The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1466831
TRACKING THE PACK MAY/JUNE 2022 ■ 17 LuJames "Gino" Groover III One of the most significant additions to the NC State baseball roster this season has been Charlotte transfer LuJames Groover III. Groover goes by the nickname "Gino," and he's starting to be known on a nickname basis by fans of the NC State baseball team. Groover had a 24-game hitting streak snapped on April 24. Through 42 games, he led the team in runs scored (50), on-base percentage (.450) and hits (66), and he was second in batting average (.369) and tied for third in doubles (10). Groover has also shown an ability to play multiple positions defensively, settling in at first base much of the time. Here is your chance to learn more about LuJames Groover III, native of Morrow, Ga., off the field. Why the nickname Gino? "Gino is a nickname that was given to my dad when he was younger. When I was born, I became Little Gino. Actually, I didn't go by Gino until eighth grade. Before then I was called LuJames." Best movie you have seen? "Blade, with Wesley Snipes. One, two and three, it doesn't really matter." Favorite concert you have been to? "I have never been to a concert actually, but I would like to go one day." What concert would you like to see? "Probably Lil Baby." How much thought do you put into your walk-up music? "I was actually just talking about changing one of my walk-up songs. "Hitting is rhythm, and some - times when I am in the box I like to be thinking of a song. As a pitcher, their job is to get a hitter off rhythm. My job is to be on time and have rhythm. When I walk up there and get into the rhythm of a song it helps me." If you hit a good percentage with a certain song: "I'm playing that song." Besides baseball, what's your favorite sport? "Basketball." Who's an athlete you looked up to? "When I was young, I wanted to model my game after Derek Jeter. I was a shortstop growing up. I wore No. 4, but other than the num - ber, I wanted to be just like Derek Jeter. I even have some of his books." Were you a Yankees fan? "I really didn't have a team when I was younger. I mostly just watched the game and the players." What is your go-to restaurant? "There's this one place called American Deli. There's one around here, probably 10-15 minutes away. There was one five minutes away from my house. "They have a lot of things, but for me, I go for the wings. Wings are my favorite food." What kind of sauce do you prefer on your wings? "Hot with lemon pepper sprinkles." What's your favorite moment on the baseball team: "That walk-off [home run] I had earlier this year against Quinnipiac." What's the last show you binge-watched on TV: "Lucifer. I will recommend it. There are six seasons, I think. I probably watched it in two weeks." What's your favorite ballpark that you have seen in per - son: "Mainly the only games I have been to for MLB are the Braves. I have been to both of their stadiums. There have been some pretty good college parks, but I'll say Turner Field, the old one in the south part of Atlanta." Do you have a go-to spot on campus to hang out yet? "I just hang with teammates. I am either in my own room or hanging with some teammates." In one word, how would you describe Coach Avent: "Character." — Matt Carter GETTING TO KNOW Groover led the Wolfpack in hits (66), runs scored (50) and on- base percentage (.450) through the first 42 games. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE ATHLETICS Etch your name into Wolfpack History WOLF TRACKS DONOR WALL Help fulfill the vision by leaving your legacy etched on the Wolf Tracks wall in the newly renovated Walk of Fame & History in Reynolds Coliseum. • Orders will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Orders cannot be filled after the 700 spaces are sold. • You will receive a confirmation email within 30 days of your order. Please review it carefully. If corrections are required, please notify us at majorgifts@wolfpackclub.com or 919-865-1500. • In order for the Wolfpack Club to accommodate requests for plaques to be placed next to each other, these orders must be placed together with proper instructions. Every effort will be made to accommodate these requests. • Your message must fit within the spaces provided on the plaque size. • All text will be a standard size, font, and style. Greek letters and other symbols not found on a standard keyboard may not be used. • The Wolfpack Club reserves the right to exclude orders that it deems to contain inappropriate language. • The Wolfpack Club will determine the final placement of all plaques. • Message area is 330 characters maximum, with a signature line of 75 characters. Plaques are $5,000, payable over 5 years to the Wolfpack Club. NC State Student Aid Association | PO Box 37100, Raleigh, NC 27627 | 919.865.1500 | www.wolfpackclub.com To secure your Wolf Tracks, please visit www.wolfpackclub.com/wolftracks. wolf tracks half page.indd 1 8/21/2018 10:45:16 AM