JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — East Tennessee State University president Brian Noland made the rounds in the hospitality room at Freedom Hall on Saturday, smiling and thanking the numerous ETSU supporters who made their way to the team’s game against the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Most wore their colors; navy blazers, gold pants, with the “E” prevalent.
Inside the room, different foods were being served: Chicken and beef stir-fry, hot dogs, and cookies. One of the cooks, who wanted to remain anonymous, said that there was “twice as many” people there as usual.
“This is the most people we’ve had in here for a while,” she said.
In short, the rivalry is officially back.