AD Jon Gilbert shares athletic updates

East Carolina University Athletic Director Jon Gilbert released a statement on April 1 with many updates and acknowledgements having to do with ECU Athletics.

Gilbert wrote the ECU Athletics Pirates Unite Campaign has surpassed $30 million in fundraising money and more substantial donations will be announced soon.

“I am thrilled to share with you the remarkable progress we have made with our Pirates Unite Campaign in less than two years, thanks to the unwavering generosity of our Pirate Club members,” Gilbert wrote. “Your support has propelled us forward, enabling us to remain competitive in the ever-evolving collegiate landscape.”

The campaign has largely contributed to two large projects, Gilbert wrote, the first being the Isley Indoor Performance Center. The proposed center is around $3 million from being fully funded, GIlbert wrote, and would be a training facility available for all sports programs. The second project, Gilbert wrote, is the expansion of the Dick and Sarah Bennett Baseball Building.

Longtime ECU Athletics Administrator Mike Hanley will retire July 1, Gilbert wrote. Hanley has worked in a variety of roles at ECU, Gilbert wrote, and has served over 30 years at the university. Currently, Gilbert wrote, Hanley works as the sport administrator for the lacrosse, tennis, cross country, track & field and soccer programs at ECU.

“Mike is a true professional in every sense of the word and his integrity and genuine care for others have earned him the respect and admiration of all who have had the privilege of working with him,” Gilbert wrote. “While we will miss Mike, he leaves a lasting legacy with ECU Athletics and his impact will continue to be felt throughout the department.”

Gilbert wrote he congratulates the Pirates Men’s Golf team for their second consecutive tournament win at the 2024 Cutter Creek Intercollegiate last weekend. Gilbert wrote sophomores Lucas Augustsson and Philip Linberg Bondestad came out with especially strong performances.

Team Boneyard is a large contributor to Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities and funds for student-athletes, Gilbert wrote, and has launched an auction last week to further support student-athletes and their personal endeavors. Gilbert wrote that NIL has become a crucial part of student-athletes’ lives and its support from Pirate Nation is appreciated.

“While we are immensely grateful for the support of our large donors, we understand that funding NIL initiatives cannot solely rely on them,” Gilbert said. “It must truly be a collective effort involving all members of Pirate Nation. We have so many businesses in our community and surrounding region, and we hope they will consider empowering our student-athletes through NIL opportunities.”

The 2024 ECU football team can be seen in action on April 13 during the annual Pigskin Pig-Out, Gilbert wrote. The players will sign autographs outside TowneBank Tower from 10:30-11:30 a.m., Gilbert wrote. Over 8,200 season tickets have already been purchased for the 2024 season, Gilbert wrote, with the athletic department’s goal being 15,000.

The ECU Athletics Hall of Fame will be returning to vote in 2025, Gilbert wrote. Individuals nominated from 2022 to June 30, 2025, Gilbert wrote, will be considered in the next election. The Hall of Fame currently sits at 187 inductees, Gilbert wrote, and plans are being made to honor all inductees at a Pirates home football game each season.

“I hope to see you around campus soon,” Gilbert wrote. “Thank you for your loyal support of the Pirates.”