Dec. 16, 2005

GREENVILLE, N.C. - Some of ECU's best and brightest stepped up to help those in need in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, one of the largest natural disasters to ever befall this country.

The players and coaches of the East Carolina University Department of Athletics have opened their hearts and their wallets to the victims of the storm that displaced thousands of people across the Gulf Coast. Donations, raised by the Pirate football, softball, baseball, swimming and diving teams, as well as the Student Athlete Advisory Council, which is made up from representatives of all of East Carolina's varsity sports, totaled $19,215.71.

"I think it's phenomenal the amount of money they have raised and the time that they dedicated to raising the money, it is very generous of them," said ECU Assistant Athletics Director for Student Development Nita Boyce. "It is very important for our student athletes to give back to those who have experienced such devastation."

The funds for the relief effort, which were collected throughout the fall semester, began to come in as soon as the images of destruction were beamed in from the ravaged region. One of the first donations came from the Pirate softball team. The squad, which was the recipient of the student development award, gave half of their $1,000 prize to help victims of the storm. The baseball team raised $15,057 in one day alone with a 100-Inning game.

"It is important for student athletes to be positive role models and I think this demonstrates that," Boyce added. "They will be able to take what they are developing here and take it to their own communities and continue that support of volunteer organizations."

The money has been distributed to various relief organizations including the Pitt County Red Cross and the Conference USA Hurricane Relief Fund. The league effort was established to help affected member institutions Tulane, which is located in New Orleans, and Southern Miss in Hattiesburg.

Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort
Softball: contributed $500.00 from the Student Development Award
Baseball: contributed $15,057 from 100 Inning Game and collecting donations at Colonial Mall
Football: contributed $1,923.71 from team and coach personal donations
Men's and Women's Swimming: contributed $1,290.00 from team and coach personal donations; $790.00 donated to Pitt County ARC and $500.00 donated to the Tulane Coaches Hurricane Fund.
SAAC: contributed $445.00 from all ECU varsity sport teams
Total Contribution - $ 19,215.71