The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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MAY 2018 ■ 17 TRACKING THE PACK Chris Cammack, the fearless freshman third baseman from Fayetteville on NC State's 1968 College World Series team and one of the few players in league history to earn first-team All-ACC honors four consecutive years, will be inducted posthumously into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame as part of the 2018 class. Cammack, the 1969 ACC Player of the Year, died after a long bout with esophageal cancer on June 10, 2016, at the age of 67. He will be inducted in early May as part of the 15-member class. At Fayetteville (N.C.) High School, Cammack was a multisport star that not only played baseball but also teamed with future NC State forward and 1970 ACC Tournament Most Valuable Player Vann Williford to win a state basketball championship. He was drafted to play professional baseball four different times, but never signed a contract. Instead, he chose to play at NC State and pursue a degree in economics. As a freshman in 1968, he teamed with pitcher and roommate Mike Caldwell to lead the Wolfpack on its first trip to the College World Series. The following year he hit .429 with two home runs, 16 RBI and 10 stolen bases, and was named the league's top player. "He absolutely could have played Major League Baseball," Caldwell once said of his former teammate and best friend. "But he did all right in the busi- ness world. I don't think he ever had any regrets." Cammack didn't like his final contract offer to play professional baseball. Instead, he started successful insurance businesses in Charlotte and Fayette- ville, fueling his competitive desires by playing competitive slow-pitch soft- ball, running marathons and becoming a low-handicap weekend golfer. "This is a well-deserved honor," Caldwell said at the 50th anniversary of the 1968 team. "Chris was a fearless player who accomplished so many things in his life. He loved to play baseball." — Tim Peeler Chris Cammack was a four-time All-ACC performer and the 1969 ACC Player of the Year. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE MEDIA RELATIONS Wyatt Walker didn't need a third official visit because he had made up his mind. The Samford graduate transfer elected to verbally commit to NC State over Wis- consin and Oklahoma State April 27. He had known his intentions a few days after returning from his second official visit, to the Badgers April 20-22. The 6-9, 240-pounder from Jacksonville, Fla., felt NC State with second-year head coach Kevin Keatts was the best place for him to spend his final two years of college eligibility. He'll give the Wolfpack nine newcomers for the 2018-19 season. Walker said Keatts was pretty excited when he informed the coach of his decision. "I love Coach Keatts and think he is a winner," said Walker, who was set to graduate from Samford in three years. "I think he'll win wherever he goes. He won at Har - grave, he won at UNCW and he won last year." NC State compiled a 21-12 overall record this past sea- son and has four returning players, though three others were able to practice while redshirting. Playing in the NCAA Tournament was a driving force for Walker. Samford's 2017-18 season came undone when he tore the meniscus in his knee during the second contest. The Bulldogs went 34-34 during the games he was healthy the last three years. Walker's pre-existing relationship with Keatts, assistant coach Takayo Siddle and director of operations Thomas Carr paid off in landing him. The trio had recruited Walker when he originally picked Samford. Walker averaged 12.9 points and 9.7 rebounds per game during his sophomore year in 2016-17. After electing to leave Samford this spring, he was able to officially visit NC State with his parents and younger brother April 13-15. He had also gotten some scoop on the Wolfpack and the ACC in general from for - mer Jacksonville (Fla.) Providence teammate Grayson Allen of Duke. Walker was able to meet some of the returning players during his official visit and watched some video of the various newcomers. "I think it's a good group of guys, and I loved the team while I was there," said Walker, who will earn his market- ing degree May 11 and arrive in Raleigh May 15. "The whole team and staff are just humble and hungry. "They just want to win, get better and have fun doing it. That is what I want to do." Walker didn't feel Wisconsin was the best fit for him following the official visit, and he then canceled his official visit to Oklahoma State that was schedule for April 27-29. "My family is all excited," Walker said. "Out of the three places, Raleigh is the closest, about six and a half hours from my house. I think they are excited to come see me." Walker has played established programs such as Ar - kansas, Cincinnati, Florida State, Louisville, Texas and Nebraska. He is definitely looking forward to testing his skills in the ACC. "Whenever you are a little kid, you are in your driveway and shooting shots, or later playing at the YMCA or AAU ball, you dream of playing in those arenas," Walker said. "You dream of playing at Cameron [at Duke] or playing against UNC. "You can be a part of something that is so much bigger than yourself. That is just a blessing." Walker's knee is fully healthy, and the next assignment is to get in playing shape. "I want to get back to where I'm strong, explosive and lean," Walker said. "I have great footwork, and I'm crafty around the rim. I'm a great passer and good defender. "I need to work more on my perimeter shot and being a ball-screen defender." — Jacey Zembal NC State Lands Graduate Transfer Wyatt Walker To Bolster Interior Walker — a 6-9, 240-pound center — aver- aged 12.9 points and 9.7 rebounds per game during his sophomore year at Samford in 2016-17. PHOTO COURTESY SAMFORD Former Pack Baseball Star Inducted Into North Carolina Sports Hall Of Fame