RALEIGH, N.C. — High school sweethearts Sarah and Ben Riedlinger have a strong love for the Wolfpack that continues from their college days.
The couple attended college at NC State after attending high school in Greensboro.
“We had such a fun time," Sarah Riedlinger said.
They enjoyed the atmosphere so much that after graduation, they decided to stay in Raleigh and plant roots.
"We love the energy and it's so fun right now with the magic surrounding this whole basketball run currently," Sarah Reidlinger said.
Like many NC State fans, the couple has had their eyes glued to the team's performance.
"After the ACC game against Virginia, we won the buzzer-beater to get into overtime. We won over time, and I saw on Oakwood Cemetery's Twitter account that they posted, come and pay respects to Jimmy V," Ben Reidlinger said.
Oakwood Cemetery rang a bell for the Riedlingers. It’s where they’ve held neighborhood functions and taken long walks.
They never realized Jimmy Valvano’s final resting place was right around the corner from their home.
Without a second thought, they decided to buy some flowers before the ACC championship game against UNC to honor the late coach.
"We thought maybe go pay our respects ahead of such a good game, maybe a little bit of the magic and extraordinary magic that he gave in a run as similar," Ben Reidlinger said.
Nearly every game after that, leading up to the Final Four matchups, the couple has been visiting Jimmy Valvano's grave along with their young daughters, especially their oldest.
“With her being three as opposed to our one-year-old, she’s a little more excited and understands a little bit of what’s going on, so she loves being a part of it, and she’s excited to pick the flowers each time before the game," Sarah Reidlinger said.
As their daughter grows older, the couple looks forward to sharing stories about Valvano - like how he led his 1983 team to a national championship when the odds were stacked against them.
“We want to tell her more and more about Jimmy V and how wonderful of a person he is and the impact he has on so many around the world, honestly," Sarah Reidlinger said.
The couple said it’s been beautiful seeing other fans come by to place flowers and NC State gear on Jimmy V’s grave.
"It's got to be so exciting for students and exciting for us alumni as well," Ben Reidlinger said.
WFMY News 2's Sydni Moore spoke with Jimmy V's daughter, Jamie Valvano, about fans honoring her father.
As the Wolfpack's March Madness journey continues, one thing remains true—the man who led the 1983 team many years ago is the same man encouraging hearts now.
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