North Carolina State University Athletics
Former Strength Coach Wright Wayne Passes Away
4/10/2017 10:10:00 AM | Pack Athletics
RALEIGH, N.C. - The Wolfpack family suffered a big loss over the weekend, as former NC State strength and conditioning coach Wright Wayne lost a long battle with cancer. A 34-year member of the athletics staff, Wayne was beloved by student-athletes from a variety of sports over three decades.
Wayne joined the NC State Athletics Department in 1980, and was given the responsibility of designing and implementing the year-round strength and conditioning programs for all of the department's 23 sports. During his tenure at NC State, he was involved with teams and athletes that won seven NCAA championships and over 45 ACC titles. He was the strength and conditioning coach for the Wolfpack's 1983 National Championship men's basketball squad.
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"Wright was the best," said former Wolfpack point guard and head coach Sidney Lowe. "His positive energy and the way he would talk to you made me want to work hard in the weight room. He was the same way when I got the job here. He always encouraged me and always had a smile. He was not only my strength coach, he was my friend."
In 2012, Wayne was given the Frank Weedon Lifetime Achievement Award by the department. He retired in July of 2014.
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"I cannot express how much Wright helped me achieve athletic success at NC State," said former volleyball player Charece Williams. "He always took the time to figure out what motivated each of us individually. I can remember the things he said to convince me to lift one more rep or to sprint that much faster, even when I thought my body was spent. Â And after he worked me out, he always had a big grin and hi five, and somehow made me forgive him for putting me through the pain! He brought out the best in me and my teammates, and truly made Reynolds Coliseum one of the best places to be. I'm saddened to hear he is gone, but I am thankful that I had a chance to know him."
Wayne began his career as the owner/operator of a Raleigh health club in 1976. His gym became a favorite of many of the area's high school, college, and professional athletes. Many athletes from NC State began to seek Wright out to help them prepare for pro camps after being drafted by professional teams at the completion of their collegiate careers.
A native of Whiteville, Wayne graduated from Southeastern Community College in 1971 and attended NC State. He then served as a Petty Officer in the United States Navy as a Radioman for the Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan. He was survived briefly by his wife, Nancy, who passed away on Monday morning.
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Wayne joined the NC State Athletics Department in 1980, and was given the responsibility of designing and implementing the year-round strength and conditioning programs for all of the department's 23 sports. During his tenure at NC State, he was involved with teams and athletes that won seven NCAA championships and over 45 ACC titles. He was the strength and conditioning coach for the Wolfpack's 1983 National Championship men's basketball squad.
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"Wright was the best," said former Wolfpack point guard and head coach Sidney Lowe. "His positive energy and the way he would talk to you made me want to work hard in the weight room. He was the same way when I got the job here. He always encouraged me and always had a smile. He was not only my strength coach, he was my friend."
In 2012, Wayne was given the Frank Weedon Lifetime Achievement Award by the department. He retired in July of 2014.
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"I cannot express how much Wright helped me achieve athletic success at NC State," said former volleyball player Charece Williams. "He always took the time to figure out what motivated each of us individually. I can remember the things he said to convince me to lift one more rep or to sprint that much faster, even when I thought my body was spent. Â And after he worked me out, he always had a big grin and hi five, and somehow made me forgive him for putting me through the pain! He brought out the best in me and my teammates, and truly made Reynolds Coliseum one of the best places to be. I'm saddened to hear he is gone, but I am thankful that I had a chance to know him."
Wayne began his career as the owner/operator of a Raleigh health club in 1976. His gym became a favorite of many of the area's high school, college, and professional athletes. Many athletes from NC State began to seek Wright out to help them prepare for pro camps after being drafted by professional teams at the completion of their collegiate careers.
A native of Whiteville, Wayne graduated from Southeastern Community College in 1971 and attended NC State. He then served as a Petty Officer in the United States Navy as a Radioman for the Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan. He was survived briefly by his wife, Nancy, who passed away on Monday morning.
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