JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Feb. 15, 2015) -- 200 days and counting …

For the ETSU football program, today stands as another major date in the “Countdown to Kickoff,” as the Buccaneers are now just 200 days removed from playing their first game at home against Kennesaw State on Sept. 3, 2015.

To mark today’s significance the ETSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is releasing a new 30-second commercial promoting football season ticket sales for the 2015 season, as well as announcing major dates and events that are on the horizon regarding the football program.

In addition, we look back at some of the major milestones, announcements and achievements of the ETSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and the football program since the announcement of football’s return on April 2, 2013.

Future Announcements:

ETSU fans have been anxious to learn any and all news about the ETSU football program and over the next several months there will be plenty of news to share. This list includes:

1. Stadium site, design and fund-raising plans
2. New uniform designs
3. Game Time Tour dates, times and locations
4. Information about a new “Countdown to Kickoff” exhibit at the Reece Museum

Spring Practice:

Fans can mark their calendars for the Spring Practice, as the Bucs will begin workouts on March 17 and will culminate the spring schedule with a Blue and Gold game on April 11. Times and locations for this game will be announced in the coming weeks.

Coaching staff:

Head coach Carl Torbush announced the additions of former ETSU players Mike Rader and Scott Brumett to his coaching staff just this past week. To view the entire coaching staff at present, click the following link: http://www.etsubucs.com/football/coaches/

New recruits:

On Feb. 4, the Buccaneers announced its second recruiting class, a group that left Coach Torbush and his staff extremely happy with the potential for the future. To learn more about the class, click here to access the 2015 Signing Day Central page: http://www.etsubucs.com/football/signing-day/

2015 schedule:

Just before the Christmas 2014 holidays, the ETSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics gave our fans an early present with the release of the 2015 Football Schedule. To see the complete schedule for the fall, click here: http://www.etsubucs.com/football/schedule/

Purchase tickets:

It’s not too early to get your seats for the 2015 season. To get your seats now, click on the following link and purchase today: https://tkt.xosn.com/tickets/TicketHome.dbml?SPID=12264&DB_OEM_ID=16500&_MODE_=SEASONSELECT&SALE_TKT_SEASON_ID=212036

FOOTBALL TIMELINE

To take a quick look back and where the program has been over the last two years, check out the FOOTBALL TIMELINE below:

January 15, 2012 – Dr. Brian Noland named president of East Tennessee State University

May 10, 2012 – Dr. Noland forms the Committee for 125 and charges the group to provide recommendations for programmatic changes across the university

December 5, 2012 – The report from the Committee for 125 recommends reinstating a new football program at ETSU.

January 15, 2013 – Dr. Noland names Dr. Richard Sander to the position of Interim Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. The interim tag is removed just a few months later.

January 29, 2013 – The ETSU Student Government Association votes and approves a $125 per semester student athletic fee specifically for funding of a football program. 

March 29, 2013 – The Tennessee Board of Regents certifies ETSU’s Student Government Association vote and approves the increase in student fees to support football.

April 2, 2013 – ETSU holds a press conference to announce the return of football to campus. At that time, it is also announced that former University of Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer will be hired to act as a special consultant for football and to help lead the search for a new head coach.

April 3, 2013 – It is announced that a new “Kickoff Fund” has been initiated, asking donors to give at least $250 per year (the same as students had agreed to pay) to help support the football program.

June 11, 2013 – At a called press conference, ETSU announces it will be leaving the Atlantic Sun Conference and will be rejoining the Southern Conference at the start of the 2014-15 season.

June 21, 2013 – ETSU hires former North Carolina head football coach Carl Torbush as its new head coach.

July 27, 2013 – ETSU hosts the first annual Carl Torbush High School Football Coaches Clinic inside  the Culp Center on campus. Torbush, Fulmer and other college coaches address the group.

July 29, 2013 – Torbush announces that he has hired former ETSU player and assistant coach Billy Taylor to return to the program as the team’s defensive coordinator.

July 31, 2013 – Torbush hires former University of Tennessee cornerback and Kingsport, Tenn., native Teddy Gaines as his second assistant coach. Gaines will coach defensive backs and work with special teams.

Sept. 7, 2013 – ETSU host the first annual Women’s Football Clinic, hosted by Torbush and his staff, inside the ETSU/MSHA Athletic Center.

Sept. 13, 2013 – For the first time in 10 years, ETSU football coaches hit the recruiting trail in anticipation of signing the program’s first class in February of 2014.

Nov. 2, 2013 – The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics hosts a special Homecoming reunion event for former football players as part of the weekend activities.

Nov. 5, 2013 – ETSU announces it has signed a new licensing and apparel deal with Nike to provide gear for football, as well as other Buccaneer teams.

Nov. 14, 2013 – During a called press conference, it is announced that ETSU’s first opponent will be fellow first-year program Kennesaw State, and the game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 3, 2015.

Feb. 5, 2014 – ETSU announces first recruiting class in preparation for 2015 season.

May 15, 2014 – Former N.C. State head coach Mike O’Cain named ETSU offensive coordinator

July 10, 2014 – ETSU alumni Erik Losey named offensive line coach

Sept. 3, 2014 – Bucs host first Media Day in over 10 years.

Sept. 15, 2014 – Bucs hold first official practice in over 10 years.

Sept. 27, 2014 – Over 3,000 fans turn out for an all-day tailgate event at ETSU Game Time 101, which is highlighted by the team’s first official Blue-Gold Scrimmage.

Nov. 1, 2014 – On a snowy, frigid day, the Bucs participate in ETSU Homecoming by playing the team’s final Blue-Golf scrimmage of the fall.

Dec. 18, 2014 – Coach Torbush releases the team’s 2015 schedule, a 10-game slate that includes six home games and four road contests.

Feb. 4, 2015 – The Buccaneers announce their second recruiting class, a group that includes 45 commitments, of which 26 are Tennessee residents.

Feb. 6, 2015 – It is announced that the Buccaneers will face the University of Tennessee on the gridiron on Sept. 8, 2018 at tradition-rich Neyland Stadium.

Feb. 10 & 11, 2015 – Coach Torbush announces the addition of former Bucs Mike Rader and Scott Brumett to the coaching staff

Feb. 15, 2015 – The ETSU football program reaches the “200 Days Until Kickoff” milestone.