The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/197085
■ From Head Football Coach Dave Doeren Hello Wolfpack Nation, We have reached the mid-point of our season, and although the record is not what I hoped it would be, we are improving every week. I do not talk to the team about winning championships but talk to them about winning the day. When you are building a program like we are doing, there are a lot of learning experiences along the way. We instill in our players the core values of the team that will not only make us a great program but will develop them as men. Some of these core values are hard work, discipline, perseverance and loyalty. Every day we teach our players the importance of coming to work and giving 100 percent effort, not only for themselves but also for their teammates. Even though they might not see the immediate reward for their work, we are in the process of laying the foundation to build something that will be around for a long time. It takes time, and it takes consistent and continuous hard work. I talk to the players about playing a one-game season every week. We cannot worry about the previous game or future opponents. We have to worry about what is directly in front of us. All I ask of them is that every week they learn from their mistakes and continue to get better. If 115 players can do this week after week, there is no limit for this team. Along with preparing the team for success on the field, I feel that it is also my duty to prepare these men for life outside of football. One thing I wanted to bring to the team was a source for spiritual guidance. I think that it is important that we have someone available for our players who they can go to and talk with about their spiritual life. I heard about Al Byrd from one of his friends who had mentioned that he might be interested. When I first met Al, I could feel his passion for his faith and for the NC State Football program. Al played football at NC State in the 1980s and loves the Wolfpack. Al accepted the job of Team Chaplain, and he is a huge addition to my staff. Al holds weekly Bible studies and is a great resource for our players, and they are benefiting greatly from him being around. As some of you may have seen, Fox Sports South did a special on the program leading up to our first game. They approached me last March about the opportunity for the show. They were given all-access to everything inside our program from workouts to meetings and to the locker room. They wanted to capture the ups and downs of our journey together. I think it came out fantastic, and it really captured the true atmosphere of the team. Along with being a great recruiting tool, I think it gave the fans a great look into the program and a rare behind-the-scenes view into our day-to-day lives. *** I am excited to unveil the first renderings for our brand new indoor practice facility. We are still in the very early stages of the process, but it is exciting to see the vision begin to come to life. We have great people at this university working out all of the logistics of the facility, and we will soon start the fundraising needed to start the building process. I am confident that with all of the great support we have, this project will be completed sooner than we think. As you know, every minute of practice time is crucial, and in case of bad weather, we will now have a place to prepare properly. This facility will make sure that we have the best conditions for practice and is very important for our success. I want to thank you for your continuous support. I really believe that the Wolfpack Faithful are the best fans in the country, and I am so grateful to be coaching here at NC State. This Is Our State! Coach Doeren 1Pack1Goal Computer renderings show the proposed plans for a new indoor practice facility for the Wolfpack football team. images courtesy nc state media relations November 2013 ■ 11 11.Doeren Letter.indd 11 10/22/13 1:17 PM