The 2023 football season at East Carolina was one that begged for improvement. Jim Szoke described the 2-10 struggle in his first year as radio voice of the Pirates. Szoke is among those who are optimistic for 2024. Jeff Charles' successor is a broadcast veteran, who made a quick entry into his profession decades ago. "I got into broadcasting literally my first week in … [Read more...]
VIEW FROM THE EASTGilbert sees calm before pending storm
Summer is a time of relative calm on the East Carolina campus as athletic director Jon Gilbert noted Wednesday. "We don't have as many sports teams that are here," Gilbert said. "Football, men's and women's basketball. We've got some volleyball student athletes and soccer student athletes here, but not the entire student body population or student athlete population, and so … [Read more...]
VIEW FROM THE EASTThe first step: A look at Norfolk State
East Carolina opens the 2024 football season at home against Norfolk State on Saturday, Aug. 31, at 6 p.m. (ESPN+). It will be the first gridiron meeting between the two programs, located approximately two hours apart. There was a matchup scheduled as the third contest for ECU in 2020 but it was scrapped due to COVID protocols. Both teams are looking for a resurgence … [Read more...]
VIEW FROM THE EASTMemphis favored in AAC football
Preseason publications and oddsmakers have established Memphis as the favorite in American Athletic Conference football. In a landmark year in college football with expanded playoffs, there will be a new AAC champion as Southern Methodist has moved to the ACC. A $100 wager on the Tigers will pay $230 if they win the AAC championship on Dec. 6. East Carolina will pay … [Read more...]
VIEW FROM THE EASTBlack Knights come marching into AAC
The volume of teams involved in changing membership in the American Athletic Conference is greatly diminished from a year ago, but the newest arrival brings a high degree of tradition and national attention. The AAC expands with the addition of Army for football only. It's a much smaller scale than when Alabama Birmingham, Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, North Texas, Rice … [Read more...]