NC State fan's love for Wolfpack, late husband drives on in 'ST8BRD'

By Pat Welter

If the "ST8BRD" license plate doesn't give it away the autographs will.

"We were at Amedeo's for I think it was the 40th anniversary of the restaurant," Ann Stevens remembered. "Chuck Amato was there."

Stevens opens the door of her white 2003 Ford Thunderbird convertible to reveal signatures on the inner lining of the driver's side door. The interior is black, red and there are NC State logos on the headrests of the seats. The color pattern did not escape the eye of the Wolfpack's former head football coach.

"Chuck Amato carries his own selfie pen around with him," Stevens said. "He came out and said 'oh this car is beautiful, I'll autograph it.'"

Celebrity signatures apparently come in threes. Next, Stevens got former NC State quarterback Russell Wilson to provide his John Hancock after a football camp. Country music artist and Garner native, Scotty McCreery, also signed the inside of the driver-side door after a concert.

"Now I'm wanting Philip Rivers really bad to come back to Raleigh," Stevens said. "After Wes Moore wins the NCAA for women's basketball I'm going to have him sign it. And I'll be complete."

The ST8BRD is parked outside Carter-Finley Stadium. Stevens' friends and family are tailgating before NC State's game versus Syracuse. The car was originally purchased by her husband Don.

"We went to every single home and away game," Stevens remembered. For a few years they even got to cheer on their son, Brad Stevens, who was a backup kicker for the Wolfpack from 1991-1996.

"I guess my son will have to decide what to do with it when I'm dead and gone," Stevens laughed. "Because I'll never sell it."

Stevens makes sure to drive the convertible once a week to keep the engine in good shape, but she'd give anything to be back riding shotgun with Don.

"He was an awesome man," Stevens said. "Everybody loved him, and I miss him everyday."

Don died of a heart attack in 2014. It wasn't easy to say good bye to her high school sweetheart unexpectedly. They were married 48 years. Ann believes the ST8BRD helps keep Don's spirit alive.

"I have a piece of my husband in my heart and I get to share it with my friends and family," Stevens said. "I drive it around and people wave at me. When anybody says anything to me 'that's a sweet car' I say it's my husband's car.  I always give him credit."

Stevens still attends every NC State home game and at least one away game. She misses cheering with Don, but when you're a member of the Wolfpack you're never alone.

"I would not be able to survive without my Wolfpack friends," Stevens said. "They've been my lifeline ever since he passed away. We went on all the bus trips.  That's how I've met so many of my friends is through NC State.  They've been my rock through all of this."