The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/672211
10 ■ THE WOLFPACKER First of all, I want to thank Wolfpack Nation for coming out to this year's Kay Yow Spring Game. Our fans' passion for NC State football and their support for us translated to great support for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. This year, a little over $10,000 was raised for scientific research and related programs focused on wom- en's cancers. When I told the team that we would be taking the field through a tunnel formed by women who are battling cancer or were cancer survivors, it put a lot of things into perspective for some of them. I think almost every one of them has known someone who has been affected by this terrible disease. For us to go play a game that raises so much money for an important cause is a great honor and is another reason why this is a special place. The biggest takeaway from our spring practices was the building of chemistry — not only between our players, but also between our players and coaches. With everything these players have going on in their lives, they had to learn a new offensive system. I was really proud of the progress we made on that side of the ball. We have a lot of great playmakers that we need to uti- lize, which is a challenge but a good one to have. On defense, I was glad to see us build on the foundation that was set last season. We have solid experience coming back and the players on defense have shown a lot of growth individually and as a unit. I meet with every player on the team after spring practices to go over their in- dividual goals and my expectations with them. One thing I ask them is what their goal is for next season. Every one of them has said that their goal is to win a cham- pionship. Although talk is cheap, I was happy to hear them say this. Heading into the summer months, now is the time to put their words into action. That is what 1Pack- 1Goal is all about: a united mission to win a championship! Everyone involved in the program has to be totally committed to our championship mindset. Along with all of the great alumni who come back for our spring game, we were truly honored to have Philip Rivers back in town. He spoke to the team before we took the field, and it was such a powerful and moving speech. What I took away from it was his expectations of Wolfpack Football: Hard, Tough, Together. As many of you know, Philip is a really passionate person and when he spoke, he wasn't just saying something that sounded good. He spoke from the heart. He is a true champion, and it was a great experience for our team to hear him talk. I want to send out a big congrats to the swimming and diving relay team and our cheerleading team on their national championships. We also had many indi- viduals win conference championships in their sport that deserve great recognition. I am so proud to work for a university where championships are won across all sports. What an amazing accomplishment by these players, teams and the coaching staffs. As we head into the summer, our players will get a short break before they get back into the weight room. Under the guidance of our new head strength and conditioning coach, Dantonio "Thunder Dan" Burnette, I am confident that our team will be the healthiest, strongest and fastest we have ever been when we report for fall camp. I can't tell you how excited I am for this fall to get here. We face one of the tough- est schedules in the ACC and country. I told the team that they came to NC State to perform on the big stage and it doesn't get much bigger than this schedule. I have a team of HARD and TOUGH players and if we do it TOGETHER, there is no stopping us. 1Pack1Goal, Coach Doeren ■ From Head Football Coach Dave Doeren PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE MEDIA RELATIONS