Student runs for City Council seat Carolinian
Senior construction management major Seth Hardee is running for the District Three seat on the Greenville City Council.
Hardee is involved in many on-campus organizations, including the Honors College and Greek life. He now wants to further his involvement to better the Greenville community.
“I’ve been fortunate to be part of three major communities: Construction Management, Greek Life, and the Honors College, which has given me the opportunity to build strong connections and better understand the issues that many students face, “ Hardee said.
“Serving as president of my fraternity over the past year taught me valuable administrative and leadership skills that translate directly to the responsibilities of city council.”
Hardee believes his major has also molded him into who he is today.
“My major in construction management, along with hands-on experience on job sites, have instilled in me the importance of discipline, hard work, and problem-solving,” Hardee said. “I plan to bring that same work ethic and commitment to city council, ensuring that student voices are heard and represented in local decision-making.”
Hardee said he chose to run for the Greenville City Council so he could have an immediate impact on the community.
“I chose to run for city council because local government has the most direct and immediate impact on people’s daily lives, [and] city council decisions shape local taxes, schools, public safety, and infrastructure, factors that directly influence quality of life in our community,” Hardee said.
“While national elections often receive more attention, it is the city government
that determines whether students enjoy their college experience and whether graduates can afford to stay and build their future here,” he continued.
Hardee is running for District Three, which he says encompasses most of East Carolina University’s campus and student living areas, several surrounding neighborhoods, and parts of the downtown district.
It includes ECU’s main campus, the Grid neighborhood, and many housing communities such as Cyprus Glen, Copper Beech, Pirates Cove, Riverwalk, Province, Proximity, Bower, Voyager, Jolly Roger, and Boundary.
The district also covers residential neighborhoods like River Hills, Rock Springs, Brook Green, Englewood, and Forest Hills, as well as community spaces such as Bradford Creek Golf Course.
Hardee decided to run last semester after seeing how city policies affect students. He wants to be a voice to represent the student population in Greenville.
“Despite making up 75 percent of District Three and 20 percent of Greenville’s population, and shaping much of the local economy, students have never truly had a seat at the table,” Hardee said. “They deserve representation, and I want to be that voice to ensure city policies are fair for all residents of Greenville.”
Hardee’s goals in this position are lowering taxes and rent prices, making student housing more affordable, making the grid and downtown areas safer, and ensuring equal enforcement of trash and parking ordinances.
He also wants to improve noise ordinances and ensure the safety of hosting off-campus events. Lastly, Hardee wishes to invest in ENC Alliance and create more business opportunities for graduates.
Hardee chose to run because of the lack of
East Carolina University’s soccer team (4-4-2, 2-1-0 American Conference) beat the University of North Texas (4-8-1, 0-3-0 American Conference) 2-0 on Sunday afternoon. This was the Pirates first conference road win on the season.
For North Texas, that loss deepened their struggle to gain traction in the AAC. The Mean Green fell to 4-8-1 overall and 0-3 in conference play after the loss to the Pirates. ECU held control early, outshooting UNT 10 to 3 in the first half and earning a 4-2 edge in shots on goal. From the kickoff, ECU was pressing the action. They kept good pressure on the Mean Green’s defense getting consistent shots off. Around the 20 minute mark sophomore forward Caitlen-Star Dolan Boodram found the back of the net for the pirates first goal. She beat multiple defenders with her skill moves and found herself an opportunity to slide a left footed shot into the right corner of the net. Senior midfielder Isabella Gutiérrez was credited with the assist on that score, her first of the season.
The Pirates continued to press the action for the remainder of the half. The Pirates put up 10 total shots, four of which were on goal. About three quarters through the game in the 61 and 64 minute, North Texas nearly found their equalizer on two separate chances.
In the 68th minute mark, the Pirates found their second and final score of the game. A shot from outside the box from sophomore midfielder AJ Mayock found its way into the bottom left corner of the goal. Senior defender Sofia Serrano was credited with the assist on the score, the first of her career.
The Mean Green had another chance for a goal late in the 72nd minute. A one on one chance which was stopped by sophomore keeper Kayce Taylor. Who had just been subbed into the match. With this win the Pirates remain unbeaten against North Texas with a 2-0-1 all time record. This was also the teams fourth shout out of the season.
The Pirates will play their next game at home in Greenville, N.C. this Thursday. Florida Atlantic University (4-7-2, 1-2-1 American Conference) will travel to Bill Clark Homes Field at Johnson Stadium with the game set for kickoff at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
student representation in local government. Because Greenville has never had an active undergraduate student in this role, he believes many student concerns get overlooked.
“Hearing stories of students struggling because of city policies made it clear to me that now is the time to step up and run,” Hardee said. “This is a true grassroots effort, bringing students and long-term residents together to work toward a shared goal of building a stronger Greenville.”
Hardee has a campaign team consisting of students because he believes that is what his campaign is about, student voices. He believes students are the largest stakeholders in this race.
Early voting will be held from Oct. 16
through Nov. 1. There will be an early voting station in the Main Campus Student Center the week of Oct. 27 through Nov. 1.
“I believe the student perspective is too important to wait until after graduation [and] as a current student, I understand firsthand the challenges we face,” Hardee said.
“If I were to wait until I’m older and out of school, those issues might not feel as immediate or personal, and students could continue to be overlooked, so my candidacy is about changing that dynamic while I am still living the student experience myself.”
October is breast cancer awareness month and to spread awareness for survivors and supporters, ECU’s Eakin Rec Center has brought back Dance for a cure. Dance for a cure is an event that mixes empowerment for survivors with movement and togetherness through dance. According to Laura Witherington, Associate Director of Fitness, this themed class is about making sure survivors feel a sense of community.
“We want people participating in the class to feel a sense of community with the people around them and hope.” she said.
Dance for a Cure will take place on October 1st from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. in the Eakin Rec Center. It will be a 45 minute group fitness class which will have themed items like pink sunglasses, glowsticks, and lights that people engaging in the class can wear to show their support for breast cancer awareness.
Battling any kind of illness can be lonely, but according to breast cancer researchers at breastcancer.org depression is the most common mental health condition among patients and that's why community is so important. Togetherness and a sense of upbeat fitness is what makes this event what it is. It’s all about having people. People who are in your corner when you are down and out is what
gives you the strength to continue fighting and pushing forward.
Witherington says each movement within the class is purposeful. They all play a role in the overarching theme of bringing supporters and survivors together to have fun and engage in a collective experience. One that's empowering and shines light on how much the people within one's own community go through.
“I hope people leave the class not just with a sense of meaning behind the workout and with a sense of purpose but that they leave knowing every movement was purposeful and shines light on breast cancer awareness,” said Witherington.
Leading the class will be a certified instructor who will guide participants through dances and movements. Above all else the goal is to bring people together in support of breast cancer awareness. In a statistics page on their website, the CDC states that breast cancer is the second most common cancer for women in the United States.
Last year was the first time Dance for a Cure had been done at ECU. Its success and turnout is what led to it being brought back again. The community came together and supported each other whether or not they had beaten a similar battle. That was what brought Witherington the most joy.
“Its a way to raise support and just help people see that movement can be empowering and healing,” said Witherington.
This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.
Caitlen-Star Dolan Boodram wins
Candon Johnson TEC STAFF
Laura Witherington
Communication research studies AI in entertainment
East Carolina University communication professors Drew Ashby-King, Erika Johnson and Rachel Son are researching how artificial intelligence shapes audience perceptions when used in entertainment. The trio received a $10,000 College of Fine Arts and Communication Research and Creative Activity Award to support the study.
Their project focuses on a reality competition show where contestants communicate only through social media profiles, with one season introducing an AI chatbot as a hidden participant. The researchers aim to understand how viewers react to AI’s role in entertainment and how it impacts their well-being and AI literacy.
ECU alum continues work one year after Hurricane Helene
One year after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, East Carolina University alumna Willow Kruse continues leading recovery efforts. A 2010 construction management graduate, Kruse works as a project manager with RS&H and has been overseeing road and bridge repairs in Asheville since the storm washed away major highways and drainage systems.
She said her role goes beyond construction, focusing on restoring entire systems and rebuilding community trust. Kruse has managed large projects before, including Virginia’s $3.9 billion Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnels expansion, and credits ECU for preparing her to lead teams on complex projects.
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
If you feel there are any factual errors in this newspaper, please contact editor@theeastcarolinian.com.
Jimmy Kimmel returns despite cancellation
ABC has reinstated ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ following a week-long suspension after comments made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death.
Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 while speaking to an audience as part of his American Comeback Tour. The assassination sparked widespread international debate over political violence, Kirk’s legacy, and the current state of free speech in America.
Kimmel denounced the shooting in the week following on social media and his show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”. He also criticized the response from conservatives, saying that they were “working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk”. His comments were particularly directed at President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and FBI Director Kash Patel.
Federal Communications Commission chairman Brendan Carr criticized the comments and demanded an apology from
Kimmel.
ABC’s two largest affiliates, Nexstar and Sinclair, pulled the show from their broadcast on Sept. 17 following the comments. The same day, ABC announced that it would indefinitely suspend the show. According to ABC’s owners, The Walt Disney Co., this was because some of Kimmel’s comments were deemed to be insensitive. This decision was later reversed.
According to APNews, Nexstar and Sinclair initially refused to broadcast the return of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, leaving multiple network stations in what was called a “blackout.”
After just over a week, they eventually agreed to broadcast the show.
The suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has continued the debate about the future of free speech that began with Kirk’s murder. Political science professor Jody Baumgartner disagrees that this incident will set a precedent for politics in the entertainment industry.
“Political humor and political satire have existed for as long as we’ve had recorded human history,” he said. “It’s not gonna be killed, and it’s gonna be problematic to suppress it.”
This is not the first attempt to crack down on political commentary. In the 1960s, CBS canceled a popular primetime show called “The Smothers Brothers” because of its increasingly political content. Baumgartner attributes this to advertisers' pressure on CBS.
President Trump praised the show’s suspension on his Truth Social account. In contrast, many celebrities and late-night talk show hosts criticized it and conservative figures were divided. While many criticized Kimmel and his content, others questioned the potential consequences that this decision could hold.
Kimmel continued to condemn Kirk’s murder in his returning broadcast on Sept. 23. He further decried government intervention in the entertainment industry and emphasized his support for free speech.
“This show is not important,” Kimmel said. “What’s important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this.”
Trump takes down Tylenol
On Monday Sept. 22, President Donald Trump announced that Tylenol was harmful to pregnant women and their children.
According to APNews, this was followed by a claim that the ingredients of Tylenol were linked with autism cases. APNews spoke with medical experts and they all said that his claims were harmful and were using unfounded sources that supported murky claims of connections between acetaminophen and autism.
“It’s the saddest display of a lack of evidence, rumors, recycling old myths, lousy advice, outright lies, and dangerous advice I have ever witnessed by anyone in authority, Dr. Steven Fleishman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists told APNews.
Acetaminophen is the medical name for Tylenol and according to Tylenol's official website, its main purpose is to treat pain and fever.
According to AP News, The biggest problem with Trump's statement is with the way the administration is viewing autism as a whole. They view it more as a disease when in reality it is a multilayered condition that is present from birth.
Autism rates have climbed ever since the
‘90’s but there have been steps in the right direction toward the research and awareness of the autism spectrum.
There are groups though who vehemently deny the benefits of vaccines and their medical merit. Groups like Children's Health Defense and people like Andrew Wakefield have said for a long time that vaccines are linked to things like autism.
“Studies have repeatedly found no credible link between life-saving childhood vaccines and autism,” Dr. Susan Kressly, American Academy of Pediatrics president told APNews.
The FDA also announced that its taking steps toward a new possible treatment option for autism. The treatment is called leucovorin which APNews states is a treatment for low vitamin B levels and is based in a theory that people have a deficiency in folate. However, Vitamin B is already given to women during pregnancy.
This speech and the subsequent actions by the FDA were not taken well by Autism advocacy groups as well as social media. According to APNews, Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatrician and vaccine expert at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia states that there is no doubt that children will suffer from this decision.
PHOTOGRAPHER I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
After remarks about the killing of Charlie Kirk, Jimmy Kimmel Live is back on the air after Disney lost over a million Disney+ subscribers in a six day span.
COURTESY OF THE TRIBUNE
President Trump announced that tylenol is harmful to pregnant women, despite doctor's den
Jordan Adams TEC STAFF
Staff Report TEC STAFF
OUR VIEW
Jimmy Kimmel’s cancellation sets a dangerous precedent
We, the editorial staff of The East Carolinian, believe that the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show sets a dangerous precedent for the future. The most important of our civil rights is freedom of speech and freedom of expression, and without these rights, than our democracy is compromised.
Kimmel’s cancellation sets a very dangerous precedent, especially for people within the media. What Kimmel said was an opinion, albeit a very divisive opinion, which caused a mass uproar with people on the right. For the opinion that Kimmel stated, his entire livelihood was gone, and this could happen to anybody in the media who states an opinion that a politician may not like.
Maybe the only positive to come out of this situation is the response of people. In response to Kimmel’s cancellation, a lot of people boycotted disney properties, such as cancelling their Disney+ subscription. Over a sixday period, Disney+ lost over a million subscribers and their stock dropped.
This has put so many people in the media industry on high alert because they seemingly now have to be careful with what they say. Being free to say anything no matter how bad or offensive it may be is an important part of democracy, and is something that the entire country has prided on itself for centuries.
Kimmel’s comeback shows that when the American people are united, our voices are the loudest and change can be made.
PIRATE RANTS
A lot has happened lately in the United States news cycle but one thing that has stood out among the wars, deaths, and other events. That thing being the recent city crackdowns from the Trump administration. What does this mean? Well, first you have to look at the cities affected.
The cities that have been used for the crackdowns are Los Angeles and Washington DC but more cities are going to follow as the Trump administration seeks to control unrest and criminal activity in these areas. When you look at cities like LA and Washington DC you do see a rise but with Portland, crime rates have gone down by 17% compared to 2024 according to the Major Cities Chiefs Association’s mid-year violent crime report. In order to see where this is all coming from it’s important to put everything into context of what has happened just within the last year.
We’ve witnessed wars, assassinations, assassination attempts, court hearings, and more just within the last couple of months
and if you combine that with the polarized political climate that we’re in right now you get a pot that’s just waiting to spill over. A pot of discourse and anger and more that causes division for everyone no matter who you align with or support.
That’s what leads into the effects of these crackdowns because many have been arrested or injured protesting while others feel afraid for their city and what this occupation by the military could mean for them and their families. The American people also saw how this crackdown affected citizens as misinformation began to spread regarding LA and Washington DC protestors on both sides of the political aisle.
On social media people are split. Some think this is a great idea and only can lead to better cities and environments while the other side is against this idea and believe that this isn’t a good
idea at all. In the wake of reports of Trump calling some of these cities “pure anarchy”, some digital creators are even showing how peaceful cities like Portland are. In my opinion, I think these crackdowns aren’t the way to address crime and civil unrest. I believe that using the military to illicit fear in the hearts of citizens is only going to do more harm than good. We as a people can only grow through empathy and compassion for one another, and that starts by making sure people feel safe and supported, not scared for their lives. All in all, it’s a waiting game to see what happens next as these crackdowns continue but a lot of Americans are tired of the division and the animosity between both sides of the political aisle.
Frat pledges are so rude on campus. Someone needs to check them.
Fans leaving football games at or before half time is so lame. Stick it out and watch the team win, the drinks and bars can wait another hour or two I promise.
When you shut down a road for construction, the detours should be much shorter, it takes forever to get around downtown.
The prices for food and snacks in the little market in the student center are outrageous.
People need to learn how to drive when it comes to rush hour near campus.
The food at the dining hall is so awful it makes my stomach hurt every time I eat it.
Those food delivery robots are so annoying, everytime I’m walking one cuts right in front of me.
The new construction for baseball and football better be worth it for how much it is going to cost.
Athletes on campus are so unapproachable they need to be nicer if they are going to voluntarily put themselves in the public eye.
In a world where endless education is available online, the gig economy is becoming more prevalent than ever, and college graduates tend to be under employed. My question is, do college degrees hold the same weight?
The answer that I’ve come to through some research is yes and no.
A study done by the Pew research center shows that 45% of college graduates are under employed. Working in jobs that do not require a college degree or that are not associated with their degree.
Forbes magazine says that 90% of employers are hiring based on experience and skill rather than degrees.
It is interesting to think that just 20 years ago having a college degree seemed to be the golden ticket to consistent employment and solid pay. Nowadays that just seems to not
be the case based on which degree you may have.
If you are studying in a field like Health, Education, Business, Computer Science, or Engineering, getting a degree is totally worth it. You need a bachelor’s degree in that specific field in order to hold these types of jobs which justifies.
But, if you were to get a degree in a field like communications (without specification), General Psychology, Liberal Arts, or Gender Studies your degree may hold a lot less weight especially without a specific direction.
If you are majoring in one of the specific fields above it is important to build experience while also getting your degree. Opportunities like internships and part time jobs are essential to adding stature to your degree.
Like I said before, employers are now looking for skill and experience and not just a degree. Nowadays, it may be worth it to take the four years and the $100,000 and not get a degree to gain valuable experience that the majority of college students in these fields are
not getting.
While that sounds less glamorous, it could end up saving you a lot of money and putting you in a better position employment wise in the long run.
Ziprecruiter told Fortune.com that over 45% of businesses on their website have got rid of the degree requirement and 72% of companies are transitioning to a skills based hiring process.
I encourage everyone who is thinking about attending college or even that is in college now to question their decision and the direction they are taking their education. The world is filled with endless possibilities, you never know what type of opportunity could fall right into your lap with a little bit of luck and hard work.
Candon Johnson TEC STAFF
Arts & Entertainment
EVENTS
TODAY
Alley Cat Open Mic “Rise of Fall” Edition [Thurs 10/2] *FREE*
Alley Cat Records, 1011 Charles St., Greenville, NC 27858
6:00 PM to 9:30 PM 252-751-0590
ECU Symphonic & Concert Bands
ECU Wright Auditorium, 212 Wright Circle, Greenville, NC 27858
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM 252-737-5444
Better Skills, Better Jobs Fair
Greenville Convention Center, 303 SW Greenville Blvd, Greenville, NC 27858
2:00 PM to 5:30 PM 252-321-7671
Wintergreen Fall Festival
Wintergreen Intermediate School, 4720 County Home Road, Greenville, NC 27858
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM 252-355-2411
TOMORROW
David Fernandez - October
First Friday Artwalk
Emerald City Collective, 106 E. 4th Street, Greenville, NC 27858
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM 252-702-9540
Free Wine Tasting Tubthumpers Beverage House, 623 Red Banks Rd, Greenville, NC 27858
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM 252-933-0266
Pumpkin Decorating Party Farmville Public Library, 4276 W Church St, Farmville, NC 27828
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM 252-753-3355
SATURDAY
Carter Williams Art Show & Fundraiser
Jaycee Park Center for Arts and Crafts, 2000 Cedar Lane, Greenville, NC 27858
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM 252-329-4546
Harvest Festival Farmville Homeplace Strawberries and More, 3055 Chinquapin Rd, Farmville, NC 27828
8:30 AM to 3:30 PM 252-228-0166
Oktoberfest Block Party Pitt Street Brewing Company, 630 S Pitt St., Greenville, NC 27834
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM 252-227-4151
Greenville Museum of Art Archiving Place
Candon Johnson TEC STAFF
From October 3rd 2025 to March 14th
2026 Greenville Museum of Art is hosting a showcase at its facility that has an interesting hook. By using textiles, a group of artists depict ‘Place’. Exploring times, cultural practices, and other aspects that resonate with them when they hear the word place. The showcase will be in the West Wing of the museum.
The opening ceremony for Archiving Place will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday October 3rd in the museum.The artist’s individual personal memories or experiences are each stitched, weaved, or beaded together into works of art that they hope will touch viewers’ hearts.
Fernanda Newman Event and Communications Coordinator says that Archiving Place is a celebration for the community put on by the community. “It’s for everyone. You don’t need a special invitation to join us for the opening.” said Newman.
At the ceremony, attendees will have the opportunity to speak with the artists and enjoy the food and drinks served. It’s showcasing
Greenville Museum of Art hosts sidewalk sale
Alexa Anderson TEC STAFF
Greenville Museum of Arts is excited to host a Fall Sidewalk Art Sale! It will be held on Saturday, October 4 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. in their parking lot. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside.
The GMoA created this event to provide a platform for local artists and vendors to sell their work and get closer to the community. Thus, celebrating the local creativity of the artists around Greenville by bringing more attention to their talent.
It will be a well rounded event with live music and good food to enjoy in addition to the handmade art for sale. The music will be performed by the local group Paige and Jordan duo, who are known for their jazz and pop style of music. The food will be provided by Chula’s Tacos food truck, a local vendor who offers a variety of authentic Mexican food.
local talent and showing off their skills in the arts while allowing them a space to connect with the viewers.
The group of 20 artists showcased at the event are a collective named the Southeast Fibers Educators Association which to Newman means, a variety of different perspectives and styles that will hopefully connect emotion with place and practices.
They will each be making pieces that show their own personal perspective on places within the Greenville community. “Our region is being portrayed by local artists. It’s almost like a love letter to our community as each piece is an artist connecting a physical place with cultural practices and emotional ties.” said Newman.
The Southeast Fibers Educators Association’s main goal is to show the wonder and joy of the textile arts. These mediums can range from quilting and sewing to knitting and embroidery. Some of the artists include: Liz Ensz, Susan Fecho, Robert Mertens, Christine Zoller, and Rena Wood.
According to their website, SEFEA is dedicated to the passing of knowledge and
ideas along with the joys of creativity in the textile medium. Each one either sharing the same style or using different styles to create art with the textile medium.
SEFEA as an organization is partnered with 24 different institutions all over the southeast. One being ECU’s very own School of Art and Design, as well as Appalachian State and the University of Miami.
The showcase, as well as the entire museum, is free to attend at any time from 10 am to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday . Newman said the reason for this showcase’s long span is to allow people ample time to come and view the works of art that are on display from these fantastic artists. “There’s no rush, the museum is open to everyone,” She said.
Archiving Place as a concept takes the textile medium and uses it to show Greenville in a unique lense. It is a perfect example of what Greenville’s art scene looks like, and how the community supports and empowers artists themselves and their work.
The GMoA made sure this event is more than just an art sale, they want it to be seen as a gathering of the community, not just a marketplace. This event is free and open to everyone because it’s designed to bring the Greenville community together through visual arts.
events like these.
By attending this event, the community is directly contributing to Greenville Museum of Art’s goal, which is to inspire, educate, and connect people through the
SUNDAY
Pink Ribbon 5k walk and 1mi run 2025 Behind the Hilton Greenville, 3243 Landmark St, Greenville, NC 27858
2:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Spookywoods, one of the Triad’s favorite haunted attractions for more than 40 years, has received national recognition. The popular Kersey Valley attraction has been named a Top 5 haunted destination for 2025 by America Haunts, the leading association of premier haunted attractions in the United States. For fans of
visual arts.
by showing up it helps to sustain the rich cultural programming carried out by the museum and
COURTESY OF GREENVILLE MUSEUM OF ART FACEBOOK
Greenville Museum of Art’s former Educational Coordinator, Briana, in the middle of
Spooky Wood’s haunted attraction located in the Tri City of North Carolina
Classifieds & Puzzles
by Jacqueline E. Mathews
Jacqueline E. Mathews
Sports
The East Carolinian Sports experts predict this week’s events
Caleb Johnson TEC Sports Reporter
ECU VS. ASU
Score Prediction?
ECU 35-31
Why?
The Pirates will be coming off a bye week heading into next Thursday’s game. After over a week of rest I believe ECU will come out strong despite Tulane being one of the better teams in the conference. The Pirates have yet to play a complete game offensively against a good opponent. I think that happens on the road in New Orleans.
Cannon Gates
WZMB Station Manager
ECU VS. ASU Score Prediction?
ECU 32-28
Why?
I really hope the score is wrong here because of how good our defense has been but Retzlaff and that Tulane offense can do a lot of great things offensively. The defense has been inconsistent for the Green Wave and I believe Katin Houser can capitalize on it and lead this team to a win.
Nick Green
WZMB Sports & News Director
ECU VS. ASU Score Prediction?
ECU 38-35
Why?
Two heavyweight offenses clash in a Thursday night showdown in New Orleans. I expect a fun one as ECU and Tulane are both competing in what could be a battle for the American and potentially a playoff spot. This game should have everything you want and then some. I expect Katin houser and the boys to have a little more energy and come off with a huge win.
Pirate football takes on Tulane
East Carolina heads back on the road to face Tulane (4-1, 1-0 American Conference) on Thursday, Oct. 9, at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans. Following a 28-6 win over Army Westpoint, the Pirates are looking to start conference play 2-0.
Tulane enters the game fresh off a 31-14 road win over the University of Tulsa (2-3 0-2 American Conference) in its conference opener. The Green Wave have quietly built one of the more consistent programs in the conference. Head coach Willie Fritz has emphasized balance on both sides of the ball, and Tulane’s physical style always gives teams trouble, especially when they play at home.
For ECU, execution and patience could be the key. Tulane’s defense is known for disguising pressure and forcing quarterbacks into bad throws, so the Pirates will need to continue to stay calm and avoid costly turnovers like they have to
start the season. Sophomore quarterback Katin Houser has statistically been one of the nation’s best. He currently sits fourth in passing yards in the country with 1,509.
ECU’s biggest challenge on offense has been a balanced and consistent attack so far this season. The rushing game has flashed at times, but the Pirates need a more complete performance from their rushing game. The Pirates have seen emerging playmakers step up, including freshman wide receiver Brock Spalding, who has become a reliable target. On the defensive side, ECU has shown promise. The front line has been active, creating pressure and holding their own against the run, but Tulane’s offense will test their discipline. The Pirates are allowing just 13.4 points per game and consistently limiting opposing rushing attacks.The Green Wave rely on a strong offensive line and smart play-calling to control tempo.
Expect a mix of zone reads, screens, and quick passes, all designed to wear down defenses over time. ECU’s linebackers will need to stay locked in, especially on early downs, to prevent Tulane from staying ahead of the chains.
Special teams could also play a big role. In a game like this, where possessions
matter and field position could swing momentum, ECU can’t afford any mistakes and need to win the yards battle on punts, kickoffs, and returns, which could be what keeps the Pirates within striking distance in the fourth quarter. The Green Wave have had recent success in the series, winning five of the last six meetings against ECU. With this being Tulane’s AAC home opener, the Green Wave will aim to defend home turf and build momentum in conference play. ESPN’s matchup predictor gives Tulane a slight edge with a 55.2% chance of winning, but if ECU’s defense continues its strong form and the passing game clicks, the Pirates could make this one tightly contested.
Kickoff is set for Thursday, Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. from New Orleans. For Pirate fans not able to make the trip to New Orleans, the game will be televised on ESPN.
This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.
to Smith this time in the end zone to put the Pirates up 14-0.
The East Carolina University football team (3-2, 1-0 American Conference) routed Army West Point (1-3, 0-2 AAC) 28-6 on Thursday. After coming off of a loss against Brigham Young University (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) the Pirates came out firing on all cylinders, scoring 21 of their points in the first quarter and locking down the Black Knight offense on the flip side of the ball. Sophomore quarterback Katin Houser threw for 251 yards and two touchdowns with his only blemish being his fourth interception of the year in the second quarter. The Pirates started the game with the ball and got off to an early 7-0 lead. A 41 yard completion from Houser to graduate student wide receiver Anthony Smith put ECU in the red zone. Houser then proceeded to scramble into the endzone a few plays later to put the Pirates on the board. After the Army offense went three and out, Houser delivered another deep ball
The Black Knights then went on a 10 play drive which ended when they went for it on fourth down from the ECU 29. ECU cushioned their lead on the ensuing drive when Houser threw a 20 yard touchdown to junior tight end Jayvontay Conner. The quarter ended there with the Pirates up 21-0.
The Black Knights opened the second quarter going deep into Pirate territory and threatening to put up their first points of the game. The ECU defense then made a huge play forcing a fumble and halting all of Army’s momentum. The Pirate offense struggles in the second quarter turning the ball over on two of their three possessions. The defense remained stout throughout the quarter, shutting out the Army offense and keeping the score 21-0 heading to the locker rooms.
The Black Knights were able to get on the board in the second half, opening with an eight play drive which was capped with a two yard run into the end zone. Army attempted
to go for the two point conversion but couldn’t get in the endzone which left the score at 21-6. After this score, neither offense could put more points on the board in the quarter.
The Pirate defense continued to shut down the Army offense, not allowing the Black Knights to get in the endzone for the rest of the game. ECU was able to get in the endzone one more time in the fourth when graduate wide receiver Kyler Pearson rushed into the endzone for a 32 yard score. This would be the last time either team would score making the final tally 28-6 Pirates.
ECU enters a bye week on a high note and extra time to prepare for one of their biggest tests of the year, Tulane University (4-1, 1-0 AAC). The game will take place on Thursday, Oct. 9 at 7:30 PM with the game being broadcasted on ESPN.
Logan Harlow TEC STAFF
PHOEBE GREGG THE EAST CAROLINIAN
East Carolina University football players celebrate the big touchdown against conference opponent Navy at home in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
CONTRIBUTED BY ECU ATHLETICS
East Carolina University football players tackle the Army Westpoint runningback on Military Appreciation night in the American Conference season-opener at home in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
Tyler Buonocore TEC STAFF
Katin Houser
Brock Spalding