June 7, 2004

Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State University, two Winston-Salem men's basketball programs rich in tradition and history, meet for the first time ever on the basketball hardwood in a Nov. 11 exhibition game at Lawrence Joel Coliseum, officials from both schools confirmed today.

Wake Forest, an NCAA Division I school, and Winston-Salem State, a Division II school, have never met in any sport other than track and field even though the campuses are located just 10 miles apart.

"This game is not only beneficial for both schools but for the city of Winston-Salem as well," Wake Forest athletic director Ron Wellman said. "These are two schools that have enjoyed great success within their own affiliation and it is time the two programs meet on the basketball court."

The opportunity for the Demon Deacons and Rams to play an exhibition game was enhanced when the NCAA prohibited Division I teams playing traveling all-star teams in exhibition games. Winston-Salem State will also play an exhibition game at North Carolina.

"We certainly appreciate the opportunity that this exhibition game offers us to build a relationship between Winston-Salem State University and Wake Forest University," Winston-Salem State athletic director Dr. Percy Caldwell said. "We all hope that this relationship can continue to grow as it relates to where we ultimately want to take WSSU Athletics in the future. It is great for not only fans of the Rams, but Demon Deacon fans as well as it will mark the first meeting between the two schools, and hopefully mark the inaugural battle between two very storied and historically great basketball programs. This is a great opportunity for the schools, and the fans of basketball alike."

The Nov. 11 exhibition game will technically be a home game for Wake Forest as exhibition games are a part of the Demon Deacon season ticket package. All remaining tickets, including tickets not picked up by Wake Forest students, will be available for Winston-Salem State fans and the general public.

Winston-Salem State has posted six consecutive winning seasons, including a 16-12 mark last year. Philip Stitt, entering his fourth season as the Rams' head coach, has produced a 53-33 overall record. Winston-Salem State had a youthful roster in 2003-04, including just three seniors.

"I have a great deal of respect for Coach Stitt and the Winston-Salem State program," Wake Forest head coach Skip Prosser said. "We know that their players will be well-coached and very enthused for this game. Because the two schools are located in the same city, it brings a little rivalry aspect to the game, making it more meaningful."

Wake Forest went 21-10, finished third in the ACC and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 last season. The Demon Deacons return 11 letterwinners, including all five starters, and will likely be ranked high in the national preseason polls.

Prosser, entering his fourth season with the Demon Deacons, has led Wake Forest to a 67-29 record in his tenure. His overall record is 232-107 in 11 seasons.

"This game, being the final exhibition game for us in the 2004-05 season will really allow us to find out where we are as a basketball team before we head into the regular season," Rams head coach Philip Stitt said. "To say this game will be a challenge for us is an understatement, but the team, and our fans, will be looking forward to it. It's great for these two schools which are across town from one another to finally get to meet. It will be a showcase for the many basketball fans in Winston-Salem."

Both schools own a proud basketball tradition. Wake Forest has won four ACC championships, earned 19 NCAA Tournament bids and advanced to the Final Four in 1962. Eleven Demon Deacons, including Tim Duncan and Winston-Salem native Josh Howard, have earned All-America honors. Winston-Salem State owns 10 CIAA championships and the Rams won the national title in 1967. Former coach Clarence "Bighouse" Gaines is the fourth-winningest coach in NCAA history with 828 wins. Earl "The Pearl" Monroe is the school's all-time leading scorer.

Both teams return the rookie of the year from their respective conference. Wake Forest's Chris Paul was the ACC Rookie of the Year and Winston-Salem State's Audly Wehner won the same honor in the CIAA.

There is some familiarity between the two programs. Wake Forest and Winston-Salem State have worked together in recent years to co-host youth clinics.