Today in NC State History: Fate delivers victory, baby to Pack
NC State had been trying to defeat Duke in football for 13 years. Not one of those contests had resulted in a red-and-white victory party. And there the Wolfpack was again, on opening day in September 1946, trying to capture a historic win for the program against the Blue Devils.
Even NC State’s marching band was there, making its first post-World War II appearance.
And on this day in NC State history, the Wolfpack football team defeated Duke, 13-6. Al Phillips, one of the team’s co-captains, got more delivered to him than a football victory.
Charlie Richkus' winning score against Duke. Photo originally appeared in 1947 Agromeck.
The Wolfpack held Duke to a total of two rushing yards. State scored the winning touchdown with just under a couple of minutes left when Charlie Richkus ran for a score.
And then the celebration ensued at Riddick Stadium, as reported in the Agromeck: “After the ‘Pack convinced Duke it was healthier [staying] in Durham by completely outplaying them 13-6, the ever-loyal alumni and all 4902 students lavished in ecstasy like a hillbilly sampling his first ‘batch’ of ‘moonshine.’”
Everyone that is, except for right end Phillips, who had other business to attend to. A few hours after State’s win, his wife gave birth to a baby boy.
Co-captain Al Phillips, who saw his team win hours before he met his new child. Photo originally appeared in 1947 Agromeck.
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