The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1000643
JULY 2018 ■ 161 ■ PACK PAST Kiffin was let go after compiling a 16‑17 record — two 6‑5 seasons surrounding a 4‑7 mark. During Avery's sophomore season, the back ran the familiar veer offense that Holtz and Rein popularized in the ACC. As a junior, the team switched to a power‑I formation. As a senior, the team went back to the veer offense, but ran more of a pro set to take advantage of Avery's passing abilities. "I take full responsibility for what our offense was during those years," said Av‑ ery, whose career ended after a dramatic comeback victory over Duke to assure a winning season and a 41‑3 loss at Miami in which he was sacked nine times to end the team's bowl aspirations. "When you sign up for that position, you take responsibil‑ ity for what happens when you are under center." Avery ended his career as the school's all‑time leader with 547 pass attempts, a record that has been broken by each suc‑ cessive quarterback that has started two or more years for the Wolfpack since then. He finished with 3,335 yards, 17 touchdowns and 32 interceptions in 31 games played. He spent one season playing for different teams in the Canadian Football League, but decided to enlist in the Army in 1984. During 20 years of service, he spent time at Fort Knox in Kentucky and saw ac‑ tion while based for 15 years in Germany, where he married and had three daughters. Avery returned to Houston for his fi‑ nal five years in the Army, serving as a military science instructor at the University of Houston. He completed his bachelor's degree at Texas Southern University and earned graduate degrees at Excelsior and Houston. When he was hired at Clayton High in 2005, he immediately won Johnston Coun‑ ty's First‑Year Teaching Award as a coach and teacher at the school. After five years, he returned to his alma mater, South John‑ ston, as an assistant principal. Now, as a middle school principal, Avery concentrates on developing students who are not so different than he was at that age. He finds ways to relate to them, helps them navigate the difficult world of middle school and doles out dual lessons of being accountable and responsible. "At this age, it's all about building rela‑ tionships and finding out where these stu‑ dents are in their lives," Avery said. "You don't just go out and make them do what you want. You have to find ways to relate and build relationships. "That is the biggest part of my job." ■ WOLFPACKER • PO BOX 2331 • DURHAM, NC 27702 • 1-800-421-7751 Mr. Wuf Huggle Hound www.TheWolfpackerOnline.com/Store Available in 2 Sizes: 9" Small $19.99 + $5 S&H Item #2170-SM 15" Large $24.99 + $5 S&H Item #2170-LG • Corduroy plush with knotted limbs for gnawing • Squeakers in tummy and each paw • Made with exclusive Tuffut Technology®, known for its durable, unique three layer construction and identified by its signature Firefly Green color • The strongest, cutest and most ridiculously soft dog toy made! Pre-Order Now! Expected To Arrive Late July NC, IN & MI Residents Add Sales Tax NEW! 7 Days a week Low Rates • • Various sizes available • Fenced/lighted/cameras • Insurance • Personal • Commercial • Boats • RVs • Mobile homes • Trucks • Outside storage available 2107 Hwy. 70 East, Garner 27529 Take I-40E Exit 306 to 70 E. Go 1 mile on the left Instrumentation Calibration S C A D A SCADA PLC Systems Custom Control VFD Panels Control Systems Upgrades Automation Engineering www.fortech.us 2124 Wilkinson Boulevard Charlotte, North Carolina 28208 Jon Forrest, P.E. / Hing Wong, P.E. phone: 704.333.0621 fax: 704.333.2820 email: jforrest@ fortech.us We Make the Pieces Fit Together Tim Peeler is a regular contributor to The Wolfpacker and can be reached at tmpeeler@ncsu.edu