Athletics
How ’bout them Deacs?!
On October 18, 1888, Wake Forest defeated the University of North Carolina 3-2 in the first college football game played in the state of North Carolina. Since then, the Demon Deacons have been dominating opponents in one of the nation’s premier athletic conferences for years. As the smallest school in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Wake Forest continually proves that it’s not the size of the school in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the school. We compete—and win—at the highest level of collegiate athletics.
“Screamin’ Demons is the heart of the student section.”
– Clay Matthews (’26)
Screamin’ Demons
Once known by such names as “Deac Freaks” and labeled as one of the best student sections in the country, “Screamin’ Demons” began as a fraction of the Wake Forest student section at football and basketball games. Nationally recognized for their enthusiastic behavior and tie-dye regalia, the Screamin’ Demons provide that sixth and 12th man advantage that has propelled the Demon Deacons to major victories, including NCAA basketball tournament appearances, ACC regular season titles, football bowl games across the country and a signature ACC football championship in 2006. Screamin’ Demons continues to be a vital part of students’ undergraduate experience and provides the opportunity for every student to become a part of the game. You’ll often hear them chanting to the Deacon Drum Beat!
Tie-Dye Nation
A tradition as old as the Tobacco Road basketball rivalry it celebrates, Tie-Dye Nation comes alive when we welcome Big Four rivals, Duke and UNC Chapel Hill, to DEACTOWN for a storied ACC rivalry showdown—typically in front of a sold-out crowd of 12,800 strong. Demon Deacons show up and show out in their tie-dye themed apparel and with a sixth man spirit for the marquee event. Two of the most highly anticipated faceoffs of the basketball season, these games are nationally televised on ESPN, but we HIGHLY doubt you want to be at home for these.
Before we #PackTheJoel, these games typically feature a customized Screamin’ Demon Fan Zone experience for students with pregame activities, including music, free food and drinks, a handful of exclusive student giveaways, and a limited amount of exclusive tie-dye merchandise for purchase while supplies last.
Let’s just say it’s a pretty big deal.
Fun Facts
- Wake Forest has won 59 ACC Championships.
- 4 former Wake Forest golfers have won a total of 11 major championships, which is the third most of any university.
- The Deacons took the crown in 1955 as the first ACC school to win baseball’s College World Series.
- Brian Piccolo, the subject of the acclaimed movie “Brian’s Song,” was the 1964 ACC player of the year for the Deacs.
- Nine NCAA Championships have been claimed by the following teams: field hockey (2002, 2003, 2004); men’s golf (1974, 1975, 1986); baseball (1955); men’s soccer (2007); and men’s tennis (2018).
- Arnold Palmer, golf legend and former Wake Forest student, won the inaugural ACC championship in 1954.
- Other Notable Deacons: Tim Duncan, Chris Paul, Webb Simpson, Bill Haas, John Collins, Jack Harrison and Laura Diaz.