Women's Basketball Upcoming Fox 8 Features
Posted by Kathryn Hamlett WFU Media Relations
December 3, 2008- 7:42 p.m.

Fox 8 spent some time with women's basketball athletes Alex Tchangoue and Secily Ray after the South Carolina game today. Since both athletes are from the area (Alex graduated from Forsyth Country Day and Secily from Thomasville HS), the plan was to do one feature on both. But as Alex's interview got underway Timmy Hawks, the Fox 8 sports producer, decided there was enough material do to two separate features on the athletes.

Alex's story, which is scheduled to air on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 5:40, includes her discussing her childhood among other things. Alex left her home in France at the age of 13 to go to boarding school in the U.S. and has hardly been back home since. During today's interview Alex also touched on the inspiration for her unique hair-do and some other things you probably don't know about her.

The interview will be added to the Fox 8 website after it airs.

I didn't get to hear all of Secily's interview but from what I understand Ses showcased her singing abilities. The package will probably air in late December/early January.

Men's Basketball: Disney & The Deacs
Posted by Scott Wortman, WFU Media Relations
November 26, 2008 - 10:15 p.m. PT

The Deacons dined at Disneyland's California Adventure Park tonight. Along with each of the other seven teams and their guests at the 76 Classic, Wake Forest enjoyed a Thanksgiving buffet to officially kickoff the holiday tournament.

After dinner (and a photo op with Mickey Mouse himself), the teams were invited to enjoy the park before heading back to the hotel. The Deacs took full advantage by going on several rides, including the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (see photo below).

Men's Basketball: Greetings From Southern California
Posted by Scott Wortman, WFU Media Relations
November 26, 2008 - 2:45 p.m. ET

What's worse than a five-hour plane flight across the country? Being seven-foot tall on a five-hour plane flight across the country.

The Deacs are finally in Anaheim for the 76 Classic this week but not before surviving a full day of travel yesterday. We flew commercial on Delta Airlines for this trip, turning the team's size advantage into a distinct disadvantage.

Nonetheless, Wake's big men folded up their bodies and crammed into coach for a one-hour flight from Greensboro to Atlanta and then a marathon five-hour flight out to LAX.

After leaving campus at 9 a.m. yesterday, we finally touched down in L.A. last night at about 10 p.m. Eastern. Another 20 minutes or so waiting curbside for our bus to arrive and then an hour ride to our hotel in Anaheim put us in at about 11:30 p.m.

Fortunately the travel to today's practice at the Anaheim Convention Center was much simpler: just a short walk across the street. The Deacs got an hour on the floor at the Convention Center to get a feel for the arena before tomorrow's game. Following our alloted practice time, we moved to a large convention-type room to run through some more plays.

Tonight, we have a Thanksgiving banquet to attend at the California Adventure Park in Disneyland. The Deacs will then head back to the hotel to prepare for tomorrow afternoon's game with Cal State Fullerton.

Fullerton may have a slight advantage on Wake Forest just because of its lack of travel to the tournament and its proximity to the arena. The CSF campus is a mere nine miles from the Anaheim Convention Center.

Football: Gameday Blog - Wake Forest vs. Boston College
Posted by Gary Petit, WFU Media Relations
November 22, 2008 - 12:34 p.m.

Check out the Deacon Direct Gameday Blog for all of the action prior to the game as well as all of the action during the game this afternoon as Wake Forest takes on Boston College at BB&T Field.

Field Hockey Final Four Media Question and Answer of the Day
Posted by Kathryn Hamlett, WFU Media Relations
November 20, 2008 - 1:52 p.m.

Reporter: Minou, since your major is mathematical economics, do people on the team ask your opinions about the current economy?

Minou Gimbrere: Actually no. It's more the other way around. My economics classmates ask me questions about the field hockey team. Maybe because our outlook is a lot more optimistic.

Field Hockey at the Final Four: WFU Opens Play with Airline Industry
Posted by Kathryn Hamlett, WFU Media Relations
November 20, 2008 - 1:35 p.m.

GREENSBORO, ATLANTA, LOUISVILLE - The Wake Forest field hockey team (21-3) will open play at the NCAA Final Four on Friday against Syracuse, but the team first had to go through a pre-match battle with the Airline Industry (678,300,402-0) who gave the Demon Deacons all that they could handle.

Wake Forest clearly started out with the upper hand. The team left campus promptly at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, waving goodbye to supporters who came out to wish the team well in its ninth consecutive Final Four appearance. The Deacs even had a couple of containers of homemade cookies, prepared by Julie Griffin in the Student Services office, so things were looking very bright at that point in the matchup.

A little before 2 p.m. the team arrived at the Greensboro airport, which though small in size, proved to be a more than able competitor.

Wake Forest just finished unloading all the equipment into the lobby when the Airline Industry launched its first aggressive attack: Flight Cancelled.

A "mechanical" issue. Though everyone was just as glad they weren't flying on a plane with a mechanical flaw, this reporter can definitely say no one was thrilled about spending six hours in the GSO airport, especially with only a TCBY and a food mart in sight. But with no earlier flights out of Raleigh or Charlotte waiting is just what the Demon Deacons were going to do.

Now here's where the brilliance of Jennifer Averill's game plan begins. After making a few phone calls and coming to the conclusion that yes, the team was going to be there for a while, Coach Averill then began to distribute DVDs of game footage for the athletes to review while they waited. So the Demon Deacons stayed in the game despite the full court press the Airline Industry was dishing out.

Now we move to round 2: Baggage check in.

As most of the American public knows, checking an extra bag or two these days has become pretty pricey. So you can imagine the sticker shock when the Airline Industry threw in this trick play: One bag per person, every extra bag is $50. This is unfortunate for John Q. Public and REALLY unfortunate for a field hockey team going to the Final Four that has two bags person, six equipment bags, medical supplies and video equipment.

So adjustments in the baggage lineup were made. The Deacons continued to persevere by consolidating bags to cut costs and move on.

Wake Forest finally pulled ahead five hours into the day when the Airline Industry offered the team a food voucher and the Deacons put into motion a brilliant offensive attack on the previously mentioned food mart.

A few more theology essays, film viewings and naps later, the Deacons finally boarded the plane to Atlanta a little after 6:30 p.m. In the final flight to Louisville which left at 10 p.m., the Airline Industry tried to throw in one final play: The plane had to return to the gate after pulling away to readjust the cargo. 10 minutes later the team was finally on the final phase of the trip.

At the stroke of midnight, the Demon Deacons pulled into the hotel in downtown Louisville, ten and a half hours after leaving campus on what could have been a 6 and a half hour bus ride.

When Coach Averill was trying to work everything out when things first went sour in Greensboro she told the Airline clerk, "I don't care if you guys win this one with us today. As long as we beat Syracuse on Friday I'm fine with you winning today."

Wake Forest will continue play on Friday, battling Syracuse in the NCAA semifinals at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be cybercast on NCAA.com.

Click on thumbnails to enlarge

A frustrated WFU Coaching Staff working with Airline

Deacons use the time to review film on personal laptops

The team had time to catch a nap or two during the 10 hour commute.

Football: Wake-BC Television Coverage Map
Posted by Scott Wortman, WFU Media Relations
November 20, 2008 - 8:55 a.m.

Can't make it to BB&T Field on Saturday for the ACC Atlantic Division showdown between Wake and BC? Wondering on what TV station in your area you can catch the game? Click on the ABC/ESPN coverage map below for the answers.

Men's Soccer: Reason No. 1 to Vote for Sam Cronin
Posted by Chad Crunk, WFU Media Relations
November 19, 2008 - 3:20 p.m.

Sam Cronin led Wake Forest to the first men's soccer national championship in school history in 2007.

Today is the last day to vote for Sam for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award by clicking here. Fans can also now vote by text messaging the code S2 to 839863. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Football: Tuesday Press Conference Video
Posted by Scott Wortman, WFU Media Relations
November 18, 2008 - 1:25 p.m.

Like we do every Tuesday, we held our weekly football press conference in the Rovere Room of the Miller Center. Coach Grobe was there to meet with the media, along with Deacons Rich Belton, Riley Skinner and the always entertaining Alphonso Smith.

All four interviewees spoke to the difficulty of what lies in front of the Deacs this Saturday. Wake Forest is going up against a Boston College that not only features a stout defense but is one of the hottest teams in the conference right now. Check out what the Deacs had to say in the free video below.

Press Conference Video:
Jim Grobe
Rich Belton
Riley Skinner
Alphonso Smith

Men's Soccer: Reason No. 2 to Vote for Sam Cronin
Posted by Chad Crunk, WFU Media Relations
November 18, 2008 - 11 a.m.

Sam Cronin is one of three Wake Forest players on the watch list for the 2008 M.A.C. Hermann Trophy.

Remember to vote for Sam for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award every day between now and November 19 here. Fans can also now vote by text messaging the code S2 to 839863. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Men's Soccer: Reason No. 3 to Vote for Sam Cronin
Posted by Chad Crunk, WFU Media Relations
November 17, 2008 - 7 p.m.

Sam Cronin has helped Wake Forest to four NCAA Tournament appearances during his career.

Remember to vote for Sam for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award every day between now and November 19 here. Fans can also now vote by text messaging the code S2 to 839863. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Men's Soccer: Reason No. 4 to Vote for Sam Cronin
Posted by Chad Crunk, WFU Media Relations
November 16, 2008 - 9:50 p.m.

Sam Cronin has three game-winning goals during the 2008 season.

Remember to vote for Sam for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award every day between now and November 19 here. Fans can also now vote by text messaging the code S2 to 839863. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Men's Soccer: Reason No. 5 to Vote for Sam Cronin
Posted by Chad Crunk, WFU Media Relations
November 15, 2008 - 5:15 p.m.

Sam Cronin is now the school record holder for most games played and started in a career with 94.

Remember to vote for Sam for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award every day between now and November 19 here. Fans can also now vote by text messaging the code S2 to 839863. Standard text messaging rates apply.

The Deacon Newstand
Posted by Steve Shutt, WFU Media Relations
November 14, 2008 - 11:41 p.m.

Some pre-NC State reading:

Wolfpack plans to play spoiler vs. Wake Forest

Wake Forest is glad LSU didn't want Boo Robinson

Deacons ready to handle success

Men's Basketball reviews and previews:

No. 21 Wake Forest routs NC Central

Wake could be headed back to NCAA Tournament

Dino Gaudio is stressing defense

Women's basketball season preview

Enhanced expectations await Wake Forest

Men's Soccer: Reason No. 6 to Vote for Sam Cronin
Posted by Chad Crunk, WFU Media Relations
November 14, 2008 - 2:45 p.m.

Sam Cronin tied the Wake Forest record for most games started and played in a career with 93 in Wake's quarterfinal win over NC State.

Remember to vote for Sam for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award every day between now and November 19 here. Fans can also now vote by text messaging the code S2 to 839863. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Men's Basketball: Season Opener Tonight
Posted by Scott Wortman, WFU Media Relations
November 14, 2008 - 1:40 p.m.

The Demon Deacon men's basketball team is set to play their season opener tonight against North Carolina Central at the Joel Coliseum. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. We're not even a day into the regular season and already things are slightly out-of-sorts. Word on Deacon Boulevard is that Wake will sport gold unis for tonight's game.

This, however, is not some special promotion / motivational tool (or a secret crush on the gridiron Deacs and their gold unis). Apparently N.C. Central still has yet to receive its order of road jerseys, so the Eagles will have to wear their "road" whites tonight. To contrast, the Deacon cagers are going gold. Since the game is not televised, you'll have to stop by the Joel to check out the hockey-esque home team/road team uniform combination.

To get you ready for tonight's season opener, here are some links to recent basketball clippings:

Men's Soccer: Reason No. 15 to Vote for Sam Cronin
Posted by Chad Crunk, WFU Media Relations
November 5, 2008 - 2:40 p.m.

As a sophomore, Sam Cronin helped Wake Forest post 13 shutouts on the season.

Remember to vote for Sam for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award every day between now and November 19 here. Fans can also now vote by text messaging the code S2 to 839863. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Men's Soccer: Reason No. 16 to Vote for Sam Cronin
Posted by Chad Crunk, WFU Media Relations
November 4, 2008 - 4:15 p.m.

Sam Cronin has six goals, three assists and 15 points on the season.

Remember to vote for Sam for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award every day between now and November 19 here. Fans can also now vote by text messaging the code S2 to 839863. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Men's Golf: Webb Simpson and Kyle Reifers In the Nationwide Tour Championship
Posted by Gary Petit, WFU Media Relations
November 4, 2008 - 3:45 p.m.

Former Wake Forest All-Americans Webb Simpson and Kyle Reifers have both played their way into the season-ending Nationwide Tour Championship, which is starting this week in McKinney, Texas.

Simpson graduated this past May and turned pro shortly after last June's NCAA Championships. He has made just seven starts on the Nationwide Tour this season but has posted a pair of second place finishes, including making it to a playoff at the Chattanooga Classic last month.

With the Tour Championship coming up this week, Dave Lagarde a PGATOUR.COM Correspondent, wrote a nice article on Webb for pgatour.com. Check out his article by clicking here and tune into the golf channel Thursday through Sunday from 4 pm to 6:30 pm to see if Webb and Kyle can make it into The 25 and punch their ticket to the PGA Tour.

Men's Soccer: Reason No. 17 to Vote for Sam Cronin
Posted by Chad Crunk, WFU Media Relations
November 3, 2008 - 3:10 p.m.

During his freshman season, Sam Cronin helped limit opponents to seven or fewer shots on nine separate occasions.

Remember to vote for Sam for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award every day between now and November 19 here. Fans can also now vote by text messaging the code S2 to 839863. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Football: ACC Pick the Play
Posted by Scott Wortman, WFU Media Relations
November 3, 2008 - 2:45 p.m.

Wake Forest is included in this week's Pick the Play on TheACC.com. Alphonso Smith's game-ending interception of Thaddeus Lewis is a candidate for last weekend's top play in the conference. Click here to vote for Alphonso.

Men's Soccer: Reason No. 18 to Vote for Sam Cronin
Posted by Chad Crunk, WFU Media Relations
November 2, 2008 - 11:30 a.m.

Sam Cronin scored his sixth goal of the season in the Wake's 4-2 win over North Carolina on Saturday.

Remember to vote for Sam for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award every day between now and November 19 here. Fans can also now vote by text messaging the code S2 to 839863. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Friday Morning Updates-Getting Ready for the Blue Devils
Posted by Steve Shutt, WFU Media Relations
October 31, 2008 - 10:39 a.m.

Saturday's game with Duke is available only on ESPN360, ESPN's signature broadband TV network.  The game is available completely free to any student on campus (in fact, to any student on any U.S. college campus -- nearly 18 million people).  Click here to access the ESPN360 network player

ESPN360.com is available at no charge to fans who receive their high-speed Internet connection from an affiliated service provider.  It is available free to approximately 18 million students and military personnel via any computer on a U.S. campus or military base computer network.  Additionally, it has tripled its residential distribution in the past 20 months, and is available in 24 million households nationwide via more than 20 Internet
service providers around the country including AT&T, Verizon, RCN, Frontier, Cavalier, Charter, Mediacom, Conway, Grande Communications and more.

Fans wanting more information about ESPN360.com, which Internet services currently provide it, and how they can get it should go to www.espn360.com.

Here's the link to the ACC Coaches Teleconference for this week.

Another installment of This Week in ACC Football.

Criticism of Wake's offense is misplaced.

Matt Robinson is an inspiration to his teammates.

IMDB listing for The Fifth Quarter movie which will be filming at BB&T Field on Saturday.

Fun Fact:  Wake Forest is one of only nine schools to appear in the USA Today Coaches preseason poll in both football and basketball.  The Deacons were ranked 23rd in the preseason football and poll and are 24th in the basketball poll released this week.

The only other schools mentioned in both polls are Texas (10th in football. 8th in basketball), Tennessee (18/13), Oklahoma (4/14), Arizona State (16/15), Florida (5/19), USC (2/T21), Wisconsin (12/T21), and Kansas (13/23).

Men's Soccer: Reason No. 21 to Vote for Sam Cronin
Posted by Chad Crunk, WFU Media Relations
October 30, 2008 - 2:25 p.m.

Sam Cronin has played and started every game in his Wake Forest career. His current starting streak is now at 90 games.

Remember to vote for Sam for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award every day between now and November 19 here. Fans can also now vote by text messaging the code S2 to 839863. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Men's Soccer: Reason No. 22 to Vote for Sam Cronin
Posted by Chad Crunk, WFU Media Relations
October 29, 2008 - 4:35 p.m.

Sam Cronin is a three-time member of the ACC Academic Honor Roll.

Remember to vote for Sam for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award every day between now and November 19 here. Fans can also now vote by text messaging the code S2 to 839863. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Wake Forest Easy Reading
Posted by Steve Shutt, WFU Media Relations
October 29, 2008 - 3:59 p.m.

A little football, a little basketball, for your reading pleasure . . .

Demon Deacons repel critics of offense.

Struggling Wake Forest looks to find its way.

Here are the weekly quotes from the ACC Coaches' quotes from their campus press conferences.

The Deacons held a players only meeting on Monday.

Wake's offense is in need of a spark.

The Deacs are not ready to hit the panic button.

Return date for Sam Swank still up in the air.

Deacon attack turns offensive.

Is this Duke's time?

The Wake defense feels lack of turnovers.

The Sporting News has the Deacon basketball team ranked No. 17.

Wake Forest basketball is pleased with the play of freshman Tony Woods.

Men's Soccer: Reason No. 23 to Vote for Sam Cronin
Posted by Chad Crunk, WFU Media Relations
October 28, 2008 - 6:30 p.m.

Sam Cronin entered this semester with a 3.29 cumulative grade point average.

Remember to vote for Sam for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award every day between now and November 19 here. Fans can also now vote by text messaging the code S2 to 839863. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Men's Basketball: Deacons in the News
Posted by Scott Wortman, WFU Media Relations
October 28, 2008 - 3:30 p.m.

Here are a few Demon Deacon basketball clippings to get you revved up for next week's exhibition game at the Joel. Not included in these links is the fact that former Deacon Chris Paul adorned the cover of ESPN The Magazine's NBA Preview issue. He and Deron Williams were both on the cover, as The Mag posed the question as to which point guard is better. I think we all know the answer to that one...