The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/141892
Wild F Ride The Pack Baseball Team Went On An Unforgettable Run To The College World Series By Bruce Winkworth or 45 years, ever since 1968, NC State baseball teams knocked on the door to the College World Series only to be turned away. There were countless near misses, and many great players performed valiantly only to fall short of Omaha. Throughout that time, the Wolfpack coaches, players and fans heard stories of the great experience awaiting them when they finally returned to the CWS. They heard how the fans of Omaha embrace and support the teams and players, how the atmosphere at the games is so electrifying, how the media spotlight is such a lovefest, and how the national TV exposure is such a boon to recruiting. All of that — the 45-year wait, the stories, the reputation of Omaha and the Col- lege World Series — combined to make the 2013 Wolfpack's return to the CWS that much more gratifying. "For the players and the parents and the fans, there's nothing like it, the way they were treated by the people of Omaha," Wolfpack head coach Elliott Avent said. "It just made them feel special, and I thought ■ Team Of The Year that was awesome. Then there was the stadium itself. Because of that stadium, 25,000-plus people at every game, it made every game a great experience." The road to Omaha was not an easy one. The Wolfpack had to deal with unprecedented high expectations to begin the season, followed by a disappointing start marked by inconsistent play and a rash of 128 ■ the wolfpacker 128-130.Team of the Year.indd 128 7/1/13 10:14 AM