1. Helping the Community

An EF-2 tornado that hit earlier this week, hitting the Greensboro area hard. A group of former and current N.C. State Basketball players teamed up once again on Wednesday to help the people in their community clean up the devastation. The group, led by former Wolfpack guard and Greensboro native Sam Hunt, helped several areas throughout the community and also organized a supplies pickup station that included most needed items. Hunt about his effort to help his community and it was met with a great response. A large group of people – friends, teammates and otherwise – joined in to help. 

How awesome?!? As a State grad, I’m so incredibly proud of Sam and all those who gave of their time to help the community. This story brightened my day as I hope it did yours! 

2. Duel at the DBAP

UNC and N.C State met at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Tuesday in what was coined the Duel at the DBAP. The traditional, conference rivals faced each other in a non-conference matchup and it definitely met all expectations. The game was loaded with home runs, stellar pitching, and even a few web gem nominees. In the end, the Pack defeated the Tar Heels, 8-3, to keep rolling. The two foes will meet in a conference series in Raleigh starting on April 27.

3. More Accolades for Pack Swim/Dive

The Atlantic Coast Conference announced that N.C. State swimmer, Anton Ipsen, would be honored with ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the second straight year. Ipsen joins a whopping 20 Pack Swim/Dive members who already earned All-ACC Academic honors. You can read more about Ipsen’s honor here.

4. Happy Ann’y, Holes

Holes turned 15 years old this week. Wait, what?!? Many of my fellow millennials probably remember the film, based on a book of the same name by Louis Sachar, that chronicles the story of Stanley Yelnats.

One of the stars of the film, Khleo Thomas – or Hector Zeroni/Zero – has been celebrating the anniversary through a series of posts on social media. Additionally, Thomas has a clothing brand – Slick Living Apparel – in which he has designed and released several Zeroni-themed shirts. The shirts usually sell out each time they’re released so, in celebration of the 15-year anniversary, Thomas orchestrated a special, limited release of some Zeroni shirts. Let me tell ya, the shirts are off the chart!

I recall reading Sachar’s book back in grade school and then watching the film once it was released. I liked the book and I liked the film even more! Needless to say, I ended up buying a Zeroni shirt and I’m super stoked! Zero was my favorite character in the book and film for several reasons. Perhaps, most importantly, the message the character brought to the story. A message about standing up to those who bully you or tell you you’re not good enough. I can’t wait to get the shirt and wear it proudly!

5. Panthers’ Schedule Released

The Carolina Panthers’ schedule has been released – and it’s a doozy – but more on that later. What I want to talk about is the first game, a home opener against the Dallas Cowboys. Why am I pointing this one out, you ask? Well, my buddy – and former UNC receiving standout – Ryan Switzer is a member of the Cowboys and I’d love to see him play in person once again! Switz is one of my all-time favorite Carolina Football players – you can see why I say that here – so I definitely have this game circled on the calendar.

Thanks For Reading