Non-revunues on the rise

We all know that the major revunue sports, football and men's basketball for the most part, dominate college athletics almost completely and particularly seem to dominate discussion in the ACC. I'll admit I'm a football homer. I would rather watch a random ACC or SEC football game on CBS than a baseball game in person at Doak Field. That's just how I operate. 

But this past weekend, at least at N.C. State, several non-revunues made their case for being the class of the Wolfpack athletic program. 

Gymnastics, Wrestling, Women's Diving and Golf all had banner weekends and are showing why they, too, should be looked at in the same way as football and basketball, at least right now. Two national champions, a league champion and a top 15 ranking prove that these sports deserve some credit. What these coaches have been doing with these programs deserves applause and appreciation from Wolfpack fans and shows the strength of the athletic program as a whole. 

Now I know that in many ways the program is judged on the major programs successes and failures and I'm fine with that. That's where the money comes from and that is where success and failure makes and breaks a program and Athletic Director. Heads roll because of football success, not gymnastics. But every now and then it's nice to step back and realize that there is more to life than football and basketball. This past weekend is a perfect example of that very thing. 

My time at N.C. State may not be filled with memories of ACC Championships, bowl games or trips to the NCAA Tournament, but this weekend will provide me some pretty cool things to remember down the road.