Although the “Our State” slogan has been a very successful marketing campaign, I agree that N.C. State should adopt a new one after this year. But to say that the Wolfpack has been “owned” by its in-state rivals and have ALWAYS been second to Duke and Carolina in BOTH basketball and football is ignorant and offensive to Wolfpack Nation. 

   When Everett Case brought big-time basketball to the south, N.C. State dominated its in-state rivals in the 40s and 50s. Under Maravich, Sloan, and Valvano, State was highly competitive against their cross-town opponents throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s.

    And for football? N.C. State did not have a scholarship football player until 1933. This was not the case for Carolina, and it showed for 50 years, causing the lopsided overall series record that baby-blue homers love to fall back on. Since the ACC era began in 1953, and State became a legitimate program, Carolina holds a narrow 33-27 series lead. Not to mention, we have claimed five of the last six meetings.

   Sadly, Duke football owns a slight 40-36-5 series advantage over the Wolfpack. However, N.C. State football holds a 63-37-6 record over Wake Forest and a 16-11 edge against East Carolina.

   The “Our State” slogan was bold and has caught fire with Wolfpack fans everywhere. But if our athletic programs cannot back up the “State”-ment, then it leaves us subject to being the ACC’s butt of the joke. 

   Let’s be honest, it will be a hell of a task to claim dominance across the athletic board against our victory-rich rivals.

   Should we come up with a new slogan for next year? Probably. Have we always been the red-headed stepchild to Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill!? No. 

Weston Suggs

junior, communication