North Carolina State University Athletics
Pack Players Go On Holiday Shopping Spree
12/6/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 6, 2010
GARNER, N.C. -- Wayne Crawford pushed his giant shopping cart into the check-out line at Garner's Wal-Mart Monday afternoon and rang up a $3,600 bill.
But N.C. State's gargantuan 303-pound center didn't leave the store with a single item. Everything in his overflowing basket went to the Marines' Toys for Tots program that's strongly supported by football coach Tom O'Brien.
Crawford and nine of his Wolfpack football teammates walked the isles, stalked the shelves and piled $24,440 worth of toys in about 45 minutes, then helped load them on a big truck.
With the Wolfpack's help, Marine Gunnery Sgt. Mick Gibson hopes to distribute at least one gift to about 80,000 children in Raleigh and eight surrounding counties.
Coca Cola contributed $21,000 toward the purchasing of gifts and State fans donated $24,000, plus toys, at this season's regular-season finale against Wake Forest.
"I love helping,'' said Crawford, who affirmed it was the biggest and most enjoyable shopping spree he had ever done because "it a great cause."
The Wolfpack players, who finished the regular-season 8-4 and are headed to the Champs Bowl in Orlando Dec. 28, flashed their competitive spirit in the store. Each took a cart and tried to become the top purchaser.
Placekicker Josh Czajkowski arrived as the two-time defending champion, but lost his title this year to first-time shopper Crawford, whose $3,600 led the Pack purchasing.
Quarterback Michael Glennon was runner up ($3,477), followed by punter Jeff Ruiz ($3,300) and Russell Wilson ($3,200). R.J. Mattes, C.J. Wilson, Paul Horst, Corey Tedder, David Akinniyi and Czajkowski also participated and all pulled in substantial hauls.
You could say all 10 players made the All Wal-Mart Team on this afternoon.
"It's very exciting, it's a blessing for these kids, blessing for us, blessing we have have as much money and can pretty much get whatever we want for the kids.'' Russell Wilson said.
"I'm glad to give back to the community,'' added Mattes, who was carefully selecting boys and girls gifts and wearing hula hoops around his neck.
It's part of the O'Brien philosophy -- to be champions in the classroom, champions on the field, and champions in the community.
On Monday the Wolfpack players once again were champions in the community and because of that, thousands of boys and girls will be happier throughout the holidays.
- A.J. Carr
