Carolinian
SGA holds election for Spring semester
The East Carolina University Student Government Association is holding its spring election this month.
During an interest meeting, current SGA officials encouraged students to consider running for available positions. Darshan Patel, a junior exercise physiology major and Vice Chair of the Election Commissions, explained the SGA's overall mission.
“The SGA is here to provide for the students’ wants and needs on campus,” Patel said.
SGA provides funding each year to registered campus organizations. It is also a way for students to voice concerns or interests related to campus life.
The positions of student assembly, student body president, and vice president are now open. The filing
process is underway, with the deadline set for Feb.3.
“Filing begins at the Pirate Experience app, where students will need to add their name, Banner ID, a brief bio, as well as their platform,” Aleshia Hunt, SGA advisor, said.
After the filing period ends, prospective candidates will begin their campaigns from Feb. 11 to Feb. 27.
“Candidates will be announced after filings,” Hunt said.
The election for the candidates will be held from Feb. 25 to Feb. 27.
For general information about the election process, email sgaelections@ecu.edu. Students can also download The Pirate Experience app from the App Store and Google Play Store.
This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.
Resumania returns to East Carolina University's campus
Kelly Bullock THE EAST CAROLINIAN
East Carolina University is hosting Resumania on Feb. 10 from 10a.m. to 4p.m. at the Main Campus Student Center room 249 which is a dropin event to connect students with employers, ECU alumni, and career counselors to receive assistance on resume building.
The event is designed to support students at all stages of their career preparation.
“All feedback we receive from students is really positive” said Suzanne Vinson, Assistant Director of Career Development. “This event helps students feel more confident in applying to internships because they are getting real feedback from employers in a low-pressure environment.”
Resumania is available to all students and majors just in time for upcoming job fairs. Students receive immediate, one-on-one guidance on tailoring their resumes, correcting any errors, and presenting themselves in a professional manner. By providing expert insights, the event removes any guesswork and stress that can come with resume building.
Vinson emphasized that the event has evolved significantly over the years. In the beginning, about 80 students stopped in for help and now it welcomes around 300 students each semester.
Months of planning goes into the event to ensure its success for both students and employers. Vinson has picked the date of the event, coordinated with employers and alumni, and promoted the event through various channels to make such students leave with meaningful guidance.
“The most rewarding part of Resumania is actually seeing these employers interacting with students to help them succeed in their early career goals,” said Vinson.
In addition to resume building, Resumania offers networking opportunities, allowing students to ask questions about different industries, internship expectations, and career paths.
No appointment is needed for Resumania and students are encouraged to stop by any time and between classes, with sessions only lasting 10-15 minutes.
This
ECU basketball looks to stay hot vs UNCC
The East Carolina University Men’s basketball team (7-15, 2-7 American Athletic Conference) will host Temple University (14-8, 6-3 AAC) Saturday afternoon and will look to pick up another conference win in an effort to right the ship this season. After losing their first six conference games, the Pirates have rattled off two wins in their last three games to put themselves two games above last place in the conference.
Temple is coming off a thrilling one point victory against the University of South Florida (14-8, 6-3 AAC) 79-78. Sophomore guard Aiden Tobiason and Senior guard Derrian Ford led the way offensively, combining for 40 points in the win. They have been the leaders for the Owls offense all season with Ford averaging 18 points per game and Tobiason averaging 15 points per game. The Owls also hold the second best defense in the conference allowing teams to score just 70.3 points per game.
ECU is coming off a thrilling one point win of their own against Florida Atlantic University (14-9, 6-4 AAC) 76-75. Guard Jordan Riley had one of his best games of the season. He was named AAC conference
player of the week and USBWA Oscar Robertson national player of the week after scoring 35 points and tacking on nine rebounds and five assists. The issue offensively for the Pirates all season has been the three-point shot but were able to knock down 47% against FAU.
The addition to the starting lineup of senior guard Demitri Gardner and elevated play of junior guard Corey Caulkner have helped the Pirates tremendously the last three games as well.
A win against Temple would give the Pirates their best four game stretch of the season with a 3-1 record. The Owls are in the hunt for the regular season conference title, sitting only a game back of the leaders and a loss could drop them to 8th in the standings.
ESPN’s matchup predictor gives Temple a 71% chance to win. The game will tip off at Minges Coliseum at noon on Saturday and will be streamed live on ESPNU.
Sheilia Suggs
THE EAST CAROLINIAN
SHEILIA SUGGS I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Spring elections for SGA are being held later this month. SGA officials say joining Student Gov. can provide great knowledge
Jordan Riley
Tyler Buonocore TEC STAFF
COURTESY OF ECU COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
Two ECU students speaking with employer and holding pamphlets at Resumania
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.
Jan, 28.
Two people were arrested just off ECU campus on E. 10th St. on driving under the influence and underage drinking charges. The incident took place last Wednesday at 1:36 a.m.
Jan, 31.
Someone was arrested at ECU’s Tyler Hall on charges of simple assault and underage drinking after refusing to cooperate with police. The incident took place at 1:53 a.m. on Saturday.
Feb, 01. 53 year old Terence Harris was arrested on murder charges Sunday night in Winterville. Police say they found his mother dead in his home off Ange St. He is being held at Pitt County Jail without bond.
Feb, 02. A suspect is under investigation for felony breaking and entering and misdemeanor destruction of property. The incident took place at ECU’s Facilities Administration Building at 1001 E. 4 St.
Feb, 02.
A Pitt County woman is being charged with multiple counts of car theft in Lenoir County. She is being held at Pitt County Jail with a $150,000 bond.
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
If you feel there are any factual errors in this newspaper, please contact editor@theeastcarolinian.com.
Vigil held for Alex Pretti
A vigil was held on Friday at ECU’s Health Sciences Campus for a man killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. The gathering was organized by the Greenville Chapter of 50501, a national grassroots organization protesting the Trump Presidency. Protesters marched to the Greenville VA Clinic at 6 p.m.
37-year-old Alex Pretti, who worked as a VA nurse, was protesting the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis on Jan. 24 when he was shot multiple times by border patrol agents. Pretti was recording law enforcement as they attempted to detain an Ecuadorian immigrant. He later died from his injuries.
The White House defended the shooting, saying that Pretti posed a threat to law enforcement. Eyewitness accounts confirmed that a gun was removed from him just moments before the shooting, but denied that Pretti made any attempt to reach for his firearm.
“People on the streets of America are being attacked,” said Terry Quinn, a resident who recently retired from Pitt County’s Health Department. “It’s not what America is about or what we should be doing. I just can’t be one of those people who does nothing and says nothing, he said.”
Greenville 50501 estimated that over 250 people attended the event, carrying signs
reading “No Trump, No ICE, No more fascist lies” and upside-down American flags despite the harsh weather.
“The least we could do is come out here and mourn the lives that have been lost and the families that have been broken apart,” said Lana Shafik, a member of ECU’s Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter. “America’s whole thing is freedom and liberation, and now these freedoms are being taken away by people who want nothing except to cause this violence,” she continued.
It’s not just about politics anymore – it’s about morals -Terry Quinn „ “
Some have drawn parallels between the current sociopolitical climate and that of Nazi Germany. Border Patrol agent and leader of the immigration crackdown, Gregory Bovino, drew criticism from German outlets over his coat’s resemblance to Nazi uniforms.
“I couldn’t understand why nobody did anything [about Nazi Germany], why nobody said anything, how people could let this happen. Now, I feel like people are
letting it happen,” Quinn said. Shafik urged students to organize and find community locally rather than focusing on individuality.
Pretti’s murder comes just two weeks after the killing of Renee Nicole Good, an observer whom an ICE agent in Minneapolis also killed. Pretti was killed just 10 minutes from where Good was killed.
“It’s not just about politics anymore – it’s about morals,” said Quinn.
What do ECU students want to see replace Arby's?
The former Arby’s location near East Carolina University has closed down, leaving students wondering what could replace the long-standing fastfood restaurant.
While Arby’s offered a quick dining option near the ECU campus, many students said they rarely ate there and did not notice when it shut down. Instead, many students feel like the closure opens the door to new dining options that are more appealing to the student population.
Ana Valentin Ramos, a senior majoring in family and community services, said she only ate at Arby’s once and was not a fan.
“I’ve only eaten there once before,” Ramos said. “It wasn’t something I would spend my own money on," she continued.
Ramos said she did not notice when the restaurant closed and believes the space would be better suited for a local business rather than another fast-food chain.
“It would be nice to have something local,” Ramos said.
John Gormley, a senior majoring in management information, shared a similar perspective. Gormley said that during his time at ECU, he never ate at Arby’s and was unaware of its closure.
“I haven’t really had a reason to go,” Gormley said. “ I remember in the past going to Arby’s and feeling kinda sick afterwards, so I kind of stopped going," he continued.
Gormley said there were several fast-food options around campus
and suggested Chipotle as a possible replacement.
“There’s a lot of fast food around already”. Gormley said. “Chipotle, I feel like would be good because it’s like a healthier option, and I feel like a lot of the gym bros would go there," he continued.
Another student, Evan Capo, a junior majoring in business and marketing management, said the restaurant struggled before closing. He said that the parking lot was often used for convenience rather than dining.
“People were literally only using Arby’s to park,” Capo said. “Then they would walk to class," he continued. Capo, who had only eaten at Arby’s once due to a bad experience, suggested that a Shake Shack could draw more student interest.
Students said they are excited to see what could replace the former Arby’s. They hope the next option will be a place they visit and enjoy rather than just passing by.
Jordan Adams TEC STAFF
Dulce Perez TEC STAFF
SAMANTHA BRANDMAN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
that was once across the street from the campus student center
CANDON JOHNSON I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Hundreds of Greenville residents from both sides of the political spectrum came out to pay tribute to Alex Pretti. Pretti was killed by ICE agents in Minnesota
OUR VIEW PIRATE RANTS
Mental Health Matters
We, the editorial staff of The East Carolinian, believe that student mental health is very important. As obvious as it may seem, sometimes that’s all someone that is struggling needs. In the last year, we’ve had wars, shootings, detainments, the epstein files debacle, and more. These factors have led to people on all sides of the political spectrum feeling a sense of depression and hopelessness.
That’s why it’s so important to be open with the people around you. Support systems are huge and give a person who is hurting an outlet to speak their mind. Speaking up is important and being able to reach out when you need it is just important.
It’s never a burden to come to someone. There are multiple different ways of talking with someone like 988 or other outreach hotlines.
Finally, take care of yourself because you’re mental health is just as important as your physical health.
The East Carolinian does not endorse the statements made in Pirate Rants.
I cant believe we have to go back to school after all that weather! What do you mean my midterms arent postponed???
Alternative instruction is so inconvienent some teachers have you attend zoom meetings, some discussion boards, and some just have you read. It makes it so hard to keep track of whats going on in your classes. Tommorrow I have two back to back in person classes but then I have to get back from Bate to my dorm at college hill in order to make a zoom meeting for my other class!!
Lets talk about disability services during the winter weather! the paths that were shovelled out during the snow days were way too thin and narrow to be accessible, not to mention they only bothered to shovel the stairs, not the ramps. Thats just how things looked from College Hill, we cant speak for the West End. It’s inconsiderate to leave the situation in a way where people’s chairs get stuck in the snow on their way to dining hall!
I’m not sure if this is an unpopular opnion but I think the dining hall should extend their mealtimes. My classes end at odd times between “mealtimes” and as a result the dining hall always has nothing out whenever I actually have time to go. And I always eat dinner late so they’re closing or having already closed by the time I have an apetite.
I hate it when my teachers do alternative instruction on nonSnow days. Its a nuisance, plus I signed up for the in-person class, not the online one!
Candon Johnson TEC STAFF
The winter storm hit eastern North Carolina hard this weekend. Some areas got more than others but this rare occurrence has definitely shown everyone something. That it is possible for NC to get snow.
NC hasn’t seen this much in decades, with a foot of snow being reported in some areas. So, you know that everyone’s excited to be out of school and be able to spend time with one another.
I think that we needed it though. Should it have been a little bit closer to Christmas instead of after? Yes, but many people in the area had the chance to play and have fun. This was all documented on Tiktok and Instagram as everyone sledded, made snow angels, and more.
The view of NC as a calm winter wonderland is also
At first it seemed like something from the satirical website Babylon Bee. The new governor of Virginia, the “moderate” Democrat Abigail Spanberger, has proposed a tax hike on services such as dog walking and grooming.
Additional proposed tax hikes include levies on guns and ammunition, storage facilities, dry cleaning, home repairs, food delivery services, package deliveries and a new personal property tax on electric leaf blowers (but not gas-powered blowers?) and electric landscaping equipment. There is no economic reason for raising taxes in Virginia. When his single term expired last month, Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin left behind numerous successes, including a large budget surplus of $572 million, above the projected forecast. That made four consecutive years of surpluses, resulting in $10 billion in surplus revenue. Youngkin achieved this by cutting taxes and creating an economic environment attractive to new business while incentivizing taxpayers. He also started a mini revolution when he exposed some of the things being taught about gender and boys in girl’s bathrooms in Loudoun County public schools.
One would think such a record of achievement might be emulated, at least in part, by his successor, but Democrats are not used to cutting taxes and many enjoy following the latest kooky trend. What they are used to is raising taxes and increasing spending, which nearly always results in outcomes that are counter-productive.
As if those proposed new taxes aren’t enough, Spanberger wants to raise the top marginal tax rate. Some Democrats are proposing a rate of 10 percent on income over $1 million. One proposal would push the top rate to 13.8 percent. If enacted, that would put Virginia ahead of California and give the Commonwealth the dubious distinction of having the highest state tax rate in the nation.
That cold wave Virginians are feeling is not only caused by the wintry weather. It’s the breeze created by people leaving high tax states like New York and New Jersey for no tax states like Florida, Texas and a growing number of others.
a welcome sight given that we’re always anticipating snow around this time.
One thing that often gets overlooked during this time are the people who don’t have people to share this time with. With the depths of snow that we’ve seen, people are being snowed into their homes. On the surface, this seems like a recipe for a fun day but for some this is a nightmare as they can’t get people to their aid if they need it.
It’s especially hard for the homeless, the elderly, and the disabled as they some of them need round the clock help as well as people to be there for them. So check in on your family, friends, and neighbors to see if they are doing okay and if they need help.
Update on Snow Storm Virginia Mayor plans tax hike
Governor Spanberger sold herself to voters as a “moderate.” The media never challenged her on that label. Quick, can you define the word moderate? What does that mean when it comes to policies? Do moderates favor lower taxes? Are they opposed to men in women’s sports? What about open borders? Being on the wrong side of these issues contributed to Democrats’ defeat in last year’s election, although recent special elections won by Democrats seem to have been more about disliking President Trump than opposition to his policies, most of which appear to be working.
Here’s the dictionary.com definition of moderate: “kept or keeping within reasonable or proper limits; not extreme, excessive, or intense.” Given what Governor Spanberger and some members of her majority Democrat legislature are proposing in new taxes, that definition does not
fit their political and economic profile. It’s hard to believe that a majority of Virginians would embrace a set of policies that are directly opposite the successful ones of Glenn Youngkin, but given the weak candidacy of his lieutenant governor, Winsome Sears, and a media that engaged in a coverup of Spanberger’s true beliefs – combined with President Trump’s unpopularity – it wasn’t difficult to predict the outcome. If these tax increases are passed, look for some Virginians and businesses that prospered during the Youngkin administration to join the exodus that is now occurring from other states to more economically warmer climes, and they’re taking their dogs with them.
This writer can be contacted at opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.
SAMANTHA BRANDMAN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Student slides on ice. Greenville residents receieve deserved snow day
Cal Thomas TEC STAFF
COURTESY OF ANNA MONEYMAKER
Former Virginia Governor Youngkin speaking at Virginias CPAC Lation Rally last year.
Arts & Entertainment
EVENTS TODAY
35th Annual Used Book
Sale Greenville Convention Center, 303 SW Greenville Blvd, Greenville, NC 27858
12:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 2523294580
Music Bingo with Wild Willy
The Doghouse Tavern, 506 2nd Street, Ayden, NC 28513
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, 2523042291
Tomorrow
Hank & Pattie Electric
Duo: Electric Boogaloo
Christy’s EuroPub, 301 S Jarvis St, Greenville, NC 27858
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, 2527582774
The 34th Annual Eastern Carolina Unnatural Resources Fair Greenville Convention Center, 303 SW Greenville Blvd, Greenville, NC 27858
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 2523551039
Adventure Leadership to host hike
East Carolina University’s Adventure Leadership Program is offering students a chance to step outside their comfort zones and into nature with an upcoming afternoon hike at Goose Creek State Park on Saturday, Feb. 7 12-7 PM.
Saturday
Afreyed Knot at the Doghouse Tavern
The Doghouse Tavern, 506 2nd Street, Ayden, NC 28513
8:30 PM to 11:30 PM, 2523042291
Music Bingo with Wild Willy The Doghouse Tavern, 506 2nd Street, Ayden, NC 28513
8:30 PM to 11:30 PM, 2523042291
Hearts and Hugs Family Valentine’s Dance Bradford Creek Golf Course, 4950 Old Pactolus Road, Greenville, NC 27834
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, 2523294968
Latin Social Night | PSBC X Anita’s Pitt Street Brewing Company, 630 S Pitt St., Greenville, NC 27834
6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, 2522274151
Sunday
A Perfect Match: Candle Making & Coffee Coopers Cup, 2588 Railroad Street, Winterville, NC 28590
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 2526891454
Community Night & Super Bowl Party
First Christian Church of Farmville, 3776 S Main St., Farmville, NC 27828
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, 2522270633
The hike is one of four planned this semester and is designed specifically as a beginner-friendly experience. According to Ray Harris, graduate assistant for the Adventure Leadership Program, the event aims to introduce students to outdoor recreation in an accessible and welcoming way.
In layman’s terms, Adventure Leadership is the outdoor branch of Campus Recreation and Wellness,” Harris said, “We’re an opportunity for people to get outdoors and try things they may have never experienced before.”
Adventure Leadership trips are divided into two categories: trips and experiences. Trips include more involved outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, camping and backpacking, while experiences focus on providing transportation and access to events like sporting games,
festivals and parks.
The Goose Creek hike falls under the program’s trips category and serves as the first and most introductory hike of the semester. Harris said safety is a top priority, especially with recent weather conditions, but the program is working closely with park staff to ensure the hike proceeds as planned.
“This is our most basic hike, something that anybody can do,” Harris said, “It’s about learning the basics of getting through the woods and enjoying the experience.”
Most Adventure Leadership trips cost $20 or less for student members. Harris noted the small fee helps ensure students commit to attending while still keeping the program affordable.
Students can borrow camping and outdoor gear free of charge for up to two weeks, allowing them to explore without the financial burden of purchasing expensive equipment.
“Our goal is to remove as many barriers as possible,” Harris said. “Not everyone can afford to buy a tent or gear upfront, so we want students to have access without that pressure.”
The program is largely student-run, with five student managers overseeing operations, logistics, trips, equipment and climbing wall management. Harris emphasized that student involvement is a major strength of the program.
“This program would not function without our student staff,” Harris said. “There’s a lot of student buy-in, and that’s something I’m really proud of.”
Students interested in participating do not need prior experience for most trips. Exceptions include advanced activities such as outdoor rock climbing and the Grandfather Mountain hike, which require additional preparation for safety reasons. For students looking to explore the outdoors, meet new people or simply try something different, the Goose Creek afternoon hike offers an easy entry point into outdoor recreation. More information about the hike and other Adventure Leadership events can be found through ECU Campus Recreation and Wellness.
Black History Month begins
A former Sanford city planner will be the featured speaker at the annual Black History Month program at First Calvary Baptist Church at 240 Fields Drive at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8.
Cary resident Reggie Scales will speak at the program, which also includes a special mime dance directed by Eisha Foxx and a “Reflection of Black History” by Deacon Marion Bland.
A native of Sandy Ridge, Scales is an engineering and community leader who has spent almost 40 years helping in all levels of government and the private sector plan, build and take care of the infrastructure systems people use every day.
During the early part of his career, Scales served as city planner in Sanford. He learned what it takes to keep a city running, solving
real problems, working with different departments, and being responsible to the public, a release states. That experience shaped how he leads today: practical, team-focused and committed to doing the right thing.
Scales later moved into private consulting, where he worked on projects across the state and around the country.
Over the years, he helped lead projects involving highways, bridges, ferries, airports and passenger rail. Some well-known projects he has developed include the American Tobacco Trail Bridge over I-40 in Durham, the Ravenel Bridge in Charleston, S.C., and the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C.
Today, Scales is the managing director of VHB, a private consulting firm in Raleigh. He leads an office of 125 engineers, planners, designers and scientists. His teams provide planning and design services in transporta-
tion, real estate and energy for public agencies, universities, airports and developers.
Scales is active in Rotary and has served as a board director of the American Council of Engineering Companies.
A former member of First Calvary Baptist Church, he has designed adult bible study curriculum, coordinated small group bible studies and served as a mentor to men. He enjoys helping others grow in faith, character and leadership. He and his wife Lisa are proud parents of two daughters, Sinclaire and Lydia.
For the Black History program — “We’ve Come This Far by Faith” — Scales will talk about Black history makers and honor wellknown and lesser-known leaders whose faith, courage and hard work helped shape communities and the future.
Khyati Daggubati TEC STAFF
by Ricky Cruz
Created by Ricky Cruz
Sports
The East Carolinian Sports experts predict this week’s events
Caleb Johnson TEC Sports Editor
ECU VS. Temple Score Prediction?
Temple 77-73
Why?
Coming off two conference wins in its last three games ECU basketball is riding high. Despite the momentum change I do not expect them to come out of this one with a win. The Owls are one of the top teams in the conference and have won three of their last four games.
Tyler Buonocore
TEC Sports Reporter
ECU VS. Temple Score Prediction?
Temple 70-65
Why?
The Pirates have seemed to figure it out the last three games winning their first two conference games this season. But this Temple defense is stout and if they are able to stop Jordan Riley, I don’t see a world where ECU pulls this out.
Nick Green
WZMB Sports & News Director
ECU VS. Temple Score Prediction?
Temple 70-60
Why?
Despite beating North Texas and FAU, this ECU team is still a bottom 2 team in the conference. Temple is fighting for the top team in the American and with ECU being very Jordan Riley dependent, I don’t see the Pirates getting the job done.
A look into ECU’s upcoming season
TEC STAFF
East Carolina enters the 2026 college baseball season with more familiar expectations. Under head coach Cliff Godwin, the Pirates have built a national reputation as one of the most consistent programs outside the Power Four, and this year’s group is once again positioned to compete for both an American Athletic Conference title and a return to the NCAA Tournament.
ECU opens the season ranked inside the national top 25 in multiple preseason polls after a 2025 campaign that finished with a conference tournament championship. The Pirates went 35–27 overall last season and saved their best baseball for the AAC Tournament, going undefeated in Clearwater. That late surge helped erase an uneven regular season and reinforced the program’s identity as one that peaks when it matters most.
The strength of this year’s team begins on the mound. Left-hander Ethan Norby returns as one of the most accomplished pitchers in the conference and one of the most respected arms nationally. Norby was named the AAC Preseason Pitcher of the Year after anchoring ECU’s rotation last season with elite command and swing-and-miss stuff. He gives the Pirates a true Friday night presence and a tone setter in weekend series. His ability to work deep into games will be key as ECU looks to show progress from a pitching staff that lost several key bullpen pieces to graduation and the pros.
The Pirates will rely on a mix of returning starters and new contributors to fill out the rotation. Consistency from the Saturday and Sunday spots remains one of the biggest storylines heading into opening weekend. ECU
showed flashes of depth last season, but maintaining quality starts throughout conference play will be a deciding factor in whether the Pirates can separate themselves from the rest of the AAC.
East Carolina brings back a veteran lineup with experience across the field. The Pirates were at their best in 2025 when they combined timely hitting with pressure on the basepaths, and that formula figures to remain the blueprint this spring. Several everyday position players return after logging heavy innings last season, giving ECU continuity at key defensive positions and flexibility in constructing the batting order.
The Pirates’ lineup may not rely on overwhelming power, but it is built to grind through at bats and capitalize on mistakes. That approach has served ECU well in recent years, particularly in conference play where pitching depth often determines series outcomes.some returning Players from the Lineup include, Jack Herring senior Outfielder, Colby Wallace junior Infielder/pitcher, Walker Barron junior catcher, Braden Burress sophomore infielder/outfielder, Austin Irby, sophomore infielder, Alex Peltier sophomore outfielder, Braxton Tramel sophomore Infielder, and Michael Kalinich sophomore catcher, If the returning core can improve situational hitting with runners in scoring position, East Carolina has the potential to take a step forward offensively.
A factor shaping the Pirates’ preseason outlook is their schedule. ECU once again challenges itself early with a non conference slate made to prepare the team for postseason baseball. Matchups against in-state rivals and nationally ranked opponents will test the pitching staff and provide imme-
diate feedback on where the Pirates stand. Those games also carry weight in building an NCAA resume, especially for a program with hosting aspirations. East Carolina was picked as the preseason favorite in the AAC. Conference weekends will feature competitive series against teams like The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, The University of Texas at San Antonio, Rice University, and Wichita State University, all of which have the ability to challenge for postseason spots. Avoiding slip-ups in those series will be essential as ECU balances conference goals with national ambitions. Ultimately, the ceiling for this Pirates team will be determined by pitching depth and late-inning execution. With an established ace, an experienced lineup, and a coaching staff that has consistently navigated the pressures of postseason play, East Carolina enters the season with legitimate expectations of contending beyond the conference level. If the bullpen solidifies and the offense continues to mature, ECU has the pieces to make another deep run. For a program accustomed to success, the goal remains unchanged. Win the conference, return to the NCAA Tournament, and push closer to Omaha. ECU will open the 2026 season at home in Greenville, NC, at Clark-LeClair Stadium for a three game series against Xavier beginning Friday Feb, 13. at 4 p.m., followed by games on Saturday, Feb, 14. at 2 p.m. and Sunday Feb, 15. at 12:30 p.m., all three matchups are set to be broadcast on ESPN+ and available on the radio via 94.3 FM The Game.
ECU softball kicks off their 2026 season
East Carolina Softball will begin its season this weekend with a road trip to Georgia Tech University’s Buzz Classic event in Atlanta, Georgia. On Friday Feb, 6. the Pirates will play Villanova University at 11 a.m. and The University of Alabama at 1:30 p.m. On Saturday Feb, 7 ECU will play Villanova again at 11 a.m. and will go on to play a double header Sunday Feb, 8. Against Georgia Tech. The first game against the Yellow Jackets will be at 12 p.m. and the second at 2 p.m.
The Pirates have their work cut out for them early facing three power four schools in the opening week of the season. One of which (Alabama) was a top 25 team in the nation last season. Head Coach Shane Winkler said “we’re going to be tested early and often with seven of our first 10 games being against power four opponents”.
Winkler is going into his fifth season as the head coach at East Carolina. He has produced a 116-109 overall record during his time in Greenville. The Pirates, who finished 31-26 and 14-13 in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), are coming off the heels of an AAC Tournament semifinals loss to The University of South Florida. ECU is returning 10 players from last year’s teamincluding senior outfielder Anna Sawyer and junior pitcher Taylor Apple. With the majority of last year’s team leaving to either graduation or the transfer portal, 12 new players have been brought in to pair with the 10 return-
ers. Eight of the 12
The Pirates have their work cut out for them early facing three power four schools in the opening week of the
- Caleb Johnson
junior Erin Parker infield and utility player from The University of North Carolina, sophomore infielder Lillian Martineau from Georgia
Logan Harlow
Sophmore outfielder/infielder Braden Burress at bat against the University of Florida in one of their two matchups during the NCAA Conway Regional
Johnson TEC STAFF