Pack fans support Lowe

New coach lauded by diverse crowd

RALEIGH -- In 1983, Sidney Lowe was a talented, popular point guard who helped steer N.C. State's basketball team to the national championship.

On Tuesday night at the McKimmon Center, he was reminded again that his popularity among Wolfpack fans and friends hasn't waned with the passage of time.

A diverse crowd of about 300 filed in to cheer and welcome again State's new basketball coach and his staff.

"It wasn't a surprise because I know how our fans are, but it was overwhelming," said Lowe, touched by the festive reception that included the presence of N.C. State chancellor James Oblinger, athletics director Lee Fowler and Raleigh Mayor Pro-Tem James West.

Before speaking briefly, Lowe spent almost 45 minutes in a receiving line greeting each person who attended the event that was sponsored by the Vice Provost for Diversity and African American Affairs, the N.C. State Black Alumni Society and the Wolfpack Club.

It was a pep rally atmosphere with State's cheerleaders, pep band and Mr. Wuf howling for Lowe and his assistants. During the official ceremony, the night was hailed as "historic" with Lowe being recognized as the first black basketball coach at a Big Four school.

"I'm very excited about it,'' said Everett Dudley, an African-American and former N.C. State student. "I think it's time for a school in North Carolina to give a black coach a chance, and I'm glad the Wolfpack decided to be the first one to do it."

Dudley said the Pack might struggle early, but he expressed confidence that Lowe, "with his charisma" and NBA history, will lure elite recruits.

Longtime fan Pete Roehner said he's elated to see Lowe leading the Pack and dreams of another Cinderella "ride" like the '83 team produced.

"But we have to rebuild," Roehner said.

Oblinger revved up the crowd as much as the cheerleaders, thrusting his fist and exhorting: "Can you feel it? Can you feel it?"

The crowd responded: "Yeah!"

Oblinger also said the hiring of Lowe, and others, affirmed State's commitment to "inclusivity and diversity."

West lauded Oblinger's "ideal of inclusion" and the appointment of Lowe.

Lowe landed the job on impressive credentials after an extensive search by Fowler. He played for legendary DeMatha coach Morgan Wootten in high school, national championship coaches Norm Sloan and Jim Valvano at State, then played and coached in the NBA.

"If it is historical, then it is what it is," Lowe said. "I'm blessed to have this opportunity. I understand and appreciate the support from the African-American community and N.C. State fans."

In his brief talk, Lowe didn't make any bold predictions or analyze his team, but he said he's excited about his first squad.

"We will try to do the best we can as a staff," he said later. "We want them to play as hard as they can and do well academically. That's my job."

It's a challenging job, but then so was grinding to the 1983 national championship nobody thought State could win.

Catherine Outen was among the multitude of fans who saw that team play and then met the winning Wolfpack at the airport.

"We enjoyed his [Lowe's] style of play then and look forward to the same,'' she said. "It's awesome to have him back."