Johnson City, Tennessee: A Weekend to Remember for ETSU Football
It’s not just any Saturday for the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers football team; this past weekend’s adventure to The Citadel is one they’ll likely share stories about for years to come! After a weekend filled with unexpected challenges, the team rolled back into Johnson City and was met with cheers and excitement from fans on Sunday evening.
A Journey Interrupted
The trip to Charleston, South Carolina, started with its fair share of hiccups. Just as they were getting on the road, heavy rainfall from Hurricane Helene created rising waters that made Interstate 26 nearly impassable. The team found themselves stranded outside Asheville for about 14 long hours. “I mean, I’m from this area, but I’ve never seen anything like that,” said Zach West, a linebacker from Watauga, North Carolina. As they sat there, they could see storm tares and flooding that had affected local communities, and their hearts went out to those suffering. “You know, I want to send my thoughts and my prayers to everybody that’s been affected,” West added.
Looking Out for Each Other
The family-like atmosphere of the Bucs was put to the test as they found themselves in quite the predicament. Unable to communicate easily with loved ones or even ETSU administration, the team’s spirits remained high. When a group of coaches headed to find some necessities nearby, they met Ryan Ratliff, a kind stranger who made it his mission to help. “He was just along for the ride,” said offensive coordinator Joe Scelfo, who explained how Ratliff drove them to a hotel so they could reach out to family. And when the team finally managed to get some rest, Ratliff returned to let them know that I-26 was cleared. “Get up! You all got a football game to win!” he called, showcasing the camaraderie and support of the surrounding community.
Game Day Energy
Bright and early Saturday morning, the Bucs made it to Charleston around 4:30 a.m. The team’s director of athletics, Dr. Richard Sander, jumped into action to negotiate a game time change. Initially scheduled for 4 p.m., he was able to shift the kick-off to 5 p.m. There was a feeling going into the game that no one would blame them if they weren’t at their best after such an exhausting journey. “But, we know what we’re capable of,” said West, reflecting the resilience that defines this squad.
Victory Is Sweeter
And play they did! Amidst all odds, the Buccaneers delivered an incredible performance – scoring three touchdowns in the fourth quarter and clinching their first conference victory of the season with a 34-17 score. Coach Tre Lamb expressed his pride in his team’s determination, emphasizing that they weren’t the type to make excuses. “We’re not going to be a program that makes any excuses – period,” he declared, highlighting that this mentality is essential for both sports and life.
A Beacon of Hope
Throughout the whirlwind of challenges, Coach Lamb and his players also kept in mind that they were part of a larger community, one grappling with the aftermath of natural disaster. “It’s heartbreaking,” Lamb said sincerely. His hope was for the team’s success to bring some joy and unity to those affected by the storm’s devastation. “Together we win” was the mantra for this year’s team, a reminder of the strength in coming together to support one another, both on the field and off.
Looking Ahead
After a well-deserved day off on Monday, the Bucs will gear up to face off against the Chattanooga Mocs this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Johnson City is buzzing with anticipation as the team continues to symbolize resilience and community spirit in the face of adversity.
