It seems that the Winston-Salem State football team might find it a bit easier to secure first downs this weekend, and oddly enough, it’s not due to an upgraded game strategy.
No, it’s actually pretty straightforward. They’re finally going to understand where they need to be on the field.
A TikTok video recently went viral, displaying a rather unconventional method employed by a stadium worker while marking the hash lines at Bowman Gray Stadium prior to last weekend’s game. The response was so intense that the Athletic Director had to issue an apology.
Winston-Salem AD apologizes
The video, which has now racked up over two million views in just one day, depicts an unnamed person sloppily painting the hash marks on the sidelines. After stepping back to admire his handiwork, he then takes oversized steps to put down more lines.
Witnesses at the stadium were understandably taken aback and, quite frankly, a little worried.
It’s hard to look away from that video. There’s just so much to unpack—you almost don’t know where to start.
Imagine those messy lines, and then think that just a few hours later, a real college football game was played on that field. It’s surreal.
Honestly, when I first saw the clip, I thought it had to be some sort of deepfake. With all our tech advancements, there was no way that could be a genuine video, right?
But then I saw Eric Burns, the Athletic Director, post an apology on social media by Tuesday.
Burns admitted, “The field markings at our last home game fell short of WSSU athletics’ standards, and I take responsibility. We’ve secured additional field preparation support and implemented new checks to ensure this is addressed before our next home game. Our student-athletes and Ram Nation deserve the highest standard, and we’re committed to meeting it every time.”
That’s good to hear. Maybe now, the winless Rams will finally find some footing and get a chance to take home a win. Surely things can’t get any worse!
It all starts at the top—remember that! What was it Deion Sanders said? “You look good, you feel good; you feel good, you play good; If you play good, they pay good!”
If the Rams’ athletic department is allowing situations like this to unfold before a game, I can only wonder how things are managed once the lights come on.
Let’s hope for improvements this week, Winston-Salem State. It’s time to show some pride.
Most importantly, let’s aim for a win!
