The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/759726
WHEREARETHEYNOW? Francis' two sons, Chris and Ryan, grew up embedded in Wolfpack athletics. Chris and his dad both chuckle at the memory of a 1980s basketball game against North Caro- lina in Reynolds Coliseum when Chris was serving as a ball boy. Though he was supposed to be neutral, at a critical point in the game with a Tar Heel player on the line, he stood under the basket, waving his arms and towel trying to distract the shooter. The two boys literally grew up on the fields and courts of Wolfpack athletics. "The Combs family is one of the great NC State families of all time," said Wolfpack Club executive director Bobby Purcell. "They have a great pedigree of Wolfpack athletics. And, even though they were all are excellent athletes, the kind of people they are is even THE COMBS The Combs — from left to right: Ryan, Freddie, Francis and Chris — combined to earn 15 letters for the NC State baseball team, while Freddie and Francis also played football during their careers. PHOTO COURTESY COMBS FAMILY Freddie (left) and Francis Combs led NC State baseball to its first College World Series ap- pearance in 1968. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE MEDIA RELATIONS