TheEast
Carolinian
Look before you walk
Recently, the Greenville Police Department and the ECU Police Department have placed a heavy focus on pedestrian crosswalks around campus. Particularly, the ones on East Tenth Street, located near College Hill.
This is a result of multiple pedestrians being hit near these crosswalks. Since December, two pedestrians have been hit by oncoming vehicles at these crosswalks.
To help some of these crosswalks become safer for both drivers and pedestrians, a new system has been installed to flash and alert drivers when to stop. This light system was installed to make it easier for both pedestrians and drivers.
“I think the light being added above the crosswalk near the student center is a great addition and will be very beneficial to students' and drivers' safety,” Sophomore Kaitlin Calloway said.
Another student, sophomore Kendall Donohue, said, “I think the efforts to keep ECU students and fellow pedestrians safe are a great idea.”
“I walk to class 4 times a week. I often feel unsafe while crossing the street. I make sure all cars come to a complete stop before crossing the road to be safe,” she continued. students need to be alert and aware while crossing the roads. It is important not be on phones and actively look both ways when crossing.
Calloway walks to class using the crosswalks near College Hill daily and has recently witnessed patrolling in these areas.
“I typically feel very safe walking to class, but there have been times where I have had to stop because a car was going when it was my turn to walk, and when that happens, I am reminded of how unsafe it can be and am extra cautious,” Calloway continued here. GPD and ECU police have been parked near the College Hill crosswalks, patrolling and monitoring them to ensure pedestrians and drivers use them correctly and safely. They have been issuing citations for $218 to pedestrians who jaywalk or fail to follow crosswalk rules.
“I think it is very important not only for prevention but also in case another incident did happen at the crosswalks, they would be there for immediate first response,” Calloway said. Donohue thinks the ticketing and fines may be too hefty.
“I think ticketing students for crossing the street illegally sends a message, but at what financial cost for the students? Lots of students in college struggle for money, so ticketing students can make them more financially unstable,” Donohue said.
“I think a verbal warning is better than ticketing for students,” she continued.
However, Kalloway believes the fines will help enforce the rules and prevent jaywalking.
“I do believe this ticketing and patrolling will help limit jaywalking because with such large fines, that is a mistake you make only once, and I think it will help people to get their heads up out of their phones and follow the lights more,” Calloway said.
writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.
The Final Jump
Khyati Daggubati TEC STAFF
After three decades of icy dives and campuswide camaraderie, East Carolina University’s annual Polar Plunge will take its final splash on Friday, January 30, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Student Recreation Center pool.
The event, which has become a favored campus tradition, was created to bring students together outside of the classroom. According to Jenny Gregory, a representative from ECU Campus Recreation, the Polar Plunge has always been about encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones.
“We’ve done this as a sense of community for our students,” Gregory said, “It’s a time for celebration and a time to really get together and have fun.”
The decision to end the Polar Plunge comes as the event reaches its 30th year. Public messaging surrounding the final plunge has highlighted the symbolism of polar bears’ approximate 30-year lifespan, which Gregory said aligned well with the milestone.
“It’s our 30th year, polar bears live about 30 years in the wild, and it just felt like a great time to wrap this tradition up,” Gregory said.
While the anniversary played a role in the termination of this event, Gregory acknowledged that financial and operational factors were also part of the decision. Preparing the pool specifically for the event requires filling, chlorinating and staffing it, which adds significant cost.
“Cost is a big factor,” Gregory said, “We put a lot of money into it, and we’re ready to try something new.”
Gregory emphasized that the choice was not due to a lack of funding, but rather a question of how
resources are best used to engage the student body. “It’s not that we don’t have the money,” she said, “It’s about whether we want to use those resources for something that draws in a larger crowd of students.”
Campus Recreation is now looking ahead to future programming, including the possibility of a welcome-back event earlier in the spring semester or renewed partnerships with student organizations. While no specific replacement event has been finalized, Gregory said planning will depend largely on next year’s budget.
The conclusion of the Polar Plunge does not signal an immediate closure of the pool itself. Gregory confirmed that the pool will remain open this summer and likely for several more years, though its long-term future will continue to be evaluated. Over the years, participation in the Polar Plunge has varied with some events drawing more than 1,200 jumpers and others closer to 600. Despite fluctuating attendance, Gregory said the impact on students has remained and continued to challenge them in a fun and supportive environment. As the final plunge approaches, Gregory hopes participants take away the same message the event has always represented.
“I hope people come and do that one thing that pushes them outside their comfort zone,” she said, “Be brave enough to jump into icy cold water and be part of something that’s lasted so long.”
For many students and alumni, the Polar Plunge has been more than just a cold jump, it has been a shared experience that connected generations of Pirates. As the tradition comes to an end, it leaves behind three decades of memories and a final chance to take the plunge.
writer can be contacted at arts@theeastcarolinian.com.
Pirate football winter transfer portal update
The East Carolina football team just had a chaotic transfer portal season. Coming off of a successful 9-4 campaign capped with a second straight Military Bowl victory over an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opponent. The Pirates front office shifted their focus to trying to retain key players and bring in impactful transfers.
East Carolina saw significant roster changes, highlighted by the key departure of quarterback Katin Houser and with many others. With the transfer portal closing Jan,16. the Pirates have worked to fill man vacancies and reshape the roster ahead of the 2026 season.
The Pirates added 20 players and counting in this portal window, with the highlight being former Texas Tech quarterback Mitch Griffis. Griffis spent the first four years of his college career at Wake Forest University, playing as a backup from 2020-2022. In his first season starting he threw for 1,553 passing yards and nine touchdowns.
He decided to retire from football during the 2024 season then came back in 2025 with two seasons of eligibility left and announced a transfer to the Red Raiders. He appeared in six games as a back up, throwing for 357 yards and two touchdowns.
ECU brought in many skill position players, which was one of their biggest holes entering the portal. Running backs Ashton Gray from North Texas and Michael Allen from Marshall will be key additions to the backfield to pair with TJ Engleman. The Pirates grabbed four wide receivers to replace Yannick Smith who announced he was transferring to Southern Methodist
University. Big names include former Miami wideout Ray Ray Joseph and former Wake Forest wideout Jeremiah Melvin. Another key pickup was former Kennesaw State offensive lineman Brandon Best, who was selected to the ConferenceUSA all-conference first team. The Pirates also addressed the loss of defensive back Ja’Marley Riddle, who announced he was transferring to Georgia by picking up four defensive backs, with the highest rated of those being former Memphis safety Myles Pollard.
East Carolina also experienced a lot of turnover in their coaching staff. Former ECU offensive coordinator, John David Baker accepted a job at Ole Miss. ECU replaced him with former North Texas O.C. Jordan Davis. The Mean Green are coming off a season where they fielded one of the best nations best offenses, with Davis calling the plays.
The Pirates also added a new running backs coach Julian Griffin, wide receivers coach Juan Soto, and offensive line coach Alex Huettel. On defense, Jordan Hankins from Memphis was the hire at defensive coordinator.
Below are the additions and departures ECU had following the 2025 season. Departures:
writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.
Tyler Buonocore
Madison Lanier TEC STAFF
DULCE PEREZ I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Students walk across the crosswalk. Its new lights guiding them across.
COURTESY OF CAMPUS RECREATION
ECU staff dressed as polar bear hyping up the students as they jump in the cold pool for the polar bear plunge COURTESY
Quarterback Mike Wright and teammates after bowl game win.
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, 19.
On Monday night at around 9:55 p.m. the ECU police caught someone performing a hit and run outside of White hall. The offender was cleared by citation following the incident.
Jan, 17.
At 6:51 p.m. on Saturday night a suspect was caught in Clement Hall with possession of Marijuana and paraphernalia. The suspect was cleared and prosecution was declined.
Jan, 17.
At 12:39 a.m. an offender was arrested for driving while impaired and assaulting a government officer. This incident took place near East Fifth Street and South Mead Street.
Jan, 15.
A suspect is being investigated for communicating threats of mass violence on educational property. The incident took place at the Bate Building at 12:02 p.m. on Thursday.
Jan, 15.
An offendant was arrested at White Hall for possession of fraudulent Identification, marijuanna, and paraphernalia. The incident took place at 8:04 p.m. last Thursday.
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
If you feel there are any factual errors in this newspaper, please contact editor@theeastcarolinian.com.
ECU student tied to Coastal Fog break-in
An East Carolina University student was arrested in connection with a break-in at Coastal Fog, a local coffee shop, according to the Greenville Police Department. Police responded to a reported breaking and entering at Coastal Fog, located at 210 E. 14th St., on Sunday, Jan. 11.
The suspect was identified as Eric Terrill Phillips-Griffin, 18, a student at East Carolina University. He was arrested later that day at Tyler Resident Hall. Phillips-Griffin was charged with felony
breaking and entering, misdemeanor injury to real property, and misdemeanor injury or damage to personal property, police say. Records show a blunt object was used to enter the building. No weapon was reported, and Phillips-Griffin was listed as unarmed at the time of his arrest.
Coastal Fog is a family-owned business founded in 2007 and operated by Marty Vainright and her daughters, Jordan Vainright-Proctor and Jennifer VainrightLutz. The owners said the store sustained extensive damage and will be temporarily closed for cleanup and repairs. They expressed gratitude for community
support and said they are praying for the man responsible for the incident. The business’s website describes it as a gathering place focused on art, food, and community, with a coffee shop, among other things. Coastal Fog’s founders said the space is meant to inspire peace and connection for all visitors. Phillip-Griffin’s first court appearance was scheduled for Jan. 12 in Greenville. The case remains under investigation, and additional details may be released at a later time.
writer can be contacted at news@ theeastcarolinian.com.
ECU Student Health issues update
Sheilia Suggs TEC STAFF
On Jan. 15, East Carolina University Student Health Services issued an email to students, faculty, and staff concerning general illness precautions.
According to the email, measles cases are surging nationwide, along with flu and COVID-19. While no measles cases have been confirmed on ECU’s campus, ECU SHS wants students to be proactive about their health and to follow safety protocols.
“We want the campus community to be aware in case students are not aware of these illnesses,” ECU SHS Associate Director for Clinical Operations Ellen Goldberg said.
Measles symptoms include high fever, runny nose, cough, pink eye, and a characteristic rash and typically appear within a week of exposure. Flu symptoms
can often be confused with Covid symptoms, and students are urged to pay close attention to concerning symptoms such as fatigue, soreness, loss of taste or smell, and difficulty breathing. Goldberg said that the clinic has seen an uptick in students reporting illness.
“This is a time where we see a spike in respiratory illness. We are definitely seeing students who are sick with respiratory illnesses,” she said.
Students are urged to do their part to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses. Goldberg said that students should be proactive in receiving their vaccines as required by university health standards, frequent handwashing, use hand sanitizer, and avoid gatherings, classes, and sporting events if infected. At the first signs of illness, she recommends that students reach out to their professors via the Illness Self-
Reporting System on PiratePort.
“This option does not act as an excuse note for the professors but a way to notify them of being infected,” Goldberg said.
Students across campus are aware of recent illness outbreaks and are expressing personal concern.
“People would rather put themselves in danger than stay in their dorm sick because of the attendance policy,” Nakayla Hull, a freshman film major, said.
Gloria Lemus, a freshman Spanish education major, felt that students should be vigilant as future cases are inevitable.
“People should take steps to prevent the spread of illness,” Lemus said.
writer can be contacted at news@ theeastcarolinian.com.
DULCE PEREZ I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
An ECU student allegedly broke into a cafe near ECU campus. The business will be closed temporarily for the foreseeable future because of damages.
Dulce Perez TEC STAFF
OUR VIEW
Monks show why world peace is important
We, the editorial staff of The East Carolinian, believe that the monks who held there walk of peace is important for understanding global peace. What the monks are doing are very noble given the current climate of today’s society. With the nation being in an uproar over what is happening in Minnesota, what the monks are doing brings people together, even if it is just for a moment. This walk for peace shows that even in a time of division for the country, some people still care about peace.
The staff of the East Carolinian believe that Peace is hard to come by in this day in age. With the cost of living rising, the rights of many people getting stripped from them and the constant news cycle, it is hard to be peaceful. The extensive news coverage that monks have gotten shows us that, people still want peace, and that peace is worth fighting for.
Through bad weather, the monks walked in Texas and have recently reached Raleigh. Their goal is to reach Washington D.C. by February 2026. This shows a lot of dedication for what they believe in and that they want to show how much peace means to them. With the immense dedication that the monks have shown, it proves that peace is something that we strive for and can be achieved.
The monks bring together people from both political sides to showcase that peace is simple if it is something both sides want.
The future of the AI bubble
Mallory Sheldon TEC STAFF
Currently, companies are putting a lot of trust and value in Artificial Intelligence. When the AI bubble is mentioned, it is being referred to as massive investments in AI-driven technology.
While it sounds appealing, this technology has not even met the expectations that are being anticipated by these companies and will eventually “pop.”
I do not believe that the AI bubble is sustainable for several reasons.
First, it is unrealistic. AI will fail to deliver long-term and advanced effects because there is no strategy behind the assistance. The major companies that are investing in AI are tech companies and they are buying from each other. Investing in AI
before seeing results is dangerous because it will eventually cause a domino effect if one of the companies cuts their spending.
Second, people need time to adapt to AI technology. Workplaces, education, and businesses cannot instantly transition into these systems. This comes with cost, time and a lot more resources eventually slowing down the growth as time progresses.
Though, AI is not verifiable. It uses algorithms that are created by scanning and repurposing human-made information. This creates bias and assumptions. It creates misinformation to be released that will become problematic.
AI has shown its ugly head with the recent Grok AI system. It has been generating sexually explicit photos of users. This has caused outrage as anyone can use
Grok and there is no regulation or safe guards in place. The bottom line is that AI technology will continue to grow and never go away. It is a transformative tool that is useful in many environments specifically including business,
integrates itself into
that are easy to execute and take care of simple problems.
America starts cracking Trump’s code
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney went to China, met with President Xi Jinping, opened up roughly $7 billion in potential new revenues for Canada through trade deals — and immediately sent the America First commentariat into a full-blown meltdown.
Which is odd, because this is exactly the kind of national self-interest that the more coherent wing of free-market conservatism has been asking for all along.
Every Trump sycophant with the internet range lost their mind. Canada, they warned, was actively sabotaging the American auto industry by allowing a test run of 49,000 imported Chinese electric vehicles, tariffed at a scandalously low 6.1 percent.
In a market of 2 million cars. Canada was apparently about to destroy a deeply integrated North American auto sector by nudging Chinese EV market share from 2.1 percent to a terrifying 2.5 percent. Sound the alarm.
Meanwhile, Team Trump keeps repeating the mantra that Canada has nothing that America needs, while simultaneously slapping tariffs on whatever crosses the border. So why wouldn’t Canada go see other people? If the guy you live with keeps telling you that you’re irrelevant, you hardly owe him celibacy.
Trump imposed 25 percent tariffs on
the Canadian portions of cars not made in the U.S., and did the same to Canadian farm products — effectively begging Canada to diversify its trade relationships. Back then, Trump supporters cheered his America First protectionism and his musings about Canada becoming the 51st state, with its prime minister rhetorically demoted to a mere “governor.”
So you can imagine the confusion when Trump’s fan club discovered that Carney had signed deals with “Communist China,” only for Trump himself to shrug and say: “That’s OK. That’s what he should be doing. And it’s a good thing for him to sign a trade deal. If he can get a deal with China, he should do that.”
Did it ever occur to them that the America First independence they want for themselves is precisely what other countries are now pursuing? And where was the outrage when Trump himself said just months ago that he was looking to cut a deal with China?
“It’s going to be fantastic for both countries, and it’s going to be fantastic for the entire world,” he said.
Trade diversity is strength — a point some of us on the right have been shouting ourselves hoarse about for years. Trump helped get the ball rolling by dismantling the globalist order that reduced once-serious nations — like Canada, France, the U.K. — to dependency-minded extensions of Washington.
Carney has now referred to a “new world order” during his Beijing visit, but not the
Davos kind — the opposite. Something much closer to sovereignty.
“Rather than being developed through multilateral organisations like the International Monetary Fund or World Trade Organisation, it’s going to be coalitions for sub-sectors of the world,” he said.
None of this has curtailed Trump-aligned critics’ panic over Chinese cars potentially stealing Canadian data. Some even floated the idea that Canada could be kicked out of the Five Eyes Anglo intelligence alliance.
Right — because it’s not as though two of the five members, the U.K. and Australia, already import Chinese vehicles without triggering the collapse of Western civilization.
Speaking of which, can we get an update on all the past China-related moral panics? The Chinese “smart refrigerator” that was supposedly spying on you while you drank milk from the carton in your underwear? The Chinese-made buses that were allegedly one software update away from being remotely hijacked?
Funny how quiet it gets after the initial hysteria burns itself out. It’s always been a dumb argument, anyway. I’d personally much rather be spied on by China, on the other side of the world, than by my own government that’s in a position to mess with me.
And what about the communism? Well, they seem to be doing capitalism rather effectively for folks who’ve been written off as ideological cavemen.
Carney made it clear that he isn’t interested in being the kind of leader who refuses to do business unless he’s been allowed to audit every room in someone else’s house for ideological purity, “human rights” differences notwithstanding. It shouldn’t shock anyone that Trump is suddenly speaking about Canada with something approaching respect. Independence is about the only thing that seems to elicit the sentiment.
Note the contrast with his treatment of European allies, whom he regularly threatens — rhetorically or otherwise — from invading Greenland to dismantling NATO. If Europe ever kicked U.S. troops out of its bases, Trump might actually admire the move. Like someone finally throwing their gaslighting partner’s belongings onto the lawn.
Rachel Marsden TRIBUNE
COURTESY OF TRIBUNE
One year in, Trump has made sweeping changes. Changes that have the whole world watching.
| FULL STORY
EVENTS TODAY
“Stranger Things” Paint & Sip Pitt Street Brewing Company, 630 S Pitt St., Greenville, NC 27834
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 252-227-4151
“Hardware Outlaw Open Mic!
5th Street Hardware Restaurant and Taproom, 120 W 5th St, Greenville, NC 27858
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM 252-364-8921
TOMORROW
On The Border (The Ultimate Eagles Tribute)
The State Theatre, 110 West 5th St , Greenville, NC 27858
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Soup Kitchen Benefit Alley Cat Records, 1011 Charles St., Greenville, NC 27858
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM 252-751-0590
SATURDAY
14th Annual FROGGS Friendraiser Pitt Street Brewing Company, 630 S Pitt St., Greenville, NC 27834
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM 252-227-4151
Cooper Greer Band w/ John Wood Band
The State Theatre, 110 West 5th St , Greenville, NC 27858
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
MLK Day Service Garden Workday
Greenville Wildlife Garden, 214 Stancil Dr, Greenville, NC 27858
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Wizard of Oz ECU Wright Auditorium, 212 Wright Circle, Greenville, NC 27858
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM 252-737-5444
SUNDAY
The Pump Organs of The Music House
The Music House, 408 W 5th Street, Greenville, NC 27858
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM 252-367-1892
Student Center adds kids playroom
The Alcove room supports faculty, staff, and students balancing childcare
East Carolina University’s Student Center has opened a new family-friendly playroom to support faculty, staff, and students who balance academic or professional responsibilities while caring for young children.
The space, known as the Alcove Room, offers a private and comfortable environment where parents can attend meetings, complete work, and care for their children on the first
floor of the Student Center, located near Dowdy Student Stores.
Briana McIntosh, director of research and engagement in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, discovered the Alcove Room while spending the day on main campus with her nearly six-month-old daughter, Lilly.
“Today, I took several meetings from the ECU Student Center and was pleasantly surprised to discover the new Alcove Room,” McIntosh said, “The space made an incredible
difference in our day.”
McIntosh said the room allowed her to remain productive while also caring for her child. She described this as especially meaningful after recently returning from maternity leave.
“We were able to comfortably take both in-person and virtual meetings, work on manuscripts, and spend the entire day there with ease,” she said, “Spaces like this are truly welcoming and meaningful for staff, students, and faculty.” According to McIntosh, spaces like the Alcove Room help foster a more welcoming environment for parents across campus.
McIntosh added that she plans to continue using the Alcove Room and said she hopes similar spaces will be added around campus, specifically the Health and Science Student Center. McIntosh believes that access to inclusive spaces, such as the Alcove Room, makes a significant difference for parents navigating the transition back to work.
“Having access to thoughtful, inclusive spaces like the Alcove Room genuinely makes coming to work easier and more enjoyable,” she said.
McIntosh encourages other ECU families who are overwhelmed with juggling both work and family life to utilize the Alcove room.
Inside Pirate Nation: Life as a Pirate event
Kelly Bullock THE EAST CAROLINIAN
East Carolina University is welcoming future pirates and families to explore campus life through Inside Pirate Nation: Life as a Pirate, a virtual event on Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 6 to 7:15 pm.
This is only one event in a series of several on-campus and virtual events for prospective students to explore next steps and everything ECU has to offer. These sessions give the unique opportunity for prospective students to gain an inside look at what it means to be a pirate in ECU’s community.
Their goal is to highlight the overall student experience. During the virtual
session, participants will be introduced to a range of student organizations, livinglearning communities, campus involvement opportunities, and resources to support both academic and personal success.
“We just want them to feel at home at ECU and realize that ECU is their place,” said Ben Miller, Associate Director for Freshman Recruitment.
Student leaders will also be in attendance to answer questions and discuss their involvement on campus as well as how they navigated their college process. Participants will have the opportunity to hear firsthand experience and receive advice from students who have once stood in their shoes.
Miller emphasized that these sessions are
meant to go beyond just academics and to help provide a broader understanding of student life on campus. He said these events are not limited to specific majors and they encourage everyone to join.
“They’re not so academically focused, it’s more about what being a pirate is like overall,” Miller said. Students interested in attending can register by visiting the Undergraduate Admissions page on ECU’s website and completing the event registration form.
Nuha Ahmed THE EAST CAROLINIAN
BRIANA MCINTOSH
BRIANA MCINTOSH
by Ricky Cruz
Created by Ricky Cruz
The East Carolinian Sports experts predict this week’s events
Tyler Buonocore TEC Sports Editor
ECU VS. UAB
Score Prediction?
71-59
Why?
The lady pirates have been clicking on all cylinders after their 2-4 start. They are 10-1 in their last 11 games and have looked dominant. Kennedy Fauntleroy is heating up and leading this offense perfectly. UAB is currently winless in conference play and I believe that continues after this game.
Cannon Gates WZMB Station Manager
ECU VS. UAB
Score Prediction?
79-74
Why?
ECU has been on the come up over the last month where they did barely survive in Minges in OT against UAB last month and I think it’ll be a tough test for the pirates again but I think they can do enough to survive and make it through. Kennedy Fauntleroy, have yourself a game young lady.
Nick Green WZMB Sports & News Director
ECU VS. UAB
Score Prediction?
75-60
Why?
Man this lady pirates team has been impressive as of recently.
The starting 5 has been playing great with a lot of veteran leadership and even has a good amount of depth. This pirate team looks like one of the top teams in the American conference thus far and I fully expect that trend to continue against UAB.
Pirates vs Mean Green preview
Logan Harlow TEC STAFF
East Carolina heads back on the road for another American Athletic Conference (AAC) test as the Pirates take on the University of North Texas in a matchup that will challenge ECU on both ends of the floor. It is another measuring stick game for a Pirate team still trying to turn competitive stretches into full 40 minute performances.
ECU has shown fight throughout conference play, but with a 5-13 record overall and an 0-5 record in the AAC, pending the result of Wednesday night’s game, consistency remains the biggest hurdle. There have been games where the Pirates have defended well and moved the ball effectively, only to go cold for long stretches offensively. These lapses have made it difficult to close games, especially against disciplined conference opponents. For ECU, the focus continues to be on playing connected basketball for the full game and limiting the scoring droughts that have swung momentum away too quickly.
North Texas is a difficult matchup because of their style. The Mean Green are known for controlling tempo, valuing possessions, and making opponents work for every look. They are comfortable grinding games into the half court, which puts pressure on opponents to execute offensively without mistakes. At home, North Texas has traditionally been even tougher, feeding off the energy of the Super Pit and forcing teams to play at their pace.
For ECU, the key will be on the offensive end. When the Pirates are at their best, the ball moves side to side, shots come in rhythm, and multiple players contribute. ECU cannot rely on one option to carry the scoring
load against a defense like North Texas. Getting production from several spots on the floor will be critical, especially if the game slows down and easy transition opportunities are limited. Defensively, ECU has to be locked in from the opening tip. North Texas thrives when opponents make careless passes or rush shots, allowing the Mean Green to settle into their preferred tempo. The Pirates’ guards will need to take care of the basketball and stay patient, even if possessions take longer than usual. Rebounding will also be a major factor, as second chance points could provide East Carolina with much needed offense in a tough
environment.
This game is another opportunity for ECU to prove it can compete with one of the league’s more established programs. While North Texas enters with the edge, ECU has shown enough flashes this season to believe it can hang around if they play with discipline and confidence. The Pirates and Mean Green will tip off on Saturday Jan, 24. at the Super Pit in Denton, Texas, with the game scheduled for 6 p.m. Fans can watch the matchup live on ESPN+, as ECU looks to turn effort into results in a challenging road environment.
This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.
ECU Baseball Media Day
sometimes struggle when you don’t play as well (last season) as you want to play that can be a good thing for next year”.
East Carolina’s Baseball team hosted media day Monday Jan, 19. The event was in the TowneBank Tower and lasted from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30p.m. Media members heard from Head coach Cliff Godwin, Associate Head Coach Jeff Palumbo, and Pitching Coach Austin Knight. Along with sophomore infielder and outfielder Braden Burress, sophomore infielder Austin Irby, senior infielder and right handed pitcher Colby Wallace, senior outfielder Jack Herring, and junior left handed pitcher Ethan Norby. Coach Godwin started the event off by speaking with the media first, he said “We’re super excited about the season, last year was not what we wanted and if you’re in our organization, even though we played well at the end, that’s not the standard of a regular season that we want to put together”. He went on to applaud the team for their conference championship win last season and their play in the regional at Coastal Carolina University last summer. Godwin closed his opening statement by saying “Our guys are hungry and
The team has been practicing since Jan, 12. and has even scrimmaged. Due to renovations on the third base side of Clark-LeClair Stadium, the team is in trailers behind the Rogers Family Performance Center. They will be switching from the third base dugout to the first base dugout for this season.
Throughout the event, the entire team echoed a message of high character, leadership, and commitment to buying into the culture that is ECU baseball. Irby said “it feels like we’re all moving as one…it’s more than just playing the game a lot of it is relationships”.
Wallace said “That’s all we’re about is culture, getting the relationships with the coaches with the players…we got a lot of guys back this year and I think they understand the culture that we expect every single day and I think that’s how we grow on and off the field is through the culture”
Coach Godwin said “we have better humans in our locker room this year than we did last year…we’re talented and they’re about the right stuff…when you have a cohesive unit that can buy in and have culture you can do some special things”.
Another common theme throughout these interviews is the versatility of this year’s squad. Coach Knight said “there are really eight guys (pitchers) competing for four or five starting roles depending on the week”.
This team has depth not only in the bullpen but in the infield out field and behind the plate.
Coach Godwin said “we’re built this year to handle some injuries”. He went on to mention many players and their ability to play multiple positions on the field and the many different unique position battles across the roster.
For full length video coverage of each individual interview, you can go to either “Hoist the Colours” or “Pirate Radio TV” on Youtube.
The Pirates will kick off their season Friday Feb, 13. With a weekend series against Xavier (0-0, 0-0 Big East Conference) at Clark-LeClair stadium. The first game will begin at 4 p.m. ET, The second game on Saturday Feb, 14. will start at 2 p.m. ET, and the third and final game will be played at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday Feb, 15. Each game will be broadcasted on ESPN+ and will be available on the radio at 94.3 FM The Game.
Caleb Johnson TEC STAFF
Pitcher Ethan Norby after a striking
COURTESY OF ECU ATHLETICS
Pirates guard Corey Caulker dribbling past a UNC Charlotte player in Minges Coliseum.