The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/223560
(Left to right) Beverly Shavlik, the widow of men's basketball legend Ronnie Shavlik, baseball great Mike Caldwell, women's cross country and track and field national champion Betty Springs Geiger, and men's swimming national champion Steve Gregg were all honored guests at the ceremony. Photos courtesy nc state media relations "It was exciting to be part of something like that, to be part of a championship team," said Springs, whose husband Rollie Geiger remains as NC State head coach for men's cross country and men's and women's track and field. "Being inducted into the hall of fame has rekindled all of those great memories from that time." Caldwell also ties most of his great memories to his teammates, especially those from his freshman season when head coach Sam Esposito led the ragtag group he called his "River Rats" to its first-ever appearance in the College World Series. Caldwell was an important part of the team, pitching the Pack to wins over Wake Forest to win the ACC title and Florida State to win the District III championship. He went on to win ACC Pitcher of the Year honors in 1971. But that CWS team remains relevant, especially last summer when the Wolfpack won the Raleigh Super Regional and returned to Omaha, Neb., for the first time in 45 years. "It became a badge of courage for us, to be the only team to go the World Series," said Caldwell, who continues to work as a scout for major league baseball. "But we were all excited to see another NC State team go. They kind of took us under their wings and made us feel a part of it all." In that way, the "stray dogs" and "river rats" of the past are still connected to the budding superstars who are on campus now, hoping to seize the opportunities they have been given. ■ You may contact Tim Peeler at tmpeeler@ncsu.edu. Mike Sloan and Joan Sloan, the son and widow, respectively, of men's basketball coaching legend Norm Sloan, are shown along with chancellor Randy Woodson and athletics director Debbie Yow. Photos courtesy nc state media relations 24 ■ the wolfpacker 20-22,24.Hall Of Fame.indd 24 12/5/13 3:35 PM