Former ECU assistants reflect on bittersweet win with James Madison
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GREENVILLE, NC -- The defending FCS national champions from James Madison beat East Carolina 34-14 Saturday night and for a trio of Dukes assistants, the win was bittersweet.
Tripp Weaver, Dale Steele and Donnie Kirkpatrick all spent time with the Pirates over the last decade, with Kirkpatrick spending 11 seasons with ECU from 2005-2015.
After Saturday's win, Kirkpatrick was overcome with emotion.
"Just proud of a lot of those guys like Trevon Brown and Chris Love that have gone through hardship," said Kirkpatrick. "Great to see those kids playing. A lot of those kids I coached, lot of those kids I recruited and I love them to death. I know they are hurting tonight and I know we are celebrating but it's emotional. I almost feel worse for them than I do happy for us."
"It is always special to get a win," said former ECU cornerbacks coach Tripp Weaver. "This is a special place for my Wife and I. Donnie, Dale everybody so it did mean something. Great to get it here."
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