N.C. State athletics has had its ebbs and flows over the years. It is a program that has reached some of the greatest heights in NCAA history, with moments that are celebrated to this day. However, through thick and thin, there has been one conundrum that the University and its sports teams have never quite figured out: Are we State or are we N.C. State? 

The University faces a delicate balance in choosing how it wishes to be identified. As a school nestled in the capital city of North Carolina, and aspiring to broaden and solidify its appeal from the Atlantic Ocean to the Appalachian Mountains, the moniker “State” is both sensible and has its tradition. Whether in Albemarle or Asheville, there is no conjecture in North Carolina when the name “State” is mentioned.  

Time marches on and society will always evolve. As the University looks to expand its name recognition, both athletically and academically, there has always been a compelling need to remind people that it is, in fact, “N.C. State.” That distinction can be important, especially when it is time to alert people that the president of the United States chose it as the school to open an energy institute. With national and international-related moments of recognition come special considerations.

Traditionalists and alumni often lament seeing N.C. State teams wearing anything other than the red or white jerseys that say ‘State’ across the chest. They are correct, as it is a legacy that should never die. The 1974 and 1983 men’s basketball national championship teams both provided some of the most seminal moments in NCAA Tournament history in classic uniforms that said simply “State.” If that was good enough for those legendary teams then it should be good enough for every other Wolfpack team as well.

The University and the Department of Athletics has to move forward with the times. Any approach that is stuck in the past would have detrimental long-term effects. Recently the men’s basketball team was rated No. 12 in the NCAA in its total worth by Forbes magazine, so there has been growth in recent years.

Looking ahead, there is a great opportunity to expand on that improvement. N.C. State, with its younger-than-average teams in revenue-producing sports, along with the renovations of Reynolds Coliseum, is in a unique position. Added to that is its place both within the state and in one of the pre-eminent conferences in the nation. 

There has been a trend in the NCAA for schools to introduce alternate color schemes and logos, along with helmets in football. State has a chance, with its mascot and varying colors it has used to join in on the fun and extend its brand. The different wolf logos, the Belltower, the Dick Sheridan diamond logo and even the bricks all should be on the table. State has the potential for several different looks, but seems stuck in the mud compared to other programs. 

The basketball team wore uniforms that included gray stripes. Why not have gray alternate uniforms for nationally prominent home games or expand the use of the existing alternate black uniform that features “N.C. State?” Then the teams could retain the home-white and road-red outfits that say simply ‘State’ as a nod to the great tradition for other contests, including those with in-state rivals.  

The football team, entering the 2014 season with an astounding 51 freshmen, can also incorporate these changes. The potential for the young Wolfpack to do well in a couple of years as most of its players gain experience is real. A variety of looks and improved play can aid in the quest to take the program to a level it has not reached both in the ACC and the nation. 

Paying attention to State’s past while also looking to the future, though not easy, is the correct approach. State should be willing to move forward with new ideas, even if it means striking out with unitards or midfield logos. 

Are we State or are we N.C. State? The answer is simple: We are both.