In light of most collegiate spring athletics shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a social media movement is brewing in the ETSU community.
On Thursday, March 19, ETSU students, fans and alumni are being encouraged to wear their ETSU blue and gold colors and spread photos over social media using the #BackTheBucs hashtag, in a showing of solidarity and support for all ETSU athletics.
The ETSU men’s basketball program, most notably, was scheduled to begin NCAA Tournament play on Thursday, after a school record 30-win season that saw the Bucs win the Southern Conference title with authority.
Instead, the #BacktheBucs social media trend will aim to pay tribute to both the men’s basketball team and all ETSU athletics teams that have had a profound and positive impact on students, faculty and alumni alike.
ETSU junior Lindsey Lung described in her own words the significance of the #BacktheBucs movement and how it symbolizes appreciation for ETSU athletics.
“I think it shows how much we care for our student athletes,” Lindsey said. “When it comes down to it, we are one family, so of course [the shutdown] is super upsetting, but I wouldn’t trade their safety or the safety of Buc nation for anything.”
While several of the ETSU spring athletics teams were off to a surging start to their respective seasons, the Southern Conference has decided to cancel the remainder of spring competition in all sports.
Still, students, fans and alumni refuse to let the shutdown discourage them from displaying Buccaneer pride, both off-campus and over various social media platforms. The #BacktheBucs movement will be one such example of solidarity for ETSU and Bucs’ love and passion for student athletics.
“The athletics programs have let me get more involved on campus and meet other people that I otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to meet,” Lindsey said. “It means a lot to me personally.”
The ETSU official Twitter and Instagram pages are ask that Buccaneers wear blue and gold colors March 19 and use the hashtag #BacktheBucs or tag ETSU and ETSU Athletics in photos.
ETSU athletics may be shut down for now, but the university and ETSU Athletics hope this will share pride and passion of the Buccaneer fans.
