Spring Break
Column: I'm a Tar Heel born… I'll be a Pirate dead
Jared Jackson, Staff Writer
Issue date: 6/17/09 Section: Sports
I tried to argue my point that pulling for the Tar Heels isn't a switch that can be turned off; it is a tradition when you grow up outside of Eastern North Carolina. You're raised to either root for UNC, Duke, N.C. State and sometimes Wake Forest.
But my point was to no avail, I was labeled a Heel. I should have chosen my words carefully or not spoke at all, for now three years later, I realize the Boneyarders were right.
You can't be a "true" Pirate and root for UNC or any other school for that matter.
Maybe it was seeing Skip Holtz and his squad run out onto the field against UNC in a 34-31 Pirate victory in 2007, or maybe it was two weekends ago when I made the trek to Chapel Hill to cover the Diamond Bucs as the Tar Heels swept them in super regional action.
But the once beautiful Carolina blue that still covers my bedroom walls at home has became much more of just a plain, pale blue.
UNC basketball coach Roy Williams once said, "I was a Tar Heel born. When I die, I'll be a Tar Heel dead. But in the middle, I have been Tar Heel- and Jayhawk-bred."
Well for me, I was a Tar Heel born, a "PiraHeel" in the middle, but when I die I'll be a "true" Pirate six feet under.
And sorry Dad, there was only one outcome that would have satisfied me two weekends ago, and it's the reason I left for the press conference room early after deciding not to watch the Tar Heels celebrate a fourth consecutive trip to the College World Series.
As for fellow "true" Pirates, be easy on the "PiraHeels" -- it may take a while, but they'll see the light sooner or later.
And if not, that's their loss.
But my point was to no avail, I was labeled a Heel. I should have chosen my words carefully or not spoke at all, for now three years later, I realize the Boneyarders were right.
You can't be a "true" Pirate and root for UNC or any other school for that matter.
Maybe it was seeing Skip Holtz and his squad run out onto the field against UNC in a 34-31 Pirate victory in 2007, or maybe it was two weekends ago when I made the trek to Chapel Hill to cover the Diamond Bucs as the Tar Heels swept them in super regional action.
But the once beautiful Carolina blue that still covers my bedroom walls at home has became much more of just a plain, pale blue.
UNC basketball coach Roy Williams once said, "I was a Tar Heel born. When I die, I'll be a Tar Heel dead. But in the middle, I have been Tar Heel- and Jayhawk-bred."
Well for me, I was a Tar Heel born, a "PiraHeel" in the middle, but when I die I'll be a "true" Pirate six feet under.
And sorry Dad, there was only one outcome that would have satisfied me two weekends ago, and it's the reason I left for the press conference room early after deciding not to watch the Tar Heels celebrate a fourth consecutive trip to the College World Series.
As for fellow "true" Pirates, be easy on the "PiraHeels" -- it may take a while, but they'll see the light sooner or later.
And if not, that's their loss.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 27
BOB HOLTZMAN
posted 6/16/09 @ 5:50 PM EST
First of all, it's "Mack" Brown. Second, I was also raised as a Carolina fan. Please don't tell me I'm not a "true" Pirate because I continue to root for the Heels. (Continued…)
Learn the history
posted 6/16/09 @ 6:38 PM EST
Learn the history of ECU and the many attempts of UNC trying to minimize its existence. When ECTTS (East Carolina Teacher Training School) was thought of, UNC and the Consolidated Universities (precursor to the UNC System) didn't want the school to exist. (Continued…)
Tyler
posted 6/16/09 @ 6:52 PM EST
Sorry Bob but Jared is right, you might not want Jared to tell you, your not a "true" Pirate fan but I dang sure will. If you truly understand everything between ECU and UNC @ chapel hill then you would understand that is it not just sports, but way more than that. (Continued…)
dave
posted 6/16/09 @ 7:45 PM EST
doesn't matter how you got here, welcome aboard and go damn pirates!
PirateFreak
posted 6/16/09 @ 7:53 PM EST
Never understood why people love a school that rejects you, or is too expensive to attend. Read the history and educate yourself, then you'll see why TRUE PIRATES never side/cheer for such an elitist group of snobs. (Continued…)
Carolina Blue
posted 6/16/09 @ 11:07 PM EST
This was linked to the Carolina board, and I must say, EZU fans suck. Go Heels! I never have seen anyone on our campus pull for EZU in anything. EZU fans are bandwagon fans, good to knock you out of the super regional and continue to dominate you in everything from the athletic field to the classroom. (Continued…)
Sarah
posted 6/16/09 @ 11:39 PM EST
Really?? You "settled" for ECU???
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George
posted 6/17/09 @ 10:35 AM EST
If a student or alumnus of ECU knows the history of unc-ch over more than 100 years of unc-ch loyalists doing everything it their power to deny a Teachers College in ENC and then trying to deny every effort to improve ECTC, ECC and ECU still is a unc-ch fan that is akin to treason in most ECU loyalist's way of thinking. (Continued…)
Erik
posted 6/17/09 @ 12:50 PM EST
All walheels should be forced to hang out with real graduates/students from that place, for an entire day. That would cure 'em.
Just pull for the degree on the wall baby. (Continued…)
Chris
posted 6/17/09 @ 1:59 PM EST
Yeah, I use to be a true Tarheel fan. But, after working for and going to ECU I grew up. Now when I see UNC my stomach turns a bit. I know some grad's from there and finally understand the difference in attitudes. (Continued…)
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