09/13/2026
Yesterday was uncharacteristically hot and brutal, but our East Carolina Marching Pirates prevailed.
I am so incredibly proud of my daughter, every member of the band, ECU Color Guard , ECU Cheerleading and ECU Dance Team , and their staff. And East Carolina's PeeDee too. Their day starts long before they take the field, and they never stop moving. One last practice, then Pirate Walk, then March Up the Hill, then Pre-Game, then stands music, then Half Time, then more stands music until the game is over.
It was burning hot in those stands and on that field, with temperatures reaching well over 100°. And yet our Pirates persisted, unwavering in their duties to add to and elevate the game day experience.
I say all of this to remind people that if ever you see modifications to their typical uniforms, understand that their leadership has made calls to protect their health and safety. As much as I would have loved to see my girl in the full gear in her first showing as a Marching Pirate, I am beyond thankful that changes were made to cut down on the heat risk. Many people were asking how I could stand it in what I wear...well, I have the ability to escape into A/C for a bit. These students do not. I greatly admire these students' resilience and their passion for what they do, and I hope every one of them knows how much they are appreciated, loved, and that they get some well deserved aRrrr & aRrrr today.
Marching Band, Color Guard, Cheerleading and Dance are all sports. And whilst we didn't get the field outcome we wanted, we watched these game day support teams win yesterday.
I'll see you in two weeks, Pirates.
Signed, your biggest fan (other than your parents)
