RELEASE: Legendary NC State Coach Sam Esposito Passes Away

RALEIGH, N.C. – The NC State family suffered a loss last night, as legendary former Wolfpack baseball head coach and assistant basketball coach Sam Esposito passed away. He was 86.

Esposito served as the baseball coach for 21 years, leading NC State to 513 wins during his tenure – the most by any coach in Wolfpack history at the time of his retirement. He was also an assistant coach with the NC State basketball program for 12 years, helping Norm Sloan lead the Pack to the National Championship in 1974 and establish the Wolfpack as a national powerhouse.

“Coach Esposito was the Godfather of NC State Athletics,” said NC State baseball head coach Elliott Avent. “He was at the root of much of the…