What defined sports in North Carolina over the past year?It wasn’t just trophies.It wasn’t just titles.It was the moments.The places.And the people who showed up.In this Bold North State Commentary, voiced by Mike Waddell, Co-Founder of the North Carolina Sports Network (NCSN), we look back on the most powerful sports moments across North Carolina in 2025 — from historic championship runs and unforgettable high school achievements to motorsports milestones and the communities that continue to make this state different.This is a reflection on why North Carolina remains one of the great sports cultures in America — anchored in rivalry, community, and pride — at a time when the sports landscape everywhere else feels increasingly fragmented.🎙️ Topics include:The biggest championship moments across North CarolinaHigh school sports as the backbone of the Bold North StateCollege programs carrying tradition and expectationMotorsports reminding the world where its roots still liveWhy trust, presence, and experience still matterThis isn’t about chasing noise.It’s about telling North Carolina stories — the right way.Experience matters.And North Carolina proved it again.Welcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState

The Forgotten History of the Charlotte Hornets Football TeamIn this episode of 'This Was Then,' Tim Peeler and Todd McGee sit down with former World Football League players Ray Parson and Darrell Bunge (both former Minnesota Golden Gophers) to delve into the history of North Carolina's first professional football team, the Charlotte Hornets. The discussion covers the players' personal experiences, the challenges of playing in different cities, the cultural shifts between New York and Charlotte, and the struggles faced by the league. The episode provides a comprehensive look at the landscape of professional football in the 1970s and the legacy left behind by a team that helped pave the way for the NFL's Carolina Panthers.00:00 Introductions and Backgrounds02:32 Podcast Overview and Objectives05:56 Historical Context of Charlotte Hornets08:37 Experiences in New York and Relocation to Charlotte14:49 Challenges and Adaptations in Charlotte24:27 Familiar Faces and Early Challenges26:12 Financial Struggles and Uniform Woes29:00 Memorable Road Trips and Training Anecdotes30:41 The Rise and Fall of the WFL33:12 Game Day Experiences and Personal Reflections36:02 The League's Collapse and Aftermath40:37 Final Thoughts and LegacyWelcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState

EPISODE 2: Ven-Allen Lubin's Journey: From UNC to NC State - Navigating the NIL Era & Playing for RivalsIn this episode of 'COURT VISION' on the North Carolina Sports Network, Ven-Allen Lubin reflects on his journey through college basketball. From his time at UNC, including the early exit from the NCAA tournament and interactions with Coach Hubert Davis, to navigating the uncertainties of player placement and the transfer portal. Lubin shares insights into his decision-making process, the importance of basketball, academics, and team dynamics over NIL deals. He discusses his eventual transfer to NC State and the challenges and support he received during the transition. Coach Will Wade's authentic approach and the emphasis on player-coach relationships also highlighted Lubin's positive outlook on his new chapter with the Wolfpack.00:00 Introduction 00:59 Van Allen Lubin's Journey Takes A Turn, Again02:20 Navigating College Basketball's Uncertainty02:42 Evaluating College Choices04:31 Joining UNC and Building Relationships05:11 The Turbulent Season and ACC Tournament07:38 Post-Season Reflections and Transfer Portal14:52 Transition to NC State15:16 Social Media and Rivalry Reactions17:26 Coach Will Wade and NC State Basketball21:03 Leadership and Final College Season27:22 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsWelcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState