Wolfpack Pride Archives

17 October 2000

·        The Wolfpack football team runs its record to 5-1 with its 38-20 win over Carolina!  The win puts the ‘Pack within a game of bowl eligibility.  State is now ranked #23 in the Bowl Championship Standings, and is being projected to play in the Gator Bowl on New Year’s Day. 

 

·        The Excite news service had some interesting Wolfpack notes, which included the following:

Ø      Quarterback Philip Rivers is the first Wolfpack player to throw at least two touchdowns in five straight games.

Ø      Receiver Koren Robinson has a school-record streak of six straight 100-yard receiving games. He also leads the country in kickoff returns at 36.3 yards per return.

Ø      Six players have caught at least 10 passes this season. The last time six NCSU players had at least 20 catches each was 1993.

 

·        The 2000-01 Wolfpack basketball season gets underway on 28 October with the Red-White game.  State is ranked #29 in the nation in preseason polls.

 

·        Basketball coach Herb Sendek was given a two-year contract extension, through the year 2005.  Sendek continues to work marvels in the recruiting area, with next season’s recruiting class already ranked in the Top Five nationally.  Sendek has signed the following recruits signed for next year:

Ø      Center Jordan Collins from Hyattsville MD, who is beginning his fourth season as a starter at DeMatha High.

Ø      Power forward Levi Watkins from Rockville MD.

Ø      Forward Josh Powell from Riverdale GA.

 

·        In other recruiting news:

Ø      Women’s basketball coach Kay Yow signed national Top-10 prospect Kelly Greathouse to a scholarship. Greathouse averaged 21 points/game last year for Ventura CA.

Ø      Football coach Chuck Amato signed safety Avery Gibson. Gibson was the leading tackler last year for Hoover AL.

23 September 2000

·        State beat Georgia Tech in an overtime thriller to increase its 2000 football record to 4-0!  The Wolfpack’s unbelievable start to the 2000 football season is garnering national attention, particularly for:

Ø      Wolfpack coach Chuck Amato, who is beginning to be considered a national coach of the year candidate.

Ø      Freshman quarterback sensation Phillip Rivers, who is quickly becoming a lock for ACC rookie of the year.

Ø      Also, linebacker Levar Fisher has been getting some notice, but mostly from opposing teams. Georgia Tech tailback Sidney Ford was reported to have taken offense to some of Fisher’s pregame comments.

 

·        In other games this season on the way to a 4-0 record, the ‘Pack has:

Ø      Defeated SMU 41-0, shutting down a powerful offense with three sacks by Nate Goodsen.

Ø      Defeated Indiana 41-38, with a last-second field-goal block by Terrence Holt.

Ø      Defeated Arkansas State 38-31, in an overtime thriller that was Chuck Amato’s first game as Wolfpack head coach.

 

·        In other major news, Lee Fowler was hired as the new NCSU athletic director, after serving in the same position at Middle Tennessee State for six years.  Fowler was recently named chairman for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee for the 2001-2002 season.

 

·        In basketball recruiting news, at least five of the Top 100 prospects are considering playing for the Wolfpack.  They are:

Ø      #7.  Julius Hodge  SG  6-5/177  Bronx, NY

Ø      #46.  Josh Powell  PF  6-8/220  Riverdale, GA (Committed to State) 

Ø      #49.  Ed Nelson  PF  6-8/245  Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Ø      #69.  Marcus Campbell  C  7-0/250  Albany, GA

Ø      #70.  Levi Watkins  PF  6-7/220  Rockville, MD

 

·        The Wolfpack cross country teams both swept the Adidas Invitational for the sixth time in eight years, beating out ACC foes Virginia, Georgia Tech, and others.  State’s David Patterson and Dean Bowker finished 1-2 in the men’s race.

 

·        State golf coach Richard Sykes has been elected to the Golf Coaches Hall of Fame.

25 April 2000

·  Jamie Barnette and Summer Erb were named recipients of the H.C. Kennett Award for outstanding athletes at the 2000 Wolfpack sports banquet.

·  In baseball news, State beat defending national champion Miami 5-4 at this year's Wolfpack Cookout.

·  In football news, the Wolfpack recently completed spring drills, and it looks like State will have two talented quarterbacks to replace Jamie Barnette:

·  Basketball recruiting news:

24 March 2000

The Wolfpack is heading to Madison Square Garden! The State basketball team has plowed its way through the opening three rounds of the NIT tournament to advance to the final four. In three games at the Entertainment and Sports Arena:

16 March 2000

·  The State basketball team continues the Wolfpack tradition of a strong finish leading into the postseason:

·  In football news, the latest addition to the Wolfpack coaching staff is former Pittsburgh assistant Curt Cignetti, who will serve as recruiting coordinator and tight ends coach.

·  State added a number of ACC titles at the recent ACC wrestling championships:

·  The Wolfpack baseball team is off to a 13-7 start. Recent victories include:

21 February 2000

·  New Wolfpack football coach Chuck Amato has recruited an excellent coaching staff, which is among the highest paid in the country. Returning to the program are former Wolfpack assistants Buddy Green, Joe Pate, and Dick Portee. Coming to State from Brigham Young is the new offensive coordinator, Norm Chow, who is considered responsible for developing such quarterbacks as Steve Young and Ty Detmer.

·  The outstanding coaching staff may be one of the reasons for the surprising Wolfpack football recruiting class. This year's class includes:

·  The lady Wolfpack basketball team recently celebrated Kay Yow's 25th year of coaching with a 67-58 win over Clemson. Afterward, State retired the jerseys of Gina Beasley, Trudi Lacey, Chasity Melvin, Linda Page, Andrea Stinson, Trena Trice, and Susan Yow.

·  In other recent ACC games:

·  The men's basketball team recently enjoyed a 68-58 win over Florida State, bolstering their chances for a bid to the NCAA tournament.

·  Wolfpack basketball coach Herb Sendek is continuing to recruit top players to the program. Louisiana guard Trey Guidry visited State over the weekend, and an offer has been extended to Shavlik Randolph of Broughton High.

·  State's wrestling team recently completed a season sweep of Carolina, defeating the Tar Heels 22-18 after initially falling behind 15-3. State also enjoyed a comeback win over UNC-Greensboro, 23-19.

·  Wolfpack AD Les Robinson has announced that State will field a ladies golf team next year.

1 February 2000

·  The men's basketball team has re-entered the Top 25, and continue to be undefeated in the new Entertainment and Sports Arena. Recent home victories include:

·  The Wolfpack women recently had a thrilling overtime win over #9 Duke, led by Amy Simpson's 26 points.

·  In Wolfpack wrestling, State beat Maryland 25-9 to give coach Bob Guzzo his 100th ACC victory.

·  New football coach Chuck Amato continues to build for the future. The following recruits have committed to State recently:

·  Amato has also built a stellar coaching staff:

17 January 2000

·  The men's basketball team is off to its best start in ten years. The victories continue to pile up:

·  Of course, the Wolfpack women also continue to be dominant, not just in the ACC, but nationally. Recent victories include:

·  New Wolfpack football coach Chuck Amato is taking time in building his staff and recruiting new players. He has made it clear that he is "shooting for the moon" in terms of player quality, in order to avoid what he calls "a four-year disaster." Amato's recruiting style is paying off already, as State has received a commitment from Alabama high school player of the year Phillip Rivers, a quarterback. Amato's first season is predicted to be a good one for the 'Pack.

·  In wrestling action, State beat Carolina 21-18 in Chapel Hill. The 'Pack's Scott Garren, at 165 pounds, got the only pin of the evening.

6 January 2000

 

·  It's official! Florida State's Chuck Amato has been named the new Wolfpack football coach! Amato, of course, led the Seminoles to the national championship in the Sugar Bowl just two days ago.

4 January 2000

 

·  The big news continues to be State's search for a new football coach. An announcement is expected this week, and this site will be updated when the announcement is made. Athletics director Les Robinson has submitted a candidate list to the chancellor. He has not announced any names on the list, but a number of rumors are circulating:

·  The Wolfpack basketball teams continue their winning ways. State's men entered the AP Top 25 for the first time since 1990. In recent men's basketball action:

·  The Wolfpack women are off to the team's best-ever start,

·  State beat North Carolina 79-72 in Chapel Hill.

·  State beat South Carolina 69-55 in Raleigh.

·  The North Carolina media have named the Century Shapers, the 12 individuals with the greatest impact on North Carolina sports. Of interest to Wolfpack fans:

·  Also, Thompson was named one of the Top Five College Players of the Century by Sports Illustrated.

20 December 1999

 

·  The big news, of course, is that State's search for a football coach continues, with some big names asking for consideration:

·  While the coach search is ongoing, State has been granted permission to speak with the football recruits.

·  Also, the 2000 football schedule has been released. State's nonconference schedule includes Arkansas State, Indiana, and Southern Methodist.

·  In basketball news, the Wolfpack men and women both sit atop the ACC conference standings as the only undefeated teams in the conference! In recent Wolfpack men's action:

·  In Wolfpack women's action:

·  A number of prominent college coaches, including UNC's Bill Guthridge, recently paid tribute to former Wolfpack coach Jim Valvano at the Jimmy V Classic in New York City.

2 December 1999

 

·  In another early season thriller, State beat #19 Purdue 61-59 in the inaugural ACC-Big 10 Challenge. The game bore a more-than-passing resemblance to the season opener against Georgia, with the 'Pack falling behind early and winning on a last-minute three-pointer. The win gave the ACC a 5-4 victory over the Big Ten.

·  On the search for a new football coach:

·  The Wolfpack women's basketball team is currently ranked #6 in the nation, having several exciting wins to their credit:

23 November 1999

 

·  In the big news, State has won the First Game in the ESA by defeating Georgia 67-63, on the strength of a last-minute three-pointer by Archie Miller. The new arena has been described as Reynolds Coliseum with the volume turned up.

·  The men's basketball team is in the Sporting News Top Ten. Ranker Bob Segreti had this to say about the 1999-2000 squad:

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.

·  The Wolfpack women's team is also in the Top Ten, having posted big wins against #4 Rutgers in the Tip-Off Classic and winning the Wolfpack Invitational Tournament.

·  In football, State won its last game in Carter-Finley with a 30-16 victory over Maryland. Jamie Barnette set the ACC record for career touchdown passes in his last game at home, including one to a returning Chris Coleman.

·  In football recruiting news, State has received the following recent commitments:

·  In other sports:

5 November 1999

 

·  State plays Maryland in Raleigh this weekend, with a bowl bid probably on the line for both teams.

·  Against Georgia Tech last week:

·  In other football news:

·  The 1999-2000 basketball season will mark State's first season in the Raleigh Entertainment and Sports Arena. 6500 were in attendance at the 'Pack's open workout earlier this week. The stadium has received a positive write-up in The Sporting News.

·  The Wolfpack cross-country team won its fifth consecutive title recently at the 1999 ACC Championships, and broke their own tournament scoring record with a score of 16. The 'Pack swept the first four positions, with Chan Pons wining the event with a time of 24:19.4.

·  Millbrook baseball star Joe Gaetti, son of Cubs third baseman Gary Gaetti, has committed to play for State. Upon signing, Gaetti said, "I really like the coaches, and I think we can contend for the national championship in a couple of years."

29 October 1999

 

·  Before the 1999 football season it was clear that this one would be memorable, but Wolfpack fans have had a season's worth of memories already. Among them:

·  This weekend promises an exciting game as State faces #7 Georgia Tech in Atlanta. The game is sold out. In Georgia Tech's most recent press release, Jackets coach George O'Leary says of the 'Pack, "We're facing a quarterback who is a fifth-year senior with a lot of experience and is a play-maker, and they run the ball and throw the ball consistently, so our defense has its work cut out for it. They have outstanding running backs in Spikes and Robinson. They do an outstanding job of running to daylight. They keep you honest with the fullback inside. Their offensive line does a good job of putting hats on people. Koren Robinson, the receiver, has come up with some big plays in the passing game. They have a quarterback who knows what to do with the ball. They're very dangerous offensively. Defensively, they've changed somewhat from last year in that they mix it up a little more with three down lineman and four down linemen. Recognition is key in making sure we understand what's on the field."

·  In basketball news, State opens the new Entertainment and Sports Arena on Monday, 1 November, with a preseason workout that is free and open to the public. Speaking of the arena, NCSU is now asking for 35% of the resale of naming rights, which is expected to amount to at least $14 million for the university. At the moment, Nortel Networks is the leading contender to purchase the naming rights.

·  The 1999-2000 basketball team features a wealth of talented players at the guard position. Justin Gainey, Archie Miller, Anthony Grundy, and Cliff Crawford are all expected to see significant playing time.

·  In order to balance the guard attack with more big men, Wolfpack coach Herb Sendek has already done a tremendous job of basketball recruiting for next season. Already signed are the top three players in North Carolina: Mike Bell, a 6'-10" forward at Raleigh's Enloe High School, Marcus Melvin, a 6'-9" forward at Fayetteville Byrd; and 6'-3" Scooter Sherrill of West Rowan. State is still actively pursuing 6'-10" center Chris Wilcox of Enloe.

·  In administrative news, Jim Miller has taken over the day-to-day athletic director duties, freeing Les Robinson to concentrate on marketing issues.

5 February 1999

"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."

"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?

13 January 1999

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.

8 November 1998

17 September 1998

8 September 1998

23 August 1998

29 May 1998

24 April 1998

3 April 1998

25 February 1998

4 February 1998

20 January 1998

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.

11 December 1997

20 November 1997

11 November 1997

"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."

2 November 1997

26 September 1997

16 September 1997

3 September 1997

28 August 1997

21 August 1997

18 August 1997

14 August 1997