Hit the Bricks
On October 1, 2026, the Wake Forest University community gathered on Hearn Plaza for Hit the Bricks, an eight-hour team relay around the Quad. Students, faculty and staff came together to honor former Demon Deacon student-athlete and NFL player Brian Piccolo, who passed away from cancer in 1970.
2026 By the Numbers
- 2,407 active participants
- 11,585 laps completed
- $415,750+ raised this year (a single-event record)
- $2.1 Million+ raised over the event’s 23-year history
Fueling Research and Care
Proceeds directly benefit the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund, providing essential support for ground-breaking research and patient care at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.
From Greek organizations and academic departments to student-athlete teams and residence halls, the high-energy tradition truly embodied Wake Forest’s motto, Pro Humanitate—turning friendly competition into real-world impact.
The Power of Student Leadership
Guided by the Office of Civic and Community Engagement, student leaders drive Hit the Bricks from concept to execution—handling everything from corporate sponsorship outreach to day-of logistics. Planning begins as early as 11 months before the event with the selection of the new leadership team, meetings over the summer, and connecting with the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer. New initiatives for this year included an NFL Match Day, Dunk Tank featuring Coach Dickert and Coach Forbes, and a Hit the Bricks Run Club.
Ellie Deminico (’27) reflects on her involvement in Hit the Bricks:
Hit the Bricks has been one of the most defining parts of my Wake Forest experience, and serving as Executive Director showed me that the most meaningful leadership is rooted in the people you bring together and the purpose you share. Seeing our team, campus, and community come together is something I will carry with me long after I leave Wake Forest.
