GREENVILLE Years from now, if you could pick one day to best summarize
East Carolina football in 2003-04, it would have to be that picture-perfect
autumn Saturday that followed the announcement of John Thompson's dismissal.
In some ways, East Carolina's 38-35 loss to Memphis on that day which
happened to be yesterday was a microcosm of Thompson's brief tenure as the
Pirates' coach.
Name it and chances are it probably happened. From the early offensive
pounding the Tigers unleashed on the permeable Pirates' defense to a
questionable decision from the ECU sidelines, this was the canvas around
which the Thompson era can be framed.
But to focus on the heartache that no doubt lingers from Steven
Gostkowski's game-winning field goal for the Tigers would undermine the core
theme that underscored Thompson's final home game.
The spirit and passion that had been ripped from the core of East
Carolina made a welcome appearance again.
"Man, am I proud of this football team, these young men," Thompson said.
"When most people would have given in and done it a different way, they
chose to compete, fight, stick together, hang in there under a lot of
situations.
"...There are so many things that we can draw from in real life. Don't
ever forget that this game is about these players and they never gave in and
they never quit."
As a result, there was a rebirth inside Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, one that
extended beyond the sidelines. There was a refueling of the emotional tank
that for two months has been sputtering dangerously near empty.
In addition to Pirates' gutsy effort on the field, there were signs that
the division that long has existed within the fan base was beginning to
mend.
Whether or not it was a response to the actions taken by athletics
director Terry Holland is beside the point. What's important is that Pirate
Nation again was unified with support for its purple soldiers.
"We took some steps forward this week in manhood and courage and staying
with it and doing the right things that will stick with them for the rest of
their lives," Thompson said. "They took some things tonight in proving
that... don't be afraid to make some plays. Don't be afraid to stick out and
do something.
"I think Travis Williams taught our team that tonight. Go make some plays
and sticking with it and staying with it that's what it's all about."
Williams produced the type of fireworks reminiscent of former fan
favorite Keith Stokes. His 69-yard punt return was the spark ECU needed to
claw itself into contention against a more talented foe.
That was complemented nicely by quarterback James Pinkney, whose
336-yards passing was a reminder of the spotlight role his position has
traditionally played in the lore surrounding ECU's proud football program.
At times Saturday, it seemed as if the Pirates were playing for a
Conference USA title, not a position just outside the league cellar.
"I am so proud of everybody on this team," Thompson said. "I am so proud
of this coaching staff, that they stayed with it, they stayed focus and they
competed. They gave it all they had, and we are going to do that again this
week.
"We have a whole lot to be thankful for. We're looking forward to
Thanksgiving, looking forward to some time with our team, with our families,
and looking forward to playing this team from Raleigh and finishing this
thing out the right way."
No question, a win over N.C. State would be a heartwarming farewell for
J.T. More than that, it would generate needed momentum within the fanbase as
the coaching search unfolds.
That alone should be enough to emphasize the importance of this next
hire. The pressure is squarely on Holland to produce a coach who is
perceived as a winner and has enough stature to lend a major jumpstart to
ticket sales and fundraising.
The healing that began against Memphis won't be complete without the naming
of a new leader of ECU's flagship program around whom all constituencies
will rally.