TWIN DEFENDERS SWIMMERS PUT FUTURE ON HOLD TO SERVE COUNTRY
CLUB FIELD HOCKEY PIRATES HAVE FUN STICKING IT TO THEIR OPPONENTS
BATTLE ROYALE KINGS AND QUEENS FIGHT FOR DORMITORY SUPREMACY
ALL FIRED UP
super slam!
TWIRLER COURTNEY STEARN HEATS UP HALFTIME
PIRATE HOOPS 2011–2012 PREVIEW
east carolina university
PURPLE! 1
FANS STAND UP FOR EAST CAROLINA AFTER A TOUCHDOWN, A SLAM DUNK, OR A HOME RUN.
But what about the rest of the time? Did you know that alumni and fan support plays a significant role in how East Carolina is ranked among peer institutions in the U.S. News and World Report annual ranking of the nation’s best universities? The East Carolina Alumni Association encourages you to become a member so ECU can reach new heights in these rankings. Not only does membership help with national rankings, but your tax-deductible membership contribution supports the programs and services offered by the Alumni Association, including networking events, alumni publications, student scholarships, alumni awards, faculty recognition, and numerous events held across the Pirate Nation. Membership is open to all who want to see ECU succeed; you do not have to be a graduate to be a member.
BECOME A MEMBER: ONLINE PirateAlumni.com/jointoday
BY PHONE Call 800-ECU-GRAD IN PERSON Stop by the Taylor-Slaughter Alumni Center at 901 East Fifth Street in Greenville
As a member of the East Carolina Alumni Association, you make a tremendous impact on East Carolina University everyday! JOIN NOW AT PIRATEALUMNI.COM/JOINTODAY
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november/december 2011
basketball
2011–12 preview Head coaches lebo and macy leap into their second year leading the pirates. by stephen mcnulty
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swimming and diving
double duty after a few delays, the bechar twins are ready to compete as pirates by Jessica Creson nottingham
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departments
columns
letter from the editor.......... 9
no quarter
sports briefs..................................10 club sports and campus rec............................32 pirate spirit....................................40 fan cam...............................................44 east carolina university
heather macy................................ 8
ship’s log bryan edge.................................... 42 cover: ECU Guard Erin Straughn. photo by jay clark.
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huggie pair Caty Butler celebrates with Leah Bagonis after scoring the Pirates’ first goal in the new soccer stadium against UNC Wilmington. ECU defeated the Seahawks 2-0. photo by jay clark
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greased pigskin Defensive end #56 Derrel Johnson knocks the ball loose tackling UAB quarterback Bryan Ellis. The fumble was recovered by Pirate defensive end Matt Milner. Both teams had trouble holding onto the ball during this 28-23 victory over UAB— out of 10 turnovers, seven were fumbles. photo by jay clark
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no quarter Although I have been at ECU only a short time, I have quickly come to understand that purple, passion, and Pirates naturally go together like peanut butter and jelly or barbecue and eastern North Carolina. There simply is no other way to describe the Pirate Nation than passionate. As a coach, it is thrilling to be in an atmosphere where the fans are as enthusiastic about the Pirate teams and games as I am. It is truly an honor to be a part of such a special place. It’s difficult to explain the ambiance to folks who have never been to our campus on a home football game day. The only way to understand what it’s like in DowdyFicklen Stadium is for you to see the chill bumps on my arms as the cannon fires, the purple haze drifts into the sky, and the Pirates charge the field.
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As the chill begins to fill the air on the way to early-morning workouts, special thoughts flood my mind in anticipation of another basketball season. This time of the year is one of my favorites because this is when we start planning how we will meet the high expectations of a new team and season. This year, I have challenged each of our players to outwork the coaches and the coaches to outwork the players. I believe that in our quest to outwork each other on a daily basis, amazing things will take place along this journey. I also want to challenge YOU. The challenge is to attend one more home basketball game than you did last season, to stand and cheer a little longer and louder than you did a year ago, and to bring more friends to see the Pirates in action than you did last
jay clark
women’s basketball challenging players, fans
HEATHER MACY year. Come out and help us create an electric environment. We want Minges Coliseum to be the toughest place to play in Conference USA. Come on Pirates, answer the challenge! Game on, Heather Macy
Women’s basketball head coach
november/december 2011
letter from the editor meeting challenges together as a united pirate nation East Carolina University students, alumni, and Pirate fans have a reputation of having fanatical school spirit through the highs and through the lows. Coming out of summer, we all tend to have pent-up excitement for fall sports—especially our student-athletes and coaches who spend their summers training. It has undeniably been a challenging season for several of ECU’s athletic programs thus far, but we are just halfway through the season and the Pirates have plenty of fight and determination left—arguably more now than when the season started. There is no doubt that Pirate fans have a certain craze for East Carolina University and its athletics, but lately I’ve noticed that team spirit means something different to each of us. Student-athletes and coaching staff look to the Pirate Nation for support. It’s hard to ignore cynical chatter in general, whether it’s during athletic events, on social media sites, or in the news—and it’s contagious. Ultimately, students and student-athletes do not need anything that distracts from their efforts to succeed. During your time as a college student, you will experience your own highs and lows to carry with you into the future. The football team has an unofficial “24-hour rule” that encourages players, coaches, and fans to cease discussion of the previous game played after 24 hours, whether it was a win or a loss. This helps the team and coaching staff to stay focused on the next game instead of having any lingering hype or disappointment affect their performance. This strategy can apply to a number of situations throughout life—keep looking forward to the next challenge while learning from your mistake and building on your successes. As passionate members of the Pirate Nation, we attend and watch games to rally around the university we love. I challenge you to continue your support of all ECU sports, win or lose, and let’s move onward together to a better second-half of the season. Go Pirates! Where to find PURPLE!
Online: www.ecu.edu/purple On Facebook: search Purple! Magazine
PURPLE! Volume 1, Number 2 purple! is published six times a year by East Carolina University marketing and publications 1206 Charles Blvd. Greenville, NC 27858-4353
editor jessica creson nottingham ’06, ’08 managing editor/art director jay clark copy editors Jimmy rostar ’94 spaine stephens student intern stephen m c nulty Contributing writers bryan edge ’97 heather macy photography jay clark forrest croce rob goldberg jr. michael litwin ’01 online content Laura Davenport bob dry bryan edge christopher schwing ’04 administration michelle sloan assistant vice chancellor for university marketing clint bailey special thanks to ECU athletics media relations
East Carolina University is a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina. It is a public doctoral/ research intensive university offering baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees in the liberal arts, sciences and professional fields, including medicine. Dedicated to the achievement of excellence, responsible stewardship of the public trust, and academic freedom, ECU values the contributions of a diverse community, supports shared governance, and guarantees equality of opportunity. ©2011 by East Carolina University U.P. 12-116
jay clark
We want to hear from you Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to purple@ecu.edu. Please include your full name, current student classification or graduation year for alumni (if applicable), and hometown. Letters may be edited for clarity and space. east carolina university
PURPLE! 9
SPORTS BRIEFS
edited By Jessica creson nottingham
hard work paying off for lady pirates ecu golfers finish strong in individual, team standings women’s golf by ecu media relations
The East Carolina women’s golf team has ranked in the top three in all their tournaments so far this season. The Pirates came in third in the 2011 Lady Pirate Intercollegiate earning All-Tournament Team. The team (40-3) entered the final nine holes with a two-shot lead. After dropping nearly six strokes on the 11th and 12th holes, they fell to fourth place and just couldn’t catch tournament winner Maryland, who posted a 15-over par 879. Georgia State (882) finished three strokes behind the Terps and five ahead of the Pirates (887). UNC-Greensboro (890) claimed fourth while UNC-Wilmington (898) took home fifth. Senior Amy Otteson, a business administration major, carded a personal-best 3-under par 213 to finish tied for second honors during the Intercollegiate. The two-day, 54-hole event was held at the par-72, 6,056-yard at the Greenville Country Club from October 10–11. The Lady Pirates posted a 22-over par 598 for second place in the Wild Eggs Cardinal Cup in Sampsonville, Kentucky, on September 20. The two-day, 54-hole event was reduced to 36 holes following inclement weather. NC State claimed the team title with a tournament score 596 (20-over) finishing two shots ahead of the Pirates. Missouri (605) took third, while host school Louisville (608), and Penn State (610) rounded out the top five. East Carolina senior and communication major Julia Strandberg was named Conference USA Co-Golfer-ofthe-Week. She continued her stellar play during her senior season, winning her first collegiate event at the Wild Eggs Cardinal Cup Invitational. In her fourth career start for the Pirates (23-1), Strandberg posted a 1-over par 145 (7550) and helped ECU record a second-place finish—their second-straight top-two finish of the season. At the Golfweek Program Challenge in Pawleys Island, 10 PURPLE!
u week performer Senior Julia Strandberg was named C-USA Co-Golfer-of-theWeek in September, and posted a career-low 68 at the Golfweek Program Challenge. u Right: Senior Amy Otteson tied for second-place honors at the Lady Pirate Intercollegiate held at the Greenville Country Club in October.
ecu media relations/rob goldberg jr.
november/december 2011
jay clark
South Carolina, on September 11–13, Campbell University and East Carolina tied for the Program Challenge crown, both shooting a cumulative score of 1,716. Instead of being co-champions, each school selected a male and female to play off for the title at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club. More intriguing: It would be sudden death, alternate shot. East Carolina chose its lowest-scoring participants at the event confidently: Strandberg and men’s golfer senior lefty David Watkins. On the playoff hole, Campbell’s pair went fairway-greentwo-putt for par and the win putting ECU at No. 2. Strandberg posted her best career finish (solo third) at the Program Challenge. For two years, she had fought a nagging back injury and failed to crack the starting five. Finally, with a chance to make an impact, Strandberg held the openinground lead after a career-low 68, hung near the top of the leaderboard, and finished seven back. It was only Strandberg’s third career start. “It’s unbelievable,” said Kevin Williams, the head coach for women’s golf, whose Pirates now have won at least once in the past 12 seasons. “I can’t even begin to describe how amazing it feels to pull for someone so hard for three years and see it finally pay off.”
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SPORTS BRIEFS men’s golf
Seniors varner, watkins, and stephenson lead the way for men’s golf by ecu media relations
The East Carolina University men’s golf team has placed in the top five in three tournaments in their 2011–2012 season. The team carded a three-round total of 18-over 870 to finish tied for fourth place at the 2011 Wolfpack Intercollegiate on October 4 at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course in Raleigh. The Pirates finished nine strokes behind team champion Memphis, which recorded a 9-over 861. Senior Harold Varner, a business administration major, led the Pirates with a 1-over 214 and finished tied for fourth-place. Fellow senior Adam Stephenson shot three-under during the final round to move up 20 spots into sixth place at 2-over 215. The third senior in the Pirates’ lineup, David Watkins completed the 54-hole tournament tied for 20th at 6-over 219. Junior Matt Kocolowski and sophomore Jackson Stuckey, each playing as individual, tied for 25th at 8-over 221. Junior Zach Edmondson finished one stroke behind his teammates at 9-over 222, tied for 30th. Sophomore Ryan Eibner fired a 16-over 229. The team traveled to compete in the 2011 VCU Shootout hosted at the Hermitage Country Club in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, on September 26. Finishing in second place, the Pirates shot 20-under 844 to finish seven strokes behind No. 21 Virginia and eight shots clear of third-place Iowa State. East Carolina finished 11 strokes in front of Virginia Tech, who placed fifth at 9-under 855 and 12 strokes ahead of Wake Forest, which finished sixth at 8-under 856. Virginia Tech and Wake Forest both were ranked among the top 40 at the end of last season. ECU seniors Adam Stephenson and Harold Varner finished second and third, respectively, with fellow senior David Watkins tying for seventh. The Pirates opened their 2011–2012 season finishing fifth at the Golfweek Program Challenge at the 72-par Blue Golf Resort in Myrtle Beach on September 11. The tournament features men and women’s teams from 12 Division I programs, which competed on separate courses. The men’s team finished the three-day event 18-under 846 in the final round 13 strokes behind team champion Campbell, which fired an impressive 31-under 833. Jacksonville State and South Florida tied for second at 24-under 840 followed by UNC-Wilmington in fourth at 21-under 843. Watkins was the top Pirate finisher in the event, concluding his efforts in third place at 10-under 206. Watkins began the final round 12 PURPLE!
u mr. tee Senior Adam Stephenson helped lead the Pirates to a secondplace finish at the VCU Shootout in Virginia in September. He also finished second overall ahead of Harold Varner, below right, and David Watkins, below.
november/december 2011
ecu media relations/rob goldberg jr. (3)
at 9-under and carded a 1-under 71 to complete the tournament. It was the 11th top-10 finish of his career. The Pirates had an additional pair of golfers finish in the top 17 individually with Stephenson, an engineering major, recording the second-best finish of his career tied for 12th with a 5-under 211. Varner shot 1-under 71 in the final round to finish at 3-under 213, tied for with six others for 17th. Varner fired an opening round 70 before carding a 72 in round two. The Pirates concluded their fall season at the Georgia State AutoTrader.com Collegiate Classic in Duluth, Georgia, on October 17–18.
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SPORTS BRIEFS volleyball
pirate volleyball downs gardnerwebb, uncw, but struggles continue by ecu media relations
The East Carolina University women’s volleyball team capped its four-match battle against Houston by dropping a 3-0 decision at Minges Coliseum October 8–9. The Pirates fell to 2-14 overall and 0-7 in Conference USA play following the loss. The team won its first match of the season at Minges Coliseum against Gardner-Webb. “It was a great win and a fresh new start for our team,” head coach Pati Rolf said. Following the win, East Carolina closed out its three-game participation in the Jefferson Cup at Memorial Gymnasium with losses to the nation’s No. 1 team University of California, Long Island University, and University of Virginia on the campus of the UVA in Charlottesville, Virginia, September 2–3. It was the first time in program history the Pirates faced the country’s top team. After dropping the first set to UNCWilmington, East Carolina responded with wins in the next three frames posting a 3-1 victory over the Seahawks at Hanover Hall in both teams’ first match of the Hilton Garden Inn Mayfaire Tournament. ECU picked up its 15th-straight win over UNCWilmington while also grabbing its first true road win since a 3-1 triumph over Campbell September 28, 2009. East Carolina closed out its time at the Mayfaire Tournament falling to NC State in three sets before losing a five-set marathon to Charleston Southern at Hanover Hall. After winning the first set against Marshall in the Thunder Invitational hosted in Huntington, West Virginia, East Carolina could not sustain its momentum, dropping a 3-1 decision at the Cam Henderson Center in the Conference USA opener for both squads. The Pirates could not recover and also lost to 14 PURPLE!
Central Michigan and George Mason, in the invitational. The Pirates did pass well, committing just two reception errors. Against George Mason, Kelly Derby and Britney Roper paced the offense with seven kills each while Shelby Beasley picked up a team-best 10 digs. Jackie Varnum, an exercise physiology major, also added two service aces and three block assists. The Patriots outhit the Pirates .243-.082 and also outblocked ECU 10.0-4.0 as East Carolina was out-blocked for just the third time this year. Following the Thunder Invitational, the Pirates experienced six consecutive C-USA losses to Memphis, UAB, UCF, UTEP, and Houston (2-0). Against the Memphis Tigers, Derby, a sociology major, nearly put together a flawless offensive showing, recording a team-best eight kills on 14 attempts with just one error in the third set to produce a .500 mark. Even though the University of Central Florida won 3-0, the Pirates had some impressive plays. Senior Amanda Lutzow returned from a four-game absence to rack up a match-high 18 digs, a performance complemented by 14 out of sophomore and biology major Shelby Beasley. Sophomores Hannah Allgood and Whitney Campbell paced ECU offensively, recording nine kills each, a career high for Allgood in the UTEP match. Campbell nearly posted her first career double-double, adding a personal-best 11 digs. Allgood ended the match as the team’s top scorer as she also tallied a service ace and five total blocks for 13.0 points. Defensively, sophomore Shelby Beasley racked up 19 digs to push her season average over four per set (4.06).
p time served Senior Amanda Lutzow racked up a match-high 18 digs and six kills versus UCF after returning from a four-game absence. ecu media relations/ rob goldberg jr.
november/december 2011
football
at midseason: pirates battle turnovers, tough schedule By stephen mcnulty
At week five, 2011 has been a rough season for Pirate football thus far in 2011. A brutal schedule to open the year and a bad case of the turnovers have left the Pirates sitting at 1-4 on the season and 1-1 in Conference USA. The Pirates opened 2011 against South Carolina. The Virginia Tech Hokies came next before getting the first win of the season against UAB. Things did not get any easier for ECU when they hosted in-state rival University of North Carolina and traveled to Houston to face the Cougars. The Pirates lit up the scoreboard in 2010, but ECU is averaging less than 20 points per game so far in 2011. Communications major Dominique Davis’ 67.3-percent completion percentage is impressive and he threw for 361 yards against UAB and 417 against UNC. Unfortunately, he has also thrown 10 interceptions. After the Pirates lost fan-favorite Dwayne Harris last year, Lance Lewis has stepped up, catching five touchdowns in the first four games. Another asset is freshman Justin Hardy, who has 36 catches through the first five games. After running the ball just 23 times in ECU’s first two games, running back Reggie Bullock, a recreation and park management major, burst onto the scene against UAB. He carried the ball 24 times for 169 yards and east carolina university
a score against the Blazers. Through the Pirate’s match-up with Houston, Bullock has 69 rushes for 324 yards, almost 5 yards a carry. ECU has faced four very talented offenses, including South Carolina who was led by arguably the nation’s best running back, Marcus Lattimore, and Houston who has one of college football’s all-time leading passers, Case Keenum. The Pirates have also turned the ball over a total of 21 times, with 12 of those resulting in touchdowns for the opposition, a tough task for any defense to overcome. Freshmen Jeremy Grove leads a notable linebacking corps for the Pirates with 66 tackles on the season. Seniors Emanuel Davis and Derek Blacknall alongside sophomore Damon Magazu anchor the Pirates’ secondary. Magazu has two interceptions, both in the end zone. Michael Barbour has done his job well for the Pirates. The senior geology major and kicker is five of six on field goals including a 54-yarder against Houston. Despite sitting at a 1-4 to start the season, the Pirates still have plenty of opportunities for success in 2011. for more football Click these links to PURPLE! Home Game Editions online: ECU vs. South Carolina ECU vs. Virginia Tech ECU vs. UAB ECU vs. UNC Like us on Facebook for bonus Home Game Editions and photo galleries!
PURPLE! 15
SPORTS BRIEFS cross country
ECU runners win pirate invitational, earn regional ranking by ecu media relations
The East Carolina cross country squads opened the 2011 campaign with the women taking fifth place out of 12 and the men claiming 11th of 11 at the Covered Bridge Open, hosted by Appalachian State on September 2. The women turned in a pair of top-10 performances as seniors Amanda Lapp and Brittany Copeland finished ninth and 10th, respectively. The squads turned in a pair of strong showings September 16 at the Wolfpack Invitational, both finishing second behind only host NC State. Copeland, a recreational therapy major, came in second overall for the women, but was considered the meet winner because the first-place performer was running unattached. For the men’s squad, sophomore and business management major Jakub Trzasalski placed 14th overall. For the third-straight year, the teams claimed the ECU Pirate Invitational titles September 23 at Overton’s Lake Kristi both topping Shaw University and Barton College to claim the title at ECU’s only home meet of the 2011 season. Copeland won the women’s race for the third time in her career, completing the rain-soaked course’s 5K and tied for the sixth-best time in program history. On the men’s side, junior Cory Hampshire, the 2010 meet winner, repeated as champion in the 5K. Hampshire ran the event unattached, making Trzasalski’s mark the top performance that counted toward the Pirates’ team score. p After helping the East Carolina men’s and women’s three-peat cross country squads to their third-straight ECU Pirate Invitational titles at Lake Kristi, Trzasalski and Copeland Senior Brittany Copeland have been named the Conference USA Male and Female took first in the Pirate InvitaAthlete-of-the-Week. It is the initial league weekly award tional with a time of 17:40.02 and has won the meet three for both runners and the first time in program history the times in her career. Pirates have swept the honors. The women placed ninth of 30 programs at the Greater Louisville Classic on October 1, trailing eight regionally ranked squads. This season, the Pirates moved up three places from their standing at the 2010 event. The senior trio of Tara Wilson, Lapp, and Copeland have led ECU at almost every meet, finishing in 23rd, 24th, and 25th place in Louisville, respectively. After breaking into the regional rankings for the first time in program history already this season, the East Carolina women’s cross country team are in the No. 9 spot in the Southeast Region according the US Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. East Carolina has just one meet remaining, the Panorama Farms Invitational in Charlottesville, Virginia, on October 14, before heading to the C-USA Championship in Houston on October 31. 16 PURPLE!
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soccer
dynamic duo shine on pirate pitch as team faces challenging season by ecu media relations
The fall 2011 season has been a rollercoaster for the East Carolina University soccer team. In a much-anticipated game debuting the new soccer stadium (a part of the Olympic Sports Complex) ended in a 4-0 loss for the Pirates against the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. The Lady Pirates then recovered with an impressive five-game winning streak against Old Dominion University, UNC-Wilmington, Davidson, UNC-Charlotte, and Francis Marion University. The peak quickly took a nosedive with three consecutive losses to Colorado College, UTEP, and Memphis, all Conference USA teams. ECU rebounded with a win of 3-0 against Southern Miss and a loss to University of Central Florida, also C-USA teams. This left the Pirates with a record of 6-5-1 overall and 1-4-0 in the conference. heads up Senior Kimmy Cummings
jay clark (2)
east carolina university
During the winning streak, the team battled William & Mary to a 2-all tie in doubleovertime at the ECU Soccer Stadium. Junior and sports studies major Caty Butler along with senior and business administration triple major Kimmy Cummings have been recognized as two of the top players in Conference USA according to TopDrawerSoccer.com’s annual release. The upperclassmen duo helped East Carolina to a 5-3-1 overall record through its first nine games, which included a six-game span where they posted a 5-0-1 ledger. Butler, who is ranked sixth on the list, leads the team and C-USA in both points (16) and goals (7)—both career highs. The Boerne, Texas, native earned C-USA Offensive Player-of-the-Week honors on August 29 after scoring a pair of goals against instate rival UNC-Wilmington in a 2-0 shutout, the first of two multi-goal contests this season. For Butler it is her first career honor and the first by a Pirate since Blair Heffner on November 3, 2008. Butler scored both of ECU’s goals against the Miners pushing her team and league-leading total to seven. Cummings, who is No. 16 on the list, has set career highs in goals (5) and points (12) and ranks fourth and sixth respectively in league action. The Mechanicsville, Virginia-native recorded her first career hat trick against Old Dominion on August 21, becoming the first player since Meghan McCallion in 2004 versus DePaul to net three goals in a match. Following a rain delay of more than an hour, the Conference USA match versus UAB was suspended due to severe rain and lightning in the area and will be made up at a later date. At the time of the delay, the score was tied 1-1 in the second half. PURPLE! 17
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guard CELESTE STEWART
p jump starter Stewart produced the top assist to turnover ratio (1.6) for ECU and finished second on the team in total assists (76). The 5-foot-6 guard from Charlotte started the final 16 games for the Pirates last season.
east carolina university
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basketball
“
the level of excitement, the level of work ethic, and the level of passion with this team makes it exciting to come to practice.
”
head coach heather macy
women’s
GUARD KATIE PASCHAL
u come-back kid Returning from coach Heather Macy’s first freshman class is former North Carolina high-school standout Katie Paschal. Paschal finished her prep career ranked second all-time in North Carolina high school history with 3,160 points.
After an up-and-down season last year, the ECU women’s basketball program is gearing up for the 2011–2012 season. The Lady Pirates ended 16-15 overall and 9-7 in Conference USA during head coach Heather Macy’s first year at the helm. ECU finished in fifth place in the conference and defeated Tulsa in the C-USA Tournament before being ousted by Tulane. The Pirates return less than half of their offensive production from last season and will look to veterans Chareya Smith and Celeste Stewart as well as Macy’s second consecutive impressive recruiting class to lead the team. “We brought in eight new players this year which is unheard of,” says Macy. “We did the amount of work in one year that some programs do in three, and I am very proud of my staff and the amount of time they have put in to bring in kids who really believe in what were doing and are fun to coach.” Headlining the program’s additions for 2011 are a trio of Atlantic Coast Conference transfers, a junior college All-American, and a handful of high school standouts. Britny and Whitny Edwards are the daughters of former ECU basketball star Theodore “Blue” Edwards, who holds the record for most points in a season at ECU (773) and was selected 21st overall in the 1989 NBA draft. The sisters are both getting their master’s degrees in communication. After graduating in three years from the University of Virginia, the twins decided to bring their talents and remaining years of eligibility to Greenville. continued on page 24
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q less is more Darrius Morrow, who led the Pirates in rebounds last year and was second in scoring, returns to the court 25 pounds lighter than he was at the start of last season.
men’s
Just two years ago there was little talk about Pirate basketball, and many times, just a handful of fans inside Minges Coliseum to cheer on ECU. But that was not the case in 2010–2011. During head coach Jeff Lebo’s first season at ECU, the Pirates recorded their second-most wins as a Division-I team and reached their first postseason tournament in 18 years. “It was an exciting season for us,” says Lebo. “We generated a lot of excitement around here. The kids got a little taste of some success, and they feel good about it and they’d like to have a little bit more.” That success may not be easy to come by for the Pirates this time around. Conference USA SixthMan of the Year Brock Young and last year’s leading scorer Jontae Sherrod are among the Pirates who will be missing in Lebo’s second season. “We lost all-conference players; we lost a lot of experienced guys,” says Lebo. “Jontae Sherrod had a terrific season, Jamar Abrams started for us and had some really big games, and Chad Wynn is another one who was a big body inside. That experience in this league is hard to put a value on.” While the Pirates have lost some key players, Lebo does not come empty handed this season. Darrius Morrow, a recreation management major, was second in scoring for ECU last season and led all Pirates in rebounding. This year, Lebo expects big things from Morrow again after the forward is coming in roughly 25 pounds lighter than he was at the start of last season.
FORWARD DARRIUS MORROW
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m en ’ s basketball continued from page 21
Corvonn Gaines, a business management major, started 33 games and averaged three assists while Erin Straughn rebounded and shot well from beyond the arc. Both played in each of the Pirates’ 34 games in 2010–2011. Also playing in all 34 games for ECU last season was freshman Robert Sampson. Sampson averaged just more than 13 minutes a game in his rookie season, but will be expected to play a bigger role this year. Pirate fans can expect to see a few new faces on the court for ECU this season. Miguel Paul, a marketing major, may not be new around campus, but he will play his first game in a Pirates’ uniform in 2011. Paul sat out last season after transferring from Missouri, and is
expected to help fill the shoes left by Young and Sherrod. “A guy that we’re expecting big things from is Miguel Paul,” says Lebo. “He hasn’t played in a year and it’s going to take some time, but he is the one guy I think [who] has to come in and will really be solid for us.” Also transferring into the Pirates’ roster are Maurice Kemp and Shamarr Bowden. Kemp, a 6-foot-8-inch forward and biology major, played his freshman season at Alabama A&M before transferring to Miami Dade College, where he received first-
team All-Florida Community College Activities Association honors after averaging 16.9 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. Bowden, who is a Greensboro native, began his college career at UNCCharlotte and spent last year at Chipola College in Florida before landing in Greenville. Perhaps the biggest returning factor for ECU will not be on the court, but around it. Coach Lebo and his players constantly stress the value of a strong crowd. After struggling to fill the seats of Minges Coliseum for years, the Pirates packed in more than 4,500 fans a game last season.
GUARD CORVONN GAINES
t swoosh-bucklers Corvonn Gaines, left, and Sampson, far right, will both assume bigger roles for the Pirates this year.
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november/december 2011
“
The fans are incredible. Without their support we might not have won some of those games down the stretch. I love the Minges Maniacs. corvonn gaines
“The fans are incredible,” says Gaines. “Without their support we might not have won some of those games down the stretch. I love the Minges Maniacs.” Lebo has the same feelings, and expects something similar from the fans this year. “If you put a product out there that the fans can identify with and that’ll play hard, they will come out. I’ve heard all the reasons why the [fans] won’t [attend games], but they proved last year they’ll come.” Morrow would not go without crediting the fans also. “We won a lot of games down the stretch, and a lot of them were home games,” Morrow says. “Whenever the fans come out and support us and it is full-fledged Minges Maniacs, that’s our sixth man and they make it a hostile environment.” Among the games Pirate fans can get excited for is an early-season matchup against Appalachian State at Charlotte’s Time Warner Cable Arena on November 22. The Pirates also host Charlotte in early December and North Carolina Central at the end of the month before beginning conference play early in the New Year. As the 2011–2012 season is being played, Minges Coliseum will be getting a much-needed addition. Plans for the new state-of-the-art practice facility were officially released in November of last year and fans can expect the entire process to be completed in time for the 2012–2013 season. “There is not something that touches east carolina university
”
FORWARD ROBERT SAMPSON
every area of your program more than a practice facility that you can have 24-seven,” says Lebo. “It touches when you can eat, when you can have class, how often you work out, how much extra work you can do to get better individually, and there is nothing to me that’s more important than your facilities. We can’t get it here fast enough, and we’re very excited about it.” The Pirates currently split time in Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum between the men’s and women’s basketball programs as well as the volleyball team. Numerous classes at the university also often use the facility. The new extension of the coliseum will contain practice courts, coaches’ office suites, locker rooms, and team meeting rooms for both basketball programs. The structure will additionally be a home to the ECU Athletics Hall of Fame as well as other tributes to Pirate athletics for fans to enjoy. With new facilities and a young but promising team, Pirate fans and Lebo have a lot to look forward to. So much so that Lebo signed an extension in September to stay with ECU through the 2018–2019 season. “My family and I love it here,” says Lebo. “We’re excited to be here and hopefully this will be a long, long marriage. We love North Carolina, love eastern North Carolina, love East Carolina, and I cannot think of any better place I’d rather be.” PURPLE! 23
wo m en ’ s basketball continued from page 20
Whitny is eligible for one season at ECU while Britny has two years left following a non-medical redshirt in 2010–2011. “Britny and Whitny are great assets to our team,” says Stewart. “Especially since they’ve been playing college basketball. It makes us more comfortable to have players who have already been through what we’re going through now and have played the game at the college level.” Whitny, a 5-foot-11 guard, started nine games for Virginia last year and appeared in all 35 contests averaging 6.6 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. She led the Cavaliers in free throw percentage and steals while finishing second in 3-point field goals made. Also transferring from the ACC after graduating early is former Clemson Tiger Bryelle Smith. Smith, a recreation and park management major, spent four years at Clemson before transferring to ECU for her final year of eligibility. As a Tiger in 2010–2011, Smith led the team in
assists and assist-turnover ratio while starting 26 of the team’s 30 contests. Macy also lured 5-foot-6 Kyani White, a music education major, from the ACC, but the former Virginia Tech Hokie must sit out the 2011–2012 campaign due to NCAA eligibility rules. Student-athletes who have not completed their degree or meet other exceptions are required to sit out one academic year after they transfer to another NCAA Division-I program. Also transferring into the program to play immediately is National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Second-Team All-American Kristine Mial. As a freshman at Frederick Community College in Maryland last season, Mial finished sixth in the nation in scoring with 21.8 points per game. Mial also average 9.8 rebounds and 3.7 steals and was named to the All-Maryland Junior College Conference (MJCC) squad. “I think [junior college] gave me a lot of experience,” says Mial. “It FORWARD BRITNY EDWARDS
guard WHITNY EDWARDS
allowed me to be a leader on the court which I think will transition to here.” Alongside the transfers, a group of highquality freshmen helped to make Macy’s second class the 79th-ranked recruiting class according to the Collegiate Girls Basketball Report. Leading the talented group is Winterville product Janesha Ebron. ESPN’s HoopGurlz ranked Ebron as the 61st-best point guard prospect after she helped her South Central High School team win the North Carolina 3A State Championship last year. Ebron scored 20 points and pulled down 10 rebounds en route to most valuable player honors in the 61-58 overtime victory against Hickory in the title game. Ebron was named to the Associated Press North Carolina All-State Team following her senior campaign. Fellow freshman Tatiana Chapple also hopes to have an impact for the Pirates in her first season. HoopGurlz ranked the 6-foot forward as the 102nd-best prospect at her position after her high school career in Columbus, Ohio. Shante Boseman and Dana Jones round out the freshman class for the 2011–2012 team. Boseman arrives in Greenville from Goldsboro and Jones is a transplant of Gulfport, Mississippi. As a senior at Gulfport High Boseman was listed as the 37th-best prospect out of Mississippi by Fila USA.
t double-dribble Twin sisters Whitny and Britny Edwards came to ECU to pursue master’s degrees after graduating from the University of Virginia in three years. Whitny has one year of eligibility remaining and Britny has two years.
24 PURPLE!
november/december 2011
Returning from Macy’s first freshman class is former North Carolina high-school standout Katie Paschal. Paschal finished her prep career ranked second all-time in North Carolina high-school history with 3,160 points. As a senior at Williamston High School, Paschal averaged 33 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. However, as a freshman last year she took part in just 14 games and recorded a season-high 10 minutes against Hawaii. Headlining all returning Pirates are senior Chareya Smith and junior Celeste Stewart. Stewart, a physical therapy major, leads the Pirates in experience at Williams Arena after playing in all 31 games last year. Smith experienced minutes in 29 games, and both Stewart and Smith started 21 games each. “Celeste did an amazing job for us last year,” says Macy. “She’s worked very, very hard in the weight room and on her leadership abilities, and we really expect great things from her at the point guard position.” Sharing time with former Pirates Allison Spivey and Kelly Smith in 2010–2011, Stewart produced the top assist to turnover ratio (1.6) for ECU and finished second on the team in total assists (76). The 5-foot-6 guard from Charlotte started the final 16 games for the Pirates last season. Smith returns to ECU for her final season in 2011. Smith scored in double figures 10 times last year, including a career-high 22-point outing against Southern Methodist. Over her sophomore and junior campaigns, Smith missed time in just two games and has played a pivotal role for the Pirates at the forward position. “Chareya has bought in to playing hard,” says Macy. “Right now her major focus is growing as a person every single day and I’ve seen tremendous growth from her in the course of the past year.” The Pirates open up their season at the College of Charleston on November 11 and will host St. Andrews on November 13 for the team’s first home contest. ECU will host Delaware State, Elon, Monmouth, and Virginia Commonwealth for the ECU Thanksgiving Tournament from November 26 to December 7. League play begins January 5 for the Pirates when they travel to Orlando to take on UCF. “Last season was a starting point and something to build on,” says Macy. “But the level of excitement, the level of work ethic, and the level of passion for East Carolina basketball with this team is a totally different feel and it makes it exciting to come to practice.” east carolina university
FORWARD KRISTINE MIAL
u fast forward As a freshman at Frederick Community College in Maryland last season, Mial finished sixth in the nation in scoring with 21.8 points per game. Mial also averaged 9.8 rebounds and 3.7 steals.
PURPLE! 25
swi m m inn g and divin g
double
after a few delays, the bechar twins are
butterfly/freestyle/IM AMIT BECHAR
26 PURPLE!
november/december 2011
swi m m in g and divin g
leduty
are ready to compete as pirates
jay clark
backstroke/freestyle/im NOAM BECHAR
east carolina university
PURPLE! 27
swi m m in g and divin g
by jessica creson nottingham
T
The Bechar twins have grown up preparing for two things certain in their future: to serve in the Israeli military after high school and to attend a college in another country on a swimming scholarship. Amit, who swims butterfly, freestyle, and individual medley (a combination of strokes), and Noam, who swims backstroke, freestyle, and individual medley, have reached their longawaited pinnacle of competing on a swimming and diving team for a university—and they’re doing it as Pirates. Despite careful preparation, they were also unprepared for two things: the ineligibility to swim competitively when they finally arrived at college and the intense feeling of belonging they have found at East Carolina University. “They were a lot of fun to recruit and showed a lot of enthusiasm right from the start,” says Kate Gordon, the assistant ECU swimming coach who recruited the sisters while they were living in Israel. “Just through our phone conversations, their personalities came through and we felt they would make great Pirates.” It was not long after Amit and Noam began swimming lessons at age 10 before they knew that one day they would swim competitively for a university outside their homeland of Israel. The Bechar sisters started competing professionally at 13 years old, nationally at 15, and by age 18, they were swimming internationally for Israel. They are now 21. “Amit started going to swimming lessons and I had to start going, too,” says Noam. “We knew we’d live in a different country since we were 15 and we knew we’d swim in college with a scholarship in a different society. Our parents pushed us and they are still helping us.” But there was one major thing they had to do before heading off to college. As Israeli citizens, it was mandatory for them to serve in the military. Not only did they continue to work daily to make their international college dream come
28 PURPLE!
true, but they also had to fit in the mandatory service to their country as soldier-athletes. “There is a special program for athletes that you have to apply to—part soldier and part athlete,” says Amit. “We worked close to home and were able to go to meets in the afternoons. It’s harder for males to do this because athletes make good soldiers.” Women serve two years and are usually placed in an office position, and men serve for three years and are usually expected to participate in combat. Both men and women must complete basic training. “It’s always been a part of our lives,” says Noam. “We’ve known for a long time that we were going to serve. People love it—it’s not all war. We look at it as an institution—you get an education, a salary, and sometimes jobs.” They came to ECU fall 2010 at age 20 after serving their two years as a part-time soldiers and athletes in the Israeli Air Force intelligence division stationed in Tel Aviv, roughly 20 minutes away from their home in Reut, Israel. “People respect you for being a soldier-athlete and we swam with a lot of people doing the same thing with the military who are now all over the U.S. going to university,” says Amit. “[The military] taught us professionalism, attention to detail, multitasking, and belonging,” says Amit. “We’re more responsible, disciplined, and learned a lot about yourself working with people from all over country. I feel proud to say I served—same as with belonging to ECU.” Becoming Pirates Last year was not only Amit and Noam’s freshman year, but it was also the first year of a new NCAA rule that does not allow studentathletes to compete for their school after taking more than one year off from attending a college or university following high school. “It would happen to us—it was bad luck,” Noam comments lightheartedly, before Amit november/december 2011
“
...when I was home all summer, I realized we have an opportunity that a lot of our friends don’t and they’re jealous. We’re living the dream.
”
AMIT BECHAR
chimes in. “It was very hard not to compete. We did everything but compete, but you still feel like you’re not a part of the team,” says Amit. “We’re excited about this year and helping the team win and feel the spirit they felt last year,” says Noam. This additional delay in ability to compete at the college level caused the swimmers to question their identity and reason for being at ECU, but it did allowed Amit and Noam a chance to focus on classes and adjusting to a new environment. “Not being able to compete was definitely hard for them,” Gordon says. “It is hard to put in the same hard work that everyone else is putting in and not be able to reap the rewards.” The swimming and diving coaching staff also found it difficult to see the two talented swimmers work hard at each practice to never see the team reach their actual potential in competitions, according to Gordon. east carolina university
“Amit and Noam embraced the challenge like true professionals,” says Gordon. “They are very popular on the team, and I think having great teammates helped them get through a tough year.” This season they are able to fully compete and are more motivated than ever to represent ECU. “They exhibit a lot of school spirit and school pride as well as great teammates,” says Gordon. Amit, an exercise physiology major, and Noam, a nutrition science major, had several adjustments to make attending ECU. They were in a new country and culture, away from home for the first time, studying and speaking in a different language, and swimming noncompetitively. “I [was] homesick and discouraged, but when I was home all summer, I realized we have an opportunity that a lot of our friends don’t and they’re jealous. We’re living the dream,” says Amit.
p soldierathletes Noam, left, and Amit served in the Israeli Air Force intelligence division before coming to ECU. photo courtesy amit and noam bechar
PURPLE! 29
swi m m in g and divin g
“
I can’t believe i’m here. it’s so special to meet people and study in a different language. We get homesick, but we love it.
”
NOAM BECHAR
jay clark
Unlike the culture in Israel, the sisters have noticed how their role as student-athletes is regarded at ECU—academics and athletics have more of a partnership than what they are used to at home. “Our schedules are built to be both here,” says Amit, “but at home, a student is a student.” Swimming has been the link connecting their teammates and with East Carolina University. The swim team has embraced them breaking through their insecurities about their language barrier. “This is a big thing for us,” says Amit about living in the U.S. “The beginning was hard— hard to be so far from home, but people just approached us all the time. I wasn’t even going to talk at first—just didn’t have the confidence.” The spirit and pride that circulates around ECU constantly impresses Amit and Noam since their arrival last fall. “People are so connected to the universities here—more than in
30 PURPLE!
other countries. There’s purple and gold everywhere on cars and shirts. You catch the spirit,” says Noam. While Amit and Noam were in the military, their parents had to research colleges on their behalf since they were managing a daily routine of swim practice in the mornings, work at the Air Force base in Tel Aviv during the day, to return to swim practice in the evenings. “From the day they committed to ECU, Amit and Noam have shown tons of excitement about being here,” says Gordon. “You can tell they truly love being a Pirate.” The sisters were also not allowed to leave the country during their time in the military. Their parents sent inquiries to and then toured several universities, and chose ECU for their daughters. “I can’t believe I’m here,” says Noam. “It’s so special to meet people and study in a different language. We get homesick, but we love it.”
november/december 2011
East Carolina University School of Music ®
Tomorrow starts here.
Schedule of Events OCTOBER Wednesday, October 19 Percussion Ensemble Concert A. J. Fletcher Recital Hall 7:30 p.m. Free. Thursday, October 20 Ladies & Gents - An evening of duets and songs from the great Golden Age of Broadway Musicals A. J. Fletcher Recital Hall 7:30 p.m. $10 general public, $5 students. Friday, October 21 Guest artist recital Dr. Kola Owolabi, organ St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 7:30 p.m. Free. Saturday, October, 22 Choirs in the East Concert TBA Sunday, October 23 Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival Next Generation Concert A. J. Fletcher Recital Hall 4:00 p.m. Free. Thursday, October 27 Premiere Performances Concert A. J. Fletcher Recital Hall 7:30 p.m. Free. Friday, October 28 Fourth Annual Alumni Concert A. J. Fletcher Recital Hall 7:00 p.m. Free.
Friday, October 28 Organ Spooktacular Recital St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 6:30 p.m. Free. Sunday, October 30 Faculty Recital Carolyn Meyers, vocal and Alisa Gilliam, piano A. J. Fletcher Recital Hall 7:30 p.m. Free. NOVEMBER Thursday, November 3 Opera Performance, “Barber’s “A Hand of Bridge” and Menotti’s “The Medium” A. J. Fletcher Recital Hall 7:00 p.m. General Public $15, Faculty, Staff & Senior Citizen $12, Student $5. Friday, November 4 Opera Performance, “Barber’s “A Hand of Bridge” and Menotti’s “The Medium” A. J. Fletcher Recital Hall 7:00 p.m. General Public $15, Faculty, Staff & Senior Citizen $12, Student $5 Sunday, November 6 Opera Performance, “Barber’s “A Hand of Bridge” and Menotti’s “The Medium” A. J. Fletcher Recital Hall 3:00 p.m. General Public $15, Faculty, Staff & Senior Citizen $12, Student $5.
Friday, November 11 Jazz at Christinne’s with TomtheJazzzman Christinne’s in the Hilton 8:00 p.m. $10/$5 student. Saturday, November 12 ECU Symphony Orchestra Concert Wright Auditorium 7:30 p.m. Free.
DECEMBER Thursday, December 1 Combined Jazz Concert Wright Auditorium 7:30 p.m. Free. Sunday, December 4 Holiday Concert Wright Auditorium 3:00 p.m. Free.
Tuesday, November 15 Bands Concert - Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphonic Band & Marching Pirates Wright Auditorium 7:30 p.m. Free.
Sunday, December 4 Faculty Recital - Emanuel Gruber, cello & Benjamin Hochman, piano A. J. Fletcher Recital Hall 7:30 p.m. Free.
Wednesday, November 16 Percussion Players Concert A. J. Fletcher Recital Hall 7:30 p.m. Free.
Tuesday, December 6 Combined Choral Holiday Concert St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 7:30 p.m. Free.
Friday, November 18 Faculty Recital-Ara Gregorian, violin and Keiko Sekino, piano A. J. Fletcher Recital Hall 7:30 p.m. Free.
Thursday, December 8 Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival A. J. Fletcher School of Music 7:00 p.m. $25 adults, $10 students.
Tuesday, November 29 Wind Ensemble Chamber Players Concert A. J. Fletcher Recital Hall 7:30 p.m. Free.
Friday, December 9 Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival A. J. Fletcher School of Music 8:00 p.m. $25 adults, $10 students.
Wednesday, November 30 Guitar Ensemble Concert A. J. Fletcher Recital Hall 7:30 p.m. Free.
For more information about these events, showtimes, or event locations, please call 252-328-6851.
To purchase tickets, call 1-800-ECU-ARTS, 252-328-4788, or visit www.ecuarts.com. east carolina university
PURPLE! 31
campus rec & club sports
32 PURPLE!
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Stickin’ to IT hockey team balances serious competition with some serious fun
crossed up Sophomore defenseman Carissa Dobbins hits the ball up field against UNC during a tournament held in September. UNC edged out the ECU squad 2-1 in a tough match that remained tied through overtime and was decided by penalty shots.
club field hockey By stephen McNulty
The love of sports runs rampant through ECU and for many students, this love begins at an early age. Night practices and weekend tournaments turned teammates and chaperones into best friends and second families. While some students grow out of organized sports, and gravitate toward fraternities, sororities, special interest clubs, or a job for their new group of friends, those looking to continue in athletics have the ECU club sports program. ECU Campus Recreation and Wellness offers roughly 40 club opportunities for men’s, women’s, and co-ed sports. The list of sports ranges from baseball and basketball to snowboarding and field hockey. “Most people here don’t know what field hockey is,” says ECU club field hockey president Michelle Monzo. “People have come up to me when I have my stick and [ask], ‘What is that?’” The team gathers informally over pasta dinners, socials, and various get-togethers for team bonding. They also support campus philanthropy efforts and volunteer to work a concession stand, always keeping the Pirate Nation in mind. Family and close friendship tends to be a common theme for the field hockey club. “We all enjoy the sport; that’s the No. 1 reason why you want to join the team is to play,” says Monzo. “But it’s not just a team. We’ve become really close. We’re like a family.” Mandie Sponyoe, whose daughter is on the team, plans tailgates with other parents,
jay clark
east carolina university
PURPLE! 33
campus rec & club sports makes signs and bows for the girls, and supports the team throughout the year. “The support the girls give one another on and off the field is priceless. I am so thankful that East Carolina has the club teams for the kids that still want to be active in college and be a part of their school,” says Sponyoe. Tim Walker joined the team last year as the lone male after a significant amount of convincing from his friends. He found that he not only survived the whole season, but that he actually had a good experience. “The best benefits are the bonds you form,” he says. “You’re together three days a week plus road trips. You make some pretty good friends. Being on a club team isn’t as intense as an actual team but it has its moments. It’s fun yet serious.”
“
Being on a club team isn’t as intense as an actual team but it has its moments. it’s fun yet serious.
”
—TIM WALKER
34 PURPLE!
t Field general Club president Michelle Monzo and the team captains are responsible for travel arrangements, schedules, practices, and managing playing time during games.
jay clark
Club field hockey often hosts just one tournament in Greenville each year, causing much of the season to be spent on the road. ECU supplies the team with a van and hotels. The players are expected to provide dues and spending money for the road trips. But don’t think that the club is simply a group of friends who hang out and play field hockey. Since there are no coaches, much of the responsibility lies on the shoulders of the captains and the president. “It’s our job to run and plan practices and hope they go smoothly,” says team captain Nicole Frisco. “We put together the roster and manage playing time. It can be a lot of work.” The players are expected to be at practice and to participate in most team functions, and all members are held to the expectations of the team’s constitution. “I feel like we have a good balance of seriousness during game time, but still have fun with it all,” says Frisco.
november/december 2011
Pirates Helping Pirates
SUCCEED
P irate T utorin g C enter The Pirate Tutoring Center is for ECU students and provides the following services: • Daytime appointment and evening walk-in peer tutoring sessions on 1000- and 2000-level courses
Evening tutoring sessions are offered during fall and spring semesters every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights at Joyner Library from
• Individualized academic skills coaching
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Tutoring referrals and resource support
No appointment needed—just walk in for tutoring help.
• Specialized academic success workshops • PTC small group study sessions on College Hill
All PTC services are free to ECU students.
To make a daytime appointment call 252-737-3009 or e-mail tutoring@ecu.edu.
Pirate Tutoring Center Joyner Library, Room 1015 252-737-3009 tutoring@ecu.edu
www.ecu.edu/piratetutoringcenter
east carolina university
PURPLE! 35
campus rec & club sports ‘paradise’ found North Rec complex adds beach, outdoor activities By Jessica creson nottingham
East Carolina University’s Campus Recreation and Wellness can now say it offers a piece of paradise to its students, faculty, and staff as well as Greenville-area residents. The Phase II portion of the North Recreational Complex, located less than five miles from Main Campus off Highway 264, celebrated its opening with a beach festival on September 15. This inaugural event celebrates the range of outdoor activities this new facility brings to campus and the community, and revealed the name of the u white-sand beach and lake: bump, set, spike; Pirate’s Paradise. throw, paddle, run It was no small task for CRW to add a Hillary Chiang bumps the ball as teammates Abby 51,000-square-foot beach, Williams (rear) and 5.6-acre lake, 2,000-squareDanielle Buchanan look foot boathouse, and an Odon. The new Pirate’s Paradise features sand volleyyssey Challenge course, along ball as well as cornhole, with trails, a disc golf course, kayaks, and fitness trails. outdoor fitness equipment, grills, sand volleyball courts, and a 300-foot zip line to the complex, which took more than fours years to complete, but students are impressed. “It’s just good to be outside,” says Taylor Ellington while looking out over the new beach and lake during the grand opening. As Nicole Chapman, a senior community-health major, gazes up at three students making their way across the Odyssey high ropes course, she’s on the phone trying to convince a friend to do the course with her. The course is designed to move participants outside their comfort zones, strengthen teams, and build leadership skills, and is usually done in a group—where some may be more adventurous. “I think it will be challenging and it looks so cool,” Chapman says still gazing upward. “I’ve done the other one behind the stadium and loved it.” Whether or not her friend is on board, Chapman has decided that she is going to give the course a shot. Chance Coleman, a junior majoring in economics, who was seated just outside the boathouse overlooking the 36 PURPLE!
november/december 2011
lake full of kayakers, comments that “the scenery is nice. Just the word stand-up comedian ‘beach’—you’re going to be drawn in. Scott Polk, a guide at the The fact that it’s outside brings someAdventure Center, tests thing extra: the fresh air.” the stability of one of the CRW is making this an annual event kayaks available for free check-out to students. to continually boost awareness of what is available to students right here on campus, according to Janis Steele, associate director of facilities. “We want the student body to become aware of what we offer now,” says Steele. “There are a number of people unaware of our facilities and that it’s free.” The economic climate does not lend itself well to campus expansion, but with the support and determination of upper-level administration, including that of Chancellor Steve Ballard and Provost Marilyn Sheerer, the complex has become a reality. Nance Mize of Campus Recreation and Wellness works closely on this project and has held tightly to her vision of adding an expansive outdoor recreational facility to ECU. “A big part of our mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment and this expands that concept,” says Mize, interim associate vice chancellor of student services. “It provides another healthy option for Pitt County residents.” The park is open to the public and just costs money to check out rental items including volleyballs, kayaks, discs, horseshoes, and cornhole games, but there is no charge for ECU students and SRC members to rent these items, says Mize. “I was just here last weekend playing sand volleyball with friends—it’s more fun than running on a treadmill,” says Ellington, a senior health fitness major who also works for Student Rec Center’s intramural program. “It’s cool that they put money into something in addition to the gym.” North Rec Complex expands across 129 acres and has already exceeded the projected amount of participation for Phase I, which can be attributed to the roughly 60 intramural and 40 club teams that take advantage of sprawling multipurpose and intramural fields. “UNC and NC State are starting to get rec facilities off campus,” says Alan Nielson, coordinator of facilities and aquatics. “It’s becoming the norm.” Not only is this complex one of a kind, but it also supports the local economy and has created more than 300 student-employee positions, says Mize. NRC will eventually be complete with a Phase III. t
PURPLE! 37
Don’t miss another exciting year…
Ethencore ! night of rising stars DECEMbEr 3, 2011
Music by Richard Rodgers Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
November 17 - 22, 2011 Daily at 8:00 p.m., except Sunday at 2:00 p.m. McGinnis Theatre General Public — $15 ECU Student/Youth — $10
A memorable evening of show tunes, theatre, and dance second to none. Your ticket to this event goes to raising scholarship funds that help many of these highly talented and hard-working students. You’ll see a great revue, and know that you’re investing in the future of theatre and dance at ECU. All Seats – $35.00
Scan for information and tickets.
and there’s still more to come!
Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Department for Disability Support Services Printed on recycled paper with nonstate funds. Dates and titles subject to change. at least 48 hours prior to the event at 252-737-1016 (voice/TTY).
www.ecuarts.com * 252-328-6829
38 PURPLE!
november/december 2011
campus rec & club sports pirate kings and queens fight for residence hall supremacy By stephen McNulty
Since 1988, ECU students have united by residence halls to compete in the King and Queen of the Halls competition to have some fun and play games, but most importantly to interact with fellow Pirates living across campus. Students parade to College Hill Field from their residence halls wearing matching shirts and painted faces. In the past, students have arrived on motorcycles and horses to make sure their entrance is grand. This year, a City of Greenville fire truck escorted Cotten, Fleming, and Jarvis halls, while students from Aycock Hall arrived to the field by way of the Jolly Trolley. The carnival-inspired event includes a basketball shootout, football toss, and sack race among other traditional competitions. For nearly two hours, students take part in the games and earn tokens for their participation. But there is one event that always trumps the others: the slip and slide. Students line up time and again to take a full-speed slide down the soap-covered tarp. “It was the best one I’ve ever been on,” says Matt Morris of Jones Hall, as he wiped the soapsuds from his face. “It was awesome.” For more than two decades, King and Queen of the Halls is going strong. This year more than 750 students registered to participate, which is an approximately 15-percent increase from last year, according to Mark Parker of Campus Recreation and Wellness. “It’s definitely a great marketing tool for Campus Recreation, but it’s also a great collaborative effort with Campus Living to build that camaraderie among residence halls as the fall semester begins,” says Parker. Camaraderie is the objective behind King and Queen of the Halls since its conception, and the students have continued to show their support every year. The participants consist primarily of freshmen and resident advisors, but anyone living in the halls is welcome. Most students in attendance have only been on campus for a month and this gives them an opportunity to let loose and interact with other students. The event closes with two events. First, students line up repeatedly for a competitive, and at times pretty east carolina university
block head John Cruz, representing Jarvis Hall, balances blocks on his head to score points during the competition.
jay clark
battle royale
impressive, game of limbo. “I didn’t even think I could do the first one,” says Sheree’ah Graves, ladies limbo winner and Greene Hall representative. “I have never in my life won a limbo contest before.” And finally, it all comes down to tug of war. The top four halls from each group square off in a final tournament. Mark Hatcher anchored Aycock Hall’s end of the rope in their intense final victory. “It feels amazing to be King of the Halls. Last year we came up short and to pull it out and come through in the clutch was exciting,” says Hatcher. Cotten, Fleming, and Jarvis (CFJ) halls won King of the Halls last year, but the ladies came through this year winning queen. Natalie Robles and Ann Schafer were overwhelmed by the excitement as they posed for pictures with members of their hall, each trying on the crown for themselves. The King and Queen of the Halls has brought ECU students together for 24 years and is likely to continue for another 24. PURPLE! 39
jay clark (2)
pirate spirit
marching pirates
FLAME ON! Feature twirler courtney stearn turns up the heat at halftime By Jessica creson nottingham
It takes guts to simply hold three batons flaming at each end, but it takes serious talent to throw them spinning into the air and catch them while dancing and smiling in front of 50,000 people at a football game. It may even be a talent that runs in the family. Twirling for East Carolina University’s Marching Pirates has been on Courtney Stearn’s agenda since she was 8 years old. It took just one ECU home football game and a step onto campus for her to know she was a Pirate. “I think twirlers and marching bands add that college feel,” says Stearn. “When you watch ESPN, the band denotes college football. The student organizations play such a big role.” At 8 years old, Stearn’s baton instructor and avid Pirate Club supporter took her to an ECU home game where she 40 PURPLE!
saw a twirler in action on the field. The game-day atmosphere in the stadium had her hooked. “I thought, ‘This is something I really want to do and I want to do it here,’” says Stearn. “So when I started visiting colleges, I stepped foot on campus and told my mom, ‘This is my school,’ I said, ‘I’m not going anywhere else but here.’” During the ’80s, Stearn’s cousin Sharon Walton was the feature twirler at ECU and her mom was a twirler for a shorter stint as a child. Stearn, who is originally from Hampton, Virginia, began twirling at age 5 and started competing at just 6 years old and continued until age 21. As a performer, Stearn takes her and ECU’s image seriously. “My baton teacher always said to look your best because you never know who you’re going to run into,” says Stearn. “Children love to watch us so I try to be in good spirits and be a good role model, which isn’t hard because I love college sports.” november/december 2011
In more than 20 years of twirling, Stearn has spin doctor competed at the national Stearn has been twirling in front level for 17 years, winning of the band for nine years, and several titles including this season will be her last. In May she will graduate with a doctorate College Miss Majorette in physical therapy. of Virginia and National 3-Baton Champion consecutively for three years. Stearn chose to stop competing when she decided to start applying to professional schools in physical therapy. She is now an instructor, licensed National Baton Twirling Association judge, and ambassador for twirling and has been to Virgin Islands seven times to teach and perform. In addition to twirling fire batons, Stearn is also unique because she has been ECU’s feature twirler for nine years, with this one being her last. She is planning to graduate in May with a PhD in physical therapy. She earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology in 2007 at ECU also. “I decided that physical therapy was something that was very interesting to me,” she says. “It promotes activity; it promotes wellness.” Stearn visited other professional schools and once again found ECU to be the place for her to continue studying and twirling. “Our facilities here were brand new and the faculty and staff were amazing,” she says. “Even though I knew it was competitive, I wanted to stay here. I enjoy Greenville, the community, the school, and the people here. I knew I wanted to be here for a while.” With Greenville being a medical hub of eastern North Carolina, Stearn’s plans are to stick around the Pirate Nation to continue her work in physical therapy. She and her husband, Howard Stearn, recently bought a house in town. east carolina university
photos courtesy of susie glynn
p
cheerleading
pirate cheerleaders to Irene: bring it on Following Hurricane Irene, the Pirate cheer squad found itself trading poms for chain saws, megaphones for rakes, and backflips for tree branches. The day after the storm, cheer coach Susie Glynn posted an offer to help with cleanup on Facebook, and WITN sportscaster Billy Weaver also made an announcement during his broadcast. Within minutes Weaver responded to Glynn’s post with a viewer who needed help cleaning up her home. “The team was very excited to help out,” said Glynn. “It was a good feeling. They were happy to be able to help somebody.” The team spent two days cleaning up, and made four runs to the dump with debris from just one yard. “Many of our students didn’t have power, and had trees down themselves,” said Glynn. “But they were more concerned with helping out the community than cleaning up their own homes.” PURPLE! 41
ship’s log ecu archives
The story of a stadium By bryan edge
January, 1968... The year was 1965 and East Carolina College’s football program was finding success on the football field winning its second straight Tangerine Bowl. Interest in Pirate sports was at a new high, and Chancellor Leo Jenkins knew the time was right to develop other athletic programs. Using $750,000 of appropriated funds from the state and $1.6 million in student-fee bonds, East Carolina College broke ground in 1966 on a new athletic complex next to Ficklen Stadium. This new building would 42 PURPLE!
not only house ECC basketball, but also hold an Olympic-sized swimming pool and multiple athletic offices and classrooms. Minges Coliseum, named after the Minges family who made several donations to the college, opened in 1968. The Pirates faced then Southern Conference rival West Virginia on January 27, 1968, in the coliseum’s dedication game and lost 77-60. Minges Coliseum began to host more and more athletic events such as women’s basketball and volleyball. However, time began to take its toll on the coliseum and an effort was made just before the ’94–’95 basketball season to renovate the facility. Thanks to the $1-million dona-
p court room The original Minges Coliseum, shown here in the late 1970s, opened in 1968. As East Carolina University grew larger, time and use took its toll on Minges, and the arena was renovated in 1994–1995. Updates included video screens, scoreboards, and increasing the seating capacity to 8,000.
tion from Walter and Marie Williams, Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum expanded its capacity from 5,000 seats to 8,000 and added two video screens and two scoreboards. In recent years, the coliseum has been host to graduations, wrestling events, concerts, and presidential visits in addition to exciting basketball and volleyball games. november/december 2011
east carolina university
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fan-cam
Mackenzie Smith was decked out in her finest purple and gold for the game against UAB on September 24. Dowdy-Ficklen was filled with 50,023 fans who watched the Pirates defeat the Blazers 28-23. photo by michael litwin
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november/december 2011