Sports

This year has been a tremendous experience for the Old Gold & Black sports section as our writers have been able to cover one of the most successful years in Demon Deacon athletics history.

Extraordinary leadership from Wake Forest Football Head Coach Dave Clawson and quarterback Sam Hartman led the Demon Deacons to a seventh-straight bowl appearance — and second-straight bowl victory. Hartman and star receiver A.T. Perry broke school records in passing yards and receiving touchdowns, respectively. 

The men’s basketball program experienced tremendous success throughout the season, with Tyree Appleby producing an AP ACC Player of the Year-worthy statline. Head Coach Steve Forbes clinched back-to-back winning records for Wake Forest for the first time since the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons.

The Demon Deacons’ men’s soccer team had a spectacular season. After multiple wins against top-10-ranked outfits like No. 10 Clemson and No. 9 Louisville, Head Coach Bobby Muuss’ program went to their 12th-straight NCAA Tournament appearance.

Meanwhile, on the baseball diamond, the No. 2 Demon Deacons have launched themselves into the spotlight with an extraordinary pitching staff and a loaded lineup of bats. Head Coach Tom Walter’s squad have their eyes on Omaha to capture a possible second NCAA baseball championship.

Not only have we been able to cover historic seasons in the programs across campus, we’ve also been able to show you an inside look at your favorite players throughout campus through our “Deacon Sportlight” series.

From men’s soccer star Leo Guarino to women’s basketball star Jewel Spear, our series has delved into the players themselves, from their favorite moments of their careers thus far to their childhood heroes to opinions on pineapple on pizza.

Writers have also examined aspects of Wake Forest athletics that go deeper than sports. Reflections on seasons impacted by COVID-19 and the state of mental health stigma took the Old Gold & Black behind the scenes of the programs the Demon Deacon faithful love to cheer for. This extended to those that help the school’s sports run smoothly beside athletes, such as baseball’s Analytics Team. 

It’s been a tremendous year for Wake Forest sports in general, and our section looks forward to bringing the best coverage of Demon Deacon athletics next year.