It has been a tradition and Independence day celebrations go back to the 18th Century and the American Revolution and there will be once again celebrations in Eastern NC.
Farmville’s 4th of July Celebration
On July 3 from 6 to 8:15 p.m. at the Walter B. Jones Town Common, Farmville will be celebrating the Fourth of July. Enjoy your evening, bring your chairs, blankets, family and kick back with the Tar River Community Band that will start at 6:30 p.m The Fourth of July which is also known as Independence Day has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941. It has been a tradition and Independence day celebrations go back to the 18th Century and the American Revolution. There will be celebrations for this holiday once again in Eastern NC.
Farmville’s 4th of July Celebration
On July 3 from 6 to 8:15 p.m. at the Walter B. Jones Town Common, Farmville will be celebrating the Fourth of July. Enjoy your evening, bring your chairs, blankets, family and kick back with the Tar River Community Band that will start at 6:30 p.m. followed by a firework show.
July 4th Independence Day Celebration
Celebrating an annual tradition, Greenville, NC will be celebrating on the Town Common. Festivities will begin at 3 p.m. and end with fireworks at 9:15 p.m. The celebration will include Cruise In, inflatables, food trucks, live music from The Switch , a beer garden & more. It is encouraged to bring your blankets, chairs, family and friends.
Tarboro’s Annual July 4th Celebration
This will be a festival held on July 4, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the Havelock City park. The event will have food vendors, music, games, contests and more. Ending with fireworks at 9 p.m.
39th Annual Freedom Festival
This festival will take place on the 4th of July from 3 to 9 p.m. at Onslow Pines Park, located at 1250 Onslow Pines Road in Jacksonville. This festival will include live music by three-time Carolina Country Music Award winner Paige King Johnson and band Trainwreck. The event will also have amusement rides, face painting, food trucks, vendors, axe throwing and more. The event will finish off with fireworks at 9 p.m.
July 4th Parade in River Bend
From 10:30 to noon at the Town Commons located at 45 Shoreline Drive in River Bend, a July 4th parade will take place. This event will begin at 10 a.m. in front of Town Hall and the route will be about one mile long. Throughout the day, there will be bouncy houses, kayaks, antique vehicles, a cupcake walk, dunk tank and more. There will also be music provided by Joe Baes Band from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. . followed by a firework show.
July 4th Independence Day Celebration
Celebrating an annual tradition, Greenville, NC will be celebrating on the Town Common. Festivities will begin at 3 p.m. and end with fireworks at 9:15 p.m. The celebration will include Cruise In, inflatables, food trucks, live music from The Switch , a beer garden & more. It is encouraged to bring your blankets, chairs, family and friends.
This event will be located at Braswell Park at 1501 Western Blvd. from 6 to 9 p.m.. There will be live music, dancing, conversations with the community, food trucks, vendors, kids rides and bouncers. Lawn chairs are recommended and fireworks with Zambelli will start around 9:15 p.m. Havelock Freedom Festival
“I owe that place so much, I would not be the queen I am today if it had not been for the Paddock Club,” said Paul Coleman Temple, also known as Purina Chow. Coleman is a 37 year old child of the Paddock Club, his character was born and developed there.
Greenville, NC once held the oldest operating gay club in the state of North Carolina. The Paddock Club started out as a country-western night club and in the month of July in the year 1973 it was turned into a gay bar. For Coleman the Paddock Club was like an education. “It was a place where you learned about things. You were able to talk to people and see varying viewpoints from varying cultures.”
The year of 1981 is when Coleman first went to the club, in 1986 his character ‘Purina Chow” was born and in 1987 is when he received his crown. “I'm the oldest living drag queen from that club,” said Coleman.
A community was created inside of the Paddock, the club and its participants did a lot of good for Greenville and social services. “Whenever we had anything we would give out like anyone else would give out, you know, we wanna let people know that, yes you might not like us but we can contribute like anyone else.”
According to the Paddock Club website there was nowhere East of Raleigh for members of the LGBTQ community to socialize without fear. Many give thanks to the owner Bill Brock, because hundreds if not thousands
of people had a place to call a home away from home for over 30 years.
They danced, drank, socialized and created a community where they were able to be themselves, while also giving back to the community that they were already in.
The Paddock Club would host toy drives for children and would have “like three or four suburbans full of toys, bicycles on the roof,” said Coleman, “I mean you know, when they went to social services, social services started crying. They were elated with what they've been brought.”
They also gave back to the community when someone’s home caught on fire, they would host “purse parties.” Which means that if you were an entertainer in town or you wanted to do drag, they would let people who normally didn't do drag, do drag because it was all a way to give back. Now in 2024 the Paddock Club makes a return with their Pop-up Paddock Club event at The State Theater.
On Friday June 28 in the Main Campus Student Center there will be an event called Dickinson Avenue: The Mostly True Story of the Paddock Club. This will be located in the Black Box theater at 5:30 p.m.
Jaylin Roberts TEC STAFF
CONTRIBUTED BY PAUL COLEMAN TEMPLE
"I'm the oldest living drag queen from that club," said Paul Coleman Temple.
Staff Report
ECU to hold "Taking the Leap" program
ECU archivist Martha Elmore receives Thornton W. Mitchell Service Award
Elmore began her service to archives and East Carolina University as a student employee in 1976 and since then has consistently thrived, led and adjusted for decades as a mainstay for ECU archives and manuscripts. She earned this year’s Thornton W. Mitchell Service Award from the Society of North Carolina Archivists, recognizing her longtime impact and service to the archival profession in the state.
The ECU Summer Theatre to hold Rock of Ages
From June 26 to 29 at 7:30 p.m. and June 30 at 2 p.m., the Loessin Playhouse presents Rock of Ages at McGinnis Theatre. The Broadway smash-hit and five-time Tony Awardnominated musical tells the story of a small-town girl, a city boy, and a rock ‘n’ roll bar soaked in beer, romance, and power ballads set in 1987.
ECU students selected to SECU Public fellows internship program
A group of East Carolina University students are spending the summer working with organizations that make a difference for the residents of eastern North Carolina. The State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) Public Fellows internship program partners students with local government, economic development, educational and other nonprofit agencies to work on projects that help address community-identified priorities.
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
If you feel there are any factual errors in this newspaper, please contact Jaylin Roberts at editor@theeastcarolinian.com.
Ways to explore Greenville this summer
Here in Greenville, NC for the summer and want to spend time exploring your community and spending time in nature? Here are some places and ways to explore around Greenville.
River Park North
This is a beautiful area that encompasses 324 acres of land and 1.2 miles of water along the Tar River for camping, hiking, fishing, water activities and educational programs. This park is located at 1000 Mumford Road, Greenville, NC 27834, and their summer hours (May 1 to August 31) are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
River Park North includes:
• Walter L, Stasavich Science & Nature Center
• five ponds and two piers
Rental fishing boats
• Pedal boating (seasonal)
Three primitive campsites
• Two drive-to campsites
• Wildlife observation platforms
• Three hiking trails
• Two picnic tables
Sand volleyball court
• Fossil pit Picnic tables with grills
For more information visit greenvillenc.gov
Pitt County Arboretum
The seven-acre Arboretum was established in 1998 and it surrounds the Pitt County Agricultural Center. The gGarden demonstrates the possibilities for plantings in your own garden. It is located at 403 Government Circle, Greenville, NC, 26834 and open seven days of the week from dawn to dusk.
The gardens include:
• Wildflower
• Perennial
• Mixed Border
• Herb Wet Site
• Vegetable Small Fruit
• Children’s
• Butterfly
• And more For more information visit
Tyler, the Creator announces Camp Flog Gnaw's festival
The Orange County Register - Tribune News Service— Tyler, the Creator's Camp Flog Gnaw festival is officially returning to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Nov. 16 and 17 to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Although the lineup has yet to be revealed, headliners from last year included the Hillbillies aka Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem, SZA and Tyler himself. Other acts on the lineup included Lil Yachty, Ice Spice, Clipse, Kali Uchis, Earl Sweatshirt, Rex Orange County, Syd, PinkPantheress, Teezo Touchdown, Kevin
Abstract, Dominic Fike, WILLOW, Ravyn Lenae, Turnstile, Khamari, Maxo Kream, Paris Texas, Beabadoobee and more.
The fest will be returning to its home base at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Fans can register now for presale passes by signing up with a valid phone number and email at campfloggnaw.com/passes. Tickets will go on sale at noon Thursday, June 27. Two-day general admission passes start at $345; Two-day VIP passes start at $625; Two-day super VIP passes start at $1,695 and two-day unlimited carnival game tickets start at $150.
pittcountyaboretum.com
Hikes & Trails
• Greenville Town Common
• Greenville Greenway Trail
• Green Springs Park
• Alice Keene Park Trail
Phil Carroll Nature Preserve Trail
• Wildwood and Boardwalk Loop
Water Sports
• Knee deep Adventures Riverside Recreation Rentals
• North Recreational Complex
Tyler's tradition is still alive and well, promising carnival games, rides, activations, pop-up shops for Tyler's Golf Wang collection and more at this year's festival. Camp Flog Gnaw originated in Los Angeles in 2012 and has since risen to popularity with its diverse lineups and carnival atmosphere.
Tyler recently canceled his headlining spots at this year's Lollapalooza in Chicago and Outside Lands in San Francisco, although he is still set to perform later this year at Austin City Limits in Texas this October.
COURTESY OF TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICES
Tyler, the Creator headlines Coachella 2024.
Holly Alvarado TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
EVENTS TODAY
Concert on the Common Greenville Toyota Amphitheater
105 E. 1st Street, Greenville, NC 27858
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (252) 329 - 4543
Live Music Thursdays at Hardware
5th Street Hardware
Restaurant and Taproom
120 W 5th St, Greenville, NC 27858
6 to 9 p.m. (252) 364 - 8921
Line Dancing and Karaoke
2120 E. Fire Tower Rd, Greenville, NC 27858
7 to 11:30 p.m. (252) 756 - 5505
Open Mic Night Pitt Street Brewing Company
630 S. Pitt St., Greenville, NC 27834
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. (252) 227 - 4151
Thirsty Thursdays with Jazz The PeSuvian Event Venue and Lounge
215 E. Arlington Blvd., Greenville, NC 27858
7 to 11:30 p.m. (252) 333 - 8971
TOMORROW
Dickinson Avenue: The Mostly True Story of the Paddock Club
Black Box Theater in ECU Main Campus Student Center
501 East 10th Street, Greenville, NC 27858
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Ephraim Mitchum at Nauti Dog Brewing Co.
Nauti Dog Brewing Co. 210 Main Street, Winterville, NC 28590
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (252) 227 - 4231
Duck-Rabbit Friday Night Trivia
Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery
4519 W. Pine St., Farmville, NC 27828
7 to 11:59 p.m. (252) 753 - 7745
SATURDAY
Live Music with James Beal Trio
Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery
4519 W. Pine St., Farmville, NC 27828
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (252) 274- 4512
Fueston Brothers & Co.
Nash Hot Chicken
114 East 5th Street, Greenville, NC 27858
8 to 11 p.m. (252) 999 - 5444
Honeybee Kind Band
Nauti Dog Brewing Co.
210 Main Street, Winterville, NC 28590
7 to 9 p.m. (252) 227 - 4231
TV shows to binge this summer
Stuck in the house during the heat of the summer with nothing to do? Here are three tv shows to binge watch while staying cool inside.
House of the Dragon
If you were a big fan of Game of Thrones and couldn't get over the tv series, you should watch House of the Dragon. House of the Dragon is an expansion of Game of Thrones and it takes place in the century after Aegon the Conqueror first united the Seven Kingdoms. This was a time when the Targaryens were at the peak of their power in Westeros, around 175 years before the events of the Game of Thrones.
The first season of House of the Dragon premiered on August 21 of 2022 and season two is now currently streaming on HBO with a new episode every Sunday at 9 p.m. If you are one of the fans that read the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series and the “Fire & Blood'' book you get to see the tv adaptation of the books and how all of the events within the Game of Thrones universe is played out on screen.
Interview with the Vampire
Based on Anne Rice’s gothic novel, Interview with a Vampire is about the life story of the vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac told to Daniel Molloy. Who was a journalist he previously did an unfinished and unpublished interview with in 1973.
Interview with a Vampire follows Louis de Pointe du Lac, Lestat de Lioncourt and Claudia’s story about love, queer desire, betrayal, immortality, revenge, seduction and of course blood. Season one came out on October 2, 2022 and season 2 just wrapped its final episode on June 30, 2024. Season two is set in the year
PADDOCK CLUB
continued from A1
On Saturday, June 29 there will be a dedication and celebration of “The Paddock Public Art Sculpture on Dickinson Avenue.”
It will be located where the original Paddock Club was, at 1010 Dickinson Avenue by the Tenth Street Connector Overpass from 4 to 5 p.m.
At 7 p.m. is when the pop-up Paddock Club event will start on June 29. This event will be anticipated as a recreation of a night at the original Paddock Club. This is the first time the Paddock Club has had a pop-up event and many are excited to feel the magic of how the Paddock used to be.
There will be a DJ that “knows all of the music from all of the decades and is proficient with spinning it,” with performances featuring Purina Chow, Michelle Warren, Ebony Summers, and Jaimie Monroe.
The original Paddock Club was open from nine until, from Wednesday to Sunday. It was a nightclub but on Fridays there would be drag shows and after the shows ended the music would come back on and resume with a night of dancing and drinking. Coleman says that he misses the Paddock terribly and thinks that someone should open one similar to the original one.
“The children here need a place to express themselves physically, like dance, there needs to be a hub for this community,” said Coleman, the Paddock “was a place that when you walked through the door, you didn't have to cover or identify anything, you could just be.”
This writer can be contacted at arts@theeastcarolinian.com.
2022. Louis de Pointe du Lac lives in Dubai and seeks out to tell his story again to now renowned journalist Daniel Molloy where he finally uncovers the truth behind Louis’ story.
If you like watching beautifully devastating television shows then this is the show for you. Each episode will leave you wanting more.
Bridgerton
If you like a period drama with spice, romance, adventure and a hint of modernism this tv series is for you. This series is an adaptation based off of the Bridgerton book series written by Julia Quinn and if you haven't watched the tv series yet you should definitely consider adding it to your summer watch list.
Bridgerton follows the eight close-knit siblings of the Bridgerton family while they navigate love and happiness in the high society of London. Each season follows a different Bridgerton sibling. Season one follows Daphne Brudgerton, who is the eldest daughter of the Bridgerton family as she makes her debut into the marriage market of London.
The second season follows Lord Anthony Bridgerton, who is the eldest Bridgerton son and Viscount, as he sets out to find a suitable wife, but who he actually falls in love with is not who he expected at all. The third and most recent season that came out on May 16 and ended on June 13 of 2024, follows Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton.
If you finish watching the series and you need more you can watch the prequel spin-off series of Bridgerton called Queen Charlotte. This series follows young Queen Charlotte’s marriage to King George of England and the epic and somewhat tragic love story.
Yellowjackets
When a talented girls high school soccer team become the victims of a plane crash, the survivors are stuck in the Canadian wilderness and are forced to learn about the dark and twisted ways of survival. Even though this series premiered on November 14 of 2021, the third season of the show is anticipated to come out in 2025 and this would be a good time to start the show or rewatch the show in time for the next season to come out.
This writer can be contacted at arts@theeastcarolinian.com.
COURTESY OF TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICES HOTD is currently streaming on HBO
COURTESY OF TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICES
IWTV is based off of Anne Rice's novel
COURTESY OF TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICES
Bridgerton is a series based off of the Bridgerton books written by Julia Quinn set in the Regency era. Season three recently wrapped up on June 13 of 2024.
Jaylin Roberts TEC STAFF
OUR VIEW
Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated on June 19 that was recently recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.
This is a holiday that commemorates the freedom of those who had been enslaved in the United States, which started in 1865. This was two years after the Emancipation Proclamation when enslaved people in Texas finally learned that they had been set free from slavery.
We, the editorial staff of The East Carolinian believe that everyone should take the time to learn the history of Juneteenth, and celebrate this holiday as a way to recognize how far our country has come.
Juneteenth has always been about celebrating progress.
This change in history happened in 1865 and was made a federal holiday in 2021. As a country we should be asking ourselves what took so long, but It shouldn’t be that difficult to realize why when we see everyday how hard it seems for America to move on from the past.
Companies should also respect Juneteenth as a federal holiday the same way they respect the Fourth of July.
Why are some companies still making their employees work on this day?
If you are one of those people who have an issue with Juneteenth being considered a federal holiday then you should look inside of yourself and ask why that is. Why is our country officially recognizing the freedom of a community that it used, literally for years, such a problem for you.
Junetenth is a reminder of the ongoing journey toward equality and justice. The same things that Black Americans are still fighting for today.
PIRATE
RANTS
WHY DOES NO ONE KNOW HOW TO DRIVE IN GREENVILLE
It’s crazy that Hooters closed down 40 stores without a warning, putting myself and 20 other people out of a job randomly
There should be more fun, inexpensive things to do around Greenville
You would think that traffic in Greenville wouldn’t be so bad during the summertime, BUT IT’S STILL HORRIBLE
Why does it seem like no one is hiring
This heat is starting to get ridiculous, I can barely breathe when I step outside
I GRADUATE NEXT MAY!!!!!!
Why does no one know how to park, like if you’re over the line don’t get mad if I hit your door.
I miss the nights during school, going downtown with friends.
WHY DID ALL MY FRIENDS GRADUATE AND LEAVE ME BEHIND!!!!!!!!
job market absolutely sucks right now!
June 24, 2024 marks the 1 year anniversary of Roe vs. Wade being overturned by the US Government. Women, men and members of the LGBTQ+ community joined together to march on the streets of Raleigh, NC. This march was not only to protest the ending of Roe vs. Wade, but to also fight for the rights of what’s left of reproductive and gender affirming health care.
At 11 a.m. protesters began marching, holding a plethora of signs and chanting “MY BODY MY CHOICE” and “WOMEN’S RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS” in the streets of the capitol.
I felt empowered to walk down the streets of Raleigh with my fellow sympathizers as we marched to the capitol building to let our voices be heard! I was stunned to see so many men at this protest, this changed my perspective on men caring about women’s issues. There’s been a stigma around the patriarchies’ grip on women’s rights and domestic violence. It was refreshing to see so many men standing up for this issue. I think more men should be present in women’s issues.
I ran through the streets of Raleigh with my camera in hand leaving my partner behind while he helped me take video and supported me through the march. I felt a bit nervous to participate in something like this but I now understand the importance of being involved and allowing my voice to be heard. It is absolutely liberating to watch people of all ages fight for rights that should not have been taken away in the first place.
When we arrived at the capitol building
on 2nd East South Street, we were greeted by guest speakers Maria Cervania, North Carolina State Representative, and Jane Harrison, a Raleigh city council member. Along with many more guest speakers, sharing their stories and encouraging protesters to continue standing up for reproductive and gender affirming health care.
Jane Harrison spoke with me on the importance of this issue stating “reproductive health care matters to everyone, if you have a uterus, if you know someone with a uterus, they are likely to need reproductive health care at some point. Whether you want to end a pregnancy or a wanted pregnancy, we require the same medical treatment whether its the abortion pill Mithopriston, medical procedures like dilation and evacuation. These are medical treatments that need to be available for people to choses to use if they so need to.”
Maria Cervania also had a similar stance on the issue of reproductive rights. She stated that “with this election year rapidly approaching we need to get like minded people to be representatives in office to help fix these issues with gender affirming care and reproductive rights.”
With the rise of conception being threatened she says “first they attack abortion and now contraceptives, such as IVF and Mithopristone, all of reproductive care. People talk about it being about women, but this is about men, trans women, LGBTQ people, it’s about everyone!”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say 65% of women 15 to 49 use contraceptives in the United States. I have also talked to my partner about what to do if contraceptives get taken away. These are not conversations I should be having with him but I am forced out of fear that this is
a threat to my reproductive rights, leading to having an unwanted pregnancy.
Contraceptives help people who use them prevent unwanted pregnancies, painful periods, help reduce acne and balance hormones, says Planned Parenthood.
Cervania says that young people should be involved.
“The strongest change in history has come from people your age. Think about the civil rights movement. Any movement that has caused change came from students. This is why legislators want to take away your voting rights, take away your ability to vote, take away voter education and education in general. You all need to mobilize!”
This made me feel like I need to be more involved in politics and start paying attention to the decisions that negatively impact the American people.
It is important to start mobilizing for not just yourself but your friends and family, because this movement doesn’t just impact women, this movement impacts everyone. As a people we need to start caring about not just if this is the right thing for you, but for others.
Before the protest I felt desensitized to the fact that my rights as a woman are being stripped. It seems like there is nothing I could possibly do about this but there is, I can always spread awareness, protest peacefully and educate others.
I will always and forever continue to shout at the top of my lungs “MY BODY MY CHOICE” and “WOMEN’S RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS.” I will always, even if you don’t want it, fight for mine and your rights!
Once again, MY BODY, MY CHOICE!
and a
To contact her, email opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.
The strongest change in history has come from people your age. Think about the civil rights movement. Any movement that has caused change came from students.
Cervania
Nia Cruz TEC STAFF
CONTRIBUTED BY JUSTIN COLON
NIA CRUZ I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Two women hugging at the Raleigh women’s and reproductive rights protest on June 24
NIA CRUZ I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Protestors start to march at 11 a.m. to the Raliegh Capitol building to hear guest speakers.
NIA CRUZ I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
NIA CRUZ I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Maria Cervania speaks at the women’s march about her struggle with her misscarriages and shedding light on women’s issues.
Young women at the women’s march holding up signs and excercising their 1st amendemnet right to freedom of speech.
This protest was held on the same day last year when Roe vs. Wade was overturned by the United States Goverment
Classifieds & Puzzles
Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — Recharge your batteries in private moments. Get enough rest, despite demands for your attention. An opportunity to fulfill long-held goals could arise.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — Great ideas and opportunities flow through social channels. Ask for what you want. Share what you have extra. Contribute generously and reap extra rewards.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Take charge. Great professional advances are available. Leave misconceptions behind. You can make the changes you’ve been wanting. Try something new. Follow your heart.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)— Today is an 8 — Go explore! Abandon expectations. Make an amazing discovery. Resist the temptation to splurge on stuff you don’t need. Take pictures. Leave only footprints.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Discover an unexpected bonus. Collaborate to take advantage of a lucrative opportunity. Work closely with your partner. Careful bookkeeping provides peace of mind.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Reinforce a connection of the heart. Rely on disciplined actions more than luck. Tight communication and coordination produce fabulous results. Love is your inspiration.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Test a crazy hunch. Listen to your intuition. Make repairs and improvements. Tweak your performance by altering your practice routines. Energize what works.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Family comes first. Unite efforts for practical purposes. Success requires showing up. Take care of duties, responsibilities and obligations. And then celebrate together.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Take advantage of a surprising opportunity at home. Make practical domestic improvements that fulfill your long-term plans, one step at a time. Steady efforts succeed.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Your influence is growing. Handle practical details and logistics for a creative project. Invite others to participate. Share your message far and wide.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Profitable opportunities arise in conversation. Connect with friends and relations to share ideas and possibilities. Energize your money-making efforts. Share resources and talents.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Make a beautiful upgrade to your personal image. Dress for the role you want. Practice doing what you love. Express yourself. Share your heart.
by Jacqueline E. Mathews
by Jacqueline E. Mathews
Pirate baseball transfers ins and outs
PRYOR SHELLTON I THE EAST CAROLINIAN Parker Byrd is No.16 on the Pirates basball team.
Trevon McGlone TEC STAFF
East Carolina University’s baseball team has had a lot of movement in the transfer portal following the conclusion of the 2023-2024 baseball season.
Transferring out:
• Pitcher Zach Root
• Pitcher Corey Costello Pitcher Parker Thomas
• Pitcher Drew Bryan Infiedler Nathan Chrismon
• Outfielder Luke Nowak
• Outfielder Bristol Carter
Transferring in:
Infielder Alex Bouche (from Old Dominion) Pitcher Ryan Towers (from Loyola Marymount)
Root and Carter were key contributors to the 46 - win Pirates, helping guide them to a fifth straight American Athletic Conference regular season title. Root provided a 3.56 earned run average while racking up 76 strikeouts on the year. Carter tied for third on the team in batting average while also bringing in 31 runs batted in for the Pirates on offense.
Nowak had a solid game in the rematch against Evansville University in the Greenville Regional, hitting a two-run home run in the top of the third inning and then helping two other runs score in a 19 - 6 win. Bouche, in his last season with Old Dominion had a batting average of .241 with four home runs and 11 doubles in 41 hits. Towers pitched with a 4.91 ERA and was third on the team in strikeouts thrown, racking up 50 in 51.1 innings pitched for Loyola Marymount.
East Carolina University’s basketball team finished this past year with a 15 - 18 and will head into the 2024-2025 season with a bit of a different look.
The Pirates were able to nab five players from the transfer portal, announcing signings from senior guard Julien Soumaoro, graduate student forward CJ Walker and junior guard Jordan Riley. ECU also was able to bring in two junior college players, junior guard Jayshayne Woodard and junior forward Trevion LaBeaux. Assa Essamvous, a former St. Bonaventure forward has also committed to ECU.
Soumaoro is coming off a season at Gardner-Webb where he averaged 12.7 points per game, 2.3 rebounds per game and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 40% from the field and 36% from three point range. Riley transferred from Temple University after experiencing solid growth going from 4.6 points per game in 2022 to 11.9 in 2023 while averaging 6 rebounds per game.
This would be a boost for an ECU offense that only averaged 69.3 points per game last year.
Coming out of Indiana River State, Woodard averaged 15.5 points per game and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 51% on field goal percentage. This earned him a spot on the NJCAA All-American Third Team.
LaBeaux had similar success from Indian Hills Community College, averaging 13.3 points and 9.5 rebounds while making the NJCAA All-American first team and helping Indian Hill win the NJCAA North Central District Championship.
Both Essamvous and Walker have proved to be capable three point shooters. While the percentages have dropped a bit, Walker is only 37% from three in 2021. Essamvous shot 41% in 2022.
The additions to the team are vital in terms of replacing key players such as former ECU forward Brandon Johnson, who transferred to the University of Miami and Ezra Ausar, who ended up transferring to the University of Utah. Johnson and Ausar were both top three in rebounding and points per game scorers last year for the Pirates. Replacing their contributions will be important for the transfer and incoming freshman class.
The Pirates also are without their leading assist guard Bobby Pettiford Jr., after transferring out of ECU to go to High Point University. Pettiford Jr. averaged 3.4 assists per game in his 26.5 minutes per game.
Former ECU guard Jaden Walker was second behind him with two assists per game, but Walker also entered the transfer portal.
All of these moving pieces are things to keep an eye on as ECU basketball head coach Micheal Schwartz tries to build off of where the Pirates left off last year and expand upon it.
Pirate football reloads roster
Trevon McGlone TEC STAFF
East Carolina University’s football team knew heading into the offseason that overhaul would be needed.
The Pirates added a good amount in the transfer portal this year. On the offensive side, the Pirates added three quarterbacks, two offensive linemen, two wide receivers, one running back and a tight end. Sophomore quarterback Katin Houser started in seven games for Michigan State in 2023, throwing six touchdowns and four interceptions in those games.
Transferred-in offensive players include:
-Junior quarterback Jake Garcia
-Sophomore quarterback Bryson Harrison
-Sophomore running back London
Montgomery
-Senior wide receiver Anthony Smith
-Graduate student wide receiver
Winston Wright Jr.
-Graduate student tight end Casey Kelly
-Junior offensive lineman Darius Bell
-Junior offensive lineman Karson Jones
On the defensive end, here are the players that transferred into ECU:
While players have come in for the Pirates, others have departed. Former ECU quarterbacks Alex Flinn concluded his football career in January and Mason Garcia transferred out to Austin Peay, leaving the Pirates with a quarterback room with limited playing time. Former ECU tight end Shane Calhoun, who tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns, transferred to Texas A&M.
The Pirates start their first game of the season against Norfolk State on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. in Greenville, North Carolina at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
COURTESY OF ECU PIRATES
The empty Williams Arena is a multi-purposed arena located inside of Minges Collisuem. Keep an eye out for the men’s basketball fall schedule.
Trevon McGlone TEC STAFF
PRYOR SHELTONI THE EAST CAROLINIAN ECU gains five players from the transfer portal for fall.
