’m not so sure they did in the summer of 2010. He’ll be a great teammate and an asset in the locker room, understanding the importance of individual accountability within the team dynamic. He’s driven, ultra-competitive. Part of that likely comes from his parents, Kevin and Judy, both graduates of Howard University. And part of it might also come from having an older best friend from childhood who is also in the NFL, Baltimore receiver Michael Campanaro - his former teammate at both River Hill and Wake Forest. Gotta be as good as your buddy, right? He will arrive in Texas, with his Wake Forest degree in his back pocket, ready to get to work. You won’t get cheated. He’ll give you every ounce he has. KJ will do. Stan Cotten, longtime voice of the Deacs, wrote this for the website for the NFL’s Houston Texans.
HT
B
B
B B
TR
B
B
Join the culture. B
B
HT
HT
HT
HT
B
B
B HT
B
B
HT
B
B
HT HT
B
True Demon Deacons have the WFU Rose in their garden. Purchase by July 30 and get $500 OFF of a new rose garden installation! Call or go online today. Witherspoon has been offering rose care, bushes and installation since 1951, the same year Wake Forest broke ground on the Reynolda campus. That’s why we created
T E ES OS R R FO T Y E I AK S W VER I UN
the Wake Forest University Rose. For every rose purchased, Witherspoon will donate $10 to the general scholarship fund.
TO ORDER OR REQUEST A CATALOG, CONTACT US AT:
800-643-0315 • witherspoonrose.com
We'll Meet You There Learn More at www.Graylyn.com
Book A Day Meeting, Receive $10 Off Per Person
1900 Reynolda Rd. Winston-Salem, NC 27106
800.472.9596
www.Graylyn.com
JULY 2015
19
INSIDE THE DEACON CLUB
Celebrating the Class of 2015 Hearn Plaza was packed on May 18 for the 2015 graduation exercises, as all in attendance celebrated the Class of 2015. Graduation is the essence of what the Deacon Club is all about. The ceremony is a culmination of four years of hard work by our student-athletes, coaches and staff. The young men and women who arrived on campus as freshmen have matured and developed, and leave Wake Forest well prepared for their future careers. BA R RY FA I R C L O T H A S S O C I AT E AT H L E T I C DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT & SALES
A few of the student-athletes I have personally watched on their journey over the past four or five years on campus are below. They represent just a sampling of the incredible talent and character found in the Class of 2015.
Jordan Garside Jordan, a fullback on the Wake Forest football team, plans to attend law school at the University of Virginia next year. After his senior year, Jordan enrolled in the year long Master of Arts in Business program at Wake Forest and served as a team captain while completing his studies. Jordan’s journey has progressed over the past five years from walk-on to scholarship player and team captain. He is the model of a true student-athlete, graduating with a double major in religion and economics in 2014 and his MA in Business in 2015. Jordan was also honored as a finalist for the 2014 Freddie Solomon Community Spirit Award and the Lee Roy Selmon Community Spirit Award.
Dearica Hamby Dearica Hamby became the first Demon Deacon ever drafted into the WNBA when she was selected with the No. 6 pick by the San Antonio Stars just a few weeks before graduation. Anyone who has attended a Wake Forest women’s basketball game has recognized her dominance on the court. Dearica finished her career as the program’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder. She is the second Demon Deacon to reach 1,000 career points and rebounds along with head coach Jen Hoover. Dearica was honored as a Wade Trophy Finalist and was a WBCA honorable mention AllAmerican and first team All-ACC selection.
20
GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE
Kevin Jordan Kevin worried his baseball days had come to an end when he developed a severe kidney condition during his senior year of high school, but Coach Tom Walter secured Kevin’s future when he donated one of his kidneys to Kevin in February 2011. Although this story received much publicity, featured on CBS Sports’ “Courage in Sports,” among other programs, it has been such a great experience watching Kevin develop, boldly face challenges and take the unique demands of life as a student-athlete in stride. These are just three examples of our graduates who are destined for great things. The Wake Forest Office of Personal and Career Development recently shared an amazing statistic – over 98 percent of our graduating seniors will be employed or in graduate school over the course of the next six months. As an institution, Wake Forest prides itself in its strong academic reputation. I would argue that we should be equally proud of the high caliber of our coaches and athletic staff and the impact they have on our student-athletes throughout their tenure as Demon Deacons. Our student-athletes have gained invaluable life lessons on teamwork, discipline and organization that will serve them well wherever life takes them. I cannot say enough about the positive influence our coaches have, leading our student-athletes through their most transformative years of their life. Again, none of this would be possible without the steadfast support of Deacon Club members like you. It is truly overwhelming to see all of our student-athletes walk across the stage on graduation day and think of all of the Deacon Club members whose generosity made this time of celebration possible. Thank you for your support and best wishes to all of our graduating seniors. Go Deacs! Barry Faircloth
INSIDE THE DEACON CLUB
REMINDER: Deacon Club Donation Deadline – June 30th Please note that payments on all outstanding pledges and balances for the 2014-15 year are due by June 30. Payments can be made online at DeaconClub.com or over the phone by calling (336) 758-5626. You may also mail checks (made out to Wake Forest Athletics) to 499 Deacon Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27105.
Keep up with the Deacon Club on Facebook & Twitter For the latest news and information from the Deacon Club and to connect with other members, be sure to find us on Facebook and Twitter. Facebook.com/WFUDeaconClub @WFUDeaconClub @DeacOnTheRun @BarryFaircloth
Save the Date for Varsity Club Weekend October 23-24, 2015 Attention former student-athletes, managers and trainers! We hope you’ll be able to join fellow Varsity Club members, Wake Forest coaches and staff in a weekend celebrating Wake Forest Athletics. Enjoy festivities with fellow Varsity Club members, as well as the home football game vs. NC State on Saturday, Oct. 24. Be on the lookout for a formal invitation coming to your mailbox soon. If you have any questions about this event, please contact the Deacon Club at (336) 758-5626. We hope to see you there!
Join us for the Annual Women’s Football Camp Whether you are an avid football fan or someone who just wants to learn more about the game, the 18th annual Wake Forest Women’s Football Camp promises to be an event that you won’t want to miss! Make plans to join us in Bridger Field House at BB&T Field on Thursday, July 23, at 6 p.m. for a truly memorable evening of fun and football. RSVP online at https://godeacs. inviteright.com/womensfb2015. JULY 2015
21
DONOR PROFILE
// D O U G H A R T S E M A
Academics, Golf Attract Hartsema to WFU
W
hen Doug Hartsema (’83) was looking for the right college to attend, two things struck him about Wake Forest – the strong academic reputation and the storied golf program. “I played competitive golf in high school, so Wake Forest was definitely on the list of schools that I wanted to look at,” said Doug. “My dad and I came down from Michigan and looked at the school and it was a great experience. We met Coach Haddock and I decided that Wake Forest was the only place to go. It was the only school I applied to.” As a freshman, Doug had a great experience. He successfully walked on as a member of the golf team and quickly settled into campus life. “It was fantastic right from the beginning – I loved it,” said Doug. “The school was so welcoming and I liked that it seemed small. Coach Haddock was so impressive.. He was terrific to the scholarship players, and equally terrific to the non-scholarship players. That’s one of the things that first struck me; he really cared about all of us. Some of the people who were on the team were outstanding athletes – Gary Hallberg (’80), one of the best NCAA golfers ever, was on the team – but Coach treated us all like we were part of the family.”
22
GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE
Beyond the classroom and golf course, Doug gained valuable, practical business experience as a student helping Coach Haddock over the summer with his golf camps. “I had the unique opportunity to work with Coach Haddock in the summertime, when I helped run his golf camp,” said Doug. “I think I learned more about business, people and relationships from Coach Haddock than I learned about golf. I came to Wake Forest primarily for the academic reputation, and he recognized that and found something that was a good fit for me in running the camps over the summer. That experience was great, because it was essentially a small business and gave me lots of practical experience.” The skills that Doug learned watching Coach Haddock run his summer golf camps stayed with him as he entered the workforce following graduation. Doug went into banking, moving across the country as he advanced in his career with Wells Fargo (Wachovia), JPMorgan Chase and Huntington. Although Doug enjoyed his work, what he really enjoyed the most was interacting with customers, particularly in his oversight of the banks’ customer advisory groups. “At each of the banks, we created customer advisory boards, where we pulled together a group of customers to help us run a better business and treated them as advisers,” explained Doug. “That was always the part of my job that I looked forward to the most. When I began thinking about what I wanted to do for the last part of my career, whether it was continue in banking or try something
different, I began thinking that maybe there was a business opportunity in this area.” This idea was the impetus for The Hartsema Group, formed by Doug in 2013. He currently serves as the company president, where he creates and runs customer advisory boards for companies, primarily regional banks Recently, Doug has graciously lent his expertise to the Deacon Club, in serving as an adviser for the creation of the new Athletic Advisory Council. “I was talking to Alan Ashworth last summer, describing my business, and he mentioned that the Deacon Club was beginning the process of creating an Athletic Advisory Council,” said Doug. “He asked if I would be willing to be involved in the process and I said I’d be happy to. The great thing about volunteering is that I have an amazing opportunity to do what I love and help the athletic department at the same time. It was a natural way for me to say, ‘I can help with that.’ It’s been wonderful because it has been a way for me to get reconnected with the athletic department and the University.” Doug admitted that, at first, he didn’t see how his business and background could benefit the athletic department, but the experience volunteering and serving as an adviser in the creation of the Council has been extremely rewarding. “People don’t necessarily think about what they do and how that could benefit the University; I know I certainly didn’t at first,” said Doug. “But anyone who is a business professional, I would encourage to ask ‘What do I do in my profession that I can contribute to benefit Wake Forest?’”
Doug is certainly an enthusiastic supporter of the Deacon Club today, volunteering his expertise and contributing to the Haddock House project benefitting the golf program. He readily admits, however, that he was not always this way. “I was rather disengaged and the reason is because, as I watched the school and how it progressed in the years after I graduated, I saw the success and thought that the University really didn’t need the money,” said Doug. “I walked around on trips back to Winston-Salem and saw all of the construction and change and thought that they really didn’t need my donation because of all of the things happening on campus. So, I contributed to other organizations and didn’t really donate to Wake Forest for several years.” It wasn’t until Doug was contacted by the Deacon Club, regarding the Haddock House project last year, that he fully realized the need. Doug also mentioned that the experience has brought him some unexpected insights that he has been able to apply to his work, benefitting his clients and positively impacting his business. “Something I realized in a recent meeting of the Advisory Council is that by volunteering and learning from Wake Forest I am making my business better,” said Doug. “I learned something in the Deacon Club Board of Directors meeting today that I can apply to the groups I am working with for my clients.”
was needed and made me realize that it takes everyone who has benefitted from the athletic programs and University coming together to make these great facilities on campus happen.” In reconnecting with the Deacon Club and the University, Doug has enjoyed giving back to the place that gave him so much as a student and member of the golf team. “In addition to the great education that I received as a student, the golf team helped make me what I am today,” said Doug. “Part of the reason why I’m so excited about the opportunity to give back is that I’ve spent my whole career in business, but that all really came from what I learned over my four years at Wake Forest. Today I don’t play golf for a living, but I do run a business, and the lessons I learned that have enabled me to do so really began with Coach Haddock.” Doug currently lives in Charlotte. He is the president of The Hartsema Group.
“When I was contacted by the Deacon Club as a former golfer, it really caught me off guard because my perception was that the golf program was flush,” he said. “My thought was ‘How could the Wake Forest golf program not have all the money it needed?’ I assumed that all of the scholarships were fully endowed and that the Haddock House would be paid for in full because of the caliber of the program and the people who have come through it over the years. It really struck me that my help
deacon club photos
Deacon Club members are encouraged to submit photos for publication in the Gold Rush. Send your photos in digital format to deacclub@wfu.edu. Submission of a photo does not guarantee that it will be published. Thanks for showing off your Demon Deacon pride!
1
1 Andrew Smith (’08, MAEd ’09) poses with his students on a trip to Wake Forest. The students toured campus and BB&T Field.
2
2 Chip (’65) and Sarah Owen pose with a Dinos Mitoglou jersey on a recent trip to Greece.
JULY 2015
23
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
//
WELDON WOODALL
I
n each issue, Where Are They Now showcases a former Wake Forest student-athlete. A four-year member of the Wake Forest baseball team after redshirting his first year on campus, Weldon Woodall (’09) led the team in hitting his senior season. He finished with team highs of a .328 batting average, 15 doubles and 39 RBIs to go along with nine home runs. He played in 132 career games and made 96 starts at Wake Forest.
Weldon Woodall Why are you still involved in Wake Forest Athletics? The Deacon Club and Wake Forest athletic department gave me and all other student-athletes the tools and support needed to be successful both as a student and athlete. Being involved is the least I can do to show my appreciation. Why do you feel it is important to give back to the University? Playing baseball at Wake Forest helped me develop an appreciation for hard work, time management, discipline, teamwork and learning to overcome adversity. Giving back to the University provides future student-athletes with the opportunity to develop similar skills that will inevitably help them be productive long after they leave Wake Forest.
us all look like way better hitters than we really were (before the rule changes in 2011 that made metal bats perform more like wooden bats). With that said, it is especially impressive to see the statistics the recent Wake Forest offense has posted in this new metal bat era. Who is your favorite coach at Wake Forest, current or past? Matt Antonelli
What is your current occupation? I just graduated from the four year JD/ MBA program at Southern Methodist University. I am set to start practicing in Corporate and Securities at Strasburger & Price LLP (Dallas) in September 2015.
When did you graduate from Wake Forest? 2009 What was your major and/or minor? Major – Political Science Minor – Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise What does being a Demon Deacon mean to you? Being a Demon Deacon carries with it a responsibility to those that provided you with the opportunity to attend such a prestigious university. As a Demon Deacon, I believe that you are obligated to take the skills developed while at WFU and put them to good use, such that you reflect positively on WFU and those that afforded you the opportunity.
24
GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE
What is your favorite memory of your time at Wake Forest? Finishing in second place in the ACC in 2007 and earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament in Round Rock, Texas (hosted by the University of Texas). What makes you most proud of Wake Forest? Wake Forest’s ability to maintain high academic standards and compete athletically at the highest level, despite being among the five smallest Division I universities. When you come back to Wake Forest, you always… Try to visit athletic trainer Jeff Strahm. He kept me hydrated and made sure my body stayed intact during my time at Wake Forest. I like to show him my appreciation. I was there when… Hitting with metal bats probably added 75 points to batting averages and made
Weldon Woodall (’09) poses with his fiancée, former Wake Forest women’s soccer player Nicole Lecznar (’08).
Russell Cockman, Football Fan
The Perfect
Hand-off.
A
s quarterback for his high school football team in the 1940s, Russell Cockman remembers the thrill and satisfaction of giving his all to the game he loved. Today, he’s still winning at life by handing over the daily chores so he has more time for the things he loves. Dedicated to your perfect retirement, Arbor Acres gives a whole new meaning to home-field advantage.
Purposeful Retirement
in Comfort and Security
1240 ARBOR RD. WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27104 | 336-724-7921
www.arboracres.org JULY 2015
25
DEACONS IN THE COMMUNITY
Trip To Guatemala Makes Huge Impact on Women’s Soccer Team For many college students, Spring Break is often spent lying on a beach, enjoying some hard-earned rest and relaxation, but this past March, the Wake Forest women’s soccer team set out for Guatemala in the hopes of making an impact on the lives of others. Their life-changing trip had been in the works for nearly a year thanks to the efforts of Rich and Diana Brock, parents of junior defender Maddie Brock. The Brocks are involved with the BFB (Burns-Fazzi, Brock) Foundation, an organization founded by Mr. Brock’s longtime colleague Christine Burns-Fazzi. The foundation’s goal is to educate and empower women through financial education, and it focuses most of its efforts in Guatemala. Guatemala is Central America’s most populous country but is a country in which more than half of the population lives below the national poverty line, and 13 percent of the population lives in extreme poverty.
As part of their work with the foundation, the Brocks have made numerous trips to Guatemala. During one of those trips, they realized that it could be an amazing opportunity for their daughter and her Wake Forest teammates. In the spring of 2014, they presented their idea to the team. The trip was going to involve a lot of work, not only during the week that they were in Guatemala but also in the year leading up to their departure. However, hard work and intense preparation is nothing new to Wake Forest student-athletes, nor is the desire to exemplify the Pro Humanitate spirit that defines Wake Forest University, so the team jumped at the opportunity. They spent the next several months raising money to fund the trip. They held fundraisers on campus, raised money from friends and family through online donations, and a couple team members even spent the summer working soccer camps and donated the money they earned toward the team’s efforts. In addition to fundraising, the members of the team also joined the BFB Foundation’s Padrino Program. Padrino (Godfather) or Madrina (Godmother) is a person who provides inspiration and support to another. The Padrino program financially supports the education of Guatemalan students and encourages them to stay in school and excel. Each Wake Forest soccer team member was paired with a primary school child, or ajihada, and mentored them throughout the year by writing to them, sending pictures and showing support and care. Finally, working in conjunction with the Brocks, the team also planned every detail of their itinerary, which included a few well-deserved opportunities for fun, exploration and team bonding. After arriving in Guatemala, the team had the opportunity to visit two local elementary schools that are supported by the BFB Foundation. The team organized “field day” activities, including water balloons, hopscotch, hula-hoops, bubbles and soccer for the children. Some of the team members also had the chance to meet their ajihadas whom they had been mentoring throughout the year.
26
GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE
“The most rewarding part of this experience was interacting with and meeting all of the Guatemalan children,” said Jenna Romano. “It was such an eye-opening experience to see all of the work that the Brocks put into building the schools for the girls, and each and every girl made an impact on my life.” The team also had the chance to visit The Socorro School in Antigua, another school supported by the BFB Foundation. The Socorro School is a boarding school for underprivileged, indigenous high-school aged girls from remote villages. After graduation, the girls return to their villages to teach and empower others in their community through education. During their visit, the team was entertained by the students of the Socorro School who danced, sang and gave speeches in both English and Spanish. “The high school we visited prepared music and a dance for us, and some of our padrinas we had been pen pals with had small gifts for their madrinas,” explained Megan Curan. “It was difficult to communicate through words because we speak different languages, but smiles, laughs and hugs communicated everything we needed to say.” In addition to their work with the schools, the team also visited a local library supported by the BFB Foundation. They learned about the history of the library and how they provide schooling for the local children. Some of the children taught the team some of their weaving skills, and they were able to spend some time playing cards and drawing with them. The team relished the opportunity to explore the country of Guatemala and learn more about its people and culture. They visited a coffee farm where they got to learn about the coffee plant, pick and shell coffee beans that were then roasted, ground and brewed by the wife of one of the farmers. They went zip-lining in Panajachel and explored some local Mayan villages on Lake Atitlan. One of the many things that the team members will remember most about their trip was the team-building experience of hiking an active volcano. Jenna Romano explained, “Out of the 40 volcanoes throughout the country, we arrived at the Pacaya volcano. We started at 5,000 feet and after a very long, tiring, uphill battle, we hiked to 7,500 feet, which is about 3.7 miles in all. Young boys on a pack of horses followed us up the mountain in case we needed assistance getting up the active volcano. Although it was very, very tempting, we pushed through the pain together, and the view at the end was completely worth it. When we arrived at the volcano, there was a lava store where we bought jewelry made of igneous rock from the eruption last March, and we roasted marshmallows in a lava pocket. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that some people dream about, yet we got to hike the active volcano together as a team, pushing each other and helping everyone along the way.” The impact of the team’s trip continues to be felt long after their return from Guatemala. “I will always remember the memories I shared with the team,” said Kendall Fischlein. “We became so much closer throughout the trip, and we were able to learn so much about one another.” “I think this trip was huge for our team in terms of unity and cultural experience,” explained Claudia Day. “It brought us closer which will directly translate to our chemistry on the fields. It was also really great for us to see how hard the Guatemalan women work. It’s easy to get stuck in our Wake ‘bubble’ where soccer and academics are our biggest concerns. The Guatemalan women were a reminder of real life, and their lives were inspirational.” Head coach Tony da Luz agrees. “The Guatemala trip exceeded all expectations. It was a great catalyst in uniting our team and an unforgettable cultural experience. I can’t thank Rich and Diana Brock enough for their generosity and commitment to our team and to Wake Forest University. They are true Deacs!”
DEACONS IN THE PROS BASEBALL
MEN’S GOLF Billy Andrade
COACHES/SCOUTS Neil Avent John Hendricks Michael Holmes Kevin Jarvis Bill Masse Matt Price Mike Rikard Eric Schmitt
MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB
Ross Atkins Danny Borrell
MLB MLB
Adam Wogan George Greer Tommy Gregg
MLB MLB AAA
Oakland A’s Area Scout New York Mets Area Scout Oakland A’s Assistant Scouting Director Boston Red Sox Pro Scout Seattle Mariners Area Scout Kansas City Royals Pro Scout Boston Red Sox Director of Amateur Scouting New York Yankees Assistant Director of Amateur Scouting Cleveland Indians Vice President of Player Personnel New York Yankees Minor League Pitching Rehab Coordinator Boston Red Sox Area Scout St. Louis Cardinals Minor League Offensive Strategist Kansas City Omaha Storm Chasers Hitting Coach
MINOR LEAGUE RANKS Pat Blair Tim Cooney Michael Dimock Allan Dykstra Jack Fischer Brian Holmes Connor Kaden Conor Keniry Carlos Lopez Matt Martin John McLeod Mac Williamson
Tampa Bay Rays St. Louis Cardinals San Diego Padres Tampa Bay Rays Detroit Tigers Houston Astros San Francisco Giants Washington Nationals Washington Nationals Milwaukee Brewers Baltimore Orioles San Francisco Giants
WOMEN’S GOLF Laura (Philo) Diaz LPGA Has played in eight tournaments in the 2015 season Jean Chua Symetra Has made seven starts, best finish t-28th at Guardian Retirement Championship Nannette Hill LPGA Has played in seven tournaments in 2015, made cut at Kingsmill Championship Natalie Sheary LPGA Retained to LPGA Tour in 2015, first event was Volunteers of America North Texas Shootout Michelle Shin Symetra Has played in one event, Volvik Championship, in 2015 Cheyenne Woods LPGA Finished T24th at JTBC Founders Cup, played in eight events this season
28
GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE
Bill Haas Jay Haas Gary Hallberg Scott Hoch Len Mattiace Kyle Reifers Curtis Strange Webb Simpson
Champions Played in eight events with win at Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge PGA Tied fourth at The Players Championship; 14th in the FedEx Cup Standings Champions T22nd at Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge Champions Has played in four events in 2015 Champions T18th at Insperity Invitational, 37th on money list Web.com Has played in two events in 2015 PGA Finished T11th at Valero Texas Open and Shell Houston Open Champions Made cut in all five starts in 2015 PGA Finished T2nd at Wells Fargo Championship; 31st in the FedEx Cup Standings
FOOTBALL Tommy Bohanon Josh Bush Michael Campanaro Tyson Clabo Chris Givens Josh Harris Justin Jackson Kevin Johnson Joe Looney Merrill Noel Kenny Okoro Calvin Pace Zach Thompson Nikita Whitlock Kyle Wilber Kris Redding
NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL
FB S WR OL WR RB LB CB OL CB DB LB DL FB LB DE
NY Jets Denver Broncos Baltimore Houston St. Louis Pittsburgh Oakland Houston Texans San Francisco Buffalo Bills Free agent NY Jets Baltimore NY Giants Dallas Free Agent
COACHES/STAFF Jim Caldwell Charlie Dayton Pat Flaherty Joe Kenn Ricky Proehl John Spanos Brad White Jeff Triplette
NFL Detroit NFL Carolina NFL NY Giants NFL Carolina NFL Carolina NFL San Diego NFL Indianapolis NFL
Head Coach Vice President Offensive Line Coach Strength Coach Wide Receivers Coach Executive VP of Football Operations Quality Control Defense Referee
RAISE HOPE... AND THE GRADUATION RATE
OUR FUTURE COMMUNITY
NEEDS YOU
Improving Student Success Together –
Because Great Things Happen When We LIVE UNITED!
STAY CONNECTED ForsythUnitedWay.org UWForsyth
JULY 2015
29
COMPLIANCE CORNER
// T O D D H A I R S T O N
Summer Employment
TODD HAIRSTON A S S O C I AT E AT H L E T I C DIRECTOR, COMPLIANCE
With the summer months approaching, student-athletes all over the country will be looking for ways to make a little extra money before returning to school in the fall. There is often confusion about the rules regarding the employment of student-athletes. Given the number of recent, high-profile cases involving impermissible benefits to student-athletes, many Deacon supporters, as well as other local employers, are left wondering whether they can or should hire current studentathletes.
application, interview) must be followed and all prerequisites and qualifications for the job in question must be met. Further, student-athletes can only be paid for work that has been performed at the time payment was received. Compensation must also be commensurate with the going rate for the particular type of work performed. Additionally, any perks associated with a job, such as a company car, free meals, entertainment, etc. must be available to all employees.
NCAA rules do permit student-athletes to be employed, and unlike years past, there are no limits on the amount of money they may earn. There are standards that govern the process by which student-athletes are hired and how they can be compensated, however.
In cases where student-athletes are hired to perform odd jobs on a temporary basis, (e.g. moving furniture) such opportunities must be publicized and open to the general public. While student-athletes are not precluded from these types of opportunities, they may not be hand-picked for these jobs.
The first stipulation is that a student-athlete cannot be hired strictly based on his or her reputation as a student-athlete. All normal hiring practices (e.g. completion of
For any questions related to this issue, please contact Todd Hairston at hairstct@wfu.edu.
In the Nation, we celebrate traditions. One of the great North Carolina traditions is the way we show our warm hospitality. It’s why you live here and why we’re so proud to have helped generations of North Carolina families protect what matters most to them for over 85 years. We put members first, because we don’t have shareholders. Join the Nation that loves the Demon Deacons.
Jim Annas Jim Annas Agency Inc. 3447 Robinhood Rd Suite 207 Winston Salem, NC 27106 (336) 659-9010 Jim.Annas@nationwide.com
Missy W. Easter Missy W. Easter Agency 105 Fair Oaks Lane Winston Salem, NC 27127 (336) 775-9151 Mary.Easter@nationwide.com
Pam S. Morgan Simmons Insurance Agency 534 S. Key Street Pilot Mountain, NC (336) 368-5204 Pam.Morgan@nationwide.com
Stormie Speaks Stormie Speaks Agency 328 N Main St Walnut Cove, NC 27052 (336) 591-3113 Stormie.Speaks@nationwide.com
Mark J. Todd Mark J. Todd Agency 108 W Elm St Yadkinville, NC 27055 (336) 679-8157 Mark.Todd@nationwide.com
Disclosure: Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
30
GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE
“The new Sports Performance Center is the top facility priority for our department as it is critical to training our athletes to win ACC and NCAA championships as well as attracting the very best prospects to Wake Forest.” RON WELLMAN, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
A LETTER FROM RON WELLMAN, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
As we approach the end of the 2014-15 year, I can’t help but marvel at the strides our department has made as a result of the Wake Will campaign. For the thousands of visitors who arrived on campus in May to attend Commencement, the signs of our progress were plentiful. Near the Polo Road entrance, work was underway at Spry Stadium for the much anticipated resurfacing of the game field. Behind the Miller Center, McCreary Field House was continuing to take shape, and just down the road at the Arnold Palmer Golf Complex, construction of the Haddock Golf House was also underway. At the Wake Forest Tennis Complex, permanent seating was being erected to enhance the game day experience for the many fans of Wake Forest tennis. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of our donors along with the hard work of our staff, our vision for providing first-class facilities continues to come to life. What is even more exciting is that there is still so much more to look forward to in the coming year. We anticipate breaking ground on the next phase of the baseball stadium renovation later this summer. We are also continuing to make progress on the facility planning for the Coliseum. We have chosen to partner with Heery International, a leading full-service architecture, interior design, engineering, construction management and program management firm, and their expertise is already proving to be invaluable as we explore the many options available for transforming the Coliseum into a venue in which we can all be proud. I encourage you to read more about some of our important projects in the pages that follow. Despite all of the significant progress we have made since the start of the campaign, we cannot lose sight of the work that is still ahead of us. Raising the funds for the Sports Performance Center remains our department’s highest priority. Momentum is continuing to build for this crucial project, and we look forward to sharing more information later this summer about an exciting initiative that will hopefully help propel us towards our ultimate goal. If your summer travels happen to bring you near Winston-Salem, consider making a trip to campus to see the progress for yourself. You will be amazed at the impact the Wake Will campaign and the generosity of our donors is having on Wake Forest Athletics. Go Deacs!
Baseball Stadium Renovation Following the announcement last February of a lead gift from David Couch (‘84), momentum surrounding the baseball stadium renovation project has continued to build. Pending the completion of final fundraising efforts, plans are underway to break ground on the next phase of the project in the fall. Estimated at approximately $9 million, plans call for the construction of a new state-of-the-art clubhouse, renovation and relocation of the home dugout and bullpen, construction of a pitching lab and creation of a new concourse viewing platform.
“Developing Champions is our athletic department vision. Thanks to the generosity of donors like David Couch, Matt Crawford and many more, Wake Forest baseball will feature the best collegiate player development center in the nation. With this facility we will provide our student-athletes with all the tools necessary to compete at their maximum level of performance. ” Tom Walter, Wake Forest Head Baseball Coach
The new clubhouse will be located along the third-base line and will include locker rooms, coaches offices, a team lounge, training room, equipment room, video room, team meeting room, professional players locker space and a Wake Forest baseball heritage area. The home dugout will be relocated to the third-base side of the stadium, and the pitching lab will be built adjacent to the renovated bullpen.
Baseball Stadium Renovation Plans are also being made for an 80’x90’ indoor batting facility which will be constructed in a future phase of the project. Plans call for construction without interior supporting posts, giving the Wake Forest coaching and training staffs maximum flexibility in their use of the space. Above the facility, plans call for a concourse area that could be utilized for both Wake Forest baseball and football games, and for other special events.
“As a supporter of this project, I believe this facility will be a wonderful demonstration of Wake Forest’s commitment, not only to baseball, but also to the development of our student-athletes. This will be a worldclass facility that will allow us to think big.” Matt Crawford (‘88, MBA ‘00)
Tennis Competition Seating Construction is underway on the first phase of a new seating addition at the Wake Forest Tennis Complex. Phase one includes the construction of bleacher style seating on the south end of the Leighton College Courts. Additional seating will be constructed along the west side of the courts in a future phase. This project is very important for our tennis programs, as it will not only enhance the game day experience for both fans and student-athletes, but it will also prove beneficial for the Winston-Salem Open as well as the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships which Wake Forest will be hosting in 2018.
Soccer Game Field Renovation Wake Forest Athletics has begun construction on the soccer field renovation project for the competition field at Spry Stadium. The $1 million project was made possible by a number of generous donations. The game field renovation will benefit both the men’s and women’s soccer programs, who host home competitions at Spry Stadium. Improvements include the installation of
“The soccer field renovation project is such an asset for our program. Not only will the new field improve the training and competitiveness of our current team, but it will help our staff bring the very best talent to Wake Forest. This project will serve as a tangible symbol of the University and athletic department’s commitment to our soccer program. We are incredibly grateful for their support and the generosity of the donors who made this project possible.” Bobby Muuss, Wake Forest Head Men’s Soccer Coach
new Bermuda turf, irrigation and drainage systems, installation of conduit for future television and live-stream broadcasts, new fence and windscreen surrounding the field, upgraded lighting and new team equipment, including new field goals and team enclosures. Construction is scheduled to finish in June 2015. The field renovation project comes on the heels of renovations to the facility in the completion of the Walt Chyzowych Alumni Hill project, dedicated in September 2013.
“Women’s soccer in the ACC and NCAA has become increasingly competitive in recent years, with the top programs investing heavily in facility construction and upgrades to support elite level performance and entice top recruits. These generous donations allow us to begin the first phase of a much needed facility improvement plan. The new field will leave a strong impression on visiting recruits, reflecting a commitment to be the best.” Tony da Luz, Wake Forest Head Women’s Soccer Coach
Sports Performance Center Providing a strength and conditioning facility to prepare our athletes to compete at the highest level remains our department’s highest priority. Our plans will elevate our current strength and conditioning facility from the smallest in the ACC to one of the best in the nation, while also providing state-of-the-art equipment, technology and resources. The increased size and functionality of the new facility will enable multiple athletes in different sports to work out simultaneously and more effectively, positively impacting all of our programs. Providing a new strength and conditioning facility is critical for our program. By completing this facility, we will not only inspire our current teams to greatness, but create a legacy for years to come.
1 Wait Chapel/Wingate Hall 41 Martin Residence Hall 2 Efird Residence Hall 42 Spry Soccer Stadium 3 Taylor Residence HallMiller Center 43 Polo Residence Hall McCreary Field Football Offices Bookstore, Campus Grounds 44, 45, 46 Chiller Plants Sports Medicine, House 4 Davis Residence Hall 47 Greene Hall Subway, University Police 48 Tennis Courts Academic Services Under Construction Area M Basketball 24-Hour Office 49 Polo Road Gate Basketball Offices New Football 5 Reynolda Hall 50 University Practice Parkway Gatehouse Gym Cafeteria 51 Reynolda Road Gatehouse Practice Fields Magnolia Room 52 Miller Center 6 Benson University Center 53 Porter B. Byrum Rey Pugh Auditorium, Food Court, Welcome Center To US 52 Bus Ce Shorty's, Post Office 54 South Residence Hall 7 Z. Smith Reynolds Library 56 Dance Studio Starbucks 59 The Barn 7A Wilson Wing 60 Farrell Hall lo Po 8 Olin Physical Laboratory 61 Dogwood Residence Hall 9 Salem Hall 62 Magnolia Residence Hall 10 Winston Hall 63 North Campus Dining 11 Luter Residence Hall ad 12 Babcock Residence Hall P o lo R o 13 Tribble Hall 27 14 Johnson Residence Hall 49 15 Bostwick Residence Hall 41 16 Collins Residence Hall Soccer 42 17 Facilities Management Practice Field a l D r. Un P as ch 17A University Police iv e 17B Central Heating Plant 26 26B rs 18 Carswell Hall 34 it y 26A 19 Manchester Athletic Center 25 43 Pa Water 19A Pruitt Football Center 44 rk Tower 20 Calloway Center w 20A Manchester Hall a . 32 d C arro ll W e athe rs D r. R t es r o 20B Kirby Hall F e 62 50 W ak 63 21 Reynolds Gymnasium Student Health Service 61 60 22 Kitchin Residence Hall Deacon Shop 23 Poteat Residence Hall Poteat Field Zick’s AERIAL VIEW: 24 Huffman Residence Hall Basketball . 25 ROTC Building d R st 26 Alumni Hall Weight Room Football re o 26A University Advancement F Weight Room e 26B Residence Life & Housing Parking & Transportation 24 Deacon One Office Olympic Sports 1 Reynolda Gym 27 Residential Community n Expansion 28 WFDD Radio Station Weight Room A a roe Lan 29 Museum of Anthropology 2Construction Under Hearn 29A Anthropology Lab Nutrition Center Plaza 30 Piccolo Residence Hall 31 Palmer Residence Hall 33 32 Worrell Professional Center Sports3Performance 33 North Campus Apartments 35 Center 34 Student Apartments 56 35 Scales Fine Arts Center Mainstage Theatre 5 Hanes Art Gallery McCreary 4Field Football Brendle Recital Hall Davis Field Practice Fields 36 Starling Hall House 37 Kentner Stadium Under Construction 6 Manchester 38 Leighton Tennis Stadium Plaza 39 Dianne Dailey Golf Learning Center 40 Haddock Golf Center
R E Y N O LD A C A MPUS MAP
W i ng a t e
s le y S t .
W
ak
R d.
A ll e n E a
SPORTS PERFORMANCE CENTER OVERVIEW
Wa
ke
Fo
eF
tR
d.
tR
s
To Graylyn, Reynolda Village, Reynolda Gardens
s o re
re
To Reynolda Road, Silas Creek Pkwy. and I-40 Business/Bypass
d.
8
7
13
McCreary Field House Construction continues on McCreary Field House, an indoor practice facility that will provide all Wake Forest teams with the opportunity to practice year-round, regardless of the weather conditions. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2015.
Map
ynolda siness enter P k wy.
Reynolda Village
C
is e ol
C herry S t. um
Wake Forest Baseball Park
D r.
LJVM Coliseum
P k wy.
.
R no
ld a Rd
M
Ch e rr
ha l l
t. yS
ars
S t.
Wake Forest School of Medicine
.
N . S t r a t f o rd R d .
Winston-Salem Downtown
BUSINESS
40 P e ters C r. Pkwy.
Rd
Reynolda House and Gardens
D e a c o n B lv d .
ve r s i t y
R o b inho o d
Nanotechnology Center
U ni
Graylyn Conference Center
R e yno ld s B lvd .
Wake Forest University
ey
ay
.
s Cr eek
Rd
ke W a re s t F o R d.
S i la
o
Wake Forest Tennis Center BB&T Field/ Cardiac Deacon Tower/ Bridger Field House Research Center
University Corporate Center
Cross-Country Trail
To BB&T Field, Bridger Field House, Deacon Tower, Wake Forest Tennis Center, LJVM Coliseum and Wake Forest Baseball Park
Capital Project Update Thanks to the generosity of so many loyal donors, Wake Forest Athletics has experienced a great deal of success during the Wake Will campaign, but there is still a lot of progress to be made in order to ensure that we are providing the first-class facilities necessary to recruit top talent and develop champions.
Progress as of April 2015 McCreary Field House
Funds & Pledges Received: $21 million
Location: Reynolda Campus Total Goal: $21 million Construction start: August Construction completion: December 2015
Sports Performance Center Location: Reynolda Campus Construction start: TBD Construction completion: TBD
Haddock House Location: Reynolda Campus Construction start: September 2014 Construction completion: TBD
C
ER UND CTION U R T ONS
Funds & Pledges Received: $9.5 million Total Goal: $37 million
Funds & Pledges Received: $4.4 million Total Goal: $4.4 million
C
ER UND CTION U R T ONS
Tennis Competition Seating
Funds & Pledges Received: $710,000
Location: Wake Forest Tennis Complex Construction start: TBD Construction completion: TBD
Total Goal: $1.6 million
Progress as of April 2015
Tennis Stadium Location: Wake Forest Tennis Complex Construction start: TBD Construction completion: TBD
Baseball Phase I Location: Wake Forest Baseball Park Construction start: TBD Construction completion: TBD
Baseball Phase II Location: Wake Forest Baseball Park Construction start: TBD Construction completion: TBD
Soccer Game Field Location: Spry Stadium Construction start: May 2015 Construction completion: August 2015
Funds & Pledges Received: N/A Total Goal: $12.5 million
Funds & Pledges Received: $7.4 million Total Goal: $9.5 million
Funds & Pledges Received: N/A Total Goal: $2 million
Funds & Pledges Received: $1 million Total Goal: $1 million
ER UND CTION U STR CON
NOW OFFERING PRIORITY ACCESS FOR ORTHOPAEDICS. Don’t let joint or bone pain keep you from doing the things you love. With a complete range of orthopaedic options,
Don’t wait
including minimally invasive procedures, Wake Forest Baptist Health offers advanced care that can restore function, reduce pain and shorten recovery time. What’s more, with Priority
to get relief from
Access, you can see an orthopaedic physician within 24 hours — often the same day or the
joint pain.
next business day. And we have ten locations to serve you, including Advance, Bermuda Run, Clemmons, Greensboro, Lexington, Randleman, Salisbury and Winston-Salem. Don’t miss another minute of your life. Make an appointment with an orthopaedic physician close to home. Call 336-716-WAKE (9253) or visit WakeHealth.edu/Orthopaedic-Services.
ORTHOPAEDICS | Call 888-716-WAKE for an appointment.