Wolfpack Pride Archives

• State ended the regular season with a 70-51 defeat of Florida State. This brought a convincing end to the Wolfpack's slump in conference road games.
• State had a strong ACC tournament performance with a 76-65 upset of #3-seeded Virginia.
• State returned to the ESA the following week in fine fashion with a 64-60 defeat of Tulane in the NIT tournament. This avenged State's first loss of the season.

• At 149 lbs, Tommy Davis won his second consecutive title (141-pound champion last year) with a sudden-death tie-breaker against Virginia's John Pozniak for a 5-4 victory.
• At 157 lbs, Scott Garren won 10-2 over Maryland's Rob Booth in the title match, after taking a 5-0 lead in the first period.
• At 165 lbs, Joel Dramis wrapped up the Wolfpack's third title by beating Josh Weidman from Maryland.

• Two wins out of three games against #20 Wake Forest, including a 12-4 victory to clinch the series.
• Two wins out of three games against George Mason, including a 14-9 victory to clinch the series.
• Two wins out of three games against Rutgers, including a 5-4 victory to clinch the series.

21 February 2000

• Alabama quarterback Phillip Rivers, who has already started taking freshman courses at State.
• Charlotte native and defensive back T. Alford, who has attended Hargrave Military Academy the past year.

• State beat Carolina by 10 points.
• State beat Wake Forest by 30 points.

1 February 2000

• An 11-point win over Arizona State behind the senior leadership of Justin Gainey.
• An 8-point win over ACC rival Georgia Tech behind the bench scoring of Ron Kelley. Kelley had arthroscopic knee surgery on 30 January, and will be out of action for a couple of weeks.

• Cary's Austin Herbert, the top kicker in North Carolina.
• Alabama's Pat Winn, one of the nation's top-rated defensive linemen.

• Pat Chow will likely join the 'Pack as offensive coordinator from Brigham Young.
• Todd Strowd left Auburn to become State's new strength coach.
• Doc Holliday comes to State as assistant head coach from West Virginia.

17 January 2000

• State beat Wake 76-56 behind Anthony Grundy's 30 points.
• State beat Virginia 65-62 in another nailbiter win at the ESA.
• State beat #12 Maryland 68-66 on a last-second shot by Justin Gainey.

• State beat FSU 62-58 on the road in Tallahassee.
• State beat Maryland 71-52 behind Summer Erb's 19 points.

6 January 2000

4 January 2000

• The Sporting News reports that the most likely candidate is Florida State assistant Chuck Amato. Amato is coaching the Seminoles in the Sugar Bowl.
• Robinson has reportedly contacted Stanford coach Tyrone Willingham, who guided the Cardinal to the Rose Bowl this year.
• Georgia coach Jim Donnan has denied that he is a candidate, and Robinson has essentially verified this.
• Alabama defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson has stated that he does not expect to get the job.
• Minnesota coach Glen Mason said that there's "nothing" to rumors that he is a candidate.
• Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher has repeatedly denied that he is a candidate for the job at State.

• State beat Western Carolina 79-53 behind Ron Kelley's 17 points and Kenny Inge's 15 points.
• State beat Yale 67-40 behind Damon Thornton's 16 points.

• #1, Everett Case
• #4, David Thompson
• #9, Kay Yow
• #11, Jim Valvano

20 December 1999

• Florida State assistant Chuck Amato has been interviewed for the job.
• Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Ralph Friedgen has contacted State about the position.
• Alabama assistant Ellis Johnson has spoken with Les Robinson about the job.
• The Raleigh media has issued a list of coaches to watch.

• State beat Liberty 85-50.
• State beat UNC-Asheville 80-58. UNC-A is coached by former Wolfpack standout Eddie Biedenbach.
• State beat Providence 64-60 in the team's third buzzer-beater of the season.

• State beat Miami 80-60 in the Orange Bowl Fab Four.
• State beat New Orleans 82-64.
• State beat Wake Forest 74-54.

2 December 1999

• Les Robinson has named the members of the search committee:
• Robinson acknowledged that he has spoken with two candidates for the job.
• Georgia Southern coach Paul Johnson has expressed interest in the job.
• Other interested candidates are said to be FSU assistant Chuck Amato, Wyoming head coach Dana Dimel, and former Texas head coach John Mackovic.

• A 73-72 win over Kansas in the Cancun Tournament of basketball.
• An 80-70 win over Georgia Tech in the ACC opener for both schools.

23 November 1999

An experienced team that has underachieved. The addition of freshman Damien Wilkins could be the spark that starts the fire, much like Mark Aguire did for DePaul in 1979 and Pervis Ellison did for Louisville in 1986.

• Cary kicker Austin Herbert, the best kicker in the state.
• Millbrook lineman Jermicus Banks, the 10th-best overall player in the state, according to SuperPrep magazine.
• Lineman Matt Tarullo, the eighth-best player in New York, according to SuperPrep magazine.

• The men's and women's Wolfpack swim teams have been dominant, both winning at a recent ACC meet in Raleigh.
• The men's Wolfpack cross country team finished third in the recent NCAA championship.

5 November 1999

• Koren Robinson had 168 yards receiving and was named ACC rookie of the week.
• Jamie Barnette tied the ACC record for career touchdown passes.

• Wide receiver Chris Coleman will likely return for the 11 November game against UNC in Charlotte.
• It has been announced that State received nearly $760,000 for participating in the 28 August BCA Classic, which resulted in a Wolfpack victory over Texas.
• It was also announced that the 20 November Wolfpack game against ECU in Greenville will sell out Dowdy-Ficklen stadium. 48,000 are expected to attend, which will eclipse the stadium record of 42,000 set against Duke earlier this season.

29 October 1999

• State beat #17 Texas 23-20 in the preseason BCA Classic. This was Mike O'Cain's first victory as a head coach over former UNC coach Mack Brown, and featured three spectacular blocked punts by the Wolfpack special teams.
• State beat South Carolina 10-0 during downpours produced by Hurricane Dennis. The Wolfpack defense really came through in this one. This game was the return to active duty of former Wolfpack coach Lou Holtz.
• State beat Clemson 35-31 in the 1999 Textile Bowl, a game that proved that the Wolfpack offense has what it takes to win a shootout.
• State beat Duke 31-24 last Saturday in a heartpounding overtime performance.

5 February 1999

• The 'Pack is in good shape in the middle of the ACC standings in mens basketball. Three recent conference wins have boosted their post-season prospects:
  • An 82-72 home victory over Virginia, led by Ron Kelley.
  • A 70-59 home victory over Wake Forest, led by 20 points from Kenny Inge.
  • A thrilling 51-50 road victory over Georgia Tech, won with Justin Gainey's three-pointer and subsequent steal in the final 15 seconds.
• In the final season of mens basketball at Reynolds Coliseum, the old barn continues to make news:
  • The long-term future of the arena is being planned, so that it will continue to be an integral part of campus. Read about it in A New Beginning for Reynolds by Kim Gaffney. Gaffney says that "The plans for Reynolds are much like Carmichael Gymnasium on the Campus of UNC-Chapel Hill, N.C. State's sister school in Orange County." Whatever.
  • Speaking of our "sister school," it was revealed recently that crowd noise at UNC is pre-recorded! Wolfpack broadcaster Tony Haynes had this to say about UNC's deception compared to the way State handles itself:
    "For six years, I worked Duke games, and obviously you didn't need any more crowd noise than you already had at Cameron, and now at State, you're pretty much dealing with the same thingd. You certainly don't need to enhance the effect of the crowd noise. We already have that naturally."
    Also, Bob Steele of the Poynter Institute, a national media think tank in St. Petersburg FL, commented on UNC's tawdry practices:
    "It's deceptive, pure and simple. It's giving the listeners to the game an impression which is probably, at times, a false one. I believe that coverage of sports, whether it's on radio or television or in the newspaper, should be held to the same journalistic standards as coverage of politics, coverage of the arts or coverage of any other news event. We should not manipulate the reality of the moment. The commercialization of professional and amateur sports is out of hand. If that commercialization prompts us to do things that are deceptive or inaccurate or unfair in our coverage, it's a violation of journalistic ethics."
  • Here's The Ten Best Games in Reynolds between State and our "sister school."
  • Wake Forest coach Dave Odom was ticked that his team was not picked for the final game in Reynolds:
    "We are the logical ones. We should be the last game. It's still going to be a great game. But if we would have been the last one, regardless of whether we won or not, it would make for an even more special night."
    I have to agree with him. Wake is State's oldest rival and has traditionally been the season finale. Anyone remember the four overtimes in 1989 that resulted in the 'Pack winning the ACC regular season outright?
• Led by Summer Erb, the Wolfpack women continue to excel. Erb's performance in some recent victories include:
  • 23 points in a 73-45 win over Maryland.
  • 25 points in a 93-73 win over Georgia Tech.
  • 24 points in an 84-59 win over Florida State.
• There will be no more #81 in State football uniforms. The jersey of Torry Holt was justly retired after the season.
• In recruiting news:
  • The Wolfpack recruiting class is said to be the best ever under Mike O'Cain. The strength of the class is in the secondary where we signed seven defensive backs. State signed three of the state's top 10 recruits, more than any other school, and four of the Wolfpack's signees -- defensive backs Julius Patterson, Marcus Ellerbe, and Bryan Peterson, along with defensive lineman Lee Tornabene -- chose the 'Pack over its "sister school."
    • Dave Glenn of the ACC Sports Journal said, "By beating [UNC] head-to-head for some really good players, it could be the first sign that the tide among in-state players is starting to turn toward NC State."
    • Regarding Ellerbe, Richmond football coach Daryl Barnes said his decision to go to State should help end the perception that his star players always go to UNC: "The kids here make up their own minds. We've had so many go to Carolina that some people say I push them there. That's never been the case."
  • The women's basketball team has landed a couple of top recruits in LaShonta Johnson, a junior who leads Winston-Salem Glenn in scoring, rebounding, steals, and assists, and Amy Simpson, a senior at Eden Morehead who recently scored 39 points in one game.
  • The men's basketball team is showing some interest in guard Reggie Brown of New York Archbishop Molly. Recruiting analyst Bob Gibbons said Brown is one of the top unsigned shooters in the country.

13 January 1999

• The ACC basketball season has started, and the 'Pack already holds a home conference win over Georgia Tech in a game led by Kenny Inge. A couple of big non-conference wins to report also:
  • State beat #23 Oklahoma in the Puerto Rico Holiday Classic. This game was the coming-out party for State's newest player, Anthony Grundy.
  • State beat Houston at Reynold's Coliseum, 100-73. This rematch of the 1983 NCAA championship was notable in that 1983 Cougars star Clyde Drexler was back on the Houston bench, now as head coach.
• The 1998 football season ended with the 'Pack back in the postseason, earning a bid to the Micron PC Bowl in Miami FL against the University of Miami. State bid a sad farewell to wide receiver Torry Holt, who garnered a slew of postseason awards, including:
  • First-Team All-American by the Associated Press.
  • First-Team All-American by the Football News.
  • Top vote-getter to the All-ACC Team.
  • Eighth place in the Heisman Trophy balloting.
  • Finalist for the Biletnikoff award, which is given annually to the nation's best receiver.
• The 1999 Wolfpack Football schedule has been released. It includes a home game against former State coach Lou Holtz in his debut with South Carolina, a Thursday night game in Charlotte against North Carolina, and a season-ending game in Greenville against East Carolina. Now if only we could fit Western Carolina into the schedule. . . .
• The women's basketball team has already given Kay Yow her 500th win with the school this season. In two of the bigger games to date:
  • State beat #6 UNC 87-60 in Reynold's Coliseum.
  • State beat ECU 94-68, also in Raleigh.
• In recruiting news:
  • Damien Wilkins one of the nation's Top 10 high school basketball players, signed a letter of intent to State. Recruiting analyst Bob Gibbons had this to say about Wilkins:
    Damien could become the best player at N.C. State since David Thompson. He is bigger [physically] than Thompson, has great explosiveness and is an unbelievable athlete. I think State fans will be thankful today that Schea Cotton, who had committed, didn't get in school. Damien is a much better player.
  • Ty Reynolds, the top-ranked high school wrestler in the country, has signed a grant-in-aid with State. A three-time defending high school state champion at High Point Central, Reynolds never lost a prep match and was ranked by Wrestling USA magazine as the #1 wrestler nationally in the preseason, regardless of weight class. He had an 82-0 high-school record, winning state titles at 119 pounds as a freshman, 135 pounds his sophomore season and 140 pounds as a junior.
  • State has received two recent top football commitments: Brett Bucher, a tight end/defensive lineman from Huntsville AL, had 15 receptions for 191 yards and three touchdowns this season. He also made 77 tackles with seven sacks. J.J. Washington, a defensive back at Stone Mountain GA, is rated the #50 prospect in the Dixie region by SuperPrep magazine.

8 November 1998

• With wins against Wake (38-27) and Duke (27-24) , the Wolfpack has taken the lead in the race for the State Championship, which will culminate in Charlotte against UNC on Thanksgiving weekend.
• In other conference action, State beat Clemson 46-39 a week ago in a wild game in which tons of individual records were set. Heisman candidate Torry Holt now needs only 6 receptions and 205 receiving yards to solidify his position as the greatest receiver in ACC history.
• In non-conference action, the 'Pack holds a victory over national power Syracuse (38-17). State's second major upset of the season brought more national attention, including that from CNN/Sports Illustrated and USA Today.
• At halftime of the Syracuse game, former State center Jim Ritcher was honored by the National Football Foundation and the College Football Hall of Fame. He joins former Wolfpack players Jack McDowell and Roman Gabriel in the Hall.
• In recruiting news:
  • Football: Among the recent commitments are Jerrick Hall, a 274-pound defensive tackle at Hargrave Military Academy, and highly recruited fullback/linebacker Cotra Jackson who rushed for 500 yards and averaged 11.2 tackles per game in Birmingham.
  • Baseball: Commitments include Daniel Caldwell, one of the nation's top pitchers and son of former State standout Mike Caldwell, shortstop Ryan Strain, who hit .450 with three homers and 16 stolen bases in 24 games as a junior last spring, and shortstop Chris Goodman, who hit .424 during his AAU summer season and was the most valuable player in the AAU World Series as his Georgia team won the title.
  • Men's Basketball: Anthony Grundy, one of the nation's best prep school guards, will enroll at State in the spring. Sugarland TX star George Williams, 6-8, visited State along with Grundy but has not yet committed. East Mecklenburg's Ray Henderson tried to commit to the Wolfpack, but he was told there wasn't a scholarship available. The scholarship may be held for Damien Wilkins, a 6-6 forward from Orlando FL, who apparently will sign in the fall with either State or Georgia Tech.
  • Ladies' Basketball: The Lady Wolfpack team has received at least five oral commitments, including Kaayla Chones, a 6-foot-3 center, who was the co-player of the year last season in Ohio and starred on the US junior team this summer, and Carisse Moody of Northern Nash and Amy Simpson of Eden Morehead, who split North Carolina's two player of the year awards last season.
• In other sports:
  • The Wolfpack gymnastics team has earned Academic All-America honors and seven of its members have received individual honors, led by Wolfpack freshman Jacquelin Clark, who tied for the highest grade-point average in the nation (4.0).
  • The Wolfpack golf team won the Tennessee Tournament of Champions, setting a new single-round record (274) in the process, led by James Bunch, whose score of 65 tied the tournament's all-time low score.
  • In Wolfpack motorsports, Cam Strader beat out about 200 other racers for Rookie of the Year in the Late Model Stock Car Division of the Winston Racing Series at Southern National Speedway in Kenly.
  • And finally, in Wolfpack fishing, fisheries biology major Dustin Wilkes won the first round of the $213,000 BASSMaster Virginia Eastern Invitational on Kerr Lake in South Hill VA.

17 September 1998

• STATE BEATS FSU!
• STATE BEATS FSU!
• STATE BEATS FSU!
• For those who dont know, State beat nationally-ranked #2 Florida State 24-7 on Saturday. In addition to the above links (each of which leads to a different NC newspaper account), you can read what the national media had to say:
  • CNN / Sports Illustrated
  • Associated Press
• As a result of the win, State moved to #20 nationally in the AP rankings and is now in the lead in the ACC title hunt
• Wolfpack coach Mike O'Cain had the following quotes:
  • "We could be average. But at least for now, we proved to people at this point in time in history that we can be a pretty good football team."
  • "It's been a long time coming. It's gratifying to be given an opportunity to come back, to get another chance at it."
  • "A team is made up of bonds -- bonds between players and coaches, players and players, coaches and coaches. We lost that bond in '96. In '97, we got it back."
  • "If we follow it up this week, it will be the greatest win we've had at NC State. If we don't, that victory will be hollow."
• Despite a lot of criticism after the Ohio game, the Wolfpack Defense now leads the nation in interceptions.
• Wide receiver Torry Holt was named national player of the week by USA Today.
• This week the 'Pack takes on Baylor in Waco TX. I have the intelligence report from the Waco Tribune-Herald . Among the bits gleaned from that report:
  • High-school All-American Odell James will start at quarterback.
  • The Baylor coaches are planning to work more option plays into their offense Saturday against State to take advantage of James' skills. The Bears hope to exploit a Wolfpack rushing defense that is allowing 257.5 yards per game.
  • James on State's victory over FSU: "They run a true 4-3 defense and we'll try to run the option against it. We'll need to run well to keep them off our receivers and open up the passing game."

8 September 1998

• In the big news this week, State beat Ohio, 34-31 on Thursday night in a thriller. With less than two minutes to play, Roderick Brown blocked a punt that was returned 13 yards for a touchdown by Chris Coleman. Notes on the game:
  • While the Wolfpack defense received some criticism for giving up 361 yards rushing, they only gave up seven second-half points against the team that was ranked fourth in the nation in rushing last year.
  • Torry Holt had three catches for 71 yards, and 27 yards rushing on one reverse play.
  • Seven true freshmen played for the 'Pack in that game, whereas only 11 true freshmen played in the past three years.
• On Saturday, State plays Florida State in Raleigh. This season I plan to provide some counter-intelligence by looking at what the opponents are saying. So here is this week's game preview from the Tallahassee Democrat.
• More football season previews:
  • The Associated Press
  • The Raleigh News & Observer
• It's not too soon to start thinking about next season. State will open the 1999 season against old rival South Carolina in Raleigh.
• In recruiting news:
  • The football team received another early commitment, this time from 270-lb. Cary lineman Scott Kooistra.
  • The lady basketball team received a commitment from Carisse Moody, the Gatorade girls high school basketball player of the year in North Carolina last year.
• Lady Wolfpack basketball player Summer Erb had eight points against Senegal to help the United States win the gold medal in the Jones Cup at Taipei, Taiwan.

23 August 1998

• Football season is upon us again, and that means it's time for football previews. Check out the Wolfpack season previews in the following media sources:
  • Associated Press -- 14 August.
  • Winston-Salem Journal -- 20 August.
  • The Sporting News -- 21 August.
  • Raleigh News and Observer -- 23 August.
  • Greensboro News and Record -- 23 August.
• State held its third preseason scrimmage on Saturday. Personal achievements of note:
  • Quarterback Jamie Barnette was 8-of-13 for 104 yards passing.
  • Backup quarterback Grant Dorn was 4-of-4 for 52 yards passing.
  • Rookie tailback Ray Robinson rushed for 30 yards on three carries, scoring two touchdowns.
  • Wide receiver Torry Holt made five catches for 80 yards.
  • Rookie receiver Ricky Collins made three catches for 32 yards and one touchdown.
• Of course, the expected star for the 'Pack this season will be Rahshon Spikes. The big competition in preseason practice has been to determine his backup. Ray Robinson, Carlos Doggett, Brian Williams, and KJ Stone are all very talented and have had good preseasons. Coach Mike O'Cain said, "We signed every one of them to play tailback, but at the same time, we cant leave them all there. We're going to have to make quick decisions. It might be unfair, but we will move two quickly."
• While on the subject of football, recruiting for next season has gotten off to its best start ever under O'Cain, due to the success of the team last season. The new recruits:
  • Craig Moody, nephew of former 'Pack star Darrell Moody, is a potential quarterback and wide receiver.
  • Julius Patterson led the state in interceptions last season with 11.
  • Adrian Wilson set the NC East-West punt return record with an 82-yard return to lead the West to a 20-7 win this summer.
  • Buddy Smith is a 6-foot 4-inch, 285-pound tackle who can benchpress 375 pounds and run 40 yards in 5.1 seconds.
• In basketball news:
  • Herb Sendek's third State team will play in the Puerto Rico Holiday Classic in San Juan 19-23 December. They will compete against such teams as Mississippi, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and of course the American University of Puerto Rico.
  • Ed Woolard, former CEO of Dupont, recently pledged a quarter-million dollars to endow the Ed Woolard Shooting Guard Scholarship.
  • Sendek has already received a committment from rising senior Clifford Crawford, a six-foot three-inch point guard.
  • Damon Thornton and Justin Gainey played in Raleigh's Chavis League this summer, and appear to have overcome the injuries that plagued them last season. Thornton and Ron Anderson both received medical redshirts this summer, so Thornton will have three years remaining with the 'Pack.
  • Adam Harrington was one of 12 players chosen to play on USA Basketball's Junior World Championship Qualifying team, under Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim.
  • Lady Wolfpack player Summer Erb was selected for the 12-member US team that is competing in the Jones Cup tournament 23-27 August in Taipei, Taiwan, while Tynesha Lewis was named to the USA Basketball Women's Select Team that played in a four-team tournament in Puerto Rico in July.
• In baseball news:
  • Wolfpack pitchers Bubba Scarce and Kurt Blackmon were selected in the recent major league draft by the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies, respectively.
  • It must be the field! State received two early commitments, and they had this to say:
    • Jeremy Dutton, shortstop: "When I walked out on the field, it was unbelievable. State must have the best playing surface anywhere."
    • Brennan Hall, third baseman: "State's playing surface is the best I have ever seen. It has to be one of the finest in the country."
• Finally, condolences to the family of Wolfpack soccer player Robin Morlock, who was killed in a car wreck in Raleigh this summer.

29 May 1998

• State and Carolina will definitely meet in Ericsson Stadium this fall. The N&O has published a preview of the 1998 Wolfpack football team.
• In baseball news:
  • The 'Pack finished up its baseball regular season in strong fashion, with wins over Carolina (9-4) and Duke (14-3). Jake Weber hit an 11th-inning grand slam to down the Heels, and Brian Ward went 3-for-4 against the Devils.
  • These wins were followed with wins in the ACC Tournament over Virginia (4-1) and Duke (10-4), at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
  • State also performed well in the NCAA West Regionals at Stanford CA, defeating Long Beach State (12-3) and Alabama (13-10). In so doing, the 'Pack broke Long Beach State's 11-game winning streak with an 18-hit effort, and scored 10 runs in the eighth inning against Alabama. Again, the heroes were Jake Weber and Brian Ward:
    • Weber finished his NC State career with an ACC record of 366 career hits. The previous mark of 362 was set by Wolfpacker Tom Sergio a year ago.
    • Ward set an NC State single-season record in hits, with 106, by going 3-for-4 against Long Beach State.
• State will retire the jerseys of Dick Dickey and Sammy Ranzino next season, the 50th in Reynolds Coliseum. In other basketball news:
  • Damon Thornton returns to action, in Raleigh's Chavis summer basketball league. His redshirt bid for the past season has still not been approved.
  • State was a co-host (along with Duke and Carolina) of the Reebok/Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions. 'Pack signee Adam Harrington had games of 41 and 50 points in the tournament, and recruit Joe Forte averaged 32.8 points in six games. Gibbons recently rated Harrington 22nd and signee Keith Bean 68th in his list of the Top 100 Players in the Class of 1998.
  • Chastity Melvin was the #2 pick in the American Basketball League draft, selected by Philadelphia, and Jeremy Hyatt was picked up by the USBL's Raleigh Cougars, reuniting with former Wolfpack teammates Ishua Benjamin and CC Harrison.
• In spring sports, the Wolfpack golf team made the NCAA championships after finishing sixth in the East Regionals, and the tennis team earned its first-ever NCAA championships appearance after finishing 16-7.

24 April 1998

• Lots of good baseball news for the 'Pack:
  • In a special Easter Monday game at the Durham Bulls' stadium, State beat Carolina 7-6 in an amazing finish when a line drive off the bat of Tar Heel shortstop Brian Roberts ricocheted off the wrist of State pitcher Kurt Blackmon, then off his head and was caught in the air by third baseman Josh Ballard, who threw to second base for a game-ending double play.
  • State set season records for hits and runs in a 21-4 victory over Wake Forest.
  • State won 2-out-of-3 in its series against #20 Georgia Tech. In Game 1, Noel Manley broke open a 4-4 tie in the sixth with a home run. In Game 3, Blackmon got a complete-game victory as State won 8-5.
• There has also been an awful lot of good news concerning recruiting:
  • Schea Cotton, who has been rated the #1 prep prospect, announced his intent to play for NCSU next season.
  • Al Harrington, another top prospect, will visit State either 1 May or 8 May.
  • Terrence Holt, brother of current star wide receiver Torry Holt, and the Greensboro News & Record basketball player of the year, announced his intent to become a two-sport (football and basketball) walk-on.
  • Brian Keeter, a point guard at Cary, has accepted an offer to walk on the basketball team next year.
  • Ronald Blackshear, the nation's 46th-rated basketball prospect, is being recruited by State for the 1999-2000 season, as he will likely attend prep school this year.
  • State is also pursuing some nationally ranked juniors:
    • 6'-3" Tony Robertson, a Raleigh native and point guard at Barrington (RI) St. Andrews, who is ranked among the top 10 juniors nationally.
    • 6'-5" Matt Carroll of Hatboro-Horsham in Pennsylvania.
    • 6'-9" Carlton Aaron of Atlantic Shores Christian School in Chesapeake VA.
• In recent professional sports drafts:
  • NFL draftees from State were fullback Carlos King (Pittsburgh) in Round 4 and receiver Alvis Whitted (Jacksonville) in Round 7.
  • In the USBL draft, the Raleigh Cougars made Ishua Benjamin their Round 1 choice, and his fellow 'Pack backcourter C.C. Harrison their Round 3 choice.
• It was announced that former State football center Jim Ritcher will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
• The ACC recently announced its top 16 scholar-athletes , which included four Wolfpackers:
  • Amy Lemerman, volleyball -- Pre-med major and school career block assists leader and in top 10 in four other statistical categories.
  • Jennifer Peterson, volleyball -- Biochemistry major who is school career leader, fourth in ACC and seventh in NCAA in digs.
  • Jake Weber, baseball -- Technology education major and three-time All-ACC selection with .357 career batting average.
  • Joe Wirgau, cross country and track & field -- Chemistry major and co-captain of ACC championship cross country team.
• The State gymnastics team became the first ACC school to qualify for the NCAA gymnastics championships following its performance in the Southeast Regionals in Athens GA on 4 April.
• In interesting tennis news, the Pack's Blair Sutton recently won a marathon (4-hour, 25-minute) match against Maryland's Meg Griffin, 6-4, 5-7, 7-6.

3 April 1998

• The Wolfpack women's basketball team made the Final Four after coming back from a 10-point second-half deficit to defeat third-ranked Connecticut 60-52 in the East regional final. It was the first Final Four for legendary coach Kay Yow. In other women's basketball news:
  • State made the Elite Eight by upsetting top-ranked Old Dominion 55-54.
  • Chasity Melvin was named to the Kodak Division I Women's All-America Basketball Team.
• The men's basketball team had a respectable 2-2 record in the postseason. Postseason highlights included:
  • Defeating NCAA tournament invitee Florida State in the ACC tournament.
  • Smashing Kansas State at Reynolds Coliseum in the NIT tournament.
  • Legends Night at the ACC tournament saw David Thompson win the long-distance challenge at the Greensboro Coliseum, where he won the 1974 national championship. Thompson also teamed with Chris Corchiani to win the two-man competition.
• In 'Pack baseball:
  • State is 23-9, and this weekend hosts Georgia Tech (21-9) in a series that will go a long way toward determining the pecking order in the ACC.
  • Jake Weber recently played in his 215th consecutive game for State, tying the school record set by Brian Bark.
  • Former State pitcher Mike Caldwell will be inducted into the NC Sports Hall of Fame.
• And in football news:
  • Charlie Fisher, the head coach at West Georgia for the past five seasons, has been appointed to the N.C. State football coaching staff as receivers coach.
  • State and UNC have had talks concerning moving their annual football game to Charlotte.

25 February 1998

• State beats #1 UNC! North Carolina was looking for its 20th consecutive home victory, but got a wake-up call from the Wolfpack. This was Herb Sendek's first victory over the Heels. It instigated a return to Hillsborough Street celebrations.
• Days earlier, State routed Virginia 74-55. This was Ron Kelley's return to the 'Pack lineup.
• C.C. Harrison and Ishua Benjamin were recently honored for breaking the 1000-point career scoring totals.
• What does the Wolfpack's recent good fortune in men's basketball mean in terms of championship hopes?
  • State has a chance at a good seed in the ACC Tournament that begins next week.
  • Postseason bid is virtually guaranteed, as the NIT will be attracted to State's winning record, and the NCAA will wait-and-see what happens in the next 10 days.
• In women's basketball:
  • State beat Carolina 60-57 after trailing by 17 in the second half.
  • State beat Maryland 75-53 with a 26-4 run at the end of the game to give the Lady 'Pack 20 wins on the season.
  • State beat Virginia 70-63 in another late-game rally led by Chasity Melvin.
• In recruiting news:
  • State received a surprise when defensive end Adrian Williams signed after earlier committing to ECU. Wilson led High Point Andrews in tackles.
  • Basketball star Schea Cotton made a campus visit and was in the audience at the State-Duke game in Reynolds Coliseum.
• Finally, thieves stole UNC memorabilia, including the Tar Heel insignia from the Carmichael floor and Michael Jordan's jersey from the Smith Center. Why anyone would want such things has not been determined.

4 February 1998

• The death of Garry Dornburg this week leaves a very noticeable empty spot in the Wolfpack family. His employer, WPTF 680 AM, has set up a web site for you to leave messages for his family (mother Ruth and brother Steve). The memorial service will be 11AM today at the Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Raleigh. Any donations can be sent to the NCSU College of Humanities and Social Sciences, which is establishing an endowment fund in Dornburg's name.
• The 'Pack will try to win one for Garry tonight as it takes on Wake Forest at home. A win would put State in fourth place in the ACC standings.
• State had a very memorable win Saturday, defeating Clemson in overtime. CC Harrison tied the score at the end of regulation by following up his own missed free throw, then hit a three-pointer at the buzzer for a final score of 82-80.
• Today is national signing day for football prospects, and some are saying this will be Mike O'Cain's best recruiting class. Recently committing was Carlos Doggett, one of the most prolific running backs in state high school history.
• State's womens basketball team took sole command of first place in the ACC with a win over Georgia Tech, 85-60.
• In basketball recruiting, some are saying that Al Harrington is likely to remain close to home, either Seton Hall or St. John's, although State remains in the picture. State's chances look better with 6-6 wing forward Schea Cotton, rated the No. 1 junior in the country before missing his senior season with a shoulder injury.

20 January 1998

• In men's basketball:
  • Mounting injuries leave the 'Pack roster depleted to only eight members -- not even enough to scrimmage in practice. This places a lot of responsibility on some talented freshmen such as Kenny Inge and Archie Miller.
  • Despite the depleted roster, State gave #2 Duke all it could handle before coming up short at Durham. The 'Pack outrebounded the Devils 35-30. As N&O columnist Caulton Tudor summarized:
    The good news for State is that the potential to [succeed] surfaced at times against Duke. State has to think that if Duke could be challenged in Cameron, most ACC teams can beaten in Reynolds Coliseum.
  • One team that was beaten in Reynolds Coliseum is Memphis. The Wolfpack took a 71-60 win.
  • The talent situation should take a turn for the better next season. In addition to State's highly touted incoming class, Notre Dame player Gary Bell plans to transfer and play as a walk-on. Bell was one of the nation's top high school players in 1995. Also, Schea Cotton, one of the nation's top high school players in 1998, plans to visit.
• In women's basketball, the Lady 'Pack finds itself ranked #8 in the nation and 1st Place in the ACC. Included in their wins is a 67-59 win against Virginia at Charlottesville.
• In football news, the strong finish to the 1997 football season that gave the 'Pack a winning record continues to pay dividends:
  • Star wide receiver Torry Holt has elected to stay at State for his senior season.
  • Brian Jamison, one of the nation's top high school linebackers, committed to the 'Pack.
  • Other notable recent commitments include Joe Lardino, a 300-lb offensive lineman, and K.J. Stone, a running back from Graham High School.
• While NCSU did not receive a post-season bowl bid, some State players and coaches were instrumental in a couple of bowl victories:
  • Coach Mike O'Cain and offensive coordinator Robbie Caldwell directed the offense for the South in the Blue-Gray Bowl, resulting in a 31-24 victory.
  • Tremayne Stephens finished his college career in memorable fashion, leading the South's game-winning 55-yard drive for a 20-19 victory in the Hula Bowl.
• State's 1998 football schedule has been released. It features home games against ACC champ Florida State (12 September) and Big East champ Syracuse (1 October), and a Thanksgiving-weekend finale at North Carolina (28 November). No game this year against East Carolina, although Les Robinson met with ECU AD Mike Hamrick in Chicago to talk about continuing the successful series.
• Finally, long-time radio personality Garry Dornburg remains in Duke Medical Center and needs our thoughts and prayers.

11 December 1997

• The goalposts came down as State beat ECU for the first time in ten years. The thrilling finish saw ECU overcome a big State lead to even the score, only to see the Wolfpack score two touchdowns in the final minute for a 37-24 win. The awesome finish to the season did not get the 'Pack a bowl bid, but it means two things:
  • Mike O'Cain will not only be back next year, but he signed a four-year extension. This immediately led to new recruits signing. Coupled with Mack Brown's recent departure from UNC and Carolina's inability to hire a "big name" coach like Jim Donnan, O'Cain's job stability may mean that some of Carolina's recruits will jump ship to the 'Pack.
  • Tremayne Stephens' awesome college career is over. After a great freshman season in which he was the MVP of the Peach Bowl, he carried a young and inexperienced team on his back the past two years. With a good supporting cast around him this year, he was able to go out in style, with 170 yards rushing in his final game. It is fitting that this performance was in Carter-Finley stadium against archrival ECU.
• In basketball news, the 'Pack continues its undefeated streak against ranked opponents, as State beat Georgia Tech 71-69 in overtime. CC Harrison was the hero of the day, hitting the winning shot as time expired. With all the nailbiters the 'Pack has been in, in this very young season, it looks to be an interesting year.
• Whatever State does this season, it will have to do without Damon Thornton. Thornton had just come back from the injuries that sidelined him last year when he broke his foot in practice recently.
• Finally, the State women's basketball team continues to surprise. The Lady 'Pack entered the Top 25 with a surprising win over George Washington on the road. GW had won 31 straight home games.

20 November 1997

• The biggest news this week is that the State beat Virginia 31-24 on Saturday. Senior guard Lonnie Gilbert was named ACC offensive lineman of the week and tackle Jarvis Borum was named top rookie in the league by virtue of their performances in that game.
• This sets up an extremely interesting weekend as State plays ECU. A lot is on the line, not the least of which is pride. Most importantly to Wolfpack fans, the winner may get a Peach Bowl bid.
• In basketball news, the 'Pack had an impressive opener, upsetting #19 Georgia in the first round of the Jimmy V classic in New Jersey. The big surprise was that Damon Thornton started the game (as first reported here; see the archives). A super performance was turned in by freshman Kenny Inge. See the game story.
• Another great game the next night in the championship game against Princeton. As expected, this was a defensive battle. Princeton took a 38-36 lead with 2.7 seconds to go on a goaltending call on Ishua Benjamin, but Benjamin redeemed himself by following up a Damon Thornton miss at the buzzer. Well, it could have happened.

11 November 1997

• Tonight is the 'Pack's basketball season opener, and it's a big one. State plays #19 Georgia in the first round of the Coaches v. Cancer tourney at the New Jersey Meadowlands, 7:30 PM on ESPN2. The latest word is that Damon Thornton may play! State's prime recruit, Al Harrington, is expected to attend the game. For lineup, schedule, and season predictions, read the N&O's NCSU College Basketball Preview.
• Harrington may not have signed yet, but State landed another Top 100 recruit last week with Keith Bean, ranked #57 nationally by Bob Gibbons. He chose State over Michigan after Wolverines coach Steve Fisher was fired.
• Following the exhibition loss to Marathon Oil, State basketball picked up its game with a win over the California All-Stars, 72-62. Freshmen Ron Kelley and Kenny Inge apparently looked good.
• In football news, the 'Pack kept bowl hopes alive with a thrashing of Maryland on Saturday. With nearly 500 yards of total offense, things are looking good for a strong finish. See the game story.
• Also at the football game Saturday, State retired the jersey of Dick Christy only the fourth State player to have his jersey retired. For years, the MVP of the State-South Carolina game was given the Dick Christy award in honor of his performance in 1957, as described by the N&O:
  "On the road against South Carolina in 1957, with the ACC title at stake, Christy scored all 29 of the Wolfpack's points, including a 46-yard field goal -- the first attempt of his career -- with no time left for the Pack's 29-28 win."
• Torry Holt was named ACC player of the week after his ACC-record five-touchdown performance against Florida State. The rumor mill already has Holt entering the NFL draft next year, but Holt has said that the return of coach Mike O'Cain would make him more likely to stay at State for his senior season.

2 November 1997

• First it was Syracuse, now Florida State! The 'Pack scored five touchdowns and 35 points yesterday against the nation's top defense, which must put State in the driver's seat in the national title hunt. Torry Holt set an ACC record with his five TD receptions. Check out the complete game story.
• Also yesterday, in basketball action, State lost to Marathon Oil in overtime, 70-69. This can only be seen as a good omen, since the last time this happened (a 104-103 loss in 1988) the 'Pack went on to be the ACC regular season champs.
• Some good news in football recruiting, as offensive lineman Derek Green (three-year starter at 4A West Charlotte) and tight end Jason LeMay (three-year starter at 2A Black Mountain Owen) verbally committed to the 'Pack. Green and LeMay are the 38th and 39th rated prospects in NC, respectively.
• Basketball recruiting is also going extremely well. Already signed is the nation's #3 guard (according to Bob Gibbons), Adam Harrington. Other 'Pack recruits are rated as follows: Al Harrington, #3 power forward; Keith Bean, #4 power forward; Lloyd Price, #7 wing guard.

26 September 1997

• Another thrilling finish last night. It looked bad when Wake Forest kicker Matt Burdick hit a 37-yard field goal with 43 seconds left to put Wake up 19-17. But State drove to the Wake 41, and Chris Hensler booted a 52-yard field goal as time expired to give State a 20-19 win. At least, that's how it could have happened. See the game story for full details.
• Just five days prior to last night's game, State beat Northern Illinois by a score of 42-14.
• The 'Pack's improved attitude this year is partially due to the training of Ray Pelletier, a motivational speaker who has apparently become a Wolfpack fan.
• In basketball news, Athlon Sports' preseason issue has hit the stands. They predict the 'Pack to advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament this year.

16 September 1997

• After the 'Pack's stunning defeat of Clemson on Saturday, people are talking national championship. Things looked bleak when Clemson kicked a field goal with 21 seconds left to go up 19-17, but Carlos King responded on the kickoff by returning to midfield. Jamie Barnette's first pass to Torry Holt was ruled a trap, but the second was completed at the 30 and Holt quickly stepped out of bounds. Mark Primanti calmly stepped in and knocked through the winning field goal. At least, that's how it could have happened. See the game story.
• One week before the Clemson game, State killed Duke 45-14 in Durham. It was the biggest margin of victory in the series, which usually produces high-scoring nailbiters. Again, see the game story.
• After the Duke game, State entered the Top 25 for the first time this season.
• In basketball news, State received a commitment from point guard Adam Harrington, who is considered one of the Top 20 high school players by those who rate such things. This is already being considered the best recruiting win ever for Herb Sendek. Harrington is not to be confused with Al Harrington, who most consider to be THE top high school player, and who also is apparently leaning toward the Wolfpack.

3 September 1997

• The big news this week, of course, is the 'Pack's amazing overtime victory on the road at #13 Syracuse. This was the lead college football story in most nationwide media outlets, including:
  • CNN/SI
  • The Associated Press
  • The Washington Post
• The win didn't move State into the Top 25, but they came close, finishing 29th in AP balloting and 31st in the coaches poll.
• Just before the Syracuse game, the Raleigh News and Observer prophetically profiled the offensive players who would go on to star against the Big Orange, including:
  • The receivers corps: Deep Threats All
  • Tailback Tremayne Stephens: Poised to Make Noise
• State is Duke on Saturday, and is an early 8-point favorite.

28 August 1997

• Maybe the biggest news today is who wont be around this season: Garry Dornburg will not be the color commentator for Wolfpack football games in 1997. He has been replaced by former Pack quarterback Johnny Evans. A possible reason for the switch was Dornburg's health problems of recent years, but the reassignment was against his wishes.
• Of course, the 'Pack opens its season Saturday against Syracuse, which opened its season last week by trouncing Wisconsin in the Kickoff Classic. Now the Wolfpack's Opener Looks Even Tougher.
• Tri-captains for the Wolfpack football team this year will be Tremayne Stephens, Morocco Brown, and Seamus Murphy.
• The football team will be wearing rubber bands with the word "FOCUS" printed on them this year, after getting the idea from a motivational speaker. The idea is that it's difficult to break a bunch of rubber bands together, and hopefully it will remind the guys to play like a team.
• The News & Observer has a feature on Mike O'Cain. It deals with the obvious fact that he needs to win this year.
• Former Wolfpack quarterback Jose Laureano, who was kicked off the team last year for undisclosed violations of team rules, has now also been kicked off the team at Florida A&M. Apparently the violations at NCSU led to his dismissal from FAMU.
• On the basketball side of things, Damon Thornton is apparently recovering ahead of schedule, and may be ready to play when practice begins. Thornton was injured late in the season last year, and did not play in the 'Pack's successful run in the late season and post-season.

21 August 1997

• The big news today is that basketball coach Herb Sendek has agreed to be at State through 2003. It is believed that the deal is worth about $500,000 annually. Read the details from the News & Observer .
• The Greensboro News & Record has its Wolfpack season preview today.
• Torry Holt is emerging as one to watch. As I reported last time, he caught a 65-yard touchdown pass in the Red-White scrimmage. Then, in practice on Monday, he made a one-handed catch at the end of two-minute drills that has been described as "spectacular."
• Also emerging as a potential star is middle linebacker Tim Ramseur, who was named a starter at that position over last year's leading tackler Morocco Brown. Brown moves to outside linebacker, which means there is a lot of talent at the linebacker positions this year.

18 August 1997

• Jamie Barnette and Tremayne Stephens both had good performances in Saturday's Red-White scrimmage. Barnette was 7 of 13 for 71 yards passing and one rushing touchdown, and Stephens rushed four times for 26 yards and one touchdown Also impressive was backup quarterback Charles Berry, who threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Torry Holt.
• Meet the Pack Day is this Saturday, 23 August. See the N&O's Wolfpack Notes for more details.
• Today's Atlanta Constitution has a season preview feature on the 'Pack. I will link the story to this site as soon as it becomes available.

14 August 1997

• It looks like Jamie Barnette will be the starting quarterback for the upcomi ng season. See the full story in the News and Observer.
• Unfortunately, linebacker Tramayne Simmons was injured in scrimmage yesterda y. The injury was listed as a slight concussion, but Coach O'Cain expects him t o return to action soon.
• Construction has begun on the new Jim Valvano Memorial Arena. Here is your invitation.