MCLAMB: Avent Set the Bar

Inside Pack Sports beat writer Rob McLamb feels retiring head coach Elliott Avent set high standards in commitment and devotion that all NC State coaches would be wise to strive for. 

In his waning days as a San Francisco Giant, former NC State catcher Patrick Bailey made the trip south to Palo Alto on an off day to take in the Wolfpack’s practice. 

As Bailey was leaving, NC State head coach Elliott Avent asked him if there was anything he needed and offered him food from the team bus. A two-time Gold Glove winner who signed a 3.8 million bonus after being drafted out of college, Bailey politely declined with a slight giggle.

There was nothing mean-spirited about Bailey’s marginal laugh at the thought of needing a breakfast sandwich. His reaction had more to do with the predictability of Avent insisting on offering it to him. 

That is Elliott Avent. 

When it comes to random acts of kindness, Avent simply can’t help himself. 

Just as a fish needs water to survive, Avent functions best in a world where he is in a position to take care of others. He does for others almost like he breathes.

How do you effectively honor Sam Esposito and Ray Tanner? By hiring Elliott Avent. 

It is rare in life that the perfect person comes along at the perfect time, but Avent’s tenure as head coach of baseball was certainly opportune for NC State.

Doak Field, the ballpark once unworthy of hosting NCAA games, is at its best point in history and is poised to be improved on more. NC State baseball’s reputation, especially outside of the state in areas like Florida and Georgia, is at an all-time high, with some high school kids who have not yet set foot in Raleigh viewing the program as a dream offer. 

In less than 15 years, NC State has improved its facilities and national respect, while three trips to Omaha since 2013 have lifted its baseball lineage. 

Guiding NCSU baseball to the other side required a massive commitment in every respect. Only two months ago, the Wolfpack received a gentle reminder of the ease with which a leader can betray. If there is any fan base that should appreciate honesty, loyalty, love, and a lack of fear during the hard times, it should be the one at NC State. 

And Avent has been there for NC State, time and time and time again. If the University is smart, it will put the fish in water by placing Avent in a position where he can continue to help, using his natural inclinations for the good of the Pack.

Perhaps most importantly, when NC State looks for leaders, it will do the right thing and use the many great tenets that Avent possesses as a beacon for who it decides to place in those important positions. 

NC State is better off because of Avent. 

Elliott Avent did not just frequently refer to NC State as his dream job. He treated it that way.