Editor's Note: The East Carolinian will continue production back on January 16th.
Carolinian
East Carolina (6-4, 4-2 American Athletic Conference) will head to Denton, Texas Saturday to take on the University of North Texas (5-5, 2-4 AAC) on the road. The Pirates, clinching bowl eligibility in their last outing, will look to advance their win streak from three to four. With only two games left to play the Pirates have a chance to finish the season off at 8-4 finish.
North Texas, coming off of its fourth loss in a row, entering a must win game against the Pirates. With two games to play the Mean Green’s must win at least one in order to be bowl eligible. In their last outing North Texas faced UTSA (5-5, 3-3 AAC) where they allowed 681 yards of total offense and 48 points. North Texas in three of their last four games, has allowed over 44 points to opposing offenses.
Currently North Texas is ranked 114th in pass yards allowed (256.7 per game) and 117th in total rushing defense
On Thursday on Nov. 14 the 18th season of Voyages of Discovery Series kicked off with a very special guest in actor, director and literacy advocate LeVar Burton. Burton is an Emmy and Peabody award winner,best known for the PBS children’s series “Reading Rainbow” which aired from 1983 through 2009 making it one of the longest running children’s TV shows.
The event was held at the ECU Main Campus Student Center Ballroom which was a discussion and audience Q&A moderated by Whichard Distinguished Professor Dr. Aleia Monae Brown.
Doors opened at 6:30 p.m. and the discussion itself began a little past 7 p.m.. Speaking with attendants before the discussion about what they were most excited for and expected in the evening.
Megan Dixon a resident of Greenville and lifelong fan of Burton said “I’m really excited, I love Lavar Burton. I think that literacy is especially important now, and education is more important than ever. I love reading, and I grew up watching Reading Rainbow. I know him from Star Trek and it's so exciting to hear someone speak about this.”
Dr. Tristan Hunter, an alumni of ECU’s class of 2018 and educator said “I'm really looking forward to highlighting the conversations around literacy in the United States. You know, I think last year Lavar put out a document or he was the producer of a documentary that focused on the literacy crisis.”
Jason Zimmerman, a Pennsylvania native said “Well, so reading Rainbow was a big one. Like I was a kid when that
according to the NCAA. The Pirates have a chance to exploit those areas this Saturday. ECU is ranked 22nd in the nation in total pass offense and 77th in total rush offense according to the same rankings. Given these statistics, the Pirates could potentially take advantage in both aspects in order to come out with a win.
On that same coin, defensively, the Pirates may have their hands full. The Mean Green's passing offense currently ranked fifth in the country, while the Pirates are ranked 97th in the nation in pass yards allowed (239 per game). This could be a reason for concern, as the Pirates as they are set to play one of their biggest games yet. In terms of rushing, North Texas has the 72nd ranked attack in the nation while ECU has the 77th ranked rushing defense according to the NCAA.
After their close win last week in Tulsa (3-5, 1-7 AAC) the Pirates will look to clean things up in all facets heading into North Texas. Something to take a note of is the streaks both of
these teams are on. The Pirates, currently on a three game win streak, have faced three of the bottom teams in the AAC in a row, Temple (3-7, 2-4 AAC), FAU (2-6, 0-5 AAC), and Tulsa (3-7, 1-5 AAC). North Texas has lost to four of the best teams in the conference: Memphis (9-2, 5-2 AAC) Tulane ( 9-2, 7-0 AAC, ranked 20th nationally), Army (9-0, 7-0 AAC, ranked 18th nationally) , and UTSA (5-5, 3-3 AAC). This game is potentially an important test for both teams heading into the last game of the year and postseason play.
Following this game against North Texas, The Pirates will return home to Greenville, North Carolina play their season finale against the Naval academy (7-3, 5-2 AAC) at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The game will be played at Noon on Friday, Nov. 29
Pitt County holiday program
Jordan Adams FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN
The Pitt County Department of Social Services is asking for help this year to bring “Holiday Cheer” to 196 foster children in legal custody of the county.
According to the Pitt County website, the county is currently in need of toys, clothing items and hygiene products for foster children. This includes but is not limited to coloring books, pajamas and diapers. Monetary donations are requested for older foster children.
According to Chandra Newborn, there are currently no federal, state, or local funds to give to kids in the county’s custody. Newborn said hope is that the program continues to grow and they can reach families in our CPS Assessments and IN Home Services Units.
was on and that's what got me into reading. And I actually owned a bookstore for a while, up in Pence…and he was one of the biggest influences in my life.”
Burton was received by a crowd of applause as he went up the stage to sit with Brown and begin the discussion. Burton talked about how reading impacted his life as a child and an adult, and the many ways he is pushing literacy for children.
He also talked about his time on television, how that shaped him as a person and how television changed the art of storytelling. Burton also spoke about finding out he has ancestors who once lived in Whitakers NC, a small town in Edgecombe County. Burton said “And so I spent the day to day with my cousin, my third cousin, Jeffrey Hardy. And this is the second time we've met.”
The last fifteen minutes were a Q & A with the audience. Burton answered questions on topics such as book banning, how educators encourage children to read and life advice in general.
Ending at 8:30 Burton thanked the audience for coming out and saying “Yall have asked the best questions I’ve had at an event like this, so thank you.”
LeVar Burton kicked off ECU’s Voyages of Discovery Series, sharing stories about the impact of reading, his iconic TV roles, and a newfound connection to North Carolina. In a lively discussion hosted by Dr. Aleia Monae Brown, Burton touched on book bans, inspiring kids to read, and the art of storytelling.
This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.
The current goal for the Holiday Program is to raise community awareness and help build lasting relationships in the community. “We have so many families that we work with that are vulnerable that need our support,” said Tasha Woolard. “So we wanted to ensure that they had some normalcy and joy.”
All donations can be mailed directly to the Pitt County Department of Social Services “Foster Care Special Needs & Holiday Fund, 1717 W 5th Street, Greenville, NC 27834”. Money orders can be paid to the Pitt County Department of Social Services under the “Foster Care Holiday Fund”. The department is requesting items be sent in by Dec. 9, 2024, but will accept donations made after.
This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.
APLU recognizes ECU’s commitment to community engagement
East Carolina University received two national awards from the Association of Public and Land grant Universities during its annual meeting this week.
Chancellor Philip Rogers accepted the 2024 C. Peter Margrath Community Engagement Scholarship Award during the APLU’s annual meeting in Orlando, Florida on Nov. 12 on behalf of the University.
ECU also received APLU’s Innovation and Economic Prosperity award for Talent, which noted the University’s work as the economic hub that pushes forward urban revitalization as well as focusing on education and workforce development throughout eastern North Carolina.
The recipient of the Magrath Award, ECU is an exemplar of community engagement in action with public and land grant universities, said Dr. Marlene Tromp, president of Boise State University, who presented Rogers, Dr. Shannon Paynter, Dr. Angela Lamson and Dr. Tom Irons Sr. with the award.
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
If you feel there are any factual errors in this newspaper, please contact editor@theeastcarolinian.com.
CRIME LOGS
Editor's Note: The East Carolinian Crime Logs are derived from East Carolina University Police Department’s (ECU PD) public crime logs accessible to all individuals. Crime Logs are not done within the partnership of ECU PD and The East Carolinian, as this publication is meant to act as an additional resource for Pirate Nation. Below are listings of criminal activity that has occurred on or within proximity of main campus.
Nov. 15, 2024
At 1:47 a.m., Assault on a Female at Student Center Way. This situation was cleared by an arrest.
At 2:01 a.m., Breaking or Entering of Motor Vehicle on Curry Court. This is an open situation.
Nov. 16, 2024
At 1:57 a.m., Possesion of Marijuana <½ oz on 14th St. PVA.. This situation was cleared by a citation.
At 12:56 a.m., Warrant Service Other Agency on Ward St. & Ford St. This situation was cleared by an arrest.
ECU Faculty Receive NSF Recognition
Roman
Two associate professors at East Carolina University have received prestigious national recognition from the U.S. National Science Foundation.
Dr. Cynthia Grace McCaskey, Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology and Dr. Rebecca Asch, Associate Professor in the Department of Biology are the two recipients of the Ocean Decade Champions Award.
The award recognized 22 women science leaders associated with the NSF Coastlines and People program, awarding them for their research and innovation in ocean and coastal science. Alongside the monetary award, all participants are active in the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Dr. McCaskey has been recognized for a project where she has been working with coastal communities from Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Belize. Specifically, on
understanding how coral reef and mangrove restorations can bring nature-based solutions to risks such as coastal flooding and other impacts of climate change.
Dr. McCaskey said, “Yeah, for this project, there is a whole element of what's called community engaged research and so the core tenants of that are to design the research from the bottom up with community members.”
“And so that's just often a different approach than natural scientists often take.”
Dr. Asch said, “The work that I'm doing that's specifically related to the ocean decade is that of a co-chair of an international working group that's funded by or that is associated with two different entities.”
The work focuses on researching smaller forage fish, which make up 30% of the global fisheries and how changes in ocean or climate conditions impact this very important population of fish. Both Dr. Asch and Dr. McCaskey say they appreciate being recognized alongside
many other women from prestigious universities.
“I'm honored to represent ECU in that way. I think that I'm [also] looking forward to interacting with and learning from some of the other people who have been recognized from this award because it looks like a list of really great women,” says Dr. Asch.
Dr. McCaskey said, “I mean and the other institutions that we're working with on this project. For example, Stanford, BU, University of South Florida…and so I think it's great to be recognized on a similar scale in a way and to bring that recognition to ECU.”
All awardees of the Ocean Decade Champions Award received support that ranges from $20,000 to $50,000. These go to funding more research or covering costs that further the development of research important to the scientist's projects.
Student body President and Vice President check-in
Johnson
Being student body president and vice president isn't easy. Anderson Ward and Ava Barefoot knew this and knew there was work to be done. Ward and Barefoot, who were named President and Vice President in March 2024, came from ECU alumni families and knew the impact that the job entails.
“We have continued to push our university to be the best version it could be,” Ward said.
Barefoot and Ward both have a history with SGA. Ward through his family and Barefoot through her high school involvement with the program.
“I wanted to expand on my high school experience with SGA and make a tangible difference at the university level,” Barefoot said. Their administration has pushed for clubs and student mental health recognition throughout their term. One of their main projects was getting magnets with the 14 important mental health resources on campus placed in dorms to allow students
to know and be able to use the resources they need.
“Since we know freshmen typically struggled a little bit with it because it's a brand new space and chapter of their lives, we wanted to help fight that,” said Ward.
Among the many other initiatives that they've done throughout their administration, one that stuck out to them was in partnership with Sound Rivers cleanup. After getting set up with the organization through the director of sustainability, they went to one of the parks with a goal. They would lace up their waders and clean up the traps that catch the garbage that ends up in the River.
“We strapped up the boots and went in the water and cleaned everything out, which was a big win for us.”
As the 2024 fall semester comes to a close, both Barefoot and Ward are making steps toward further initiatives to help ECU as they continue as our Student President and Vice President.
COURTESY OF ECU NEWS SERVICE
Dr. Cynthia Grace McCaskey Associate Professor in Departement of Anthropology.
COURTESY OF ECU NEWS SERVICE
Student Government Association president Anderson Ward and vice president Ava Barefoot were both named president and vice president in March 2024.
Mark
FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN
COURTESY OF ECU NEWS SERVICE
Dr. Rebecca Asch, Associate Professor in the Department of Biology.
Candon
FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN
OUR VIEW
The Chiefs ſinally show cracks in armor
The Kansas City Chiefs suffered their first loss of the season after going nine games undefeated to the Buffalo Bills, who are currently 9-2.
We, the editorial staff of The East Carolinian, believe that the Kansas City Chiefs are not as unbeatable as the world thought they were. After a gritty performance topped off by Bills quarterback Josh Allen rushing for 26 yards on fourth down to ice the game on fourth down. It was the first time this season that the Chiefs had truly been down and out in the fourth quarter without a lead deep into the final minutes of a game.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 23 passes on 33 attempts for 196 passing yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Allen completed 27 passes on 40 attempts for 262 passing yards, a passing touchdown and an interception while also rushing for the previously mentioned 26-long touchdown.
This is the only time the two teams are scheduled to face off against each other, but there’s a possibility for them to play again in the postseason. The Chiefs are scheduled to face the Carolina Panthers this Sunday.
The loss showed the league that perhaps more than anticipated, the Chiefs can be beaten by the right combination. The Bills won by stifling the run game of Kansas City and forcing Mahomes to make mistakes that he hasn’t often made in the past.
PIRATE RANTS
Why is it so hard to find somewhere to rent on the grid or a house in general?
I feel like you gotta know somebody who knows somebody, so frustrating!!
I despise Lockdown browser. No one should have to install software that seizes their hardware and might require them to record their surroundings with a webcam on their face at all times for a test. If someone *really* wanted to cheat, they would find a way around it. Just like how pirates (people cracking software, not us) will always find a way around anticrack measures in software, someone will find a way to bypass Lockdown’s unnecessarily invasive measures.
From my point of view, global warming is one of the main reasons for natural disasters. However, there are other factors that may contribute to this, such as climate change and human activities like deforestation and pollution. Addressing these causes can help reduce the impact of natural disasters on our planet.
To the one that postulated an early Republican lead in the election returns did not mean a Republican victory- oops
Global warming is a huge issue in the world. Every year, many people suffer from hunger and extreme natural disasters. We should pay more attention to the global warming process.
Jake Paul, the controversial social media influencer, recently fought Mike Tyson, a former professional boxer. The fight generated substantial buzz but one question remains: is it ethical for a 57-year-old Tyson to face a 27-year-old Paul in the ring?
During the fight itself, Jake Paul defeated Tyson after eight two-minute rounds. Tyson started off strong but quickly wore off. Tyson’s surgery and old age was no match up to Paul in his youthful and peak physical condition. Boxing is a test of physical capabilities. Although skilled and seasoned, Mike Tyson is far from his physical prime. Even with rigorous training, Tyson would be at
a disadvantage when it comes to endurance, speed, and recovery - factors that may lead to injury. If Jake Paul wants to prove himself as a legitimate boxer, there are plenty of younger opponents he could face that are fairer match ups.
Some might argue that Tyson is capable of making his own decisions. However, this isn’t an argument about personal choice. Athletic commissions have a responsibility to protect fighters, especially when there’s a clear difference in age and physical condition. Hosting this fight prioritizes entertainment and money over safety.
The sports industry should remain separate from the entertainment industry. Sports are meant to showcase talent, skill and hard work and are based upon foundations of fairness. They are not meant to take advantage of someone’s weaknesses,
especially when the weakness in question is aging, something far from our control. This being said, this fight is set out to make money for the boxers and nothing else. Regardless of Tyson losing, he still gets paid more than his net worth for partaking in the fight so it is reasonable to assume that he would sacrifice his dignity for such a cause.
Tyson is a boxing legend, and he should be remembered for his incredible career, not for being pushed into a fight with an influencer with much less recognition just to make money and gain more attention on social media. This fight should be left off the ring.
I came into this organization in 2022.
After reading the newspaper my first semester at East Carolina University, I knew I wanted the opportunity for this. After making sure everything I needed to do to pass the Candidates Program was done, I immediately started working on my craft. When the time to write my first story came, I wanted to be ready.
My first story I ever was assigned was a preview story for ECU Baseball and it was the matchup they had against the University of Central Florida. My name was spelled wrong when it came out. “Trevor McGlone” was the byline. I still have that paper in my display case.
This last paper for me brings me to a point in my career that I was hoping I would get to four years ago. I was sitting on my couch at home wondering if I would ever reach the goals I set for myself, resting my knee that I had injured while I was working. I felt like I got set back more than I was making progress. The pandemic in 2020 was bad for a few reasons, but I was able to lock myself into my schoolwork. It helped me organize everything while balancing an overnight job in an Amazon warehouse and taking community college courses.
By 2022, I had graduated Catawba Valley Community College and enrolled at ECU. Everything else became history. I worked at the East Carolinian for over two and a half years, been a member of the TECSpertz podcast for a year since Spring of 2023, and now sit a few weeks away from graduating.
A big shout out to Nick Green and Cannon Gates for working with me on this year’s edition of TecSpertz. To Pirate Media 1 for giving me the platform to speak my mind and work on my reporting skills, thank you. For The East Carolinian, and my fellow staff members I work with:
Diego Lerma, Sheridan Lycett, Nia Cruz, Parker Smith, Jamie Antinore, Daniel Cousin: I appreciate all you’ve done for me and proud of what we’ve done with the paper.
And to Pirate Nation, thank you for reading the works I’ve put out these last few years. Go Pirates and I’ll forever bleed purple and gold.
The East Carolinian does not endorse the statements made in Pirate Rants.
Trevon McGlone
Trisha Rangaraju
Classifieds & Puzzles
Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 7 — Consider educational matters. Exploration entices over the next month, with the Sun in Sagittarius. Discover new ideas, flavors and cultures. Expand your sphere of influence.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Prioritize financial collaboration. Work together to manage resources over the next month. It’s easier to make money with your partner under the Sagittarius Sun.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — You’re energized! Collaboration, fun and romance flower as you begin a four-week partnership phase. Build for a future together. Discuss the possibilities. Coordinate actions.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — There’s plenty of work and it pays. You’re especially busy this next month under the Sagittarius Sun. Practice healthy exercise routines. You’re growing stronger.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — You’re especially attractive, and attracted. Prioritize fun, romance and passion. Love energizes your actions under the Sagittarius Sun for the next month. Creativity flourishes.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 6 — Fix up your place. Household revisions take priority this month. Domestic renovation and reorganization benefit your home and family under the Sagittarius Sun.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Follow your curiosity over the next month. The Sun in Sagittarius inspires creativity and communication. Write, craft and shape your story. Network and connect.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Take care of business. It’s easier to make money under the Sagittarius Sun. Energize lucrative actions. Your work’s in demand. Take advantage of profitable opportunities.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 9 — Explore possibilities. Enjoy an advantage, with the Sun in your sign for a month. Cloak yourself in confidence and power, piloting your own ship.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 6 — Think things over. This month under the Sagittarius Sun favors peaceful planning and reflection. Enjoy a contemplative phase. Listen to your own spirit.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Connect and collaborate. Your team is red hot over the next month, with the Sun in Sagittarius. Networking presents exciting opportunities. Share with friends.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Maintain healthy practices despite a busy work schedule. Your career takes off with the Sun in Sagittarius for a month. Reduce stress with exercise.
by Jacqueline E. Mathews
Created by Jacqueline E. Mathews
Arts & Entertainment
TODAY
ECU Symphonic and Concert Bands
ECU Wright Auditorium
212 Wright Circle, Greenville, NC 27858
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
252-737-5444
Sweeney Todd
ECU/Loessin Playhouse
E 5th St, Greenville, NC 27858
7:30 PM to 10:30 PM 252-328-6829
VAF Holiday Sale
ECU Wellington B. Gray Gallery
5th Street, Greenville, NC 27858
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM 252-328-6665
Evening Metalsmithing Basics
Emerge Gallery and Art Center
404 S. Evans St., Greenville, NC 27858
6:00 PM to 8:30 PM 252-551-6947
TOMORROW
Lipbone Redding at Aji Sweet Aji 801 Dickinson Ave, Greenville, NC 27834
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM 252-227-4512
ECU GlasStation holds demo night
Candon Johnson FOR THE EAST
On the night of Friday, November 15, ECU GlasStation held a GlasStation Open House Demo. The event saw Michael Tracy, Nicholas Bisbee, and Tammy Atchison use heat to make different pieces for a group of attendees.
The objects that they made that night were a wine glass and a glass pie sculpture. For the pie, they used colored dust to change the colors of the pie and plate to brown and white. The pie was a themed piece to tie into Thanksgiving.
Michael Tracy, an experienced glassworker with 17 years of experience, now teaches classes on glassworking at the GlasStation.
“Thousands,” said Tracy when asked how many pieces he’s made since he started.
His two assisting glassworkers are Tammy Atchison and Nicholas Bisbee. Atchison is a professor at Pitt Community College whose field of study was microbiology but after
taking the glassworking class, she stuck with it.
“I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and learn something different,” said Atchison in reference to the diversity of people who take the glasswork class.
Bisbee is a student of ECU and a ceramicist who got into the program with an interest in the class and stuck with it to this day. The GlasStation was created in partnership with a group in Farmville to bring the arts to the town. Once a month, the station holds a glassworking event where they build a seasonal piece and post it on their Instagram after it leaves the kiln.
“I encourage anybody who wants to see this in person because it’s totally different from watching it on a screen,” Tracy said.
The class ART 2800 uses hands-on application of the glassworking skill, allowing students to gain experience while putting their lessons into action.
ECU Theatre and Dance present Sweeney Todd
East Carolina University’s School of Theatre and Dance will be producing Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. November 20-24 in McGinnis Auditorium.
Bryan Conger, the play’s director and associate professor of Theatre, said, “We had always discussed putting it on, but it was never the right year.”
Conger revealed that a big reason that Sweeney Todd was chosen was their collaboration with the School of Music. “I think it was when we decided to join with the School of Music to do a production together we thought it would be the perfect production to do,” said Conger.
According to Conger, another reason they chose to do Sweeney Todd was because of the challenging material. He said the material is challenging, yet valuable to the students as they train to become actors in the theater. In addition, the play gives the students to sink their teeth into some good, complex roles.
Amanda Hudson, the playhouse manager said that “it has been a struggle” due to COVID and the rise of streaming. However, Sweeney Todd has been very popular with both ECU students and Greenville residents. “If the ticket sales continue to trend like they are, we will have our highest ticket sales since
COVID,” said Hudson.
“ECU has never done it before,” said Hudson, giving a reason for Sweeney Todd’s popularity at ECU. “It was just on Broadway, so it is still fresh on everyone’s mind.”
Hudson would also say that the collaboration with the School of Music helped with the increased ticket sales. “We have a collaboration with the School of Music, so there is a School of Music Students in it,” said Hudson. “It brings in a new audience because they are used to going to concerts with the School of Music,” Hudson said.
Hudson would speak positively about the costume design for the production and mention their costume designer, Delta Smith. Hudson would reveal that the ECU’s production does not adhere strictly to the Victorian-era setting of Sweeney Todd. “It just hints at it,” said Hudson.
Hudson would also say that the set is “the most amazing set I have seen from ECU, it is a beautiful blend of a very industrial site with projections,” Hudson would reveal that “there are a couple of jumpscares that people are not expecting.” Hudson says that the fans can expect great music as the North Carolina Symphonia Band will be playing the music in the pit.
Dakota Hamm FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN
ART 2800 student Nia Cruz heatis glass in a furnace during the GlasStation open house demo night. The students made wine glasses and glass pie sculpture.
PHOTOGRAPHER I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
ECU student actors rehearsing days before the Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
The East Carolinian Sports experts predict this week’s events
Trevon McGlone TEC Sports Editor
ECU VS. North Texas Score Prediction?
North Texas 38-35
Why?
This is the first time this year I’ve gone against the Pirates and truly believe that they could lose this game outside of the Army game. While North Texas is coming off an embarrassing loss to UTSA, they also need one more win on their resume to make sure they become bowl eligible themselves and it’s a home game in Texas.
Cannon Gates
WZMB Station Manager
ECU VS. FAU
Score Prediction?
ECU 62-31
Why?
After a big close win over Tulsa last week, I expect more big things out of the dynamic duo of Houser and Harris, we should abuse this North Texas defense as they just fired the defensive coordinator a couple weeks ago but this should be a close game as North Texas is a polished football team.
Nick Green
WZMB Sports & News Director
ECU VS. North Texas
Score Prediction?
North Texas 38-35
Why?
We left a lot of points on the board last week due to careless mistakes and penalties. I expect Blake Harrell, Katin Houser and other captains to rally the team to clean up these mistakes. While North Texas is a talented team, they have also been inconsistent and that’s why I’m giving the slight edge to the Pirates. The Pirates offensively will need to take better care of the football to come out victorious and I believe they will do that.
Pirates basketball eyes 5-0 start in Boardwalk Battle
East Carolina University Men’s Basketball (4-0, 0-0 American Athletic Conference) kicks off the Boardwalk Battle in Daytona Beach, Florida on Thursday, Nov. 21. The Pirates look to keep the momentum going in the sunshine state after starting the season off red hot. The last time the team started off 4-0, was during the 2020-21 COVID-19 shortened season. ECU has the opportunity to come out with a tournament win before starting a long stretch of basketball.
Coming off a double overtime game against George Mason University (2-3, 0-0 Atlantic 10 Conference), senior guard RJ Felton has earned American Athletic Conference player of the week. Felton poured in 27 points, along with 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals in the nail-biter win. Felton has been the leader for the Pirates this season, averaging just over 23 points per game. With his latest performance, Felton has moved into top 10 all-time men’s basketball scoring, with 1,247 points.
“Identity wins are the best wins, that’s ECU basketball, that’s Pirates.” Said Head Coach Mike Schwartz. “That’s what we do, we win, protect the home court.”
Going into the tournament, the Pirates will have to face a strong team in Jacksonville State University (3-1, 0-0 Conference USA). Jacksonville State started off the season with a blowout win 112-48 over LaGrange College (2-2, 0-0 American East Conference). Since then, they’ve beaten strong teams like Georgia State University (2-2, 0-0
Sun Belt Conference), and Coastal Carolina University (1-3, 0-0 Sun Belt Conference).
ECU will play two more games following Jacksonville State, both Friday and Saturday, with their opponents to be determined. The Boardwalk Battle is composed of eight teams, each team will play three games. Each first game winner moves to the semi-finals, and so on, until you reach the third game which is the finals. If a team loses the first game, that team will play in the consolation bracket.
In the first edition of the Boardwalk battle, the tournament is filled with strong competition, including teams like the University of South Carolina (2-2, 0-0 Southeastern Conference), James Madison University (2-2, 0-0 Sun Belt Conference), and Toledo University (Mid-American Conference), among others. This tournament marks the Pirates first couple of neutral-site games this year, testing their ability to perform away from the comfort of Minges Coliseum.
The tournament represents a key opportunity for Head Coach Mike Schwartz to find what rotations fit best against a wide variety of teams to prepare for the tough road ahead following the Boardwalk Battle. With somewhat of a balanced offense, ECU’s gritty and scrappy defense could be the factor that decides who walks out of the tournament with a win. Fans can watch the game live on BallerTV or tune in to 107.9 WNCT for the radio broadcast.
ECU falls to South Carolina
The East Carolina University Women’s Basketball team (2-2, 0-0 American Athletic Conference) fell to the defending national champions and number one team in the country, the South Carolina Gamecocks (4-0, 0-0 Southeastern Conference.)
With the victory, the Gamecocks extended their winning streak to 42 games, their last defeat coming on March 31st, 2022 against Iowa who won by four points in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.
The two teams faced off last year at Minges Coliseum with South Carolina pulling off the victory 73-36. The Gamecocks widened the gap from last season with the final tally from the game played Sunday being 95-44. The biggest difference maker in the two games was the turnover margin. In this years’ game, ECU turned the ball over a whopping 27 times in comparison to USC’s nine. Last year, the Pirates only had 13 turnovers to South Carolina’s 11.
ECU would win the jump ball but would attain their first turnover of the day. South Carolina would score the first 13 points of the game to take a large lead. The first quarter would come to a close with the Lady Pirates down 20-5. The Gamecocks didn’t slow down
in the second quarter, extending their lead to 34 heading into the locker room.
The third quarter was more of the same, with South Carolina increasing their lead by nine points to make the score 68-25 going into the last frame. The Pirates had their best quarter in the fourth in which they kept the scoring gap to single digits but the Gamecocks were too much for them putting up almost 30 points.
South Carolina did a great job spreading the ball as every player who touched the floor scored a bucket. Junior forward Chloe Kitts led the way with 14. The only bright spot for the Pirates was junior forward Amiya Joyner who accounted for over half of her team’s points with 25. She also had ten rebounds to go along with them. ECU will look to bounce back against Howard on Wednesday at Minges Coliseum.
Garett Skillman THE EAST CAROLINIAN
PHEOBE GREGG | THE EAST
FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN
COURTESY OF ECU PIRATES
East Carolina University junior forward Amiya Joyner dribbling down the court against South Carolina on Sunday in Columbia South Carolina.
Amiya Joyner