By Gene Galin (Part 1 of a 4 part series)
Raleigh, NC – I had an opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with Tim Peeler, the “unofficial historian” of NC State athletics on Monday afternoon. He shares his insights on the legendary 1983 NCAA Championship team, the subject of his book “When March Went Mad.” As he recounts personal anecdotes and the rich history surrounding that unforgettable season, Peeler highlights the importance of the championship not just for NC State but for the entire state of North Carolina, showcasing the deep-rooted passion for basketball that unites fans across generations.
The Journey to Championship Glory
Tim Peeler, a writer and editor with deep ties to NC State, has been chronicling the history of the university’s athletic achievements for years. His book, When March Went Mad, published in 2008, serves as a testament to the legendary 1983 NC State basketball team. The book not only recounts the events of that unforgettable season but also captures the essence of the players who made it possible. “I interviewed every living coach and player affiliated with that team,” Peeler explains, emphasizing the importance of personal anecdotes in telling the story of a team that was not just great but also a unique collection of characters. For Tim, as a writer, it wasn’t just about winning; it was about the experiences and stories that shaped the players that made up the team.
A Unique Collection of Characters
Peeler’s narrative highlights the diverse personalities that contributed to the team’s success. From the three senior leaders to benchwarmers like Cozell McQueen and Quinton Leonard, each player brought something special to the table. “They had great stories that were better to tell 25 years after the fact,” he notes, reflecting on how time allows for deeper storytelling.
Anecdotes from Albuquerque
One of the most entertaining anecdotes from Peeler’s book involves the players’ escapades the night before the championship game. Several bench players, who would not see action in the final, ventured out in Albuquerque and ended up mingling with the Houston cheerleaders, who expressed their support for NC State. “They told us they didn’t really like their guys that much, so they were rooting for us,” Peeler recounted.
The Book’s Reception and Legacy
Released in 2008, “When March Went Mad” has remained a popular resource for fans and historians alike, despite being out of print. Peeler recounted a particularly touching moment when he handed a copy of his book to Lorenzo Charles, the player famous for his game-winning dunk in the championship. “He told me he read it in one sitting and that I got it all right,” Peeler said, noting that such validation from a player who lived through the experience was priceless.
The Impact of the 1983 Championship
For many, the 1983 championship transcended mere sports. Peeler emphasized that it represented a generational victory for North Carolina. “It wasn’t just an NC State Championship; it was a statewide celebration,” he said, reflecting on how the triumph brought together fans from various backgrounds and allegiances.
The Cultural Significance of the Championship
Peeler emphasizes that the 1983 championship was not just an NC State victory; it was a generational triumph for North Carolina. The victory resonated deeply with fans across the state, uniting them in a shared sense of pride and joy. Peeler’s own experience as a high school student watching the championship game at home underscores the emotional impact of that moment. “I jumped straight up out of my seat,” he reminisces, recalling the thrill of witnessing Lorenzo Charles’s iconic dunk that sealed the championship.
The Evolution of College Basketball Fandom
Peeler’s reflections also touch on the evolution of college basketball fandom in North Carolina. Although Peeler was not a student at NC State during the championship run, he vividly remembers watching the games as a high school senior. He recalls the days when teachers would roll televisions into classrooms to watch ACC tournament games, a practice that has become a cherished memory for many. “It actually made you want to stay in school,” he joked, highlighting how the excitement of the tournament brought students together. His journey as a sports editor for the NC State student newspaper, Technician, further immersed him in the world of college basketball, shaping his career path away from engineering and toward journalism.
A Personal Connection to the Game
Peeler’s personal connection to NC State basketball runs deep, with memories of attending games and covering tournaments shaping his identity as a fan and journalist. He vividly recalls his first ACC tournament experience in 1986, where he sat courtside and felt the thrill of being part of the action. “It was eye-opening, it was thrilling, it was you know just amazing place to be,” he reflects, marking a turning point in his career. His passion for storytelling and capturing the essence of sports has remained a driving force in his work.
From Fan to Journalist
Peeler’s passion for sports journalism blossomed during his time at NC State. He initially pursued an engineering degree but soon found his calling in writing. He eventually became the sports editor for the student newspaper, Technician. His experiences covering the ACC tournament solidified his decision to switch majors to English, a move that would shape his career.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Sports
Peeler’s connection to NC State basketball runs deep, as illustrated by his poignant story from the 1987 ACC Championship. While attending his grandfather’s funeral, he listened to the game on the radio, experiencing a mix of grief and joy as NC State triumphed.
The Evolution of Basketball Coverage
Peeler noted the drastic changes in how fans consume basketball today compared to the past. With the advent of technology, fans can now watch every game in real-time and engage with others through social media. It’s a different era, but the passion remains the same, acknowledging how the sport continues to unite fans across the state.
The 30 for 30 Documentary
Peeler’s book served as a source for ESPN’s acclaimed 30 for 30 documentary on the 1983 championship, further cementing the legacy of that team. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the storytelling process, as many players reunited to share their memories. “Just the opportunity to tell those stories and see them together remembering those stories was was very gratifying for me,” he said, acknowledging the significance of the documentary in preserving the history of NC State basketball.
Amedeo’s: A Place of Memories
The interview with Peeler took place at Amedeo’s, a restaurant with deep ties to NC State basketball. As Peeler reflects on his experiences, he also shares fond memories of Amedeo’s, an Italian restaurant with strong ties to NC State basketball. The establishment served as a gathering place for players and coaches, including the legendary Jim Valvano. Peeler reminisced about the time spent there with Coach Jim Valvano and other media members, sharing stories and building relationships. Peeler recounts a humorous story of Valvano losing track of time during a lunch with reporters, showcasing the coach’s charismatic personality and his love for engaging with the media.
A Shared Legacy
Tim Peeler’s reflections on the 1983 NCAA Championship team reveal not only the triumphs of NC State basketball but also the profound impact of sports on community and family. Through his storytelling, Peeler seeks to honor the players, coaches, and fans who contributed to this historic moment. As he notes, the impact of that championship continues to resonate, bringing people together and creating lasting memories. “It’s not just about the games; it’s about the memories we create and the connections we forge,” he concluded, emphasizing that the spirit of NC State basketball will endure as a testament to the power of sports in bringing people together.
Watch on YouTube – Part 1 of 4 – Tim Peeler discusses NC State Basketball’s 1983 NCAA Championship – 1.20.25
Tim Peeler Shares Anecdotes and Insights on NC State’s 1983 NCAA Championship Basketball Team
00:15 Tim Peeler shares insights on NC State’s 1983 championship team.
- Peeler wrote ‘When March Went Mad’ detailing stories and interviews from the 1983 team.
- The book captures anecdotes from players, highlighting their unique experiences during the championship season.
03:15 Tim Peeler reflects on his book about NC State Basketball and its impact.
- Despite being out of print, Peeler’s book from 2008 remains popular and available online.
- Lorenzo Charles, a key player, praised the book, expressing joy over its accurate portrayal of their experiences.
05:59 Tim Peeler reflects on watching NC State’s 1983 championship as a fan before becoming a writer.
- Peeler describes his experience as a high school senior following NC State’s games, with no ambitions of writing.
- He recalls specific moments during the championship run, including watching games from different locations and reacting emotionally to key plays.
08:56 Celebration of NC State’s 1983 Championship as a statewide victory.
- NC State fans celebrated the championship throughout the night, emphasizing its impact across North Carolina.
- The experience of watching tournament games in school highlighted the cultural significance of basketball in the region.
11:49 Tim Peeler reflects on his transformative journey in journalism over engineering.
- Tim Peeler initially pursued engineering but switched to English, leading to better academic performance.
- He describes unique experiences covering sports events, including emotional moments and support from his parents.
14:47 Tim Peeler reflects on personal memories and challenges during NC State’s 1983 Championship run.
- Peeler shares his pride in being able to buy tickets for his family, especially during his mother’s illness.
- He recounts a poignant moment when he learned of his grandfather’s passing while attending the ACC tournament.
17:51 Tim Peeler reflects on the emotional connection between family and NC State Basketball.
- He recalls listening to the decisive moments of the game while en route to his grandfather’s funeral.
- Peeler emphasizes how ACC basketball unites families, reflecting North Carolina’s community spirit amidst personal loss.
20:29 Discusses early televised NC State basketball experiences and a recent championship win.
- Recalls limited viewing options in the past compared to today’s instant access to every ACC game.
- Shares personal journey to witness NC State’s championship victory after years of supporting the team.
23:10 KET family’s emotional connection to NC State’s 1983 championship.
- The KET family dedicated 40 years to volunteering at ACC tournaments, celebrating their connection to NC State.
- Tim Peeler’s 2008 book and ESPN’s documentary helped highlight the significance of the 1983 championship and its players.
26:00 Tim Peeler shares memorable experiences at Amedeo’s during NC State’s 1983 Championship season.
- Peeler recalls the significance of Valvano’s booth, where coaches and reporters shared stories.
- An anecdote highlights how Valvano lost track of time during interviews, illustrating his passion for media interactions over practice.
28:28 Discussion on NC State’s 1983 championship and recent Final Four run.
- Overview of Coach Jim Valvano’s role in the 1983 championship victory.
- Comparison of the 1983 team with the recent Final Four appearance.