The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/157974
In Their Blood The Gentry Family Is All NC State F By Jacey Zembal or almost a decade, the Gentry family has become synonymous with NC State athletics. From 2008 through likely 2015, at least one Gentry will have worn an NC State uniform. NCSU fifth-year senior middle linebacker and special teams ace Zach Gentry is hoping to go out with a bang in his last year, while sophomore forward Caroline Gentry is part of a young nucleus on the Wolfpack women's soccer team. Taylor Gentry played fullback for State from 2008-11, and is now living in Greensboro, N.C., and working in sales. Caroline is the youngest in the family and turns 20 Sept. 20. Zach is 22 and Taylor turned 24 in late August. The roots to NC State have grown deep. "My dad [Rick] went here and he loved NC State," Zach said. "My mom [Kathryn] was the featured baton twirler here. My dad said, 'One day boys, you are going to be on that field.' I was a little kid and I was thinking, 'There is no way.' I worked hard, and now I am here." Both Taylor and Zach arrived at NC State as walk-ons, but worked hard to earn scholarships. Taylor finished his NC State career with 38 catches for 313 yards and five touchdowns, including a pair of scores against South Alabama his senior year before he got injured in the fifth game against Georgia Tech. The 6-1, 233-pound Zach had a scholarship offer to Wingate, but followed the same path as his older brother and walked on at NC State. Former Wolfpack offensive coordinator Dana Bible, whose son played at Leesville Road High with the Gentrys, gave Zach his chance. Zach was a standout running back and cornerback at Raleigh Leesville Road — he had 10 interceptions his senior year — and started off playing running back at NCSU Fifth-year senior middle linebacker Zach Gentry (49) and his brother Taylor (47), a fullback from 2008-11, both arrived at NC State as walk-ons, but earned scholarships. Photo by ken martin 58 ■ the wolfpacker 58,60.Gentry Family.indd 58 8/23/13 2:50 PM