As an athlete, when you choose to play for the NC State Wolfpack, you’re not only joining a team, you’re joining a family.

Don’t believe me? Just ask Brian Keeter.

Keeter was a member of the Wolfpack from 1998 to 2002 and although he was a walk-on, he gained a cult-like following thanks to his long range shooting and his ties to the nearby Cary High School. The fans rose to their feet when Keeter entered the game, usually in the final minutes of an already decided ball game, however you would never know by the decibel level in the RBC center. When Brian touched the basketball, the sound meter,

Brian Keeter emotionally addresses the crowd at the “Hope to Walk” Golf Classic

re-named the ‘Keeter Meter’, would reach full tilt as the fans screamed for him to launch one of the deep three pointers he had become known for.

Eight years later Brian is confined to a wheelchair after a serious car accident left him paralyzed from the naval down. With rising medical bills and a dream to one day walk again, NC State staff member David McGee decided to organize an event that would bring together the Wolfpack family to help Brian continue to receive the top treatment in his attempt to someday get back to his feet.

On Wednesday, May 19th over 200 Pack fans came together for the “Hope to Walk” Golf Classic and raised over $25,000 in support of Brian. With former players such as Julius Hodge, Ilian Evtimov, Will Roach and Chris Corchiani, as well as current coaches Pete Strickland and Larry Harris on hand, a good portion of the Wolfpack family was there, showing their support for one of their own.

“It just blows me away to see the good in people. It’s amazing because all these people came out here to support me and there’s a lot who I’ve never met. It’s just touching because these people have nothing to gain by coming out here. It’s just from the goodness of their hearts.” said Keeter

The event turned out to be a huge success for not only Brian and his family but for everyone in attendence.  A round of golf, a catered lunch and a NC State themed sports auction were all on agenda as NC State alumni, fans, and athletes gathered at Lonnie Poole Golf Course to join in the “Hope to Walk” event. Wolfpack fans showed up and made a big difference on Wednesday as they answered a call to action for a member of their family. It’s times like these that show the compassion, loyalty and the true bond that the Wolfpack fans share.