Practice times have varied for East Carolina during preseason. The Pirates practiced under the lights at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on Wednesday night, but coach Mike Houston us taking a hard look at morning practices during the 2024 season. An advantage of morning practices on the heavy days — Tuesdays and Wednesdays — the season is that it would allow more recovery time before … [Read more...]
News & Features
VIEW FROM THE EASTMonroe harkens back as ’99 Pirates celebrate silver anniversary
Twenty-five years ago was a different time in college football. Transfers had to sit out a year and recruiting did not involve NIL money. The 1999 team was one of the best in East Carolina history. The team will be recognized as ECU hosts Texas-San Antonio in its American Athletic Conference opener on Sept. 28. Kevin Monroe was a senior leader at cornerback as the Pirates … [Read more...]
CLASS OF 2025 RECRUITING FEATUREECU bests slew of suitors for Georgia defensive end
Colquitt County (GA) football coach Sean Calhoun calls star defensive end Amari Wilson a "connection kid.'' So, when numerous Football Bowl Subdivision programs began pursuing the 6-foot-2, 235-pounder, East Carolina immediately stood out. The Pirates were one of the first to offer a scholarship to Wilson back in May 2023 and added an ace in the hole last March by hiring … [Read more...]
VIEW FROM THE EASTHeat impacts Pirates’ first practice
East Carolina had its first day of football practice on Wednesday from 9:40 a.m. until 11:50 a.m., wearing only helmets in terms of equipment. ECU coach Mike Houston said heat became a factor later in the session. Anticipation is building nationwide for the season, which will begin for the Pirates at home against Norfolk State on Saturday, Aug. 31, with a 6 p.m. kickoff. The … [Read more...]
VIEW FROM THE EASTVeteran voice Szoke optimistic for second season
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...]