2007 Orange Bowl

Looking back at a pivotal Wake Forest moment

By Wake Forest University

Live from the Orange Bowl!

Wake Forest won the ACC football championship game in December, 2006, and received an invitation to the 2007 Orange Bowl in Miami. To say that this was a big deal is something of an understatement: the only other Wake Forest football championship had occurred 36 years previously. The Deacons, under fifth-year head coach Jim Grobe, had been picked to finish last in the ACC in pre-season polling. Instead, the team had the first 10-win season in program history and finished ranked 17th in the nation.

Tens of thousands of Wake Foresters went to Miami, including three staff members from the communications office: writer Kerry King, web developer Matt Nelkin, and photographer Ken Bennett. Together they built and wrote a very popular blog in the days leading up to the game (see the blog here). This photo story attempts to capture some of the spirit of the event. It is organized in the same way the blog is -- a day-by-day chronology of their experiences. We hope you enjoy it.

December 28

The football team holds its first practice in Miami; the head coaches meet the Orange Bowl mascot; and the team visits a children's hospital.

December 29

The team hotel hosts a beach party for players, staff, and their families.

December 30 & 31

Wake Forest fans start to arrive in greater numbers, and many of them visit the team hotel to chat with our writer.

January 1

Wake Foresters continue to pour into Miami, and the football players sign autographs in the lobby. There is a final press conference with the two head coaches, then the team heads to Dolphin Stadium for a team photo and a look around, followed by a team dinner.