Spring Game Creates Competitive Atmosphere
April 10, 2003 | Football
GREENVILLE, N.C. -- The level of intensity in the competition during spring practice was raised this week as East Carolina University's football program split its personnel into two distinct teams for Saturday's Spring Game.
Thursday's rainy weather in Greenville did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm as players assigned to both Purple and Gold squads went through their final preparations during a short practice held at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
"In the last week of spring practice, normally you don't get a lot done, but we feel like we really accomplished a lot," first-year head coach John Thompson said. "When we divided the teams up on Monday, it created some excitement and the guys went out and practiced hard. They might have tricked themselves into getting better."
ECU was originally scheduled to practice on Wednesday afternoon, but wet field conditions led coaches to a decision of taking the team to a bowl game ... of the 10-pin variety. Thompson surprised the entire squad with a team trip to the local bowling alley to further encourage the competitive spirit.
Saturday's game will hold more incentive that just pride as serving duties at a team meal next week is on the line.
"The losers will have to serve the winners, like 'I need a cold drink' or 'go ahead and get me another piece of chicken' and that kind of thing. There'll be some humility that will be involved in that. We're going to feed them and feed them good, but the losing team serves the winners," Thompson said.
Saturday's game, which kicks off at 3 p.m. at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, wraps up spring football practice and is part of the 20th Annual Great Pirate Purple/Gold Pigskin Pig-Out Part. Tickets for the game are $2 in advance and $4 at the gate and may be purchased by phone by calling 1-800-DIAL ECU (inside North Carolina) or (252) 328-4500.
"I think this will be our first look at what kind of personality this team is going to have," Thompson offered. "We want them to go out and have fun and show what they've worked for for 14 practices. We'll see who can compete and who can make some plays."
