“It’s pride. It’s tradition. It’s passion. It’s a group facing adversity, looking it square in the eye, hitting it right in the jaw and saying, ‘Bring it on. Want some and get some.’ ” – Ruffin Mcneil

I know most of you don’t care about College Football. Well its something pretty important to me. As I get ready to make my 1st of 6 trips this fall to Greenville, NC for East Carolina Football that quote above from our current coach reflects a lot of my feelings for the boys in Purple n Gold. So many people I know from my days at East Carolina have overcome many obstacles, and now are starting to get the benefits from that hard work. And so many people still tell us what we can’t do. Say what you will about East Carolina, but I think it instills a desire for more in everyone who attends and pays attention. It’s my school and I’ll forever be thankful for it. And we are Pirates. In more ways then one.

The other most important part of the trip for me is family. Both of my parents went there and its the one time of year I’m sure to spend time with my dad and my brother. As we all live so many different lives right now, and after years of Northeast and Midwest exile for me, its really great just to walk in the tailgate fields with them, experience the atmosphere, and know that we will share the same memories of last minute wins, and even terrible losses years from now. But we will share them together.
So tonight, I’m putting my flags on the car windows and driving 5 1/2 hours to Greenville, NC. Its a city I’m not overly fond of, but a school that shaped me into parts of what I am today. Go Pirates! PURPLE!