East Carolina Pirates Mascot History:

A pirate, the symbol of East Carolina University , was adopted more than 57 years ago. The pirate was a natural choice when intercollegiate athletics began. Pirates, fierce and colorful, were prominent in North Carolina's during the colonial period. The states outer banks, which jut out far into the Atlantic, were ideal hideouts for these gangsters of the high seas. Many had homes and families in small villages along the Carolina coast. ECU's interest in pirates and sea lore began in 1934. That year Tecoan, the yearbook, carried pirates as its theme. Images of eye patched pirates filled its pages. Old Gold and Royal Purple were established as the official school colors in 1909.