ECU VOLLEYBALL BRINGS FOUR-GAME
WIN STREAK TO MEMPHIS
ECU provides Halloween information
At East Carolina University and Greenville, Halloween is considered a significant celebration for the community. Along with having fun, Chancellor Philip Rogers and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Brandon Frye, state in an email sent to ECU, that it's crucial to prioritize safety and responsible behavior.
“The successes of our students and graduates strengthen our reputational value. Poor decision-making creates negative perceptions about our campus and can devalue the ECU degree or credential you are working so hard to earn,” said Chancellor Philip Rogers and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Brandon Frye.
ECU has partnerships with the Greenville Police, Greenville Fire and Rescue, Pitt County Sheriff’s Department and Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) to help make as safe an environment as possible.
“A significant amount of activity is expected to happen on Halloween and potentially throughout the weekend. We want our students to enjoy the opportunities of living in a vibrant college town, but safety MUST remain a top priority.”
On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, ECU hosted the Tips and Treats Halloween Safety Fair from 1 to3 p.m. on the Main Campus Student Center lawn. The event’s purpose was to help students gain tips on celebrating safely. This event also provided information about the resources on campus.
“The successes of our students and graduates strengthen our reputational value. Poor decision-making creates negative perceptions about our campus and can devalue the ECU degree or credential you are working so hard to earn.”
On Halloween night, ECU will host Halloween Havoc starting at 8 p.m. until midnight at the Main Campus Student Center. Staff will also be on-site to manage safety and security.
ECU Transit will also operate on Halloween and the days surrounding. Many may notice an increase in police presence at ECU identified bus stops. For students safety and security, all ECU Transit buses are outfitted with surveillance cameras.
Chancellor Philip Rogers and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Brandon Frye also emphasize that beyond any legal implications, the ECU Student Code of Conduct applies to all students’ behaviors, both on and off campus. Those involved in violations of the Code will be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for applicable disciplinary action.
Faculty have been encouraged by ECU to maintain their class schedule and assignments which means they will continue to hold classes on Thursday (Halloween) and Friday.
Carolinian
Caleb Johnson FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Logan Harlow FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN &
East Carolina Women's Soccer is set to close their regular season on Thursday, Oct 31 against Rice wh has a record of 11-4-2 overall (5-3-1 in conference). The Pirates have an overall record of 7-3-6 (4-2-3 in conference). It has been an impressive season to say the least. The Pirates finished unbeaten on the road.
With the 2-0 win over (FAU) Florida Atlantic, 3-10-4 (2-5-2 in conference), on Sunday ECU clinched an appearance in the American Athletic Conference Tournament. ECU is now in fourth place in the AAC behind Rice (3), South Florida (2), and Memphis (1). Rice has an overall record of 11-4-2 (5-3-1 in conference). The Owls are coming off of a 1-0 loss to Charlotte, 3-7-7 (2-2-5 in conference) on Sunday. This is a huge game for ECU to say the least, with a win the Pirates would have a 5-2-3 conference record and a head to head win over the Owls. These attributes would give ECU the edge over Rice in conference standings and in tournament seeding, moving the Pirates to the third place spot.The match is set to kick off at 7:00 pm on Thursday, Oct 31 at Johnson Stadium here in Greenville.
Dakota Hamm FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN
September was National Suicide Prevention Month and the director of the Counseling Center at East Carolina University, Dr. Valerie Kisler-van Reede, has expressed there is a growing issue of suicide among college students in the United States.
Dr. Reede said that social media can impact college students in many different ways, including anxiety. "Social media is about comparison." Dr. Reede further asserts, "maybe if you don't go on social media first thing, you can focus on yourself."
The AAC conference tournament is set to take place Monday, Nov 4 - Sunday, Nov 10 in Lakewood Ranch Florida.
The Pirates will be looking for a shutout as they have done so often in their wins. Goalkeeper Maeve English is the catalyst in these performances as she is second in ECU history in total shutouts with 28. English is also first in total career starts for the Pirates with 83. Star defenders Juliana Viera and Samantha Moxie will also play a large role in this after only allowing a total of four shots total and a mere one shot on goal last week against FAU.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Pirates, through the passing attack, will look to start with an early goal. They have played their best games this season when playing with the lead. Juliana Viera and Mackenzie Smith who are both tied for first in assists on the team with four total are key in achieving this goal. Playing the ball into Sydney Schnell may be the best bet for the Pirates. She has been pivotal in putting the ball in the back of the net this season leading the squad in goals.
Admission to the game will be free, the theme is blackout, attendees are encouraged to wear costumes to the match. The match will be broadcasted on ESPN+.
When asked about some of the barriers that college students face when seeking counseling, Dr. Read says that money, time and readiness are the biggest barriers.
Dr. Reade then discusses ECU Cares. A resource that is used in situations when someone sees that a friend may be having thoughts of suicide by what they post or say.
Then a student can get in touch with the dean of students about someone they know who may be having
harmful thoughts and the dean of students can provide resources to the student with the harmful thoughts.
When asked about the primary goals of the counseling center, Dr. Reede said, "The most important thing for students is to know that help is available, and they can reach out at any time."
If a crisis is occurring, please contact the ECU Counseling Center at: (252)-3286661 or the Suicide and Crisis Hotline by dialing: 988.
The regular season finale against Rice takes places on Halloween.
GRAPHIC BY JAMIE ANTINORE This
Staff Report
BRIEFS
ECU to host Faculty, student mixer
The Office of Student Transitions in the Division of Student Affairs will be hosting the 2nd annual First Gens Unite: Faculty, Staff and Student Mixer on Tuesday, November 5. This event will be hosted in the Main Campus Student Center in room 125 from 3 to 5 p.m.
This will be a social event where students, staff and faculty who identify as a first generation college student can gather, network, engage and relate to one another. The goal of this mixer is to provide an opportunity for current first-generation students at East Carolina University to develop connections and foster a greater sense of community. For any questions about this event many can contact Jocelyne Alfaro-Ruiz at alfaroruizj22@ecu.edu or (252) 328-4173.
The CLCE to seek volunteers for Turkeypalooza
The Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement will be hosting the 2024 Turkeypalooza. The CLCE is looking for volunteers, organizations and groups to help out during the holiday season for families in need.
Many can participate by filling out the Turkeypalooza form to commit to sponsoring a Thanksgiving meal box at thepirateexperience. ecu.edu. Groups who fill out the form are committing to a $25 gift card to a local grocery store, the food items for sides and desserts and cooking essentials. Donation drop off will be from Nov. 18 to 19 in the Main Campus Student Center, CLCE suite 208 from 9
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
If you feel there are any factual errors in this newspaper, please contact Jaylin Roberts at 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.
Oct. 26, 2024
At 7 p.m., Hit and RunFailure to Stop took place North of Jarvis Hall and Chancellor's Way. This situation is an Open Investigation.
At 6:37 a.m., Aggravated Assault took place at Kappa Sigma. This situation was a Campus Security Authority Report Only.
Oct. 27, 2024
At 2:34 a.m., Resist, Delay or Obstruct Warrant Service for Other Agency took place on Cotanche St. and Reade St. This situation was Cleared by Arrest.
At 7:48 p.m., Misdemeanor Larceny (x2) took place at the Garrett Hall Bike Rack. This situation was Cleared by Citation.
At 11:59 p.m., Injury to Real Property took place at Fletcher Residence Hall. This situation is an Open Investigation.
At 6 p.m., Larceny took place at Clement Residence Hall. This situation is an Open
ECU hosts Homecoming Food Drive
Amid the ECU Homecoming chaos, student organizations work around the clock to compete in three scored events. These events include a banner competition, a float competition, a song, skit competition and a canned food drive.
For over ten years, ECU has partnered with FoodBank Greenville in their biggest donation event of the year: the homecoming food drive.
FoodBank Greenville distributes food throughout 700+ programs across eastern and central North Carolina. Students compete for the most items donated, earning notice for their organizations, philanthropies and helping out the Greenville area and communities all across central NC.
Food is collected in three categories. The
categories include bottled water, canned goods, and pre-packed Purple Pantry bags. Purple Pantry bags items like peanut butter, fruit cups, hygiene products, and more. Items collected will be distributed to local schools, Purple Pantry locations, and other partnered food banks.
More than 560,000 people face hunger in FoodBank Greenville’s covered regions, and an estimated 30% of college students will face food insecurity while in school. At ECU, there are over 8,000 students.
Kaitlyn Gerow, a senior public history and anthropology major, has been on the homecoming committee at ECU for the past four years and has served as the canned food drive lead for the last two years. Kaitlyn said volunteering with the FoodBank Greenville and the homecoming committee allowed her
to utilize the FoodBank’s resources when she faced food insecurity.
Utilizing services like that of the Purple Pantry and FoodBank Greenville allowed Gerow to focus on her academics and not have to worry about choosing between being able to afford food and the importance of her education.“It helped me realize it [Food banks] is for anyone who needs help… Whether you need help with meals for a day or meals for a year, it will be there for you,” said Gerow.
If you are interested in donating or volunteering with FoodBank Greenville or the Purple Pantry, you can sign up to volunteer on their website and keep up to date with the Purple Pantry training sessions online.
Who do voters trust with Helene recover in NC?
Tribune News Services - Ahead of the Nov. 5 election, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are deadlocked in North Carolina. But there is a clear leader among the state’s gubernatorial candidates — a pattern that extends to voters’ feelings about which candidates would better handle North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Helene.
That’s according to a poll conducted by Elon University between Oct. 10 and 17 and released Tuesday. The poll, which surveyed 800 registered North Carolina voters, found that an equal number of voters — 46% — planned to cast their ballots for Harris, a Democrat, and Trump, a Republican.
“This race is still way too close to call for president in North Carolina,” Jason Husser, professor and director of the Elon Poll, said in an interview with The News & Observer.
In the governor’s race, however, the poll found that state Attorney General Josh Stein, a Democrat, has a 21-point lead over Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a Republican.
More than half of voters, 52%, planned to vote for Stein, compared to 31% who planned to vote for Robinson, who has faced major scrutiny in recent weeks after a CNN investigation alleged he wrote racist and lewd posts on a porn website more than a decade ago. (Robinson denies the allegations and has filed a lawsuit against CNN. In the Elon Poll, 23% of voters said they believe Robinson, compared to 48% who do not. The remaining 29% were unsure.)
Those overall trends in the top-of-the-ballot races largely mirrored voters’ preferences for which candidates they believe would better support the state as it continues to recover from Helene, which devastated and destroyed much of Western North Carolina last month.
For a poll question that asked which presidential candidate would be “more likely to provide the resources and support North Carolina will need to recover” from Helene, an equal number of voters — 44% — named Harris and Trump.
In a separate question, the poll asked voters which gubernatorial candidate “would provide better leadership for the state’s efforts to recover” from the storm. Almost half of voters, 49%, chose Stein, compared to 27% who chose Robinson.
“We’re finding that perceptions about who would do best with Helene largely tracks where people already are voting, in terms of party lines,” Husser said.
But, Husser said, that might not paint the whole picture on how voters feel about the fallout from Helene and how that might impact the election.
Helene’s potential impacts on election
In another question about Helene, voters were asked to “describe the response by federal and state agencies to the Hurricane Helene disaster in North Carolina.”
More voters — 44% — rated the response as “very good” (23%) or “good” (21%) than “poor” (21%) or “very poor” (16%). Another 19% rated it as “adequate.”
Almost immediately after Helene hit North Carolina, social media users and Republican politicians, including Trump and Robinson, began to criticize the state and fed-
eral government’s response to the storm and its impacts — often claiming officials weren’t doing enough to help those affected. President Joe Biden said last month that Trump was lying, while Republican U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, who represents part of Western North Carolina, said at the time that the state and federal responses to Helene were both “very disappointing.”
Husser said any “bad news” that happens close to an election, like a natural disaster, is “generally not good for an incumbent, unless the incumbent party is viewed as really knocking it out of the park, in terms of quality of response.”
While state leaders and others have expressed concerns about how Helene could impact the ability to vote in Western North Carolina this election, the Elon Poll found that those effects might not be as pronounced as some people expected.
Instead, the storm and its fallout could be motivating some voters to go to the polls if they hadn’t previously planned on doing so. Instead, the storm and its fallout could be motivating some voters to go to the polls if they hadn’t previously planned on doing so. Asked how Helene would affect their plans or ability to vote in the election, just 2% of poll respondents said the storm would make them less likely to vote, compared to 76% who said the storm made “no change” for them. But 20% said Helene would make them more likely to vote, with “potentially a slight Republican advantage on those who are more motivated,” Husser said.
NIA CRUZ I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Canned goods brought by donators stacked at the Homecoming Food Drive.
ETHAN HYMAN I TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
North Carolina's Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, left, is running for governor in 2024 against Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, on the right.
Alivia Bryce Lewis FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Ethan Hyman THE NEWS & OBSERVER | TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
NIA CRUZI THE EAST CAROLINIAN A donator bringing goods to the Homecoming Food Drive last year in 2023.
The 2024 election season is coming to an end next week. Both candidates are wrapping up their campaigns in different battleground states to help secure their win. ECU’s student body is diverse and includes people from different walks of life.
We, the editorial staff of The East Carolinian, believe that students should have their voices heard this election season.
The candidates on both sides will continue to campaign up till election day in different battleground states. North Carolina is one of those key battleground states. Both candidates and running mates have made an appearance here in Eastern North Carolina. Vice President Kamala Harris was the first to make an appearance in Greenville with Former President Donald Trump the following week.
Many people think that their voice does not matter when it comes to voting, but exercising one’s rights is still important. Whichever side of the spectrum many may be on it is important not to forget about the local government. Although voting for the presidential candidate is important, it is also important to vote for the representatives on the local level.
Voting for ECU students has been made easy since there are people around every part of campus reminding students to vote. The East Carolina University Main Campus Student Center has made voting easy allowing people to cast their vote.
PIRATE RANTS
Couldn’t help but notice that posts on this account about democrat visits are filled with hate comments and the posts about republican visits are not….interesting demonstration of the difference in hostility between parties! I’d dare Trump supporters to be civil, if I thought they could do it.
I love autumn in Greenville. The leaves, the wind, the pumpkinflavored scent in the air. Everything is just perfect - except for ECU Parking Services giving out baseless citations left and right!
One conservative columnist 50 years ago is not diversity of thought. TEC pulls from outlets? Maybe you can point out a recent (last 10 years) column whereby TEC had a conservative column? (just one will do!!!!) Anyone can get published in the TEC? Please stop with the nonsense. You just further proved my point
I wish the parking garages in Greenville were bigger because every time I try to enter or exit a garage, I worry about hitting my car. By the way, I’ve already hit my car once.
The WOMEN of ECU are tired of these same old jokes from that tired playbook. WOMEN have to work twice as hard and are constantly held to a different standard. Trump vs. Kamala? Are you kidding? The WOMEN of ECU will show him the door on November 5th.
The East Carolina University soccer team concludes their final home game on Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. at Johnson Stadium with a chance to finish third in the American Athletic Conference standings against Rice.
ECU’s volleyball team holds a 14-6 record with three home games left in the season with a chance to finish the season unbeaten in front of the Pirate faithful–8-0 currently.
ECU’s Women’s basketball team two years removed from a conference title and a NCAA Tournament berth begins their season against Charleston Southern Nov. 6 at home.
The highest home attendance for a soccer game so far this year was 627. For Volleyball, it’s 578 and the average game attendance is 486. Opposing teams averaged a higher attendance number than ECU in both Soccer and Volleyball.
The top five most attended games the
In American dining culture, a plate feels incomplete without a substantial portion of animal protein at its center. But as we learn more about the impacts of heavy meat consumption on health and wellness, it’s worth asking: Is our fixation on meat really serving us well?
Research continues to favor that plantbased diets are associated with numerous health benefits, including lower risks of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Athletes who switch to a vegan diet often report increased energy levels, improved recovery times, and enhanced endurance.
Among other professional athletes, many Tennessee Titans’ NFL players have adopted a plant-based diet as they recognize the impact veganism can bring. While many elements of athletic performance can be achieved by a carnivorous diet, the speed, endurance, and extra edge that athletes need can be fueled by going plant-based.
High fiber content from fruits, vegetables, and grains are much better for promoting healthier digestion than meat. Plant-based diets are generally lower in calories and fats and higher in nutrients. Plant-based diets are also proven to be better controllers for blood sugar levels.
What strayed me away from a plantbased diet for quite some time was my preconceived notion that I wouldn’t be getting enough protein in my meals. Once I made the switch for a couple months, I realized that it was very easy to eat a plant-
Pirates have played in Soccer are in order: North Carolina State, the University of North Carolina-Wilmington (UNCW), UNC-Greensboro, Western Carolina and Florida Atlantic University. Three of those top five games are away games and the first two against NC State and UNCW were away.
An argument could be made for the NC State game due to Dail Soccer Field having a 2,000 size capacity advantage over Johnson Stadium, but NC State’s attendance per game is 902 per home game with a team that’s 4-9-2 and still got over 1,000 plus attendees this month well after the poor start to the season occurred. Senior day for the Pirates had an attendance of 266, the lowest of any home game this year.
This is disappointing considering senior day honored players such as Abby Sowa, Sydney Schnell, Annabelle Abbott and Maeve English. English is ranked in the top five in most statistical categories for goalkeepers along with playing the most games in Pirates history. Sowa’s played every
based diet while still getting all the protein my body needed. I also realized that plantbased foods with a high protein content often had less fat, and were coupled with much more nutrients.
From an environmental standpoint, plant-based foods are much more sustainable. A plant-based diet is a way of showing compassion and respect for animals. Everyday, countless animals are raised in crowded, inhumane conditions to end up on our plate. It is truly unnecessary cruelty which could be avoided to an extent if some of us became plant-based.
single minute of a 90 minute or more game for the Pirates in the past three years with the streak starting in October 2021. Schnell is seventh in leading goal scorers this year in the AAC with six. Abbott’s been a factor in the midfield and despite not scoring yet this year, has scored every year she’s been a Pirate so far along with assists in her first two seasons at ECU.
ECU’s Volleyball team has the second best opponent hitting percentage in the AAC, only allowing .181 per game. That number places ECU 75th in the nation in that category. It’s been the catalyst as to why they’re currently third in the conference sitting one game back from the top spot. This year in 2024, ECU isn’t a football school, it should be a volleyball and soccer one.
The East Carolinian does not endorse the statements made in Pirate Rants.
Trevon McGlone TEC STAFF
Arts & Entertainment
EVENTS
TOMORROW
East Carolina hosts Homecoming Parade
Staff Report
East Carolina University hosted its 2024 Homecoming Parade on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. The parade started at 9 a.m. and ended at 11 a.m. The ECU
Marching Pirates, cheerleading, sports clubs, sororities and even PeeDee “The Pirate” all made an appearance during the event.
SATURDAY
Freeboot Friday host Homecoming Concert
On October 25, 2024, Freeboot Friday featured a special guest for its final show of the year. Rodney Atkins came to perform in Greenville, NC during East Carolina University’s Homecoming week. Atkins is a national country music star who has received multiple nominations and also has had numerous number-one hits throughout his career.
The concert for Freeboot Friday took place at Five Points Plaza in Downtown Greenville and was free to attend. It featured food vendors, activities for families and beverage stations all around the concert area.
Troy Dreyfus, Executive Director of the
Downtown Greenville Partnership, spoke about what he expected that evening.
“Oh, I expect a lot of fun. I think people have a great time, get an ice cold beverage, bring your friends, family, kids, whatever the case may be and just enjoy yourself,” said Dreyfus.
At 5:30 p.m., Morgan Hudson and Company, a local act coming out of Greenville, opened the evening playing a few covers and some original songs to get the crowd ready for Atkins. Later in the evening, the ECU marching pirates and cheer squad performed for the dozens of attendees gathered.
Ahead of Atkins’s appearance on stage, we spoke with some fans attending the concert.
Jackson Powers, a sophomore at East Carolina University, has been an Atkins fan for
15 years. “I love Rodney Atkins, you know what I mean, I love country music,” Powers said. Jake King, a long-time Atkins fan and newbie to Freeboot Friday, was asked what he was most excited about, King said, “Just good music, good friends, just have a good time, that’s it.” Atkins appeared on stage at 7:15 pm, and the crowd enthusiastically received him with cheers and sang along to songs like “Take A Back Road” and “Farmers Daughter.” Atkins performed until 8:30 pm. The final Freeboot Friday of the season was a hit, drawing many to Five Points Plaza for a night full of fun, food and good music creating a lively
BECCA ERZEN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
perform in
2024 ECU Homecoming Parade on Saturday, October 26 on E. 5th Street in Greenville, North Carolina.
MARK RONAN FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN Rodney Atkins performs at the 2024 Homecoming Freeboot Friday on Oct. 25. Along with Rodney, Morgan Hudson and Company also performed at the event.
MARK RONAN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
The Marching Pirates perform during the Homecoming Parade.
BECCA ERZEN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN Miss East Carolina waves at attendees.
BECCA ERZEN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN Participants walk together in the parade.
Classifieds & Puzzles
Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — Grab a lucky chance to grow shared finances. Ignore negative internal chatter. Avoid noise. Discuss ideas with partners and family. Plan moves in advance.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Share support with your partner. Harmony may require effort. Coordinate and communicate around unexpected changes. Choose easy options. Prioritize fun, romance and relaxation.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Take extra care with your health, fitness and work. Talk your way through an unexpected situation. Get expert support as needed. Don’t push. Recharge.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Stretch your imagination. Get creative! Have fun with beloved activities and people. Take on an entertaining challenge. Avoid fuss or controversy. Enjoy delightful company.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 7 — Enjoy domestic decoration, fun and crafty projects. Bake something delicious. Share tricks and treats with family. Come up with homemade wonders. Celebrate traditions.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — You’re especially clever and brilliant. Notice the emotional undercurrent. Avoid stress or fuss. Don’t get dissuaded by a breakdown. Consider options. Invent creative, simple solutions.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Keep cash flowing in a positive direction. Adapt to changes. Avoid expensive options. Put fun and creativity into your work. Come up with clever ideas.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Choose the easy option. You can find what’s needed. Who do you want to be? Make a statement. Stand for something close to your heart.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — Light candles. Retreat from stressful situations. Avoid travel. Enjoy peaceful time to unwind and contemplate. Hand out treats. Consider where you’ve been and what’s ahead.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Get together with friends. Things may not go as planned. Choose simple options. Invent creative plans. Find a new purpose for mundane objects. Have fun together.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Dress for the part. You’re being tested by a professional challenge. Use your wits and skills to navigate a chaotic situation. Get creative.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Get out and explore. Try on new ideas. Avoid expensive or complicated plans. Keep an open mind. Discover fun adventures in your own backyard.
Jacqueline E. Mathews
©2024 NANCY BLACK.
ECU football dominates Temple on Homecoming Weekend
that’s the only way this thing gets done. It ain’t about me it ain’t about you, it’s about us.”
East Carolina University (4-4, 2-2 American Athletic Conference) found a spark on homecoming weekend, dominating Temple University (2-6, 1-3 American Athletic Conference) 56-34. After firing former Head Coach Mike Houston, interim Head Coach Blake Harrell was able to right the ship following the loss to Army football (7-0, 6-0 American Athletic Conference). The Pirates came out with a renewed energy at Dowdy-Ficklen stadium, clicking on both offense and defense under new leadership.
Sophomore Quarterback Katin Houser led the way with 269 passing yards and career-high five touchdowns in the convincing win. Freshman defensive back Ja’Marley Riddle also had his best game as a Pirate totaling three tackles, and two interceptions, with one of them being a pick six. The Pirates delivered a standout offensive performance under interim head coach Blake Harrell, scoring their highest point total of the season.
“All about us all week you got me, all about us.” Said Interim head Coach Blake Harell. “Staying together, sticking together,
Temple started the game off with the ball and went three and out. ECU capitalized quickly, scoring in three plays on a 42-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Katin Houser to senior wide receiver Anthony Smith. The Temple Owls would respond by scoring their first touchdown of the game on a run by junior quarterback Evan Simon. The teams would then trade a touchdown each, but the Pirates would miss the extra point, making the score 14-13 entering the second quarter.
After four consecutive possessions of punts, Temple would end up with the ball after an interception. They would score in three plays on a pass from Simon to graduate student Ashton Allen. The Pirates would respond with a touchdown of their own, thanks to a pass from Houser to graduate student wide receiver Winston Wright Jr. making it a one point game again.
Towards the end of the second quarter, Temple would miss a field goal and give ECU the ball back with 27 seconds left and good field position. The Pirates were able to find the endzone on a 45-yard touchdown pass from Houser to sophomore receiver Chase Sowell, giving them the lead 27-21 going into halftime.
Coming out of the half, the Pirates exploded in the third
quarter, scoring 29 of their 56 total points. Graduate student running back Rahjai Harris got the scoring going with a 4 yard touchdown run following just three plays to put him into scoring position. Temple responded with a touchdown of their own and added another in the fourth quarter, but wasn’t enough to complete the comeback against the Pirates.
“I’m just really proud of the way they went out there and played today,” Harrell said. “It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed it, and I hope Pirate Nation enjoyed it.”
The offense was in full form, with the Pirates receiving core having their best game of the season so far, with two receivers going for over 100 yards a piece. Sowell hauled in a team-high 117 yards, with Smith adding on 107 yards himself. With a 32 point difference in points, Houser was letting it fly and trusting his receivers to bring a much needed win at home.
“We’ve been doing that the past couple of games, taking shots, but we haven’t been doing it consistently.” Houser said after the win.
Seeking to continue the momentum, the Pirates next game comes against Florida Atlantic University (2-5, 0-3 American Athletic Conference) on Thursday, Nov. 7 at night. The game is set to be played at 8 p.m. at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville, N.C. where students will be wearing black.
East Carolina University’s volleyball team (14-6, 7-3 American Athletic Conference) kicked off the second half of AAC play with a pair of wins against Charlotte (4-19, 1-9 AAC) and Florida Atlantic University (13-9, 5-5 AAC).
Friday’s victory over FAU marked ECU’s fourth win in a row, a streak they’ll look to extend as they head down to Memphis, Tennessee to face the Memphis Tigers (10-12, 4-6 AAC). The Pirates three-set sweep of FAU was arguably one of the team’s best-played games this season, taking down an Owls team with a ton of momentum.
FAU stepped foot in Minges fresh off a sweep of secondplace Rice (13-6, 8-2 AAC) and a win against top-seeded South Florida (12-9, 8-2 AAC). But that momentum was no match for the Pirates, who found themselves in front for the majority of the game.
The Pirates scored the first three points of the game, and they did not falter during the rest of the match, forcing Memphis to use both timeouts in the set after trailing. They kept the Owls out of the second set offensively, holding FAU to single digits for nearly the entire set before sealing the 13-point victory.
In the third set, the Owls threatened a comeback, once taking a 12-6 lead, but a ten-point run by the Pirates sealed the sweep and the victory. The win took ECU to third in the conference, setting them up for a chance to tie Rice and South Florida for the number one spot.
The Pirates remain unbeaten at home, with an 8-0 record at Minges Coliseum. Their next home action is November 8, facing off against visiting Tulsa (15-7, 7-3 AAC). First serve for this Friday is set for 7 PM on November 1, from Larry O. Finch Center in Memphis.
The Pirates are back in action November 3 in Alabama, as they take on the Blazers of Alabama at Birmingham (8-13, 3-7 AAC).
GABE KEY THE EAST CAROLINIAN
East Carolina University junior running back Marlon Gunn Jr runs the ball past a Temple Unviersity defender while his offensive lineman and ECU graduate student Winston Wright Jr blocks behind.
GABE KEY THE EAST CAROLINIAN
ECU freshman Ja’Marley Riddle gets an interception on defense. GABE KEY THE EAST CAROLINIAN East Carolina University graduate student deep snapper Alex Harper gets ready to hike the ball with his hand on it to special teams.
Football, Men’s basketball doubleheader announced
ECU Athletics is excited to announce a football/men’s basketball joint doubleheader on Friday, November 29.
The Pirates football team will battle Navy on Senior Day with kickoff set for 12 p.m., the final regular season game. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN. Following the action on the gridiron, the Pirates men’s basketball team will host North Carolina A&T inside Minges Coliseum at 5:30 p.m. With the purchase of a Navy football ticket, upper level tickets for the hoops contest will be discounted to $5. Discounted men’s basketball tickets can only be purchased at the ECU Athletics Ticket Office beginning at 4:30 p.m. on the day of the game. Fans must show a football ticket to receive the discount.
Nuggets struggle shooting in season opening loss to Thunder
These Denver Nuggets are going to face more palatable defenses than the Oklahoma City Thunder in most games, but they’re going to need to shoot the ball better than their onegame sample size so far to remain a championship contender.
Denver shot 35% from the field and 7 for 39 from 3-point range in a 102-87 season-opening loss to the Thunder on Thursday night at Ball Arena. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. combined for 27 points on 9-of-31 shooting with Lu Dort, Alex Caruso and company giving them nightmares, as the Nuggets didn’t get enough production from the top or bottom of the roster.
An injury-afflicted Oklahoma City pulled away from the healthy Nuggets with a 27-17 third quarter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander piled up 28 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Chet Holmgren added 25 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with his first triple-double of the season, amassing 16 points, 12 boards and 13 assists.
The Nuggets committed 10 of their 15 turnovers in the first half, carrying a preseason trend into their first meaningful minutes of 2024-25. After halftime, the lack of scoring could be mostly chalked up to missing shots — 22 of their 29 attempts in the decisive third frame.
were air-balling 3s as much as they were making them. The starting lineup was effective enough that it didn’t matter at first. It built an 18-10 lead in the first minutes. Then Michael Malone made his first substitutions — Julian Strawther and Russell Westbrook for Braun and Murray — and the Thunder went on a 21-6 run in the last six minutes of the quarter. Denver was already trailing by the time Jokic checked out of the game for the last sub of Malone’s nine-man rotation, Dario Saric. The small-ball second unit, with Murray staggering, had a couple of rough sequences on the defensive glass but didn’t get too exposed for its lack of size. That’s where Isaiah Hartenstein’s fractured hand may have helped the Nuggets out, removing a 7-footer from Oklahoma City’s rotation.
Transition scoring was fairly even. So were paint points and second-chance points. But the Thunder’s shot-creators and shot-makers
“They’re a great defensive team,” coach Michael Malone said before the game. “They’re physical. They try to push you out. … The one challenge we have is if we can try to force the Thunder to be a half-court team, which means that we’re taking care of it and not giving up 25-plus points in transition, we’ll give ourselves a chance to win.”
simply outplayed Denver’s, with the depth of options standing out throughout the night.
Before it fell apart, the season-opener started exactly how one would expect: with Jokic blocking Holmgren in the post then burying a 3-pointer at the other end. That seemed about as fortuitous an outside shooting omen as the Nuggets could’ve hoped for after their heavily scrutinized offseason, but soon they
Braun turned the ball over three times and missed his corner 3s, which OKC was content to let him take, but the new starter was otherwise a bright spot. His on-ball defense was respectable against Jokic’s MVP runner-up from last season. And the 23-year-old looked under control when attacking the rim and leaving his feet. On one baseline drive, he recognized Dort setting his feet to take a charge, floated to a stop in mid-air and banked an 8-footer without running through Dort. In the introductory start, Braun finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
East Carolina Football players left to right: Mike Edwards III, Omar Rogers, Winston Wright Jr. and Tyler Savage standing in uniform.
East Carolina University senior guard RJ Felton makes a contested layup against a South Florida defender. The Pirates kick
