Process of gathering items for exhibit will begin Saturday at Game Time 101

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Sept. 25, 2014) – The ETSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced Thursday that it will partner with the on-campus Reece Museum and two university graduate students to curate an exhibition about the history of ETSU football scheduled to open in the spring of 2015.

"Countdown to Kick Off: A History of ETSU Football” – the brainchild of ETSU Department of History Master’s candidates Matt Himel and Andrew Avery – will look at the entire history of football at ETSU, leading up to the kick off of the new program in September of 2015.

When they first met with Reece Museum Interim Director Randy Sanders to discuss the idea, both Avery and Himel realized the importance of beginning the process of gathering items for the exhibit. To that end, both Himel and Sanders will be attending the Game Time 101 event this Saturday to begin making contacts with ETSU football fans, coaches, players and alumni.

“Preparing a museum exhibit often begins with identifying artifacts,” Sanders said. “Matt and Andrew wisely recognized the importance of this foundational step early on. That said it is important to note that Matt and Andrew are asking that ETSU football artifacts be loaned for the exhibition – the key word being loaned.”

Himel said this exhibit will play a critical role in shaping the landscape for football’s return.

“This exhibit is going to be a crucial part of the Bucs’ new football season beginning in the fall of 2015, especially for the fans and the community,” Himel said. “After all, you must know where you’ve been to envision your future.”

Michael White, Associate Athletic Director for Communications, said the ETSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is pleased to endorse this project and glad to assist in any way possible.

"We see a great deal of potential for this project to build excitement in the new program, while also reminding our campus of the pride that was felt for the program by those that came before,” White said. “Our department is proud to help support this endeavor.”

For more information on the Game Time 101 tailgating event set for this weekend, click on the following link: http://bit.ly/1nY5HbD