By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
GREENVILLE — Though the East Carolina Pirates are still awaiting the who and the where of their bowl game, the team, minus the seniors, held their first bowl practice Thursday.
The seniors, who helped lead the Pirates (7-5) to a 35-12 win over Tulane in the regular-season finale, were given Thursday off, and they’ll be excused from today’s practice as well.
ECU will practice today, Saturday and Sunday before getting a day off.
The Pirates will either play in the Dec. 23 Hawaii Bowl in Honolulu or the Jan. 6 GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Ala. ECU will likely find out its destination and opponent after Saturday’s C-USA and MAC championship games.
Sophomore quarterback Rob Kass, who saw some action in last year’s Papajohns.com Bowl, is excited to be back in the postseason.
ECU sophomore defensive end C.J. Wilson was happy to be with his teammates again at Thursday’s practice after being off the last four days.
Holtz said his players were bouncing around Thursday, but are focused about the bowl game.
Holtz happy at East Carolina
By KEVIN TRAVIS
Sports Editor
GREENVILLE — Skip Holtz seems to be on several teams’ Christmas wish lists.
His named has been tossed around as a potential candidate to fill various coaching vacancies. While Holtz said it’s an “honor” to have his name mentioned, the third-year ECU coach said he’s happy in Greenville.
Holtz, 19-17 in three years, has guided the Pirates to consecutive bowl appearances. After falling to South Florida in last year’s Papajohns.com Bowl, the Pirates are awaiting word on where they’ll play this year. The Pirates will likely play in the Hawaii Bowl on Dec. 23 or the GMAC Bowl on Jan. 6.
The affable ECU head coach, who is 15-9 in Conference USA games, joined his players on the field Thursday for its first bowl practice. Because he showed up a minute late, Holtz said his “punishment” is to bring doughnuts to today’s practice.