East Carolina has progressed to full equipment, a defining stage in preseason practice, and Pirates coach Mike Houston is seeing projected starting quarterback Mason Garcia step up. Garcia is getting competition from Alex Flinn. "We've got two good ones," Houston said. "I think Mason, the last four days, has really elevated his play. I mean he's playing with a ton of … [Read more...]

East Carolina coach Mike Houston was pleased after the first practice of preseason football camp on Tuesday morning as the Pirates got a break with lower than normal temperatures. "Couldn't ask for better weather," Houston said. "I told some of the new guys, I said, 'This is mid-October weather right here.' I mean, this is certainly not typical Eastern North Carolina … [Read more...]

Mike Houston made his remarks at the media kickoff for American Athletic Conference football as one of the league's longest-tenured coaches. Even as his rebuilding efforts continue from three straight 3-9 seasons prior to his arrival, Houston is an AAC veteran as he enters his fifth season at East Carolina. With the abrupt dismissal of Ken Niumatalolo after 15 seasons at … [Read more...]

As is his custom, American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco led off the league's football media kickoff Tuesday with an opening speech. Aresco recognized passings in the league community such as East Carolina play-by-play voice Jeff Charles, a recent selection for the ECU Athletics Hall of Fame. Aresco lauded the league's accomplishments, including Tulane's … [Read more...]