Gold Rush - May 2016

Page 1

TRACK FRESHMAN SETS FAST PACE

MAKING

STRIDES Wake Forest’s football team is young but experienced, and heading in the right direction

SIX IS THE MAGIC NUMBER Stan Cotten points out in his column that if history is any indication, Dave Clawson’s squad could be in line for a bowl game in 2016

MAY 2016

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. 25 // ISSUE 7 (USPS 014-373) EDITOR

Jim Buice PHOTOGRAPHERS

Donnie Roberts, Brian Westerholt WRITERS

Jay Reddick, Sam Walker, Stephanie Hudson, Rachael Paras Design & Layout

Summit Athletic Media www.summitathletics.com Advertising

IMG College Jeff Salisbury, Ike Fullard, Neil Bishop, Melissa Sexton

CONTENTS

// M AY 2 0 1 6

For information on advertising, please call (336) 758-7230 FOOTBALL WEATHER: There were blustery conditions on Saturday, April 9, for the Wake Forest Spring Game. The Black team won 21-3 before an enthusiastic crowd of 2,000-plus, including more than 100 former Deacon players. (Photo by Donnie Roberts)

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:

4 22 24

FROM THE AD 100% COTTEN INSIDE THE DEACON CLUB

28 31 34

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? CALENDAR COMPLIANCE CORNER

// 6 SPRING FINALE Wake Forest concluded its spring drills with the Spring Game on April 9. Head coach Dave Clawson said that his team has continued to make good progress and is looking forward to the season-opener on Sept. 1 at home against Tulane.

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.

// 10

POSTMASTER: Please send all address changes to the attention of Stephanie Hudson, Wake Forest Athletics, 519 Deacon Blvd. Winston-Salem, NC 27105.

SURPASSING HIS GOAL Freshman Robert Heppenstall simply wanted to qualify for the 800-meter finals at the ACC Indoor meet but then proceeded to become the conference champion with a school record time and an ACC meet record.

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.

// 16 WINNING APPROACH No. 1 singles player Kimmy Guerin has come to value team success and leadership, and the good mix of youth and experience has the Deacons ranked in the top 15 nationally.

ON THE COVER Tyler Bell proves to be tough to bring down on this run in the Spring Game. (Photo by Donnie Roberts) MAY 2016

3


FROM THE A.D.

// R O N W E L L M A N

ACC shows why it’s still No. 1 in basketball Dear Demon Deacons,

RON WELLMAN DIRECTOR O F AT H L E T I C S

The NCAA Tournament once again proved that the ACC is the best basketball conference in the nation. The ACC’s dominant performance started with seven teams earning bids, the most of any conference. The ACC’s 19-7 record included six teams advancing to the Sweet 16, four teams in the Elite Eight and two clubs reaching the Final Four. In all, 25 units were earned by ACC teams, which is another NCAA record – breaking the old mark of 24 units which was also held by the ACC. Clearly, the ACC continues to rightfully claim to be the top conference in college basketball. Wake Forest is working hard to make its return to the NCAA Tournament as soon as possible. Danny and his staff continue to build a program that will be a sustainable championshipcontending program. This year’s team was the second youngest in the ACC, and our youth was evident at critical times throughout the season. The first full recruiting class for Danny and his staff was rated the ACC’s sixth-best class. John

Collins, Doral Moore and Bryant Crawford all matured throughout the season and will be joined by another solid class this fall. Our prospects are bright for 2017 and beyond. April means ACC Tournament time for many of our spring sports. We are excited that three of our spring teams have been ranked in the Top 20, including men’s tennis at No. 6, men’s golf at No. 10 and women’s tennis at No. 20. Along with our improving women’s golf team, we anticipate a strong and exciting finish to the season. The baseball team appears to be finding its stride as the year progresses and both men’s and women’s track teams have had some very encouraging individual performances this spring. There is still plenty of time to come out and cheer for your Deacs in the ACC and NCAA tournaments! Finally, the NCAA released academic performance information recently. Our studentathletes produced some of the best results in the country. Among those accomplishments were: • 54 percent of our student-athletes were on the ACC Honor Roll. That is 17 percentage points higher than two years ago. • Our Graduation Success Rate (GSR) was 92 percent, which was eighth-best in the nation. • Football had the second highest GSR in the ACC. • Eight teams had a perfect 100 percent GSR: women’s basketball, men’s cross country, field hockey, women’s golf, men’s tennis, women’s tennis, volleyball and indoor and outdoor track and field. • Our women’s GSR was 98 percent, which was the fifth-best nationally. Our primary goal for all of our athletes is to have them graduate at the end of their playing careers. Our coaches, academic support services and faculty do a superb job of supporting our athletes academically. Thanks for your continuing loyal support of the Deacs!

Go Deacs!

Ron Wellman 4

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE


Recently awarded “Certificate of Excellence� from Trip Advisor

Outdoor Pool

a

Progressive, southern-insPired

destination for

dining, hosPitality &

sPecial events

450 North Spring Street, Winston-Salem | (336) 293-4797 | info @ Spring House NC . com | www. Spring House NC . com

The Gold Rush Magazine Ad.indd 1

9/3/13 2:27 PM

MAY 2016

5


FOOTBALL

6

// D AV E C L AW S O N

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE


SPRING

FINALE

EXPERIENCE SHOWING FOR STILL YOUNG DEACONS By Sam Walker

T

he wind blew hard on a sunny but chilly April 9 afternoon, but in those blustery conditions, Dave Clawson watched Wake Forest’s spring game with an excited sense of what might be in store this fall for the 2016 season. In one sense, the building process is still in its infancy, but in another it is at a point where experience will be as strong as ever for the Deacons under Clawson, who will be entering his third year as the head coach. Nine Demon Deacons did not participate in the game due to injuries – Cortez Lewis, Isaiah Robinson, Matt Colburn, Ryan Janvion, Nate Mays, Josh Banks, Cam Serigne, Alex Bachman and Jared Crump. These are players who have logged significant playing time in past seasons, but the players who suited up had plenty to prove as the Black team won 21-3. John Wolford hit Jalen Latter with a 17-yard pass in the first quarter on a nice fade pattern for a touchdown before Mike Weaver responded with a 54-yard field goal with the stiff wind at his back to make the

score 7-3 in favor of the Black team at the end of the first quarter. Chuck Wade caught a pass in the flat, broke a tackle, and dashed down the sideline 73 yards for a touchdown to extend the lead to 14-3. Tyler Bell then bulled in for a 5-yard touchdown run and 21-3 lead for the Black team before halftime. The offense that had the better of the action in the first half was overtaken by the

“GOING INTO THE SEASON, I THINK WE HAVE BETTER DEPTH AND GOOD PLAYERS. WE ONLY HAVE 10 SENIORS, A LOW NUMBER. WE ARE VERY YOUNG BUT AN EXPERIENCED FOOTBALL TEAM.” defense in the second half. Neither team scored again as the Black squad earned a steak dinner with the victory. The Gold team settled for hot dogs. After duplicate 3-9 records over his first two seasons, Clawson’s rebuilding efforts are starting to show. “Going into the season, I think we have better depth and good players,” Clawson said. “We only have 10 seniors, a low number. We are very young but an experienced football team. I’d rather be young and experienced than young and inexperienced. Some of our sophomores have played 800 snaps of football.”

But in 2016, the Deacons have 46 returning lettermen, 19 starters returning (9 on offense, 8 on defense and two specialists) and have lost just six starters. But the team is still – in years – young. Wake Forest added six January enrollees and 22 players who redshirted in 2015 and are now available to bolster the ranks. “Overall, I think this was a pretty balanced day which is how most of our spring has gone,” Clawson said after the day’s festivities. “I think the bright spot on offense was we made some explosive plays. I’m disappointed – although our running game really didn’t lose yards – and MAY 2016

7


FOOTBALL

// D AV E C L AW S O N

other than Cade Carney, I don’t think we had a back hit a crease and make a run on a traditional running play. The defense bottled that stuff up. But defensively in the second half, we buckled down. But again this game was on ESPN, so we kept a lot close to the vest and weren’t going to show a lot of what we’re doing. “I think this team has improved, and if Cortez Lewis, Jared Crump and Cam Serigne are out there, it looks a lot different, too. I think we’re better than we were at the end of fall, and if we can get some key guys back and healthy and get a good three months in the weight room, we’ll have an improved football team.” The Black and Gold teams were built through a draft process and players who typically played together were mixed, making it more difficult to get a feel for just how improved this team might be. However, Clawson said that the day was more about the players enjoying the draft process and having fun playing for a steak dinner and bragging rights. “With the spring game, you can make it another scrimmage, and you get the good work, but this is the reward for the players in the spring,” Clawson said. “They look forward to this, and we want them to enjoy this. Does (the mix) hurt consistency?

Of course it does. But it’s got to be fun for them, and so if you lose a little in the execution, it’s worth it.” Wake Forest will enter the 2016 season with players battling for starting spots all over the field. At quarterback, John Wolford and Kendall Hinton both led the offense a season ago, and they continue to battle. Wolford finished the game 12 of 15 for 148 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Hinton was 16 of 31 for 182 yards.

“John played about as close to a perfect first half as you can except for one play,” Clawson said. “We’ve played indoors all spring. Obviously at quarterback, there’s a battle. We have seven or eight receivers battling for playing time. I think the spring was valuable getting Devin Pike (tight end) ready to play (Pike made two catches in the spring game – one for 32 yards), the line, I’m pretty sure who the starting five are going to be, but the battle now is for six, seven and eight.

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. Ask about our Wine Country, Romance & Honeymoon packages. Proud Sponsor of Wake Forest University Athletics 5th and Cherry Streets • Winston-Salem NC 27101 336.725.3500 • www.twincityquarter.com

8

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE


“On defense, there’s a lot of depth there, and there’s a lot of guys battling for playing time on the inside and on the edge. The linebacker position between Jaboree (Williams) and Zack Wary is going to be a great competition. The rover competition between Demetrius Kemp and Thomas Brown is going to be a great competition. Once Ryan Janvion gets back, it will be a battle at safety, and I think the battle between Amari Henderson and Dionte Austin (at cornerback) is going to be a great one. “So we are far from settled, and we don’t have a game until September 1st. To me, those are good problems. You have more guys playing at a high level battling, and we’re not sitting back saying, ‘oh nuts, who can we possibly put there,’ so I think we have more good options than we’ve had before.” Spring did reveal that the Deacons will probably play several backs, but Tyler Bell looks to be the most consistent exiting the spring. The team focused on executing more cleanly, and Clawson was looking for more consistency in each practice. The starting quarterback will not be decided until the fall, so the battle continues between Wolford and Hinton. And the cornerback spot will remain a question with Henderson and Austin under the guidance of senior Brad Watson. Clawson won’t commit to naming any starter at this point, and why would he? “What’s the benefit in that?” he asked. “Injuries happen, and you want both guys to go through the summer attacking, thinking they want to be the starters. That’s at quarterback, at cornerback, at Will linebacker and at receiver. So it’s across the board.” Wake Forest will open the 2016 season on Sept. 1 at home against Tulane.

Come In Today!

No Appointment Necessary Mon-Fri 8am-6pm & Sat 8am-4pm

WE DO STATE INSPECTIONS

LiveFearlessNC.com

SM, ® Marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. U11058, 8/15

WITH THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE A PLAN THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

MAY 2016

9


TRACK & FIELD

// R O B E R T H E P P E N S TA L L

EXCEEDING

EXPECTATIONS FRESHMAN ROBERT HEPPENSTALL WINS ACC TRACK TITLE

By Jay Reddick

R

obert Heppenstall was just being realistic on that February day. The freshman runner had qualified for the 800-meter finals at the ACC Indoor meet. He had reached his goal for the weekend, and everything else was just a bonus.

“I went into the meet with very low expectations,” Heppenstall said. “I didn’t have a lot of pressure. Any performance would have been OK with me, but my goal was to make the final.” After all, he thought, I’m just a freshman. I’m here to get better, and my time will come. But once you step to the starting line, any notions of age, class or experience go away. And that’s how Heppenstall became

10

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

a conference champion that day. His time of 1:47.35 was a school record and an ACC meet record. “Crossing the [finish] line was just an incredible feeling,” Heppenstall said. “All of

for national meets with the Deacons – yet. “Going into any season, I map out goals, long term and short term,” Heppenstall said. “This year, I

“IN THE FINALS, I LIKE THAT IT’S JUST ONE RUN TO GO. EVERYTHING IS IN FRONT OF YOU, AND THERE’S NOT MUCH MORE TO THINK ABOUT. THAT’S WHEN I’M AT MY BEST.” a sudden, all of this emotion overflows on you. It was incredible.” Heppenstall was an 800-meter specialist going all the way back to high school in Hamilton, Ontario. He was the three-time Canadian national champion in the event and raced in the Junior World Championships and the Junior Pan Am Games. But he didn’t see himself winning conference championships and qualifying

want to develop as a runner and gain experience at this level. I’ve gotten a little peek at what worldlevel competition looks like, but not in college. So this year was about development, rather than pure performance. I’m not going to [set a personal record] in every race.” Heppenstall’s approach works wonders for him at the biggest


ROBERT

HEPPENSTALL CLASS: Freshman BIRTHDATE: Feb. 28, 1997 MAJOR: Undecided FAVORITE COLLEGE CLASSES: “I like my astronomy class – I never thought I’d like science this much. And I like economics because I find the content interesting. But I haven’t narrowed anything down yet.” FAVORITE FOOD: Cereal FAVORITE BOOK: The “A Series of Unfortunate Events” books by Lemony Snicket. “It’s not your average happy, nice tale. I enjoyed the whole story. Don’t see the movie, though – it’s nothing like it.” FAVORITE SPORTS MOVIE: “Like Mike.” “It’s been my favorite, hands down, since I was 6 or 7 years old. It made me want to play basketball.” FAVORITE ATHLETES: Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter with the Raptors. “But Peyton Manning has been my guy ever since I can remember. It’s the way he controls the game, keeps a cool head. He’s very humble, gives respect to the game, and he’s almost like an offensive coordinator on the field.” IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANY ONE PERSON, WHO WOULD IT BE? “Probably my great grandpa. He was very good at sports – my dad and grandpa tell stories about him, how he was very good at hockey. I’d like to compare my life story to his, see the different things we do athletically.”

FIVE YEARS AGO, IF YOU HAD ASKED HEPPENSTALL WHERE HE EXPECTED TO BE RIGHT NOW, THE ANSWER MIGHT HAVE REVOLVED AROUND BASKETBALL. HE STARTED PLAYING COMPETITIVELY IN GRADE 6, EMULATING TORONTO RAPTORS FAVORITES VINCE CARTER AND TRACY MCGRADY, AND STILL CALLS IT HIS FIRST LOVE. moments, but it sounds totally backward until you think about it. He said the finals of the highest-profile races are actually when he feels the least pressure. “I’m more nervous in the lower-level meets, because I’m expected to win or do well – when I don’t, it’s a disappointment,” Heppenstall said. “It’s very common for me to get more nervous before the heats of a big meet than before the finals, because anything can

happen. You have to finish in the top three of your heat or have one of the next two fastest times – if your heat is too fast or too slow, it can mess you up. I tend to overthink those. “In the finals, I like that it’s just one run to go. Everything is in front of you, and there’s not much more to think about. That’s when I’m at my best.” Need more proof? Check Heppenstall’s performances during this indoor season.

Third place at the Camel City Meet. Second place (and a full second faster) at the Virginia Tech Doc Hale Elite Meet a week later. His first win of the season came in the ACC heat, then he cut two full seconds off his time to win the conference. He even had enough left to get through an NCAA national heat and grab a fifthplace finish in the NCAA Championship, earning All-American honors. “That’s so far beyond my expectations,” Heppenstall said. “Getting All-American was just the cherry on top.” Five years ago, if you had asked Heppenstall where he expected to be right now, the answer might have revolved around basketball. He started playing competitively in grade 6, emulating Toronto Raptors favorites Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, and still calls it his first love. But as he started to win national highschool titles, he realized his future would be different. “I talked to my dad about it during my junior year,” Heppenstall said. “He talked MAY 2016

11


TRACK & FIELD

// R O B E R T H E P P E N S TA L L

“IT’S GREAT TO BE AROUND PEOPLE WHO WANT TO GO TRAIN AFTER PRACTICE IS OVER. WE ALL GET ALONG WELL, AND WE PUSH EACH OTHER. IT’S MADE ME DO EXTRA STUFF I NEVER DID BACK HOME, AND THAT’S HELPED ME GET TO A HIGHER LEVEL FASTER THAN I THOUGHT WAS POSSIBLE.” about how track was where I had had the most success and where I would have the most longevity, and I was on board with that. “I still love basketball. I shoot around whenever I can to stay in shape.” He’s even a good talent scout for hoops; he said his NCAA tournament bracket had North Carolina vs. Villanova meeting

12

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

in the finals. He had UNC winning – but Deacons fans, he can explain that. “When the ACC does well in the tournament, the money trickles down to us, right?” Heppenstall said. “It was great to have a team in the finals.” So besides his demeanor, what’s Heppenstall’s secret? How did he get so

good, so fast? He said Wake Forest has a lot to do with it. “First of all, coach [John] Millar’s philosophy is a good one,” he said. “With some coaches, it’s ‘my way or the highway,’ but he’s very flexible and knows that every athlete needs a certain kind of training. I’m all about speed work and shorter intervals


We Have the Car of Your Dreams ® 2015 Porsche Cars North America Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of all traffic laws at all times.

Teamwork Wins

Whether on the field or in the field of law, in the classroom or in 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.

A shock felt at the heart of convention. A top track speed of 167mph and a combined output of 416hp. It’s the kind of performance you wouldn’t expect from a hybrid, but demand from a Porsche. With over five different driving modes, the Panamera S E-Hybrid has defied convention, surpassed expectations, and embraced our philosophy of Porsche Intelligent Performance. Contact Porsche of Greensboro today to learn more. Porsche. There is no substitute.

The Panamera S E-Hybrid Porsche of Greensboro 5603 Roanne Way Greensboro, NC 27409 (336) 294-0200

PorscheGreensboro.com

www.kilpatricktownsend.com © 2016 Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP

*Maserati Ghibli MY2015 base MSRP $69,800; Ghibli S Q4 MY2015 base MSRP $77,900. Not including dealer prep and transportation. Actual selling price may vary. Taxes, title, license and $699 dealer administration fee not included. ©2015 Maserati North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Maserati and the Trident logo are registred trademarks of Maserati SpA. Maserati urges you to obey all posted speed limits.

MAY 2016

13


TRACK & FIELD

// R O B E R T H E P P E N S TA L L

WITH AN ACC CHAMPIONSHIP AND AN ALL-AMERICAN CITATION, WILL HEPPENSTALL GIVE IN TO HIGHER EXPECTATIONS AND MORE PRESSURE? HE THINKS NOT. – I’m getting my mileage up, but slowly. It’s a culture where I don’t have to do anything drastic to fit a certain mold.” The training facilities, along with the strength and conditioning program, play a big part, he said. But beyond that, it’s about his teammates. “It’s great to be around people who want to go train after practice is over,” Heppenstall said. “We all get along well, and we push each other. It’s made me do extra stuff I never did back home, and that’s helped me get to a higher level faster than I thought was possible.” Now it’s time for the next step. With an ACC championship and an All-American citation, will Heppenstall give in to higher expectations and more pressure? He thinks not. “I just want to do what I’ve been doing and slowly get better,” Heppenstall said. “If I can lower my outdoor personal best by one one-hundredth of a second, that’s a success for me. But if things fall into place like they did at Indoors, there’s no telling what can happen.”

14

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE



WOMEN’S TENNIS

// K I M M Y G U E R I N

VETERAN LEADER

GOOD MIX OF YOUTH AND EXPERIENCE, LED BY JUNIOR KIMMY GUERIN, HELPS DEACONS VAULT INTO TOP 15 NATIONALLY By Jay Reddick

K

immy Guerin’s favorite moment at Wake Forest was a match she didn’t win. Mind you, the junior has won plenty of tennis matches, but when asked to pick her best

16

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

day, she chose this year’s home win over No. 10 Virginia on March 20, when freshman Anna Ulyashchenko won a three-set thriller to close out the Cavaliers just after Guerin had lost her singles match.

The pick says a lot about Guerin, who has come to value team success and leadership during her three years in Winston-Salem. The approach is paying off for WFU, which has climbed all the way into the top 15 nationally on the way to its best season in nearly a decade. The team has done it with a good mix of youth and experience – Guerin has been one of the veteran leaders


at No. 1 singles and doubles, while a trio of freshmen played pivotal roles. “The three freshmen have really been unbelievable,” Guerin said. “I figured it would take them a couple of years to warm up, but they really took to the coaches and have turned this into a great season.” Guerin can draw inspiration from her own development at Wake Forest. Head coach Jeff Wyshner said her hard work has paid dividends to this day. “She’s motivated and has an incredible work ethic,” Wyshner said. “The jump she

KIMMY GUERIN CLASS: Junior BIRTHDATE: Sept. 1, 1995 MAJOR: Psychology, with a minor in English FAVORITE WFU MOMENT: “This past win against Virginia was a favorite. I didn’t win, but Anna clinched it in three sets. We had such a big celebration. That was a really cool one, because we hadn’t beaten them in so long.” FAVORITE FOOD: Pizza FAVORITE COLLEGE CLASS: Personality Psychology. “You learn about different disorders. It makes you think you can diagnose people.” FAVORITE ATHLETE: “I used to have time to watch tennis a lot more. I loved to watch [Roger] Federer. And Serena [Williams], of course, used to win every tournament.”

GUERIN CAN DRAW INSPIRATION FROM HER OWN DEVELOPMENT AT WAKE FOREST. HEAD COACH JEFF WYSHNER SAID HER HARD WORK HAS PAID DIVIDENDS TO THIS DAY. made from freshman to sophomore was very impressive, and she’s been able to continue that to become one of the most competitive players in the nation.” She rose into the nation’s top 50 in early April, the highest ranking of her career, after getting her seventh spring win over a ranked opponent. And her doubles play, always strong, has risen to another level – in fact, before her singles loss against UVa, she and Ulyashchenko helped the Deacons earn the doubles point.

MAY 2016

17


WOMEN’S TENNIS

// K I M M Y G U E R I N

GUERIN SAID THE SUCCESS IN THE SPRING – THE DEACONS GOT OFF TO A 9-0 START – CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO PREPARATION AND PLANNING. Now, they’re also in the top 50 nationally, with wins over three ranked opponents during the crucial final weeks of the regular season. “We’ve focused this year on getting the doubles point, and that has really come together with Anna playing at No. 1,” Guerin said. “She’s done such a good job.” Wyshner said the consistency of Guerin and Ulyashchenko at No. 1 has a ripple effect on the rest of the roster. “We struggled with doubles last year and the first part of this year,” Wyshner said. “We really had to develop a greater trust and ability to compete together, and Kimmy and Anna have done that. It’s really important to make all three [doubles] spots competitive, but if you have one you can count on, the other two don’t have as much pressure.”

18

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

Guerin said the success in the spring – the Deacons got off to a 9-0 start – can be attributed to preparation and planning. “We played a good amount of fall tournaments,” Guerin said. “That was good for us, good preparation especially for the freshmen. Then we trained hard over Christmas break, and because of that, we’re peaking at the right time.” Guerin is no stranger to meticulous preparation. It’s important to her to have certain types of Gatorade and water, along with three rackets (not four, not two) in her tennis bag every day. Then she must set the bag in a certain area of the bench. She calls it superstition, but it helps her remain focused. “There are more weird things like that,” Guerin said. “I’ve been doing those things


MAY 2016

19


GUERIN IS NO STRANGER TO METICULOUS PREPARATION. IT’S IMPORTANT TO HER TO HAVE CERTAIN TYPES OF GATORADE AND WATER, ALONG WITH THREE RACKETS (NOT FOUR, NOT TWO) IN HER TENNIS BAG EVERY DAY. THEN SHE MUST SET THE BAG IN A CERTAIN AREA OF THE BENCH. SHE CALLS IT SUPERSTITION, BUT IT HELPS HER REMAIN FOCUSED. since I was 10, but I’ve developed new ones. I’m really OCD, and this goes along with it.” Whatever she’s doing, it’s working. The Deacons are on the verge of their first NCAA tournament bid since 2008, and once they get there, they’re looking to make some noise. “You always look to your No. 1 player to lead a little bit,” Wyshner said. “Kimmy hates to lose any match. Her commitment on the court is a great example for our freshman class.”

20

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

R

Keeping Deacon Fans

MOSQUITO FREE! Locally owned & operated by Chip & Shea Crutchfield

278

2-5 336-71

ITO

SQU MBugsBITE.com TY 800.709.1190 THORI AU

TE.com

BugsBI



100% COTTEN

// S TA N C O T T E N

Getting to Six

S TA N COTTEN VOICE OF THE DEMON DEACONS

22

Now that the Demon Deacons’ Spring Game has come and gone and the pads put away for a time, for football fans, Sept. 1 can’t get here fast enough. That’s when the Tulane Green Wave pays a visit to Winston-Salem and BB&T Field, and the game against the Deacs will, for most, represent the official start of the third season for Dave Clawson as head coach at Wake Forest. And if history means anything, Deacon fans should be encouraged. When Clawson agreed to take the head coaching position at Wake Forest, he left behind at Fordham, Richmond and Bowling Green records that were good enough to make him a target for potential suitors. His Fordham team won 29

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

games in his five seasons as head coach – that after winning none in his first season in 1999 and 19 in the last two in 2002 and 2003. He then headed to Richmond where, again, he won 29 games as the Spider head coach – this time in four seasons. He won only three games in his first season, but the Spiders won 11 times in 2007 and made the FCS Semifinals. He spent 2008 at Tennessee as the offensive coordinator before taking the head job at Bowling Green where he won 32 games in his five seasons, including 10 victories in 2013 and the MAC Championship. He took Bowling Green to three bowl games. There’s that number three again. Oh yes, year number three…that’s where Clawson is now at Wake Forest. In 2016, if Clawson and the Deacs can win the average number of what Clawson and his teams did in year three of his previous head coaching stops – then the Deacons will almost assuredly be a bowl team. At Fordham, Richmond and Bowling Green, those teams averaged 3.25 wins in year number one with Clawson as head coach. In year number two, the average number of wins ticked upward to 4.25. Year number three? Six on the button. Six wins for the Deacons this coming fall and Wake is bowl eligible. Can Wake get there? Time will tell, but Clawson believes so. And I’m inclined to trust the coach’s gut. I mean, who knows Wake Forest better than he? He said last summer that the 2015 Deacons would be a better team but that the won-loss record might not

be any better than in 2014. He was right. They were, and it wasn’t. Coach Clawson has also gone on record, when looking ahead to the 2016 season, and said that if the 2016 team did not play in a bowl game he would be disappointed. Again, six is the magic number. Wake will have its non-conference schedule to maneuver with games against Tulane, Delaware, Army and Indiana – plus the ever-tough gauntlet of ACC teams that includes the likes of Louisville, Clemson and Florida State. The Deacons will again be a young team in a lot of ways. But many of the still young players have played a lot of snaps. Personally, I think this is a critical year for junior quarterback John Wolford. He is still in a battle for the starting job with sophomore Kendall Hinton, and if 2016 in any way resembles 2015, Wake Forest will need both of them and maybe even redshirt freshman Kyle Kearns. At this level and with how the Deacs’ offense is built, playing quarterback is a rough and tumble way to make a living. But Wolford had a more than solid spring game and likely will have an edge on the job when fall camp opens. In the Black and Gold Game, the third year Floridian completed 12 of 15 passes for 148 yards and a perfect 17-yard touchdown pass to the back right corner of the north end zone to defensive back turned receiver Jalen Latter. Wolford played and looked like a veteran, and his performance drew praise from his head coach. “John probably played about as close to a perfect first half as you can, except for one play,” Clawson said. “I thought he played really well. He was smart. John’s a smart player.” Clawson and Wolford reach their third year in the program together. And three plus three equals six. Six on the button.


Authentically Local Honoring the Gray family’s commitment to supporting a thriving local community for more than 80 years, your choice to meet, stay and dine locally ensures an ongoing commitment to local schools, scholarships and preservation. winston-salem, nc | www.graylyn.com | 1.800.472.9596

Toll Free: 1.800.852.1504 www.timwelborn.com

PROUD SUPPORTER OF 2015-2016 WFU BASKETBALL


INSIDE THE DEACON CLUB

Affinity Fundraising’s Significant Impact on Wake Forest Athletics

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

24

The word affinity is used to describe a feeling of closeness or understanding that someone has for another person or group because of their similar qualities, ideas or interests. Affinity has played a big role in the recent success that several Wake Forest groups are having in raising significant funds for Wake Forest Athletics. As these groups unite around something that will always bond them together— their relationship with each other and with Wake Forest — they have found a way to make Wake Forest a better place for generations to come while honoring their own legacy. As a member and past president of Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE) fraternity, I truly look at this group as the trailblazers for the new wave of affinity group fundraising for Wake Forest Athletics. It all began when Rick Maloy, DKE past president and current co-president of the Deacon Club Athletic Advisory Council, stepped up and offered to work with fellow DKE brothers to raise funds for the Sports Performance Center. This sparked a closer look at the impact that an affinity group — DKE in particular — could have on fundraising. In the beginning years of the Wake Forest field hockey program, the team practiced and played games at Polo Field (which now serves as the site of Spry Stadium) right across the street from the DKE house. It would be safe to say that members of the fraternity were the team’s biggest fans. We attended their games and rooted for them with avid enthusiasm. We may even owe some opposing goalies apologies as they were definitely in the firing line of our enthusiasm from time to time. We even played a scrimmage between the fraternity brothers and the team at Polo Field. I seem to recall that our fraternity won the game; however, I also recall that we may have disregarded the rules of the game according to our field hockey friends. All in all, though, there was no doubt that not only being a DKE brother bonded us together but also our fond memories of cheering on the field hockey team. And so, with the leadership of Maloy, fellow DKE brothers covering multiple decades have joined

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

together to name the field hockey locker room in honor of our respect and admiration for our field hockey friends and in the name of DKE fraternity. To date, we have raised more than $150,000 with more than 50 brothers joining in the effort. In addition to the fundraising successes of DKE, two other groups have made a significant impact on Wake Forest Athletics. I am proud to share that the 1992 Independence Bowl football team has raised more than $200,000 for the Sports Performance Center and the 1970 ACC Championship football team has raised close to $100,000. Because of the significant fundraising of both of these teams, they will each have a physical space in the Sports Performance Center dedicated in their honor. These examples of affinity support are proof that the effort of a collective group can make a significant difference in our ability to achieve fundraising success. So, I ask you: What is your affinity? Is it an athletic team? Club? Fraternity? Parent group? You also can make a difference by working together to better the future of Wake Forest Athletics. On behalf of the Deacon Club staff, I want to thank my fellow DKE brothers, the 1992 Independence Bowl football team and the 1970 ACC Championship football team for leading their friends and teammates to make a real difference for Deacon athletics. If you have an interest in exploring a fundraising opportunity for your group, I urge you to reach out to the Deacon Club at 336-758-5626 or deacclub@wfu.edu as we have resources to assist you. As we draw closer to the end of the Sports Performance Center match*, every bit of support helps tremendously. *For more information on the Sports Performance Center and to find out how your gift can be doubled, visit wakewill.wfu.edu/lets-roll


INSIDE THE DEACON CLUB

SAVE THE DATE: HOMECOMING AND VARSITY CLUB WEEKEND This year we’re bringing two of your favorite events together — Varsity Club Weekend and Homecoming. We hope you’ll be able to join fellow Deacon fans, Varsity Club members, Wake Forest coaches and staff on Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29. The Deacs will play Army at the Homecoming football game on Saturday (game time TBA). More information will be provided soon.

Keep up with the Deacon Club on Facebook, Twitter and NOW Instagram! For the latest news and information from the Deacon Club and to connect with other members, be sure to find us on Facebook, Twitter and NOW on Instagram! @WFUDeaconClub NEW! Facebook.com/WFUDeaconClub @WFUDeaconClub @DeacOnTheRun @BarryFaircloth

Recruit a Deac. Get a Signing Bonus. Have you heard about the exciting new Deacon Club referral program “Recruit A Deac?” With just two easy steps, there’s no better way for you to make a lasting impact on Wake Forest Athletics. Step 1: Recruit for Us Visit deaconclub.com/referrals to submit your referrals or send by phone, email or mail. • 336.758.5626 • DeacClub@wfu.edu •  499 Deacon Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Step 2: Get a Signing Bonus Earn priority points for any new or increased giving to the Annual Fund by one of your recruits. Earn 1 point for every $100 donation and 5 additional points for every 5 new members you recruit. Keep up with “Recruit A Deac” on the Deacon Club’s social media accounts for updates on the leaderboard and exciting prizes.

MAY 2016

25


DONOR PROFILE

// J . J . S M I T H

J.J. Smith’s $1M gift provides boost to Sports Performance Center

A

s the final push for funding the Sports Performance Center* continues, donors both big and small continue to make an impact. While meeting with one particular donor — Wake Forest alumnus Gerald “J.J.” Smith (’83) — over lunch at the men’s basketball ACC Tournament this past March, the Deacon Club’s fundraising efforts were given an unexpected and significant boost as Smith and his wife Kaye (’84) pledged $1 million to the Sports Performance Center. “I couldn’t have been more surprised and ecstatic,” said Barry Faircloth, Associate Athletic Director for Development. “It’s the generosity of people like J.J. who make game-changing facilities like the Sports Performance Center a reality. Because of J.J.’s commitment, we took a big step forward in our fundraising efforts.” To understand why Smith would make such a significant commitment to Wake Forest Athletics, you need to go back to the early 1980s when Smith’s love of Wake Forest was just beginning.

26

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

A native of Winchester, Va., Smith vividly remembers his path to becoming a Demon Deacon, saying “I was initially interested in Wake Forest because I wanted to study accounting, and the accounting program was always top rated. Two months before my 18th birthday, I managed to get my pilot’s license; my very first cross-county trip was to Wake Forest for my first campus visit and interview. I left that visit knowing that Wake Forest was where I wanted to be. On my 18th birthday, I put a call into the admissions office to check on my application and was read my acceptance letter over the phone. I’ll never forget that.” Smith has many fond memories of his years at Wake Forest, including attending the 1979 Wake Forest vs. Auburn football game with his now-wife Kaye. Trailing 38-20 at halftime, the Deacons scored 22 unanswered points over the final 30 minutes to post a 4238 win. The Deacon defense stopped the Tigers twice inside their own 5-yard line and then recovered a fumble on third down as the overflow crowd erupted with joy.

“You couldn’t have asked for a more storybook game,” Smith said. After Smith graduated in 1983, he stayed in Winston-Salem for a few years working in accounting before moving back to his hometown of Winchester, Va., to join Valley Proteins, Inc., the third-generation family business started by his grandfather. Although 300 miles away from his alma mater, Smith continued to make it back to campus to see football and basketball games. “Before we had kids I would usually make it back for most of the football games and a couple of the basketball games,” Smith said. After the storybook 2006 football season that ended with the Deacs competing in the Orange Bowl, Smith made the decision to purchase football seat licenses for his family and eventually upgraded his Deacon Club membership to the Moricle Society giving level — the highest Deacon Club giving level equivalent to one full scholarship each year. As Smith considered a gift to the Sports Performance Center, he reflected back on his own experiences visiting college campuses across the country. “My son went to Clemson and my daughter goes to UVA, so it was clear to me that having these kinds of facilities is just part of the business,” Smith said. “You have to upgrade facilities to stay competitive in many areas, not just athletics.”


In particular, Smith feels that the Sports Performance Center will have a significant impact on Deacon football. “The football program has done a lot with the resources they have in a conference that’s really come a long way since I was in school,” he said. “We have a more difficult time recruiting studentathletes because of our high academic standards, and I don’t think that most of us alumni want to see Wake Forest cave in on academic standards and have a different set of requirements for our student-athletes versus everyone else that’s holding a diploma. Therefore, it benefits us to put some resources there to help us recruit the kind of studentathletes we want at Wake Forest. It’s hard enough to get them to take on the challenging classroom work much less with facilities that are substandard to some other programs they could go to.” Although Smith credits Wake Forest for helping him get to where he is today, his generous philanthropy extends well beyond Wake Forest. “I’m like a lot of people who have been successful in life in that you want to give back because in some ways you think you’ve been lucky,” he said. “I feel that if I continue to give, I’ll continue to have things come my way.”

Smith currently serves as President and CEO of the family business – Valley Proteins, which has been family owned and operated for an impressive 66 years. Started by his grandfather and passed down to the next generation over the years, Valley Proteins flourished despite a lack of formal education by his grandfather and father. “My dad was not a well educated man,” Smith said. “His only high school business class was typing, and he did not go to college. However, he was very good with people and had a lot of ‘street smarts.’ I was fortunate enough to be the first one in my family to graduate from college. I don’t think we could operate our business at the size we do today had I not had an education from Wake Forest.” Although Smith could have retired early a number of years ago, he made the decision to run the family business because, as he said, “that’s what I love doing.” Smith now stays busy spending time with his three children and wife of 30 years, even finding time for travel, which is one of his passions. He also manages to make it back to Wake Forest several times each year between football and basketball games and his position on the School of Business Board of Visitors.

Smith’s unwavering pride for Wake Forest is evident as he said, “One thing that makes me proud to be a Demon Deacon is that the athletics programs and alumni have never embarrassed me. I don’t think you can have a better set of alumni represent you than people like Arnold Palmer, Tim Duncan and Chris Paul, among many others. We may not always have the best winning record, but when you look into the stories behind Wake Forest Athletics — like Brian Piccolo for instance — it’s something to really be proud of.” Including Smith’s most recent gift to the Sports Performance Center, he and his wife Kaye have given more than $2 million to Wake Forest over the years. “I now have plenty to live comfortably so I’m able use a lot of what I make today to support the things I want to support,” Smith said. Because of the generosity of donors like J.J. and Kaye Smith, Wake Forest Athletics is now one very big step closer to making the dream of the Sports Performance Center a reality.

*For more information on the Sports Performance Center and to find out how your gift can be doubled, please visit wakewill.wfu.edu/lets-roll

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 Deacon Club member Audrey Hood with daughter Kennedy (left) and new Deacon fan Charlotte (right) who was born on Feb. 12.

2

2 Alicia Williams Eaton and her son Will pose with the Deacon at a basketball game.

3

3 Future Deac Josie, daughter of Raymond (’98) and Cheryl (’98) Floyd, poses with her “Are You My Mascot” book.

MAY 2016

27


WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

//

WILSON HOYLE

I

n each issue, Where Are They Now showcases a former Wake Forest student-athlete. Wilson Hoyle (’89) lettered in football for Wake Forest from 1986-89. A native of Henderson, N.C., Hoyle connected on 119 of 121 career PATs and 37 of 53 career field goals. He graduated as Wake Forest’s all-time leading scorer and currently ranks fourth with 230 points. Hoyle remains in the Wake Forest football record book in several categories. He is third all-time in PATs made, fourth in career field goals made and tied for fourth with 10 consecutive field goals made during the 1987 season. He continues to co-hold the school record with five field goals in a 22-15 win at North Carolina in 1987.

Wilson Hoyle When did you graduate from Wake Forest? 1989 What was your major and/or minor? Economics major What does being a Demon Deacon mean to you? It means that we are a confident, proud and determined group that is not afraid of any challenge. You will get our best effort, and we will never be outworked. We will compete fiercely but with a class and a grace that is different than our peers. Why are you still involved in Wake Forest Athletics? Because being a part of Wake Forest Athletics was special, and it was such a blessing to my family and me. Why do you feel it is important to give back to the University? I have been given more than I deserve. My career, my friends and my family all circle back to Wake Forest. I would do anything to help someone else have a similar life experience. The four years at Wake Forest were as special as any four years in my life. What is your current occupation? Managing Director of Raleigh-based CAPTRUST Advisors. I’m one of the original partners that turned CAPTRUST into one of the nation’s leading independent investment advisors to institutional retirement plans, affluent families and professional athletes. CAPTRUST has 25 locations throughout the U.S. and represents over $165 billion in client assets. What is your favorite memory of your time at Wake Forest? There are so many memories and good times that I can’t possibly pick one. I would put them into three categories: 1). I was so blessed to be surrounded by a great group of people, and I can vividly recall the first time I met many of them.

28

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

2). Athletically, it has to be the 5-0 start we had in 1987, culminating with the win at North Carolina. 3). N othing compares to the memory of walking out of the locker room after a game and seeing my parents, family and friends. What makes you most proud of Wake Forest? The response when I tell someone I went to Wake Forest University. It’s the same — EVERY time. There is instant respect and appreciation for Wake Forest — the standards and the people have created a great reputation. I feel proud to be able to be associated with that reputation and those standards. When you come back to Wake Forest, you always… My visits to Wake Forest are always the same. I start to get nostalgic, and honestly, very emotional, as I enter the gates. I immediately think of so many people and great memories from my time on campus. I visit the Quad and walk around campus (this is especially

fun now that I can walk the campus with my daughter Lindsay, who is a freshman). I try to connect with Coach Fair, Julie Griffin and Roxann Moody. Then I complete my visit by reaching out to a couple of buddies (usually Tim Klugh and Ricky Proehl) and talk about how blessed we have been and how fast time flies... usually with a big lump in my throat. I was there when… The fraternity parties were still on campus, Beth Dawson and Mike Smith brought the presidential debate to WFU, the SOPHs and Fideles were still SOPHs and Fideles, we were issued one helmet, one jersey and one set of pads for our CAREER, and big hair and bad clothes were in! Who is your favorite coach at Wake Forest, current or past? Bill Dooley – Coach was the best! He made us winners. He raised our standards and expectations. He had a vision for what Wake Forest football could be and was determined to make that a reality. He helped us believe in each other and ourselves.


Push’em back, Push’em back, waaay back. Get discounts up to 35%*. Call, click, or visit on your car insurance and find out how you can save money by switching to the #1 team. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7.

Rick Babusiak, Agent 4960 Martin View Ln Winston-Salem, NC 27104 Bus: 336-760-9994 rick.babusiak.uwlj@statefarm.com

Sarah Zuvich, Agent 5066 Peters Creek Parkway Winston Salem, NC 27127 Bus: 336-602-1999 sarah.zuvich.fl38@statefarm.com

Stef Hamilton Ins Agcy Inc Stef Hamilton, Agent 1624 S Hawthorne Road Winston Salem, NC 27103 Bus: 336-765-0301

Kristen Martin, Agent 3487 Robinhood Road Winston Salem, NC 27106 Bus: 336-765-5751 kristen.martin.g2kt@statefarm.com

Jitima Ins and Fin Svcs Inc Nick Jitima, Agent 710 Coliseum Drive Ste 60 Winston Salem, NC 27106 Bus: 336-448-5650

Elizabeth R Soots, Agent 110 Oakwood Drive Suite E Winston Salem, NC 27103 Bus: 336-293-7232 elizabeth.soots.dkyq@statefarm.com

Brett V Lindquist, Agent 5383 Robinhood Village Drive Winston Salem, NC 27106 Bus: 336-924-2000 brett.lindquist.k2p8@statefarm.com

Emma S Allen, Agent 4680 Brownsboro Road Winston Salem, NC 27106 Bus: 336-759-0205 emma.allen.kiq4@statefarm.com

John Nelms, Agent 2641 Reynolda Road Winston Salem, NC 27106 Bus: 336-773-0850 john.nelms.b5q1@statefarm.com

Donna M. Jones, Agent 682 Saint George Square Ct Winston Salem, NC 27103 Bus: 336-602-2980 www.dmjinsurance.com

Andy Scott, Agent 1533 Union Cross Road Kernersville, NC 27284 Bus: 336-992-3276 andy.scott.prch@statefarm.com

statefarm.com® P090236.1

*Discounts vary by state. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company • State Farm Indemnity Company • Bloomington, IL

MAY 2016

29


DEACONS IN THE COMMUNITY

John Gerring Says It’s “Simple Enough” By John Lambert

John Gerring was 16 when his dad got a phone call from Jim Weaver, the golf coach and athletic director at Wake Forest. His dad, the golf pro at the Blair Park Club in High Point, told his son that Wake Forest was interested in him attending the college on a golf scholarship. Gerring had already been offered a golf scholarship at UNC and other schools, but he and his dad traveled to Wake Forest to meet Weaver. “Coach Weaver was a big, intimidating man in a small, non-descript office in the back of Gore Gym,” recalls Gerring about the meeting in 1953. “Right away he asked me if I could play. Well, I had been taught to be humble and never boast, so I just mumbled a response that I enjoyed the game or something like that. He replied, ‘Son, if you are ever going to brag about yourself, now is the time.’ So, I replied, ‘Sir, I can play.’ ” Weaver then set out to find out if Gerring could back up his words. He sent Gerring to play a round against Dick Tiddy, a star on the team who became the NCAA Long Driving Champion, on the 9-hole campus course. “I played pretty well that day, and I assumed Tiddy would report that to Coach Weaver, but I wasn’t sure,” Gerring said. “A few days later, my dad got a call that a scholarship was being offered to me.” Gerring remembers how hard it was to call the UNC coach and tell him he was going to Wake Forest. “I felt more comfortable in a small school,” he said. “I could walk to the golf course, and that was important because I did not have a car. We played golf every day after classes. Wake Forest’s reputation in golf also was a factor in his decision. Gerring enrolled in the fall of 1953, the last year Arnold Palmer was a student. “Back then, freshmen could not play on the varsity team, so I did not play with Arnold in matches but we practiced together and played side matches,” Gerring said. He had just turned 17, and Palmer, having returned from his Coast Guard service, was 23. In his new book, Simple Enough , Gerring describes a weekend 4-ball match in Raleigh he and Palmer played against the Raleigh City Amateur Champion and a player for NC State. “Arnold gave the Raleigh City Champion two strokes,” Gerring recalled. “The City Champion shot 69. Arnold shot 68 and, with the gift of two strokes, lost the match. The match was for $100. We had won the 4-ball match ($45). The group sponsoring the Amateur Champion ended the day kidding Arnold. Arnold turned toward them and said, “I’ll be back next Saturday — the same bet for $1,000.” He had courage, confidence and tenacity. There never was a second match. In his four years at Wake Forest, Gerring played on two ACC Championship teams and won the ACC individual title his senior year after the college moved to Winston Salem.

30

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE

Weaver was the coach in Gerring’s first year and then resigned to become the first Commissioner of the ACC. Bones McKinney, then the assistant basketball coach, coached the team in Gerring’s second year. When Bones was named head basketball coach, Jesse Haddock was named the golf coach. “Each was a great person who cared about us players and made a difference in our lives,” said Gerring, who added that none of the three provided much golf instruction. “Their basic job was to get us to and from our matches. John Gerring “In all candor, we didn’t need much instruction. Four of us had fathers who were PGA pros,” said Gerring, referring to Sandy Burton, Mickie Gallagher and Dave Ogilvie. They were joined by Al Birmingham, Henry Kerfoot, Joe Turner, Ralph James, Bill Greene, Phil Weichman, Eugene Sapp, Charlie Strack and Sonny George on the teams from 1953-57. “I don’t recall our overall record, but at one stretch, we won 25 consecutive matches,” Gerring said. “All of us could play. We were good friends but competed because only six of us could play matches. I remember shooting a 30 on nine holes, and I did not win a hole. My personal best competitive round was a 64 against South Carolina.” The team also practiced occasionally at Carolina Country Club. The players would pile into a beat-up wood-paneled station wagon called the “termite wagon” to drive to Raleigh. For road matches, the team traveled in a limousine. “I’m not sure how we acquired it, but I recall I was made to sit in the jump seat because I was the youngest player on the team,” Gerring said. “Simple Enough ” is the new golf instructional book by Gerring, who became a PGA Professional and continues to teach today in Greenville, S.C. He has served as head professional at Atlanta Golf Club, Peachtree Golf Club, Sea Island Golf Club, Bloomfield Hills Country Club in Detroit, Greenville Country Club and Biltmore Forest Country Club in Asheville among others in a career that now spans 55 years. Club members hounded him about writing an instructional book so in 2010 he started writing his thoughts in pencil on a legal pad, one message at a time. And 27,000 words later there is a book. The book is a collection of lessons and insights from Gerring’s career. “The purpose of the book is to make playing golf simple,” he said. “Simple is right but difficult to achieve. Simple will beat high tech every time.” His longtime friend Palmer puts it this way: “John Gerring has put his keen knowledge of the game into easily-understood form…it’s well worth a read.” Simple Enough is published by AuthorHouse and is available as an e-book and in softcover and hard back editions. Gerring is donating a portion of profits from the sale of hardback editions to the Deacon Club.


MAY // JUNE 2016

WAKE FOREST ATHLETICS

SUN

Deacon Club members at or above the Deacon Bench level may present their 2015-16 membership cards for free admission to Olympic Sport events (immediate family only). Olympic Sport single game tickets and season passes are available at WakeForestSports.com or by calling (336) 758-3322.

MON

TUE

WED

THUR

FRI

SAT

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

Baseball vs. Louisville 6pm

Baseball vs. Louisville 6pm

25

26

27

28

Commencement

22

23

24 Baseball ACC Championship (TBA), Durham, NC

29

30

31

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

SPORTS MARKETING (336) 758-5011 TICKET OFFICE (336) 758-3322 GROUP TICKETS (Football & Basketball) (336) 758-4030 DEACON CLUB (336) 758-5626 www.deaconclub.com deacclub@wfu.edu

GoldRushCalendar_May_June_2016.indd 1

FAMILY WEEKEND - OCTOBER 7-8, 2016 Wake Forest football vs. Syracuse - Saturday, October 8

HOMECOMING AND VARSITY CLUB WEEKEND - OCTOBER 28-29, 2016 This year we’re bringing two of your favorite events together—Varsity Club Weekend and Homecoming! We hope you’ll be able to join fellow Deacon fans, Varsity Club members, Wake Forest coaches and staff on Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29, 2016. The Deacs will play Army at the Homecoming football game on Saturday (game time TBA). More information will be provided soon!

4/8/16 11:14 AM


DEACONS IN THE PROS BASEBALL COACHES/SCOUTS Ross Atkins Neil Avent TJ Barra Danny Borrell George Greer John Hendricks Michael Holmes Kevin Jarvis Bill Masse Matt Price Mike Rikard Eric Schmitt Adam Wogan Tommy Gregg

MEN’S GOLF Billy Andrade MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB AAA

Toronto Blue Jays General Manager Oakland A’s Area Scout New York Mets Manager of Baseball Research & Development New York Yankees Rehab Pitching Coordinator St. Louis Cardinals Minor League Offensive Strategist New York Mets National Pitching Crosschecker Oakland A’s Asst. Scouting Director/National Crosschecker Los Angeles Angels Special Assignment Scout Seattle Mariners Area Scout Kansas City Royals Area Scouting Supervisor Boston Red Sox Director of Amateur Scouting New York Yankees Director of Minor League Operations Boston Red Sox Area Scout Kansas City Omaha Storm Chasers Hitting Coach

MAJOR LEAGUES

Tim Cooney Allan Dykstra Mac Williamson

MINOR LEAGUE RANKS

Pat Blair Michael Dimock Jack Fischer Brian Holmes Connor Kaden Conor Keniry Matt Martin Matt Pirro

St. Louis Cardinals Free Agent San Francisco Giants Tampa Bay Rays San Diego Padres Detroit Tigers Houston Astros San Francisco Giants Washington Nationals Miami Marlins Washington Nationals

WOMEN’S GOLF

Laura (Philo) Diaz Jean Chua Nannette Hill Natalie Sheary Michelle Shin Cheyenne Woods Marissa Dodd

Olafia Kristinsdottir Allison Emrey

LPGA Played in 21 tournaments in the 2015 season Symetra Made 13 starts in 2015, best finish t-28th at Tullymore Classic LPGA Played in 14 tournaments in 2015, t-9th at Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic Symetra Retained to LPGA Tour in 2015 Symetra Played in 10 events in 2015, t-8th at PHC Classic LPGA Played in two events in 2016 Symetra Made Symetra Tour debut at IOA Championship in February LET Plays on the Ladies European Access Tour Symetra Made Symetra Tour debut at IOA Championship in February

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL (WNBA) Dearica Hamby

San Antonio

Bill Haas Jay Haas Gary Hallberg Scott Hoch Len Mattiace Kyle Reifers Webb Simpson Curtis Strange

Champions 4th in 2015 Charles Schwab Cup, Three titles on the Champions Tour PGA Member of United States Presidents Cup Team; 27th in the 2015 FedEx Cup Standings Champions Captain of United States Presidents Cup Team; 64th in 2015 Charles Schwab Cup Champions Played in 11 events in 2015 Champions 38th in 2015 Charles Schwab Cup, T10th at U.S. Senior Open PGA Played in six events in 2015 PGA 78th in 2015 FedEx Cup Standings; Runner-Up at the Barracuda Championship PGA T6th at the Wyndham Championship in Greensboro; 48th in the 2015 FedEx Cup Standings Champions Made cut in all five starts in 2015

MEN’S SOCCER

Corben Bone Brian Carroll Sam Cronin Austin da Luz Chris Duvall Sam Fink Akira Fitzgerald Michael Gamble Jack Harrison Tolani Ibikunle Michael Lahoud Andy Lubahn Collin Martin Justin Moose Ben Newnam Ike Opara Sean Okoli Michael Parkhurst Jalen Robinson Ross Tomaselli Jared Watts

COACHES

Kurt Schmid Zack Schilawski

FC Cincinnati Philadelphia Union Colorado Rapids Carolina Railhawks New York Red Bulls St. Louis FC Carolina Railhawks New England Revolution New York City FC Ekenas Sport Club (Finland) Philadelphia Union Louisville City FC D.C. United Wilmington Hammerheads Louisville City FC Sporting Kansas City FC Cincinnati Columbus Crew DC United FC Cincinnati Colorado Rapids Seattle Sounders (Head Scout) Carolina RailHawks U23s (Assistant Coach)

WOMEN’S SOCCER Aubrey Bledsoe Kim Marshall Annick McBryar Katie Stengel Kelsey Zalimeni

Orlando Pride Boston Breakers (Reserves) Boston Breakers (Reserves) Washington Spirit Crystal Palace Ladies FC

ALLow uS to poiNt out Some fAN fAvoriteS. ArouNd view®2 moNitor for eASY eScApeS from the StAdium Lot

pANorAmic mooN roof, Your perSoNAL retrActABLe dome

third row SeAtiNG3 So You cAN BriNG the whoLe teAm power LiftGAte for eASY AcceSS to ALL Your tAiLGAtiNG GeAr

33 mpG hwY1 So You’LL Never miSS ANAwAY GAme

the NiSSAN roGue Shop At Your LocAL NiSSAN Store todAY or viSit 1. 2015 EPA Fuel Economy Estimate for 2015 Rogue 33 MPG Highway. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions-use for comparison only. 2. Parking aid/convenience feature. Cannot completely eliminate blind spots. May not detect every object and does not warn of moving objects. Always check surroundings and turn to look behind you before moving vehicle. 3. Available feature with purchase of S/SL Family Package.

32

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE


3 8 0 k no llwood s t. - wi nsto n -sa l e m

(Form erly Noble’s G ri l l e )

ro o st e rsk i t c he n. c o m 336.777.8477

The City or the Coast - Amy is Now Serving Deacon Fans in Two Locations! Charleston, SC Lowcountry - Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island and Mt. Pleasant, SC iop-residential.com

Charlotte, NC CLTresidential.com

Amy Cartner, Broker Class of 1988 Women’s Basketball ’84 -’88 704-281-8936 amy@iop-residential.com iop_residential

MAY 2016

33


COMPLIANCE CORNER

// T O D D H A I R S T O N

NCAA Legislative Council Actions- Satellite Football Camps TODD HAIRSTON A S S O C I AT E AT H L E T I C DIRECTOR, COMPLIANCE

The NCAA’s Legislative Council met recently to discuss a host of issues and legislative proposals. One of the more notable topics discussed was Proposal 2015-59, which stipulates that in bowl subdivision football, an institution’s camp or clinic shall be conducted on the institution’s campus or in facilities regularly used for the institution’s practice and/or competition. Further, it allows an institution’s coach or non-coaching staff member with responsibilities specific to football to be employed only at his or her institution’s camps or clinics. This issue gained national attention last year when Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh

established several controversial satellite camps throughout the Southeast. The ACC and SEC, which had previously enacted conference rules banning its member schools from holding offcampus camps, felt that the current NCAA rule created a recruiting advantage that was outside the spirit of what the camp/clinic legislation was intended to provide. Pending final board approval, this legislative change would become effective immediately and would apply to all institutional football camps during the summer of 2016, unless a previously signed contract has been signed.

Your donations of clothes, household items, and sports gear help fund employment and training programs that enable people from all walks of life to find better jobs and create brighter futures for themselves and their families. 34

GOLD RUSH MAGAZINE



From rookie to Rookie of the Year. Wake Forest Baptist Health offers athletes of all ages and skill levels a full range of orthopaedic treatment and physical therapy delivered by the region’s most experienced sports medicine team. Our new Stratford location now has extended and weekend hours. And we’re a proud partner of D1 Sports Training. To make an appointment with a physician or a physical therapist, call 888-716-WAKE or visit WakeHealth.edu/SportsMedicine.

SPORTS MEDICINE 888-716-WAKE 1901 Mooney St. (off Stratford Road near Hanes Mall)

131 Miller St.

A proud

partner


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.