Despite cold and rainy weather last Thursday, ETSU’s athletic teams and residents of Johnson City showed up strong for Bucky’s Boo Bash. Started in 2017, the event is hosted by ETSU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Council and sponsored by Bojangles. Athletic teams dress up and hand out candy to trick-or-treaters.
For close to an hour, more than 12 teams engaged with families in Johnson City and the campus community. Dr. Jessica Thomas, associate athletics director for student athlete success, said the event is a way for athletes to “give back” to the community.
The community “supports and invests” in the student athletes. Bucky’s Boo Bash is a time for athletes to show their appreciation, while also relaxing and having fun amid a hectic schedule. The event is a fun time for both athletes and trick-or-treaters alike.
The kids get to enjoy candy and interact with their favorite athletes, while the student athletes get a chance to let loose and have fun.
“Sometimes you need to remember there’s a childlike quality you can still tap into,” Thomas said.
One of her favorite aspects of the event is the fun atmosphere and the joy that all participants experience as they interact. Each team spends the year planning its group costume. Afterwards, the community has a chance to vote for their favorite. The tradition of Bucky’s Boo Bash, combined with new costumes every year and good-natured competition, has made the event special and anticipated since its founding.
Thomas said Bucky’s Boo Bash epitomizes the department’s motto: “Be Great,” which serves as an acronym for “grateful, resilient, excited, all in and together.” The event allows athletes to serve the community and express their gratitude, while also providing excitement and relaxation for each team. It’s an event that has been occurring for almost a decade, demonstrating the department’s commitment to service and the community.
Photos from the event and more information can be found on SAAC’s Instagram at @etsu.saac.
