Aug. 31, 2012

ALL HANDS ON DECK!

TIME TO GET RUFF AND ROWDY IN DOWDY!

OPPONENTS: ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!

The members of the Pirate Nation have created an exciting and electrifying Pirate Game Day experience that is envied by every opposing team and their fans who visit Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. I have received numerous e-mails from visiting fans who tell me that they were so impressed with the Pirate Game Day atmosphere that they are coming back to see us play someone other than their own team so they can join in cheering the Pirates.

Only the very best fans with an understanding of true SPORTMANSHIP can master the art of being INTIMIDATING and WELCOMING at the same time.

It is important for each of us to remember that what is "intimidating" to our opponents is the noise level created by 50,000 fans chanting "Purple/Gold", singing the fight song together, etc. Fifty-thousand Pirates supporting their team and focused on the game is INTIMIDATING and creates great respect for East Carolina University and our athletic program.

The great Game Day atmosphere helps East Carolina University recruit students and student-athletes who want to be part of something positive and that is respected by all visitors to the community.

However, one Pirate crossing the line by cursing opposing fans, opposing players' parents, and even our own fans, can give away the respect 49,999 Pirates have worked so hard to earn for our university and our community. That is why it is important to help everyone stay on the same page by directing ALL of our energy to the action on the field and not to those around you.

Please remember that every person who visits our stadium will have sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, etc., who could be recruited by East Carolina University in the future. It is important for those visitors to leave our stadium wanting to return to cheer for the Pirates. If we allow any fan to leave with angry feelings about East Carolina University, we are damaging today's reputation and guaranteeing a future university that will be less than it could have been.

Do not lower yourself and your university by responding confrontationally to a belligerent fan sitting nearby. Stay focused on the game and what is happening on the field. Please report any continuing harassment that occurs in your seating area or in the concourses by either texting "ECU" to 94597 or alert an usher or game management personnel.

Treat those around you the way you want to be treated and let's make sure that everyone has a great experience and that the Pirates on the field have the support they need to win every game.

LOUD AND PROUD WITH ONE PASSION AS ONE NATION ... WE ARE THE PIRATES OF ECU!

Terry Holland