The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1516111
MARCH/APRIL 2024 ■ 27 mentioned that he was at the hospi- tal getting ready for what was expected to be a minor procedure to treat blood clots in his lungs, sort of the same is- sue that caused Spence to pass out last spring on the floor of his Raleigh home. "Well, I've got to go," Rivers said as hospital personnel rolled him toward the operating room on a gurney. Spence, still recovering from his own health issues, was concerned, with good reason. On the way to the operating room, Rivers had a heart attack. On his way to an intensive care unit, he had another and died before he could receive treat- ment. "It wasn't like he was calling to say goodbye that morning," Spence said. "He was just calling like we always do." Rivers' death was a mortal blow to the surviving members of NC State's greatest team. They've now lost four teammates, coaches Norm Sloan and Sam Esposito, spouses and countless friends. Rivers was preceded by Dwight Johnson, Bill Lake and Bruce Dayhuff. "Each one was like losing a piece of our heart," Burleson said. Gathering In Raleigh With those gaps in the lineup, the team was set to gather at PNC Arena on Feb. 24 during a game against Boston College to celebrate the 50th anniver- sary of their celebrated championship. It was certain to be a joyously sad event, not just because of the ovation they were sure to receive but also because of the ears not there to hear it. Mostly, they've all retired now. Except for point guard Monte Towe, who likely will never stop coaching until he can no longer move. He's coaching a high school team in Gainesville, Fla., where he moved after leaving NC State's bas- ketball coaching staff. Tim Stoddard, a former major league pitcher, is continuing his 30-year career as a college pitching coach at Division III North Central College in Naperville, Ill. The 1974 National Champions David, Tommy, Monte, Moe, Tim, Phil. Mark, Greg, Steve, Craig, Dwight, Bill. Mike, Jerry, Bruce and Ken, Made up this awesome team. To become National Champs, We fulfilled our wildest dream. We've gathered to celebrate our 50th anniversary Of that very special year. To Moe, Dwight, Bill and Bruce, We wish you were still here. We had the shortest of the short, And the tallest of the tall. We had a great player, Who was better than them all. The complementary role players Did more than just their part. Coach Norm Sloan's champions, Played with a lot of heart. Coaches Biedenbach, Esposito and Musselman, Helped prepare us to pass that test. When ranking the all-time greatest teams, We're proud to be one of the best. We averaged 91 points a game, With no 3-pointer or shot clock. We played hard for our fans, Because they made Reynolds rock. We won six championships that season, Including the ACC's greatest game. We stopped UCLA's dynasty, And we're in the Wolfpack Hall of Fame. Go Pack! Phil Spence February 7, 2024 David Thompson soars to block the shot of 6-11 All-America center Bill Walton in the Pack's two-overtime semifinal win over UCLA, ending the Bruins' run of seven straight national titles. PHOTO BY ED CARAM