June Pirates' Chest by ECU Pirate Club

June/July 2011 $5.95

sTiLL champs!

another season, another c-Usa title for ecU softball The seniors of pirate Baseball

david Garrard shares his Blessings # dennis Young charts new course paisley makes a name for herself # |spring athletic awards # | pirate club news & more

2011-06-PC.indb 1

5/18/2011 12:08:35 PM

Coming

August...

Bonesville Th e

M ag a z i n e

t H E i N -D E p t H F E At U r E S y O U W O N ’ t F i N D A N y W H E r E E l S E ... # Not for the Squeamish: A drop-in look at Camp Connors # Drastic Measures: Can Coach Mitchell fix what ails the Pirate D? # Attitudes Reflect History: One-on-One with Dominique Davis and Emanuel Davis # Moments in Time: The Voice of Pirate Football is etched in minds of fans when thinking about their favorite moments. Now learn which moments echo loudest for Jeff Charles. # Looking Back: Bonesville Recruiting guru Sammy Batten gives an accounting of the last 10 years of Pirate recruiting

tHE rEFErENcE GUiDE y O U ’ l l U S E A l l S E A S O N ... # # # # #

The New Pirates The Roster Breakdown Pirate Time Machine Peele’s Season to Remember & Much, much more...

Bonesville The Magazine is the fans’ guidebook to the past, present and future of the East Carolina Pirates. Approaching it’s ninth year of publication, the magazine has become an eagerly anticipated annual tradition for Pirate partisans everywhere.

For release details & ordering information, visit w w w . b o n e s v i l l e m e d i a . c o m

2011-06-PC.indb 2

2009 E DITION

2010 E DITION

Unde r Wraps ‘Til August

# 2011 E DITION

5/18/2011 12:08:38 PM

Executive Committee Executive President Mr. Jim Creech Executive Vice President Dr. Emmett Floyd Immediate Past President Mr. Jerry L. Wilkins Board of Directors Mr. Donnie Bunn Mr. Douglas L. Gomes Mr. Harvey Lewis Mr. Rhett A. Raynor Mr. Henry Williamson Mr. Edwin L. Clark Mrs. Clara Darden Mr. Tyre H. Moore Mr. Jim Post Mr. Phillip Waugh Mr. Thomas A. Bennett Mr. Mike Rogers Mrs. Linda Tripp Mr. George C. Turner Mr. Carl Rogers ECU Chancellor Dr. Steven Ballard Director of Athletics Mr. Terry Holland Executive Treasurer Dr. Rick Niswander Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. David A. Dosser, Jr. Financial Director Mrs. Sherrilyn R. Johnson

A Letter from Mark Wharton June 2011 Dear Pirate Club Member: As the Pirate Nation enters the summer months and the pace slows just a bit, I want to thank the countless number of volunteers, the Executive Committee members, and especially the Pirate Club staff, for the exceptional job they do to continue strengthening the foundation of the Pirate Club. Since my return to the Pirate Nation in 2006, growth in donations and membership has skyrocketed. Although we have navigated through some of the worst economic times in history, Pirate Club growth since 2006 has not waned. In 2006, Pirate Club membership included 7,134 in “post-graduate” members with 2,856 Student Pirate Club members, for a total of 9,990 Pirate Club members. The membership donated $3.87 million in unrestricted scholarship support in 2006. At the close of 2010, membership in the Pirate Club was at 8,080 in “post-grad¬uate” members with the Student Pirate Club exploding to lead the nation with 9,728 members, for a total of 17,808 Pirate Club members. Unrestricted scholarship support grew to $6.3 million in 2010. I am convinced that the momentum will not slow. The journey continues, and together, we will reach New Heights! One of my proudest accomplishments this past year has been the Executive Committee’s revision of our mission statement to include honesty and integrity as the bedrock of who we are and how we conduct ourselves. The commitment to provide transparency in all actions of business and conduct is integral to growing our organiza¬tion from the inside out. This will allow us to more accurately and openly serve you, our Pirate Nation, in a way that will make us all proud. Below is our revised mission statement. It is our personal commitment to demonstrate these values prominently in all that we do. The mission of the East Carolina University Educational Foundation, Inc., d/b/a the Pirate Club, is to be the friend-raising and fund-raising arm of East Carolina University’s Division I athletics program, representing the highest principles of honesty and integrity. By conducting annual fund, endowment, and capital campaigns in support of student-athlete scholarships, athletic facility enhancements and other programmatic needs, the Pirate Club seeks to bring positive recognition to East Carolina University and the region it serves through a competitive athletics program. As we approach football season, I encourage you to visit ecupiratesfantravel.com for hotel and travel packages for the University of South Carolina football game in Charlotte, NC on September 3, and also for the October 22 Naval Academy football game in Annapolis, MD. Thank you for all that you do to support our university and for making East Carolina University fans the best in the country! I look forward to seeing you in Charlotte! Go Pirates! Sincerely,

Director Emeritus Mr. Walter L. Williams Executive Director Mr. Mark T. Wharton Counsel Mr. Walter Hinson

2011-06-PC.indb 3

Mark T. Wharton ‘93 Executive Director

5/18/2011 12:08:40 PM

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 1 C

Top Stories REPEAT CHAMPS: Ladies win C-USA title... Again — Bethany Bradsher

INSIDE SLANT: David Garrard gives 14 back — Brian Bailey DENNIS YOUNG: Charting a new course — Al Myatt

BASEBALL: Tribute to a special class — Al Myatt

On the cover: The celebration is on over a three-run homer by Priscilla Velasquez (in helmet) that helped the East Carolina softball team win the Conference USA championship game. (ECU Media Relations photo)

News & Features

Pirate Club Executive Director Mark Wharton Pirate Club Assistant Jeanne LeBlanc-Lecce

WRITERS Bethany Bradsher Brian Bailey Jeff Charles Al Myatt

Produced for the ECU Pirate Club by Bonesville Media 675 Beasley Lane Havelock, NC 28532 www.bonesvillemedia.com (252) 349-3280

VISIT WITH THE VOICE: Pirate People — Jeff Charles TONI PAISLEY: Making a name for herself — Bethany Bradsher

25 5

OLYMPIC SPORTS ROUNDUP: Spring Athletic Awards — Bethany Bradsher

PIRATE CLUB NEWS

MANAGING EDITOR Sara Whitford ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Rich Goldstein (252) 567-5533 PUBLISHER Danny Whitford

Left: Senior RHP Seth Simmons (ECU Media Relations photo)

APPREC IATION: We extend our sincere gratitude to Tom McClellan and the ECU Media Relations Office staff. They always work professionally in response to our requests for images that make this publication more enjoyable for Pirate Club members.

S UBS CRI P TI O NS : Bonesville Media publishes The Pirates’ Chest eight times per academic year. Individual copies of the magazine may be ordered for $5.95 each plus postage. Annual subscriptions to The Pirates’ Chest, renewable yearly, are available for $47.00 (prorated from the time the subscription is ordered to the end of the academic year) plus postage. Bonesville Media’s annual football season preview, Bonesville The Magazine, is a separate publication and may be ordered each year for $9.95 plus postage. All prices are subject to change without notice. Please send inquiries via email to subscriptions@bonesville.net or call (252) 349-3280.

TOC.indd 4

©2011 Bonesville Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Bonesville Media is a Carolina Data Systems company. For more information, visit www.bonesvillemedia.com.

5/18/2011 12:19:43 PM

seasoned champions

The East Carolina softball team earns top honors in Conference USA two years in a row

By Bethany Bradsher The East Carolina softball team got to show off its new digs and defy expectations at the same time, winning a second straight Conference USA Championship on May 14. With their state-of-the-art stadium providing the backdrop, the Lady Pirates (39-20) came into the tournament as No. 5 seed and dispatched Memphis in the first round, No. 1 seed Houston in the second and Tulsa in the third to win the trophy. It was their second straight conference title, making them the first team to win back-to-back championships since DePaul in 2005. They were also the lowest-seeded squad to ever win the tournament. Junior Priscilla Velasquez was responsible for all of ECU’s runs in the 4-1 victory over the Golden Hurricanes for the championship. She drew a bases-loaded walk and hit a three-run home run in the contest and was named the most valuable player of the tournament for her efforts. Senior Toni Paisley was the winning pitcher in all three games, improving her season record to 30-11. Two days after the Pirates’ triumph, they received an invitation to play in the NCAA College Park Regional at the University of Maryland. They were slated to play their first game against Maryland on May 21 in the regional, which also included Baylor and Lehigh. It was ECU’s third NCAA bid in the past four years.

The team rushes out to celebrate junior Priscilla Velasquez’s success on the diamond, contributing to the Pirates’ second-in-a-row Conference USA tournament win. (ECU Media Relations photo)

The championship was surprising because the powerhouse 2010 Pirates, which won the conference as the No. 1 seed, lost eight seniors and much of their offensive firepower. But Coach Tracey Kee turned to talented freshman like Jordan Lewis and Kristi Oshiro to help fill in those gaps, as well as the pitching consistency provided by Paisley and junior Faith Sutton. After accepting the C-USA tournament trophy, veteran head coach Tracey Kee said that the home field advantage was invaluable for her team, especially since so many of her starters are in their first season of Division I ball. “It’s always a pressure situation playing at home but in a tournament it’s really magnified,” Kee said. “With the youth we have, it was key playing here. The crowd was fantastic and the atmosphere was unbelievable.” Paisley, who will finish her ECU career holding virtually every pitching record in the books, echoed her coach’s opinion that competing in front of a home crowd gave the Lady Pirates an indisputable edge. “We knew a big crowd could affect our opponent and our fans did that all weekend,” Paisley said. “We struggled here during the season, but it is a dream come true to win a championship in your own stadium in front of your fans.”

2011-06-PC.indb 5

5/18/2011 12:08:45 PM

CONGRATULATIONS to the C-USA Champions... AGAIN!

Clockwise from top left: Senior pitcher Toni Paisley; Junior inﬁ elder and tournament MVP Priscilla Velasquez; Senior inﬁ elder Sissy Jiminez and Toni Paisley with C-USA Championship trophy; The team poses with C-USA Championship trophy. (ECU Media Relations photos) 4

2011-06-PC.indb 6

5/18/2011 12:08:49 PM

Pirate People A Visit with “The Voice” by Jeff Charles

Weekday mornings on Pirate Radio 1250 and 930, we have a segment at 7:15 a.m. entitled “Pirate People,” as part of the Morning Drive Show. This program is about people and the passion these folks have for the Pirates. Here are some notes on some of the East Carolina community’s most valuable assets: Walter Williams: The number one passionate Pirate along with his wife, Marie. We could devote an entire Pirates’ Chest issue to the Williams family and not have enough pages. Those of us who know Walter and Marie well are continually surprised at gifts they make to causes we weren’t even aware they donated to, like Building Hope in Greenville. Quite frankly, what would we do without them?

Walter Williams (shaking Terry Holland’s hand) and his wife, Marie, have invested continually in the betterment of East Carolina University, and the community-at-large. (ECU Media Relations photos)

Rick Kobe: The swimming and diving head coach is in his 29th year. Kobe’s teams have won over 70 percent of their dual meets, compiling over 400 victories, making him one of the winningest coaches in America. Seven times he’s been named either the CAA or Conference USA Coach of the Year. He’s had a remarkable career. Tracey Kee: The softball coach in her 15th season, and 25th overall, Tracey came to ECU in 1987 as a student athlete and never left. She is a three-time winner of the Conference USA Coach of the Year Award, receiving the distinction in 2005, 2009 and 2010. She has won over 600 games in her career. As a coach, she has touched the lives of hundreds of young women in a positive way, both on and off the field. 5

2011-06-PC.indb 7

5/18/2011 12:08:52 PM

Gary oVertoN: Another lifer and ECU Hall of Famer, “Coach O” is the all-time winningest coach in Pirate baseball history with 427 wins. The Ahoskie native is now an administrator in the athletics department. He has his doctorate from ECU and taught for many years.

carlester crUmPler: One of the all-time great Pirates and ECU Hall of Famers, Crump is beginning his 24th* year in the athletics department. These days, he works in student development and serves as a great role model for the student athletes he works with every day.

rosie tHomPsoN: The “First Lady” of the athletics department, Rosie was a great basketball player who later became an assistant coach, and then, head coach of the Lady Pirates. She’s been a Pirate her entire adult life and serves today as an associate athletics director.

mike HaNley: Another Pirate graduate, Mike is beginning his 21st season with the program. He’s now the head athletic trainer with his primary responsibilities focusing on football. Respected nationally, he was named the 2009 National Athletic Trainers’ Association College/ University Trainer of the Year, and the 2005 North Carolina Trainer of the Year.

DeNNis yoUNG: Another true Pirate, he played football at ECU and has done a terrific job in his fund-raising roles, first as Executive Director of the Pirate Club, and now as Associate Athletics Director for Major Gifts. He has been nationally recognized by his peers as one of the top fund raisers in the nation. Dennis is completing 20 years of outstanding service to the university.

smart shoppers shop

Furniture Distributors

Right style, Right price, Right now HAVELOCK 509 US Hwy 70 MOREHEAD CITY 4636 Arendell St.

(252) 317-0414

GREENVILLE 1916 E Firetower Rd.

www.furnituredistributors.net

lee WorkmaN: Now in his 27th year in the athletics department, Lee has worn a variety of hats and excelled in all of his duties. He was instrumental in ECU’s nationallyrespected and cutting-edge marketing program in the 1980s. Today, he directs special projects associated with the department while continuing to represent the university in a first class manner. matt maloNey: “Big guy” has been at ECU twenty years. No one is more loyal or tries harder to do a good job than Matt. Beloved by ECU’s letterwinners, he works tirelessly with those folks and in his role as a fund raiser for major gifts. When you need something, call “Big Guy.” He’ll deliver. These folks have devoted their professional lives to ECU. Next time you see them, give them a pat on the back. Till next time, “Keep painting ‘em purple.”

Read more about dennis Young’s lifelong dedication to east carolina in a special article by al myatt on page 16. on the opposite page, enjoy pictures of some of Jeff charles’ “pirate people” from their student days at ecU...

2011-06-PC.indb 8

5/18/2011 12:08:55 PM

When they were students...

From top: Rosie Thompson (ECU Hall of Famer, former hoops star and coach, and current Associate AD); Carlester Crumpler (ECU Hall of Famer, former star running back, and current Academic Coordinator); Dennis Young (former Pirate Club Executive Director, single wing tailback, and current Associate Athletics Director for Major Gifts) 7

2011-06-PC.indb 9

5/18/2011 12:08:57 PM

Gearing Up for Football Coach Ruffin McNeill (ECU Media Relations photo)

Notes, Quotes & Anecdotes by Al Myatt

Ruff into next phase of personal makeover East Carolina football coach Ruffin McNeill is in the midst of a full body makeover. He had a weight loss procedure in January that resulted in dropping more than 90 pounds before the spring game in mid-April. That was followed by hip replacement surgery on April 29. The procedure took two hours, according to Tom McClellan, assistant athletic director for media relations. McNeill was released from the hospital on May 2. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Christopher Hasty gave the operation a thumbs up. McNeill moved into a private rehab segment of recovery that was expected to span three to four weeks. It wasn’t anticipated that the ECU coach would be back in the football office until late May or early June. “Ruff’s doing great,” McClellan reported two days af-

ter McNeill left the hospital. “His spirits are high and he already seems eager to get back to work.” McNeill seems committed to a long term change in lifestyle that will support the purpose of the surgical procedures. The hip replacement should allow the coach greater movement with less pain. That will permit him to exercise more and thereby achieve a higher level of fitness. Healthier eating habits are also an integral part of the plan.

Defense discusses new scheme The operations which McNeill underwent were scheduled to fit within the coach’s football calendar. McNeill was on the job during spring practice when the defensive unit had a significant overhaul of its own. The Pirate defense revised its scheme from a 4-3 to a 3-4 in an effort to improve its status as one of the worst platoons statistically in the country. “It’s been a big experience for me, a big learning curve,” said Lee Pegues, who played in five games as a true freshman at defensive end in 2010 and was in on 11 tackles. “We put in a whole new defense. I’m playing a whole new position. We’ve had a lot to learn quickly. I’ve had to learn a lot of new techniques.” Pegues thought he had a good effort in the spring but

2011-06-PC.indb 10

5/18/2011 12:08:59 PM

added, “I’ve got to get a lot better and a lot stronger.” Rising sophomore defensive back Damon Magazu, the hero of the overtime win over N.C. State in 2010 with a gameending interception, said the new system fits ECU’s personnel. “I think it’s good for the people that we have,” he said. “We have a good base coming out of spring. We still have a lot to put in but I thought we did well this spring.” Magazu was encouraged by the defense’s performance against the offense in the spring game. “We only gave up two touchdowns in 100 plays,” he said. “We’ll take that any day.” Magazu said the magnitude of the defensive changes depend on what position is involved. “The unit has adapted well to the whole thing,” he said. “Right now, everyone is thinking a lot more because it’s a new scheme. ... It’s all new so we’re still playing a little slower than we’d like to be. Once we get into fall camp, we’ll get it down a little more and we won’t have to think as much. ... Once the season starts, we’ll be ready to go and we’ll be competing with any team.” ECU opens the season on Sept. 3 in Charlotte against South Carolina. That game will be a personal homecoming for Magazu, who played at Providence High in Charlotte. “South Carolina — they’re a wellrespected team but we have the mentality that we’re going to go out there and we’re going to compete,” Magazu said. The offense, using back-up quarterbacks after Dominique Davis directed a scoring drive on the opening possession, managed just one score in 16 subsequent possessions in the spring tilt. Cornerback Emanuel Davis said conditions were a factor that hindered the other side of the ball. “With the style of offense that they have, rain slows them down,” Emanuel Davis said. “In windy situations, they tend to do not so well with throwing the ball. The defense did a good job of capitalizing on the weather and just going out there and making plays.” Emanuel Davis said the difficulties the defensive unit experienced in 2010 will become a positive factor. “In this new scheme, the 3-4 scheme, we’re flying around, making plays, guys are running to the ball,” Emanuel Davis said. “We went through a lot of adversity last year and I think that’s made us stronger as a team this year and as a defense this year. It’s guys just sticking together, knowing where we came from and knowing where we’ve got to get to.” Emanuel Davis said an improved pass rush can make his job easier in the secondary. “We can get a lot more pressure on the quarterback in a lot of situations,” he said. “When you get pressure on the quarterback, it

tends to get the ball out faster and allows us to make plays on the back end. ... I really think if we play 11-man football, we’ll be hard to beat.”

Unexpected departure by McLendon For all of the optimism the spring created for the defense, not all of the news was good. Coach McNeill announced that junior linebacker Lamar McLendon had left the program for personal reasons. A lack of playing time apparently was not involved in the situation. McLendon, who emerged from a strong program at Fayetteville Seventy-First, started 10 of 13 games at the strongside position as a sophomore in 2010. He saw considerable playing time as a reserve as a freshman. He had 63 tackles

Senior DB Emanuel Davis (ECU Media Relations photo) 9

2011-06-PC.indb 11

5/18/2011 12:09:01 PM

last season, including a career-best nine stops against N.C. State and Maryland. “Lamar was in good standing in all facets of his responsibilities on and off the field,” McNeill said. “He is diligent in the classroom, always represented East Carolina in a professional manner away from campus and had worked hard on the field to become a starter for us.” The Pirates coach said McLendon had a good scrimmage before his exit. “We don’t understand the decision and we’re disappointed, but I wish him the best in what he wants to do,” McNeill said.

Lebo delivers message to Pirate Nation

Sophomore DE Lee Pegues (ECU Media Relations photo)

East Carolina basketball coach Jeff Lebo has been taking his message to the Pirate Nation as a prominent member of the Pirate Armada at various Pirate Club meetings in the region. Lebo directed ECU to its first winning season since 1996-97 as the hoops program produced an 18-16 record in his first season at the helm. “We’ve just been recapping the season, talking about the future, talking about the new players that we’ve got coming in and also taking around the drawings of our practice facility,” Lebo said regarding the substance of his remarks. “Those have been the main things we’ve hit on as we go around, speak and meet people.” Fundraising efforts are ongoing for the proposed $15

Sophomore DB Damon Magazu (ECU Media Relations photo) 10

2011-06-PC.indb 12

5/18/2011 12:09:03 PM

million practice facility to be located on the northeast side of Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum. The Pirate Club Armada made stops on successive nights in Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh in April. Lebo said attendance at the meetings had been very good.

Kemp’s versatility a plus Lebo’s last signee of the class that will be eligible to play in 2011-12 was Maurice Kemp, Jr., who averaged 16.7 points and 9.9 rebounds last season as a sophomore at Miami Dade College. Kemp is 6-foot-6 and 180 pounds. “He’s long,” Lebo said. “He’s athletic. He can play a lot of different spots. You can put him at different positions all over the floor. He’s got the ability to run and to shoot. He’s not your typical junior college kid. He went to Alabama A&M out of high school. He was a pretty good student. Things didn’t work out in his first year and he went back home to junior college. He’s a fine student. “Again, with his length and his athleticism, he’s got a high upside. I think he’s going to be able to defend a lot of different people on the court from a guard to a forward. He’s a kid who I think wants to get better and better and better. He’s going to get stronger. He’s going to put on some weight. He’s thin, but he’s somebody we’re excited about because of his ability to play all over the floor.”

Pirate

aUTo caRe cenTeR Complete auto repair specializing in European & Japanese Imports. All major tire brands available. We also sell and locate vehicles for customers. Come see us at

2616 East 10th St. - Greenville, NC ...Or call us at

(252) 758-7676

alvin Grady Owner

Go pirates!

pirate legacy transfers in Lebo announced in early May that Akeem Richmond, a 6-1 guard, was transferring to ECU from the University of Rhode Island. Richmond’s dad, Eric, played football for the Pirates in the Ed Emory coaching era. The younger Richmond played on the high school level at Southern Lee in Sanford. Richmond must sit out the 2011-12 season but he will bring outside shooting ability and experience to the ECU program when he becomes eligible. He led the state in scoring as a sophomore, junior and senior at Southern Lee and finished as the second leading scorer in North Carolina high school history with 2,846 points. Richmond was a three-time all-state selection by the Associated Press. “We are extremely excited to have Akeem coming back to the state of North Carolina,” Lebo said. “He had a storied high school career and is a proven college player. We are delighted to have him become a Pirate.” Richmond started 26 games last season as a sophomore at Rhode Island. He averaged 9.3 points per game and led the Rams in three-point field goals made with 75. Richmond ranked third in the Atlantic 10 with 2.2 three-pointers per game. He had a career-high 25 points against Lafayette and scored 20 in a game with Charlotte. As a freshman in 2009-10, Richmond was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie team and became just the third freshman in league history to drop more than 80 three-pointers in a season (81). Richmond completed his first college season ranked fourth nationally among all freshmen in three-point field goals made.

Pirate

aUTo saLes

The BesT deaLs on pReoWned WheeLs specializing in import & Foreign automobiles RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO PIRATE AUTO CARE CENTER (252) 364-2006 11

2011-06-PC.indb 13

5/18/2011 12:09:04 PM

He averaged 8.7 points in 36 games in 2009-10 and was twice named A-10 rookie of the week.

sherrod set example with work ethic Not only did Jontae Sherrod lead ECU’s basketball team in scoring during his senior season with a 15.6 average, he set a standard with his work ethic as he came to practice early and stayed late to work on improving his individual skills. Lebo shared some thoughts regarding who might step up to set the pace for the Pirates in terms of their personal dedication to improvement. “I think we’ve got a lot of guys who could do that,” said the ECU coach. “A kid who’s made a drastic change in his work habits has been Darius Morrow. If you ranked them in work ethics, he went from a guy who was probably near the bottom of our team to a guy now who’s close to the top in his work habits. “We’ve got a group now that I think it’s hard to pick one over the other. Erin Straughn works hard every day. Corvonn Gaines is a kid that brings it every day. Miguel Paul is a kid that brings it every day. Right now there’s not a lot of separation when you just talk about work ethic. We’ve got a group that had a good postseason. When we could work the guys out, they worked hard. It was as good in terms of postseason workouts that I’ve been around in a long time. “The question for the guys now will be who can be dedicated to do the work when the coaches aren’t able to be there. We’re not allowed to work with them again until August.” Lebo said he’ll see who’s done their homework during the offseason in the latter part of the summer.

“When I step on the court with them in August in about 10 minutes I’ll know who did the work,” he said. “That’s going to be the real question for right now for all of the players is ‘Who’s going to be self-motivated?’ We’ve told them what to do. We’re not allowed to work with ‘em but who’s going to go out there and put in the work to show me that they did it when we show back up in August?”

pirates show comeback ability The East Carolina baseball team has shown its resilience several times — bordering on miraculous — in Conference USA this season. The Pirates trailed host Houston 4-1 with two out in the top of the ninth inning on April 21 before tying the game on four straight hits. ECU eventually won, 5-4, in 12 innings. In the series opener at Marshall on May 6, ECU was behind 7-0 after seven innings and the Thundering Herd had an 8-2 lead going into the top of the ninth inning when the Pirates scored six runs to tie the score at 8. A relay from Ben Fultz to Jack Reinheimer to catcher Zach Wright led to a tag out that denied Marshall the potential winning run in the bottom of the ninth. Wright drove the first pitch in the top of the tenth for a home run and ECU went on to a 9-8 victory in 10 innings. The Pirates took the series at Marshall two games to one by scoring twice in the ninth inning on Sunday for a 5-4 win. Read more from Al Myatt at Bonesville.net.

2011-06-PC.indb 14

5/18/2011 12:09:05 PM

2011 East Carolina Football Schedule

Sept. 3 vs. South Carolina (Charlotte, N.C.) Sept. 10 VIRGINIA TECH (Pirate Club Weekend) Sept. 24 *UAB (Family Weekend) Oct. 1

NORTH CAROLINA (Hall of Fame/Letterwinners Weekend)

Oct. 8

*at Houston

Oct. 15 *at Memphis Oct. 22 at Navy Oct. 29 *TULANE (Homecoming) Nov. 5

*SOUTHERN MISS (Military Appreciation Weekend)

Nov. 12 *at UTEP Nov. 19 *UCF (Senior Day) Nov. 26 *at Marshall Dec. 3

C-USA Championship Game (at highest-seed campus site) Home games in ALL CAPS * Denotes Conference USA game 13

2011-06-PC.indb 15

5/18/2011 12:09:06 PM

The Heart of a Winner The Inside Slant by Brian Bailey I still remember the very first time I interviewed David Garrard. It was after a spring game and he was being hailed as East Carolina’s quarterback of the future. He was so polished for a young man. His words seemed carefully chosen, but they flowed like they came from a man twice his age. I knew then what the coaches had been talking about. David Garrard was a winner! These days, David Garrard is one of those professional athletes who quite simply “gets it.” Garrard knows he’s been blessed with a talent that enables him to make a great salary. He also knows he’s in a position to help those who aren’t as fortunate. That’s why Garrard first formed his David Garrard Foundation. His foundation raises money for causes very dear to his heart. The David Garrard Foundation was formed to bring awareness, research and education of breast cancer and Crohn’s Disease. At the age of 14, David lost his mother to breast cancer. That was the original idea for his foundation. He still has vivid

David Garrard visiting a patient being treated for Crohn’s at Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. (All photos courtesy of The David Garrard Foundation)

memories of her battle. “They (the causes) are dear to my heart,” said Garrard. “My Mom passed away from breast cancer and this is a way for me to leave a legacy for her and her name. For all she did as a nurse with the VA hospital. She took care of so many people and us as a family. I just want to honor her.” Garrard has his own daily battle with a disease that he had never heard about, until he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in the spring of 2004. Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease, which involves chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract because of an overactive immune system. Many times the disease is mis-diagnosed. Some times it is left untreated, and if that happens the disease can be fatal. “I wanted to defeat it,” he said. “I couldn’t let Crohn’s take over my life. A lot of pro athletes think they’re invincible. This brought me back to reality. It gave me a gut check, literally.” The Jacksonville Jaguar’s quarterback is gearing up for his first ever David Garrard Celebrity Golf Classic to be held at the Greenville Country Club on June 27th. The tournament will benefit Beau’s Buddies in Greenville, and David’s own foundation. Beau’s Buddies is a charitable organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of cancer patients in Eastern North Carolina. The group describes itself as “friends helping friends”. All monies raised stay local to help families fighting this devastating

2011-06-PC.indb 16

5/18/2011 12:09:08 PM

disease Greenville and eastern North Carolina. The group is named in honor of Hugh Parham “Beau” Stanley III, who was diagnosed on Nov. 17th, 2006 with High Risk Stage III Neuroblastoma. After fighting a long hard battle, Beau earned his angel wings and went to Heaven on Nov. 29th, 2007. “We are thrilled to be teaming up with David for this event,” said Dr. John Gibbs, one of the founding fathers of Beau’s Buddies. “These are great causes and help so many people.” Before his first ever golf tournament, David hosted a fishing tournament where the winners took home a couple of club seats for the 2011 football season. That event is called “Fishing for a Cure” and was held May 21st.. The first ever David Garrard Celebrity Golf Classic will feature a dinner auction on June 26th, followed by the golf tournament the next day. Garrard says his golf game is getting better. “I’ve gone from really bad to bad,” said Garrard. “Then I’ve gotten a little better where I feel like I can keep it in play.” One of the last times Garrard played in Greenville, his wife Mary aced the par three, 8th hole at Ironwood. That 8th hole is one of the most difficult on the course. The first three members of Garrard’s team that day hit terrible shots. Mary Garrard then stepped up, hit her shot on the front of the green, and the group watched it roll in for the hole-in-one. The word is that if you’re going to take a Garrard for your golf team, Mary might be the choice. “I remember looking at the shot and thinking that’s got a chance to be pretty good,” said David. “Then I watched it go in and we all went crazy running around. You would have thought we won the Masters!” The list of celebrities certainly has a “Pirate” feel to it. Fellow pro-bowl Chris Johnson is coming back to Greenville to support Garrard. C.J. Wilson and Jay Ross from the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers are also scheduled to play. Free agent pro bowl fullback Vonta Leach is also in the field along with recent Dallas Cowboy’s draftee Dwayne Harris. Former Pirate greats Tony Collins and Jeff Blake will also be in town for the event. Blake says his golf game isn’t all that much, but he’s looking forward to getting back among the Pirate fans. “It’s a special place,” said Blake. “And don’t forget my daughter has signed to play volleyball at ECU, so I’ll be making even more trips back in the future.” PGA golfer Will MacKenzie, who is from Greenville, will play and promises to bring a couple of his friends from the PGA tour. Several great items for sports fan will be a part of the auction. Super Bowl tickets for two with accommodations will be up for grabs. You could also purchase a spot to fish with David in his annual fishing tournament next year. It’s all for the greatest of causes. “I just want to invite everyone out to help us with these causes,” said Garrard. “It’s going to be a lot of fun!” With Garrard at the center of the event, it’s also sure to be a winner. Read more from Brian Bailey at Bonesville.net.

David and Mary promoting Crucial Catch, a breast cancer awareness and early detection program.

David and fellow Jaguars visiting a children’s hospital in Durham

$ 15

2011-06-PC.indb 17

5/18/2011 12:09:10 PM

Pirate for All Seasons Charts New Course At the pinnacle of his profession, Dennis Young looks forward to becoming a fulltime fan in 2012

Dennis Young (ECU Media Relations photos)

By Al Myatt Dennis Young was scheduled to become president of the National Association of Athletic Development Directors this summer but he decided against it. Young is planning to retire from his position as East Carolina’s Associate Athletics Director for Major Gifts on Dec. 31 and he didn’t want to serve the national group for just a portion of a term. “I decided to opt out of it and for all the right reasons,” Young said. “I’m not resume building and I’m not obituary building. I’m first vice president right now and will be until June 30. I’m in charge of the programming this year for our convention. I’ve been on the executive committee for seven or eight years. It’s time to move on and let some younger people have some opportunities.” Young played football at East Carolina, lettering in 1966 and 1967. He returned to his alma mater in 1991, the sensational Peach Bowl season, as executive director of the East Carolina Educational Foundation (Pirate Club) and held that positiion until he was promoted to his current post in March of 2006. “I’m retiring to full time Pirate Club member/fan and enjoy that side of it, too,” Young said. “”There’s a time to come, a time to stay and a time to go.We’re anticipating being through the

major gift phase of our Step Up to the Highest Level campaign by the end of this year. The timing couldn’t be better from that perspective.” The Step Up to the Highest Level campaign is seking to raise $15 million for a basketball practice facility on the northeast corner of Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum. It will be the last major athletic facility project Young has been involved with and there have been many, including multiple expansions of DowdyFicklen Stadium, the renovation and expansion of Minges Coliseum, the construction of the Murphy Center and the building of Clark-LeClair Stadium for baseball. Young’s impact on the development of the ECU sports skyline might not have taken place had it not been for an ankle injury during his senior year at North Forsyth High School in Winston-Salem. Young was getting recruiting interest from the likes of Clemson, North Carolina, Tennessee and the service academies. Interest waned with the injury but Young was attracted to East Carolina because of coach Clarence Stasavich’s unique offense. “The reason I came to East Carolina was because East Carolina ran the single wing, just as I did in high school,” Young said. “I was a tailback in high school. It was just a natural (decision) with the offense they ran.” Being in the football program at East Carolina was a

2011-06-PC.indb 18

5/18/2011 12:09:10 PM

process that provided Young with some valuable life skills. “It was more than just playing the game of football,” he said. “It was really growing up and maturing. You learned a lot of self discipline, learned a lot about organization of your time. Those are probably the benefits that really carried over into my adult life and the years I was in business -- and teamwork. Nobody can accomplish anything on their own. It takes a real team to make it happen. A lot of the pride we had in the Pirate Club over the years, it was a team effort.” Young had already met his bride to be before setting foot on campus in Greenville. “She was a cheerleader in high school and I was a threesport guy,” Young said. “I saw her there cheering and I couldn’t take my eyes off her.” Ellen and Dennis were married between his junior and senior years at East Carolina. “She went to dental hygiene school at Central Piedmont in Charlotte,” Young said. “She went to ECU on weekends.” The Youngs have two children and two grandchildren. After graduation, Young worked for a certified public accounting firm. He went into commercial mortgage banking and also worked in long term health care in WinstonSalem before returning to ECU. Young believes in his current fundraising mission. “It’s a $15 million capital campaign for a long overdue athletic facility, a basketball practice facility for both men’s and women’s programs,” he said. “Really, the building will encompass all the elements for those basketball programs from office suites to players’ lounges to locker rooms, training rooms and practice courts but also it’s going to incorporate in the lobby area, which will become the main entrance to Minges Coliseum, it will incoporate the hall of fame and a sports memorabilia area. “It’s something that’s long been needed to move our basketball programs forward and give our coaches the opportunity to recruit up in the talent. For so long, up until this past basketball season, men’s basketball in particular has not had success. We hadn’t had a winning season for 14 seasons until this last season. “I think many of us in the Pirate Nation feel like men’s basketball in particular may have held us back from getting to that highest level of athletic competition. For many of us, that’s our goal and will remain our goal until we get there. This facility hopefully will facilitate improvement in men’s basketball, certainly women’s basketball also and the next time the sands shift at the highest level in Division I, hopefully those people making decisions will see that East Carolina’s made a definite commitment to men’s basketball that will be worthy of such consideration.” The basketball practice structure could lead to another step upward for ECU athletics into a BCS conference such as the Big East. Young has already seen tremendous change in his time as a Pirate.

“When I was there as a student-athlete, I think the biggest change was that there were very, very few full scholarships,” Young said. “Even in football, you got part scholarships. There just was not the funding there in place to make that happen. Certainly over the course of the last 40 years, there has been tremendous growth in our facilities, the venues that our teams play in, the venues that our fans enjoy. “It’s just like our university. As it has grown, so has its athletic program. It’s a program today that certainly I think everybody in the Pirate Nation can take a lot of pride in. “Back in the old days, coaches were more than coaches. Because of financial considerations, they had classroom assignments. They taught classes. Now coaches have the opportunity to fully devote their time to coaching those student-athletes and recruiting. That’s been a tremendous change. “From a football perspective, the speed of the game has picked up. The kids have gotten much larger and much more physical. Back when I was in college, if you maintained decent grades you got to go home in the summer and get a job. You’d get spending money for the school year. ... Kids today -- I look at football -- and it’s year-round. They get very little time off. They

Dennis Young in his days playing Pirate football 17

2011-06-PC.indb 19

5/18/2011 12:09:11 PM

Ellen and Dennis Young

don’t have time in the summer to go home and spend time in the summers with family and friends and get a job and have spending money. “Everybody in college needs some spending money. I think that’s one of the biggest changes and I say that only because I hope someday that college athletics will address that need to help these kids out.” When Young was at East Carolina, freshmen weren’t eligible to play on the varsity team. The freshmen had their own team. “Henry VanSant was our coach,” Young said. “He was probably the best coach I ever had in all my years of playing football. ... My freshman year, we went to the Tangerine Bowl in Orlando and played Maine (31-0 Pirates win). Three of us on the team made the all-state freshmen team that year. We got to go down with the varsity to that bowl. That was a highlight. My sophomore year, we were co-champions of the Southern Conference. That was certainly a highlight. “There were a lot of highlights and a lot of neat games. We didn’t play the big-name teams as East Carolina plays today but back then those games were special, too.” Young has seen tremendous change and he’s helped much of it take place through his efforts on ECU’s behalf. “I’ve been very fortunate to have 20 years to go back to my old school and help raise funding for athletics, for scholarships and facilities,” he said. “Over the 20 years, I’ve met a lot of very special people that I’ve become friends with and look forward to being friends with for many years to come. I guess the most enjoyable part of the 20 years is to see the passion of the vast majority of Pirate Club members who are willing to do everything they can to move East Carolina athletics forward. “And they do it for all the right reasons, not for personal

gain and notoriety, but for the program and the pride they have in the program. I take a lot of pride in just having had the opportunity to be a part of that.” ECU athletic director Terry Holland is very appreciative of the role Young has played. Under Young’s leadership, the Pirate Club raised more than $35 million in capital gifts. The Pirate Club’s scholarship funding increased about eight times to $4 million during Young’s tenure. “Dennis Young and his wife, Ellen, add a huge amount of class wherever and whenever Pirates gather together in support of Pirate athletics,” Holland said. “He is recognized nationally for his work as a fundraiser and manager of fundraising projects. During the last few years, Dennis has served as the Major Gifts Officer and has continued to set fundraising records in spite of a tough economy that has seen such gifts decline at the institutions with whom we compete in the region. “Under Dennis’ leadership, the Pirate Club became, and remains today, the NUMBER ONE athletic fundraising organization among institutions whose champions do not have automatic qualification to a BCS Bowl.” Pirates’ Chest publisher Danny Whitford, who has his own ties to the school dating to the ‘60s, knows Young from multiple perspectives. An alum who once served a stint in the ECU sports information office, Whitford owns a software company and a small electronic and print media firm that added to its client list the Pirate Club during Young’s tenure as Executive Director. “I’ve become good friends with Dennis as a Pirate fan, as a donor, even as a business partner of sorts,” said Whitford. “Regardless of the setting, regardless of the wins and losses, regardless of the coaching and administrative upheavals that are inevitable over time in a fast-growing program with a rabid fan base such as ECU’s, Dennis is consistent and courteous to the core and never forgets his purpose. “Good times or bad, he is always a passionate advocate for ECU. And his advocacy is effective because it comes from his heart.” One might wonder if Young’s departure will have an adverse affect on funds generated in support of ECU athletics. “It will continue (to grow),” Young said. “The seeds have been planted and cultivated by a lot of people. A lot of people have made things happen. Change happens in industry. It happens in families. Change happens all around you. When change happens, people don’t really miss a beat. Everything moves forward. East Carolina athletics is special and those fans are always going to be there to support. The leadership is in place to make it happen.” Young will be doing more than playing golf when he leaves ECU. “My wife plays golf so we’ll play some golf together but I plan on doing some things,” Young said. “I still feel young and I want to stay active and have somewhat of a business effort. I’ve got an old CPA license and an old real estate broker’s license to fall back on. “I plan on being somewhat active doing something. I’m not going to retire just to go play golf.” Read more from Al Myatt at Bonesville.net.

2011-06-PC.indb 20

5/18/2011 12:09:11 PM

Toni

Paisley Making a Name for Herself The Bradsher Beat by Bethany Bradsher East Carolina doesn’t keep this type of statistic, but you could make a pretty good case for Toni Paisley as the most decorated athlete in Pirate history. Certainly, Paisley will hang up her ECU jersey as the most accomplished pitcher who has ever put on a ECU uniform. Her 116 career wins make her 22nd on the NCAA all-time record list, and she closed out her career as a Lady Pirate at the Conference USA tournament, held in mid-May at ECU’s new softball stadium. There have been times during Paisley’s ECU career that it seemed like a new honor was showered on her every week. Some notable career accolades: •

She holds all but one of ECU’s career pitching records – pitching wins, careers, shutouts, pitching appearances and complete games. Her 1,259 career strikeouts are 311 more than the previous record-holder, Keli Harrell, and 764 more than the pitcher in the third spot. She is also 20th on the NCAA all-time list for strikeouts.

•

Paisley’s name is nearly as ubiquitous in the Conference USA record books as in ECU’s. She holds C-USA career records for strikeouts, wins, innings pitched and appearances.

•

She won the Conference USA Pitcher of the Year Award in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and was named the CUSA Preseason

Right: Senior pitcher Toni Paisley (ECU Media Relations photo) 19

2011-06-PC.indb 21

5/18/2011 12:09:13 PM

Pitcher of the Year this season. She and Houston’s Angel Shamblin are the only two players in conference history to win the honor three times.

919.291.5704 | B ryAN m OOrE G rOUp . cOm East Carolina Graduate. Several years’ experience closing hundreds of transactions. Backed by a national real estate company. Construction Management Degree. Fourth Generation Raleigh Native!

SErViNG rAlEiGH AND tHE triANGlE

Follow Bryan on

•

She was named the 2010 C-USA Tournament Most Valuable Player for her 20-strikeout performance that led the Pirates to their first league title last spring.

•

She has won the C-USA Pitcher of the Week Award 16 times in her career.

•

In March, she was selected in the 10th round of the National Pro Fastpitch, making her the first Pirate to be drafted into a professional softball league.

•

She was a top 25 finalist for the Amateur Softball Association of America’s Player-of-the-Year Award.

Paisley is 39-20 this year, with 365 strikeouts, but her performances haven’t been as flashy as they were during her past two seasons. When the season opened, Paisley was uncharacteristically stressed because she was allowing the reality of her senior season to weigh on her. She found her stride midseason, and in these final games she hopes to turn that pressure into a positive, she said. “Instead of the beginning of the season when there was more negative stress on me, I’m trying to have more positive stress and use it just to push myself these last few weekends and lay it all out on the line,” she said. Another reason Paisley’s pitching hasn’t been as dominating during her senior campaign is the sheer familiarity of her opponents, particularly within the conference. Some C-USA batters have faced Paisley and seen film of her so many times that they know how to hit pitches that once seemed out of reach, said head coach Tracey Kee. “Toni has done a very good job of keeping us in ball games this year, especially in conference,” Kee said. “When you’re in your senior year and everybody knows everything you have, and they’ve seen you year after year after year, it’s a credit to herself on being able to hold down people’s offenses and put us in a position to win.” It’s been a little bit frustrating for Paisley when she feels like the other team’s offense has her number, but her win totals have remained steady because she has turned former strikeouts into opportunities for the Pirate defense to shine. “It’s challenging, and I like challenges,” she said. “I really just try to focus more on spins then, and try to make a good movement pitch, and there’s my shortstop, there’s my second baseman.” As one of only two seniors on a team mostly populated by freshmen, Paisley has seen enough to know that this group is hitting its stride at the right time. They are 34-1 and 14-10 in the conference, and that success can be attributed to steady pitching and a group of freshmen who have grown into the college game quickly, Kee said. “We needed the youth to step up and they have,” she said. “They’re playing vital positions on our team. We knew this season could have easily been spun around, 16-34 instead of 3416. I don’t want to say we’ve overachieved; we knew the potential was there. It just was a matter of when would it show.” Read more from Bethany Bradsher at Bonesville.net.

2011-06-PC.indb 22

5/18/2011 12:09:16 PM

A Tribute to a Special Class

Godwin’s first crop of recruits wraps up its tenure on ECU’s diamond By Al Myatt The seniors in East Carolina’s baseball program are special to Pirates coach Billy Godwin and not just because they’ve won more than their share of games while setting records in the process. “It’s my first true class that I recruited as head coach,” Godwin said. “On top of that, they’ve all been successful and had a huge role in our program. ... To this point they’ve been to two regionals in three years and a Super Regional. They’ve been a talented group and a good group.” Trent Whitehead, who wears uniform No. 1, has been virtually a mainstay in center field since his arrival from nearby Washington. Whitehead established himself in a starting role as a freshman and had a .343 career batting average going into the 2011 season. The left-handed health fitness management major set a school record with 105 hits during the 2009 season. “He’s had a great career at East Carolina,” Godwin said. “He’s been the cornerstone in center field for us. He had a tremendous year in ‘09. ... Trent plays the game like you want everybody

The Seniors of Pirate Baseball 2011 (L to R): Trent Whitehead (1), Mike Anderson (21), Brad Mincey (29), Seth Simmons (31), Zach Woods (3), Seth Maness (43) and Austin Homan (23). (All photos ECU Media Relations)

to play the game. People want to know, ‘How does he make so many good catches and how does he do this?’ If you watch him in practice or batting practice, he’s 110 percent. That’s what makes him the player he is.” Austin Homan’s character has been the basis for the versatile position player becoming the first Pirate to wear the No. 23 in memory of former ECU coach Keith LeClair for the last two seasons. The product of State College, Pa., also gives Godwin a proven left-handed pinch hitter in addition to his leadership qualities. “He’s a two-time team captain,” Godwin said. “He came to East Carolina as a walk-on, third-string catcher. He redshirted. He’s really willed himself into being a contributor in our program. I know in ‘09 when Brandon Henderson went down, he was a huge part of our success in those 11 games that Brandon Continued on page 24... 21

2011-06-PC.indb 23

5/18/2011 12:09:18 PM

The Seniors of Pirate Baseball 2011

RHP Mike Anderson

RHP Seth Simmons

OF Austin Homan

2011-06-PC.indb 24

5/18/2011 12:09:23 PM

OF Trent Whitehead

RHP Seth Maness

RHP Brad Mincey

RHP Zach Woods 23

2011-06-PC.indb 25

5/18/2011 12:09:27 PM

was out. He played left field for us and we moved (Stephen) Batts to first. He’s just been a leader on and off the field. He’s really willed himself to being a good player at East Carolina.” Homan received his degree in sports studies last summer and is currently enrolled in graduate school. Right-handed pitcher Seth Maness deals with numbers in the classroom as an accounting major. His numbers outside the classroom have been very productive for the Pirates. Maness had a 34-11 career record and a 2011 season earned run average of 1.93 going into a series at Marshall on May 6. “Seth’s numbers speak for themselves,” Godwin said. An honor roll student, Maness was Conference USA pitcher of the year in 2010 and was C-USA freshman of the year in 2008. “I remember when I recruited Seth (from Southern Pines Pinecrest), I remember telling (former pitching) coach (Bill) Jarman — we got in the car and we rode over to Wake Forest. I said, ‘Let’s go look at this kid one more time.’ We had pretty much written him off. That’s a true story. A lot of people don’t realize that. I told him, too, ‘Don’t bring the radar gun. There’s nothing he’s going to do that’s going to light that gun up.’ “We watched him pitch and he pitched against a pretty good team. For about the fifth time we had watched him, he just got people out. That’s really the story. All he’s done at East Carolina is get people out and win. Of course, he’s certainly gotten better. He’s a tremendous competitor. He’s got a chance to leave our program as the all-time winningest pitcher in school history.” Winfred Johnson, who is currently head baseball coach

at Harrells Christian Academy near Clinton, won 35 games for the Pirates from 1993 to 1996 and has been first on the ECU career wins list since then. Pirate closer Seth Simmons, who is majoring in finance, sets a new ECU career record with every appearance and every save. “He is a bulldog competitor,” Godwin said of Simmons. “He is one of my all-time favorite competitors. He wants the ball. He wants to win. He wants to win for East Carolina. He’s just a tremendous competitor and he has that want-the-ball every day mentality.” The right-handed Simmons pitched on the high school level at Calvary Baptist in Winston-Salem. Zach Woods, another righty, transferred to East Carolina from Louisburg College, where Godwin coached from 1999 to 2005 before coming to ECU as an assistant. Woods sat out the 2009 season at ECU as he recovered from Tommy John surgery. Woods, who played on the prep level at Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, was C-USA newcomer of the year in 2010. He was also national player of the week in 2010 after earning a win against Elon and a save against Tulane, striking out 19 in 11 1/3 innings in the two games. Woods is majoring in physical education, minoring in communications and has earned academic honor roll recognition. He moved into the weekend starting rotation at the outset of the 2011 season. “It’s funny about Zach,” Godwin said. “Zach signed an initial letter of intent with us and ended up at Louisburg and then re-signed with us. He got injured. He had a rocky road. Last year he emerged and ended up being our Friday night starter. He won eight games in Conference USA. He’s been sidelined a little bit this year with a pulled oblique but we’re expecting him to have a strong finish down the stretch.” Right-handed pitcher Brad Mincey, a product of New Hanover High School, has worked primarily out of the bullpen in his senior season. An honor roll student in his urban and regional planning major, Mincey’s career record was 20-10 going into the Marshall series. His season ERA was 0.94 over 48 innings. “Brad has probably been the most versatile pitcher I’ve had at East Carolina,” Godwin said. “He’s had so many roles and he’s done them all very well. He had a solid freshman year. His sophomore year, he won 10 games for us in a dual role, coming out of the pen and starting. Last year, he suffered a little bit of a setback with a forearm injury. “ ... People don’t see this from the outside looking in, but he is every bit of the competitor that Simmons is. It’s just a little more inward. He’s been a great pitcher in our program.” Right-handed pitcher Mike Anderson has been designated to work in long relief in his senior season. He came from Walter Panas High School in Cortlandt Manor, New York and has been a consistent honor roll student who will get a degree in physical education. “Mike is a three-year captain,” Godwin said. “That speaks a lot for the type of person he is, his character and his leadership .His value to our program goes well beyond what he does on the field. He and Austin are probably two of the best people that I’ve ever been around and coached.” Read more from Al Myatt at Bonesville.net.

2011-06-PC.indb 26

5/18/2011 12:09:28 PM

Olympic Sports Roundup

Freshman Mario Martinez (ECU Media Relations photo)

Spring Athletic Awards

By Bethany Bradsher

Women’s Golf

Take that last bite of rubber chicken, polish off your cheesecake and turn your chair to face the platform. It’s time for our featured program here at the East Carolina Spring Athletic Awards Banquet. To demonstrate how far most of the Pirate sports teams have climbed and to honor outstanding management of demands in both competition and the classroom, we will now recognize those individuals who have distinguished themselves on their athletic fields this spring:

Senior golfers Colleen Estes and Amber Littman have a rare distinction – they have both qualified for an NCAA Regional in each of their four years as a Pirate. In their fourth and final appearance, the golfers helped lead their team to the Central Regional at Notre Dame University. In the opening round, Estes shot a 75 (3 over) to enter the second day in 26th place.

Men’s Golf

A freshman tennis player named Mario Martinez represented the Pirates with his own All-C-USA spot, making the second team after an overall record of 10-3 during his rookie season. Martinez, who came to ECU from Maumelle, Ark., won eight of his final 10 matches, including the last three. He was 6-1 in dual match play, and his success helped the Pirates reach the quarterfinals of the C-USA Tournament.

Harold Varner and David Watkins, for taking the concept of “teamwork” to a new level by becoming the first men’s golf teammates to both be selected to the All-Conference USA First Team. It was Watkins’ second selection to the first team and Varner’s first, after making the second team last year. Both Varner and Watkins were selected as C-USA Players of the Week twice this season. Both juniors, they have each finished in the top five at four tournaments this season, and they have sparked the Pirate squad to two tournament titles and a No. 35 national ranking in the Golfweek/Sagarin Performance Index.

Tennis

Track and Field Thirteen members of the ECU track and field team, who in their last meet before the C-USA Championship won event 25

2011-06-PC.indb 27

5/18/2011 12:09:29 PM

titles at the Charlotte Invitational, hosted by UNC-Charlotte on April 23-24. Pirates won top honors in events ranging from pole vault to the 800m run, and freshman Erin Tucker added to her 100m hurdles title with a new ECU record in the event, running it in 13.99 ECU, which finished second overall in both the men’s and women’s competitions, really made an impression by sweeping all of the relay events in Charlotte. Both the men’s and women’s 4x100 relay teams took their events first, followed by victories from both 4x400 teams. The men’s 4x400 team came from behind when anchor leg Christopher Richardson sped up on the final straightaway to pass the leading team, from UNCWilmington. Freshman Aiesha Goggins pulled off a similar feat for the women, overcoming a sizable deficit on the final lap to earn the win.

Swimming and Diving Andrew Stoker, a senior on the ECU swimming and diving team, has been named East Carolina’s recipient of an award that recognizes selfless community service. Stoker was awarded the C-USA Spirit of Service Award, which is given three times a year to an athlete who embodies excellence in the classroom, in the community and in their sport. Stoker has maintained a perfect 4.0 grade-point average while giving untold hours to causes like ovarian cancer walks, canned food drives and campus initiatives like Avid Day and Gear Up Day. He has also been the ECU men’s team captain for two seasons, and in 2010 he was selected the Pirates’ Most Improved Swimmer. Read more from Bethany Bradsher at Bonesville.net.

Senior swimmer Andrew Stoker (ECU Media Relations photo)

East Carolina Football Design Golf Cart for Sale • • • •

Big chrome tires Carbonite interior Extended top Leather embroidered seats w/ ECU mascot and football • Painted purple and gold

• Battery booster package (goes up to 32 MPH) • Speed gauge • Radio • Flop-down front windshield • Battery charger included

Asking $4,495.00. have $9k in it. Call 843-907-7554.

Freshman sprinter Erin Tucker (ECU Media Relations photo)

2011-06-PC.indb 28

5/18/2011 12:09:31 PM

Pirate Club News Step Up To The Highest Level Campaign Update The East Carolina University Educational Foundation is pleased to report that 223 Pirate Club members have stepped up in their support of the Foundation’s $15 million “Step Up To The Highest Level Campaign”, to provide private funding for a proposed basketball practice facility. As of May 2, 2011, Pirate Club members have pledged $9,662,300 in financial support for this long-needed ECU Athletics facility enhancement. Since reporting on the Campaign as of April 12, 2011, in the May issue of the Pirates’ Chest, the following individuals and businesses have stepped forward in their support to the campaign:

Major Gifts Garrett Blackwelder Charles & Helen Brown Copypro, Inc.

Heather Macy (Increase) Rufﬁ n & Erlene McNeill (Increase) Woody & Jennifer Tyner (Increase)

Other Gifts Raz Autry John & Nancy Bailey Tom Barrett Linwood & Kathy Brown L. W. Cox Charles Creech

Ronald Davis Henry Edmondson Wesley & Erica Haynes Daniel Hilliard Mike Mills Tommy & Voloria Peel

Bob & Susan Sawyer (Increase) Brad Sears Jerry & Patricia Smith Frank Trotta Bill Watson

Many thanks to the above for stepping up to the highest level in their support of this important capital campaign initiative. And many thanks to Coaches Jeff Lebo and Heather Macy for their appeals to Pirate Club members on the Pirate Club’s 2011 Armada Tour, as to the impact this proposed practice facility will have on their respective programs. Although this facility is not scheduled to come on-line until the 2013-2014 school year, both Jeff and Heather are using architectural renderings of the practice facility to sell recruits on committing to East Carolina University. With these renderings, basketball recruits envision those elements in the 27

2011-06-PC.indb 29

5/18/2011 12:09:33 PM

practice facility, which will help them to improve their basketball skill sets during their ECU years. Those elements include a practice court, locker room, players’ lounge, team meeting room, equipment room and office suite for both Pirate men and women’s basketball, providing both programs the opportunity to gain their own identities on ECU’s Athletics campus.

All Pirate Club members who share a dream for ECU’s basketball programs and a dream for Pirate Athletics to have the opportunity to successfully compete at the Division I’s highest level, are asked to step up with their support of the “Step Up To The Highest Level Campaign.” Keep in mind, pledges to the Campaign can be made over a five-year period (six tax years), and can be so structured to meet a donor’s cash flow and income tax considerations. For more information on how you can participate in this important capital campaign initiative, please call Dennis Young or Matt Maloney at 252-737-4542 or e-mail them at youngd@ecu.edu or maloneyj@ecu.edu.

Posing with Pee Dee Three young Pirate fans pose with Pee Dee the Pirate. From left to right: Morgan and Spencer Tingen, children of Lee and Lynn Tingen, and Blake Smith, son of Harry and Tammy Smith.

2011-06-PC.indb 30

5/18/2011 12:09:34 PM

e e n

e p n d n r

COMPLIANCE CORNER

Institutional Control As a member institution of the NCAA as well as Conference-USA, East Carolina University strives to maintain a strong program involving the university’s most athletically talented students. As affirmed in our mission statement, we also vow to supplement the student-athlete’s academic pursuits in a nurturing environment in which the principles of fair play, amateur athletics, ethical conduct and student-athlete as well as the fan welfare guide the activities. It is important to recognize that when it comes to compliance and NCAA rules EVERYONE has a role and responsibilities and must establish personal accountability and integrity in their actions. You must identify your role and your responsibilities and not be afraid to regularly communicate and demonstrate the commitment to rules compliance in your actions. It is only with your continuing help and cooperation that we can work to ensure the current and future success of all our athletic programs with integrity. The NCAA relies on the accountability of everyone involved in the athletics program and does all it can but there is no amount of paperwork or rules that can legislate the integrity of each individual. It is up to each of us ultimately, being that we are all accountable for all of the rules. It is a team effort. Not everyone is willing to accept their responsibilities, but you

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF ATHLETICS COMPLIANCE ANYWAY? have to weigh the options. Play fairly and enjoy the honest victories or alternatively cheat in the game and suffer the consequences! (Embarrassment for the institution, jeopardize a professional career, disappoint our student-athletes, etc.) Sometimes not being able to help a student-athlete in need can be frustrating, but doing things the right way will pay off in the long run. “Integrity is doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching.” ~ Jim Stovall

What is the responsibility of the Athletic Compliance Ofﬁce? The primary responsibility of the Athletics Compliance Office (ACO) is to East Carolina University. The ACO is responsible for assuring the successful day-to-day operations of all aspects of the intercollegiate athletics program consistent with the spirit of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Conference-USA and East Carolina University rules and regulations. If you have any questions concerning ECU Athletics and the Athletics Compliance Office, please feel free to contact Tim Metcalf, Director of Compliance, at 252-7371522, or metcalft@ecu.edu.

SOUTH CAROLINA GAME INCENTIVE REGISTRATION FORM In 2011, the Pirate Club offered a new incentive for members to win a special travel and game package for the South Carolina game in Charlotte. To qualify, a member must have increased their 2011 annual gift by a minimum of $212 or joined at the minimum of $212 AND recruited two (2) new members donating at the $212 or more level. This offer ends on June 30th including the submission of the registration form. The winner will be announced around August 1st. 1. I conﬁ rm that I have increased my annual donation by $212 or joined for $212 2. I have recruited two (2) new members for 2011 (new member is deﬁ ned as a new Young Grad member or $100 Crew level) Names of new members: 1.____________________________________ 2. ____________________________________ Member name _________________________________________ PC # ______________________________________ Return completed form to the ECU Educational Foundation (Pirate Club), Ward Sports Medicine Building, Greenville, NC 27858 or fax to 252-737-4664 or email hessertm@ecu.edu. ECU Athletics is “Reaching New Heights of Championship Excellence” thanks to your efforts. 29

2011-06-PC.indb 31

5/18/2011 12:09:35 PM

ECU Pirate Club/ Pirates’ Chest Subscription Change of Address Form

Name

Old Address

New Address

City

State Zip

Phone

Please submit form to: East Carolina University Pirate Club 304 Ward Sports Medicine Bldg. Greenville, NC 27858-4353

You may also e-mail your change-of-address information to leblancleccej@ecu.edu or send via fax to (252) 737-4664. Both your Pirate Club mailing information, as well as your Pirates’ Chest subscription information will be updated with this form.

Are you getting married? Have you had a baby? Do you have employment advancements, changes, honors, publications, or are you retiring? Do you have any information that you would like to share with your fellow Pirate Club Members? We want to know about you, your family and news in your life that we can share with other Pirate Club members. Please mail information to:

East Carolina University Pirate Club 304 Ward Sports Medicine Bldg. Greenville, NC 27858-4353 Attn: Member’s Corner Or Fax to: (252) 737-4664 You can also e-mail us at: leblancleccej@ecu.edu Subject Line: Member’s Corner

2011-06-PC.indb 32

5/18/2011 12:09:36 PM

June & July Kids Club Birthdays Hunter Adkins

Moira Skalak

Casey Barrett

Cooper Slough

Noah Byrd

Lucas Thomas

Ryna C. Carter

Joseph Wells Wallace

Shelby Rose Cox

Joseph L. Wallace

Riley Davis

Grace Warren

Briauna Faulk Ryley Hairr

Happy Birthday, Kids!

Darby Nichole Waters Hailie Victoria Waters Preston Mark Watkins

Kathryn Clark Hales

Garrison Ray Weaver

Mitchell Houston

Alex Kockler

Blake Houston

Daniel Krentz

Corrine Weaver

Matt Houston

Garrett Payne

Micah Seth Westbrook

Mackenzie Ray Hudson

Dustin Powell

Colby Williams

Ross Johnson

Tanner Rhodes

2011-06-PC.indb 33

5/18/2011 12:09:37 PM

Title Sponsor

From left, Edwin Clark, Tyler Clark, Coach Donnie Kirkpatrick, Head Coach Ruffi n McNeill, Walter Williams and Will Clark preparing for the afternoon fl ight of the Pirate Golf Classic. The team took First Place Net in the afternoon fl ight. Many thanks to Trade Wilco Hess for their sponsorship. (Pirate Club photo)

The ECU Pirate Club would like to thank all the Participants, Sponsors, and Volunteers that made the 2011 Pirate Golf Classic a Successful Event. Golf Classic Sponsors

Hole Sponsors

Attends Healthcare Products

Greenville Mall

AC Controls

Flanders Corp

Institutional Interiors

OBX Mortgage

Suddenlink

The Clement Companies

MJA & Associates

In Memory of Les Garner 32

2011-06-PC.indb 34

5/18/2011 12:09:40 PM

The Pirate Nation can make the proposed basketball practice facility a reality.

Proposed Basketball Practice Facility to be built to the north side of Minges Coliseum.

Step Up to the Highest Level Campaign For more information, contact the Pirate Club office at 252-737-4542

2011-06-PC.indb 35

5/18/2011 12:09:41 PM

East Carolina University Educational Foundation, Inc. 304 Ward Sports Medicine Building East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858

~Established in 1945 ~

WPendant

hen we introduced the Diamond & Amethyst Pirate last year, we had no idea how popular it would become... or how fast. Now, because you asked, we have added three more brilliant pieces to our very own...

East Carolina

Pirate

Collection Diamonds, Amethysts, and Gold in two tones make for a dazzling collection of exclusive East Carolina Pirate jewelry! The Pirate Collection Earrings 14kWhite Gold with 2/3 ct.total weight Diamonds & 1 ct. total weight Amethysts

The Pirate Saber Toothpick Pendant 14k Two-tone pendant on a 14k Gold chain.

The New Diamond Pirate Pendant 1 ct. total weight Diamonds with your choice of 14k Yellow or White Gold chain

The ORIGINAL Diamond & Amethyst Pirate Pendant 3/4 ct. total weight Diamonds and 3/4 ct. total weight Amethysts set in an elegant 14K two-tone gold mounting. 14K gold wheat chain

An ideal gift for your East Carolina Girl ! Introducing the newest treasures from the exclusive East Carolina Pirate1 Collection ...Only at Buddy’s Jewelry

2011-06-PC.indb 36

Call and reserve yours now. Ask about our Layaway program. We custom design Pirate jewelry upon request.

(888) 658-3258 A portion from all Pirate Jewelry sales goes to the Pirate Club.

w w w. b u d d y s j e w e l r y. c o m

Three Convenient Locations:

903 North Breazeale Avenue • Mount Olive, NC 409 N. Spence Ave. • Goldsboro, NC 1307 W. Cumberland St. • Dunn, NC

5/18/2011 12:09:47 PM