Like social media? “Follow” Winthrop

By David Thackham
thackhamd@mytjnow.com

Shortly before 10 in the morning on Sept. 23, the Facebook fan page “Winthrop Athletics” informed anyone who subscribed to them that the 7 p.m. match-up between East Tennessee State and Winthrop was in doubt. Sixty-four minutes later, the decision was made.

“Friday Night’s Men’s Soccer Match Against #22 East Tennessee State Canceled,” read the “WUEagles” Twitter handle.

The players soon spread the word.

“Game is cancelled tonight,” said Winthrop men’s soccer goalkeeper Enrique Miranda (@EnriqueM33).

Such is the expedience of social media for Winthrop athletics. The athletics department has revamped its dedication to spreading sports news from the Coliseum to Eagle fans and students. Almost all press releases that are posted from the Winthrop athletics website are now disseminated on outlets like Facebook or Twitter.

More than 1,770 profiles now “like” the Winthrop Athletics Facebook page, while 521 Twitter profiles “follow” news directly from the “WUEagles” Twitter feed.

Social media has done more than regurgitate news for Winthrop. For many sports, such as volleyball, it provides constant live updates for games and meets.

“Eagles force another timeout! Score 22-18 in the third set! Eagles up 2 sets to 0. #whatupchickens,” said @WUEagles volleyball correspondent Brandon McGinnis as he updated Winthrop’s match on Saturday against Coastal Carolina.

Updates from athletes, media and fans have evolved and expanded the world of sport both in Winthrop and across the country. Jay DeMerit (@D6MERIT), a defender with Major League Soccer team, the Vancouver Whitecaps, tweeted hours before a match last month, “I’ve also just walked by the [Seattle] Sounders team downtown. Stare down.. Akwwaarrd. (sic) #smile.”

The depth of access that athletes can give to their fans has forever changed the student- athlete relationship dynamic. The athletics department has charged their players to post about games in order to attract their friends to come out and support the Eagles on the field. The players have responded.

“UNCC game at 7!!” said senior volleyball middle hitter Becca Toor via Facebook. “Go eagles <3.”

“Time to get #focused kick off at 5,” Miranda said through Twitter, on the afternoon of a later match against ACC foe Wake Forest.

Even the coaches have taken up the responsibility. Men’s soccer head coach Rich Posipanko (@winthropgaffer) would later report the game’s status on Sunday.

“Lost to Wkae (sic) Forest 1-0. Good work rate. Pleased with that. Had chances. Defended well tonight.”

The day is done, Posipanko tweets his player of the week and now athletes go back to being students.

“Killed my presentation today,” Miranda said around 11 a.m. on Monday. An example of social media bringing students and athletes closer together than ever before. 

They’re like us, too.