THIS IS A PAID ADVERTORIAL

The Healthy Foods Card benefit provides an allowance to purchase approved healthy foods and may help you eat healthier.

If you are eligible, Humana plans may be able to help you pay for healthy food to put on the table with the Healthy Foods Card benefit.

It’s included with the Humana Gold Plus SNP-DE H1951-041 (HMO D-SNP).

Healthier grocery purchases … Here’s how it works.

• Each month, the Healthy Foods Card is automatically loaded with $75 (unspent money does not roll over to the next month)
• Shop at participating stores for approved grocery items
• Swipe the Healthy Foods Card at the checkout to pay for purchases

Individuals interested in learning more or signing up can call Cindy Chelette at 318-372-4648 (TTY: 711) Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. or email cchelette@humana.com.

_____________________________________________

Humana is a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Louisiana Medicaid program. Enrollment in this Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Applicable to Humana Gold Plus SNP-DE H1951-041 (HMO D-SNP). At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status or religion. English: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Espanol (Spanish): ATENCION: Si habla espanol, tiene a su disposicion servicios gratuitos de asistencia linguistica. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711).

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Nancy W Moss 
February 27, 1941 – June 24, 2022 
No services planned

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Ensminger Lands Creek Job (Feb. 25): https://bit.ly/3OQW95l

 

By Malcolm Butler

In the middle of a search for their next boys basketball coach, Cedar Creek High School is now back on the hunt for a football coach and athletics director.

Just four months after hiring Steven Ensminger as its athletics director and head football coach, Cedar Creek and Ensminger have mutually agreed to part ways.

The Lincoln Parish Journal learned of the decision this afternoon.

Cedar Creek and Ensminger released a joint statement.

“After much prayer and thoughtful consideration, Cedar Creek School and Steven Ensminger, Jr., have mutually agreed to move in a different direction. Steven Ensminger, Jr., wishes the best for Cedar Creek School and its players moving forward and has decided to pursue other opportunities. Cedar Creek School is thankful for Coach Ensminger’s time at Cedar Creek and expects great things from him in his career.”

Ensminger was named the Cougar head coach on February 25 after a more than a six-week search process following the departure of Matt Middleton, who left to take the offensive coordinator position at Southern Arkansas University.

It was Ensminger’s first head coaching job of his career, and he led the Cougars through spring workouts and spring game against Red River.

The former college quarterback at Auburn and LA Tech served as the quarterbacks coach at Ruston High last season where he helped the program to the Class 5A state quarterfinals. He also coached at Assumption (2020), Patterson High School (2012), and Convenant Christian (2011-12).

Cedar Creek returns the nucleus of last year’s 6-4 team that earned a spot in the Division IV playoffs. A unnamed spokesman from the Creek camp said the school plans to move quickly on finding a replacement with fall camp just over a month away.

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Brode Paide, first-year marketing student from Biloxi, Mississippi, received the Lane McGaha Memorial Scholarship.

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A suspicious vehicle call Friday led to the arrest of a Princeton, La., man on numerous charges. 

Ruston Police responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle at The Springs Church on South Barnett Springs Street Saturday. A records check of John Donaho, 35, revealed he was wanted the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Department on warrants for a battery of a dating partner and theft of a motor vehicle. The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Department also held a warrant for Donaho for misdemeanor theft. In a search, a vape pen Donaho said contained THC was found in his pocket.

Donahoe was arrested and placed in a patrol car to travel to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. He was told if he had anything hidden on his any contraband on his body it would result in additional charges if he took it into the detention center. 

During the trip, his behavior changed. He began to sweat profusely and seemed to be experiencing abdominal pain. At the detention center, deputies found a small bag of suspected methamphetamine hidden in Donahoe‘s body. A body scan was completed in detention center staff advised they observed a and abnormality consistent with swallowing narcotics. 

Donaho was taken to the North Louisiana Medical Center where the contents of his stomach, including chunks of suspected methamphetamine, were removed. Donaho admitted to swallowing approximately 6 grams of methamphetamine when he saw police. 

Donaho was booked for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and a drug free zone, possession of a schedule one controlled substance (THC), introduction of contraband into a correctional facility, obstruction of justice by destroying evidence, and the warrants from Natchitoches and Caddo parishes.

Bail was set at $62,500.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

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Courtesy of Learfield

A pair of Louisiana Tech alums have joined the LA Tech Sports Properties team as Brad Pietz and Sadie Patton joined the Learfield property in June. 

Pietz is the new general manager for LA Tech Sports Properties while Patton is the LA Tech Sports Properties coordinator. 

Pietz returns to his alma mater after residing 15 years in Jonesboro, Arkansas. His experience there includes serving 10 years with Arkansas State University, where he was assistant athletics director-development, and later the director of marketing for the Convocation Center. Prior to his time in Jonesboro, Pietz was at Southern Illinois University serving five years in the dual role of director of ticket operations/assistant marketing director.

As general manager for LA Tech Sports Properties, Pietz is the primary LEARFIELD liaison with Louisiana Tech VP and Director of Athletics Eric Wood on all aspects related to the multimedia rights agreement and corporate partner platform.

Patton, a LA Tech alumna, is LA Tech Sports Properties’ coordinator of partnership services. She is a recent graduate, earning a degree in sports marketing. Patton served nearly three years as a part-time student worker and intern within the Athletics Communications Department.

“We are excited to have both Brad and Sadie back in the LA Tech Athletics Family,” said Wood. “Both are Louisiana Tech graduates and passionate about their alma mater. We look forward to Brad’s leadership within his new role and are excited about him connecting with our corporate sponsors and fans. And we have seen first-hand the past three years the energy and enthusiasm that Sadie will bring to her new role.”

Pietz and Patton will join Stephanie Gamble, who enters her third year as the manager of business development with LA Tech Sports Properties.

“Brad brings excellent experience, as well as a natural Bulldog affinity to Ruston,” said LEARFIELD VP, Multi-Media Rights/South Mike Haake. “He is more than qualified to manage our local dedicated on-campus team, and we’re excited to have both he and Sadie join LEARFIELD to now represent their alma mater and Louisiana Tech’s passionate fanbase.”

________________________             

LEARFIELD is a leading media and technology services company in intercollegiate athletics. The company unlocks the value of college sports for brands and fans through an omnichannel platform with innovative content and commerce solutions. LEARFIELD services includes licensing and multimedia sponsorship management; publishing, audio, digital and social media; data analytics; ticketing, ticket sales and professional concessions expertise; branding; campus-wide business and sponsorship development; and venue technology systems. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.

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A Ruston man was arrested Saturday after he was found inside a home by the returning resident.

Ruston police officers responded to a North Farmerville Street residence regarding a burglar in the house. The victim stated he came home to find a man inside his residence trying on his father‘s clothing. The homeowner stated the man attempted to proposition him for sexual favors.

Officers entered the house and found the man, identified as Orlando Outley, 55, lying naked on a bed. Outley was taken into custody and advised of his rights. He stated a man named Nick let him into the house earlier and that he used to live at the residence. The victim stated no one lived at the home by that name and Outley did not have consent to be there. 

The victim stated apparently the suspect had gratified himself, leaving evidence on his father’s clothing and on furniture.

Outley was booked for simple burglary and simple criminal damage to property.

Bail was set at $22,500. Outley has other charges pending from a May 18 arrest by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Department on warrants for battery of a dating partner and simple criminal damage to property.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

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A Choudrant man was arrested Friday after he allegedly dragged his wife out of their house.

Lincoln Parish deputies responded to a Tanner Road residence Friday regarding a disturbance. The caller reported his wife was having a nervous breakdown and he needed deputies to respond. 

During the investigation, deputies separated the two parties for interviews. The wife told officers she and her husband, Jeremiah Stormbreaker, 39, had been in an argument and then he had been verbally abusive toward her. She stated she attempted to say nothing at all to him but at one point he grabbed her and dragged her out of the house. Deputies observed bruises on her right arm. 

When another deputy approached to talk to the wife, Jeremiah Stormbreaker followed him. Stormbreaker was instructed to wait on the other side of the house while his wife was being into interviewed but he refused. He stated he needed to film her to make sure she was not lying. He repeatedly refused to stay away while deputies were interviewing his wife.

Stormbreaker admitted putting his hands on his wife and dragging her out the door. He stated he had been trying to get her to leave. Deputies told him he cannot force her to leave her own house. He was arrested for domestic abuse battery, resisting an officer, and obstruction of justice for refusing to obey instructions to stay away while his wife was being interviewed and attempting to hinder the investigation. He was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

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 By Judith Roberts

Kids say the dardenest things, and Deidra Dunbar gets to hear them all. 

Dunbar, who has taught preschool at the Lincoln Parish Early Education Center since 2014, said that hearing from her 4- and 5-year-old students is the best part of her job. 

“I literally love my job,” Dunbar said. “They’re going to give you the bluntness of it. I love my job. Even in the summer, I tutor kids because at that age kids’ vibes are totally different from adults. They’re hilarious. No matter how bad you’re feeling that day – just get around a 4- or 5-year-old.” 

However, even in the laughter, learning occurs, Dunbar said. 

“The way the kids develop, they learn the best between the ages 0 and 5,” she said. “That’s when you learn the most in your life. They’re like a sponge. You have so many opportunities to teach them something positive. It’s something that sticks with them. When you teach a kid to read, that’s something you can never take away from a person. Preschool is important because of the skills you develop that you need. Tying shoes, proper ways to eat, those early reading skills – they are important because they help establish a solid foundation for school.” 

It’s not all about academics either, she added. Part of her educating is teaching students how to build relationships with teachers. 

“I want to make sure they have a positive experience at school,” Dunbar said. “I want them to enjoy school. They have a long time ahead of them. I want them to learn how to develop a relationship with their teachers. That relationship – knowing how I can help them outside academics – is important to me. I want to have a relationship with my students and my parents. They’re trusting you with a lot, and you want to have a trusting relationship with your child’s teacher.” 

And for the new teachers coming in this fall, Dunbar suggests keeping an open mind. 

“Be willing to see outside of yourself,” she said. “Yes, you just learned from books and where you are, but be open minded. It’s important to learn each child. Use your resources and communicate with other teachers so we can all be on the page and learn more.” 

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Quite a few of us heard the traditional – or maybe even non-traditional – Father’s Day sermon on June 19, but the most recent sermon that evoked memories of my earthly father was delivered a week earlier. And the minister didn’t even mean for it to do that.  

He began the sermon, “Don’t Fish on the Wrong Side of the Boat,” by talking about personal fishing exploits that we might have experienced, and my mind immediately flashed back to that perfect day in the 1960s when Daddy and I found the honey hole of all time on Lake D’Arbonne.  

Daddy edged my end of his little green boat into that special spot where, every time my cork hit the water, something began tugging at the end of the line. For what seemed like eons, I just kept pulling out those bream and pulling out those bream and pulling out those bream. Obviously, I was fishing on the right side of the boat that day.  

So I could identify immediately with what the preacher was saying. His words made me desire – today – to still fish on the right side of the boat. Of course, as you undoubtedly know, the minister was speaking in a spiritual sense. 

The sermon resonated with me so profoundly that I’d like to share its main points with you. The text of the sermon came from John 21 when, after Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to Peter and several other disciples by the Sea of Galilee.  

Following Peter’s lead, the disciples decided to go fishing near the shoreline. After fishing for an inordinate amount of time with no results, they heard Jesus calling to them from the shore, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” 

“No,” they answered. 

“Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some,” Jesus told them. When they did, the number of fish in the net was so large they were unable to haul it in. 

So what had been the problem? 

For one thing, the disciples were fishing for the wrong type of fish. Jesus had promised Peter and Andrew in Matthew 4:19 that if they followed Him, they would become “fishers of men.” So, Jesus’ primary purpose for them was not to build a good life through earthly businesses such as fishing. Instead, it was to win souls for Christ and to build the church. 

After Jesus’ resurrection, the apostles had returned to their old life, and using just their own strength, they were unable to accomplish God’s will for them. Peter and Andrew seemed to have forgotten their primary purpose. With Jesus’ help, however, the nets were filled to capacity – and then some. 

As with most stories in the Bible, this narrative should lead us to ask questions about our own selves: Are our priorities in order? Why do we throw our nets in the direction we do? Is our primary motivation in our lives Christ? Do we truly allow Him to work in our lives?  

As a side note to these observations, while the minister was reading through the narrative, something jumped out at me I had never noticed. Then, in one of those God winks, the preacher almost immediately focused on and explained that same detail. 

Jesus cooked some of those 153 fish for breakfast for the disciples. Jesus cooked them a meal. Why had that never sunk in with me before? 

I wondered: What must it have been like to eat something that Jesus cooked? Could those have been the very best fish ever? I’m thinking so. 

And how humbling it must have been to eat something prepared by the hands that had been pierced for our sins and that had endured the cross. 

Those hands still reach out for us today, and they offer us much more than fish.   

————————————————————————————  

Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com. 

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Dr. Edwin Litolff has been named Vice President of Finance at Grambling State University. Having served recently as Associate Vice President of Operations at Southeastern Louisiana University, Litolff brings years of experience in the University of Louisiana System and higher education in Louisiana to the role.   

“Dr. Edwin Litolff is well-qualified to be our Vice President of Finance,” said Grambling State University President Richard J. Gallot, Jr. “I have no doubt that Dr. Litolff’s experience will advance GSU forward and provide continued financial stability to the University.”  

Litolff was formerly named by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System as interim President of the University of Louisiana Monroe. Litolff previously served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the University of Louisiana System. Litolff has a Ph.D. from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, both from Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana. 

“It is truly a privilege for me to have this opportunity to continue my service at GSU and I look forward to contributing in a substantial impactful way.” Litolff said. “I look forward to President Gallot’s leadership while working with university executives, faculty, students, and staff as we strive together for excellence. I am aware of and admire the critical role that Historically Black Colleges and Universities play in the personal and educational development of students in the state, region, and nation. While working at the University of Louisiana System, I have seen the financial challenges facing all the institutions in the state.” 

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THIS IS A PAID ADVERTORIAL

The Healthy Foods Card benefit provides an allowance to purchase approved healthy foods and may help you eat healthier.

If you are eligible, Humana plans may be able to help you pay for healthy food to put on the table with the Healthy Foods Card benefit.

It’s included with the Humana Gold Plus SNP-DE H1951-041 (HMO D-SNP).

Healthier grocery purchases … Here’s how it works.

• Each month, the Healthy Foods Card is automatically loaded with $75 (unspent money does not roll over to the next month)
• Shop at participating stores for approved grocery items
• Swipe the Healthy Foods Card at the checkout to pay for purchases

Individuals interested in learning more or signing up can call Cindy Chelette at 318-372-4648 (TTY: 711) Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. or email cchelette@humana.com.

_____________________________________________

Humana is a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Louisiana Medicaid program. Enrollment in this Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Applicable to Humana Gold Plus SNP-DE H1951-041 (HMO D-SNP). At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status or religion. English: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Espanol (Spanish): ATENCION: Si habla espanol, tiene a su disposicion servicios gratuitos de asistencia linguistica. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711).

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Willis “Bill” Glenn DeMoss 
November 4, 1932 – June 24, 2022 
Service 10 a.m., June 28 at Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – West Monroe, 1321 N 7th St. 
Cemetery: June 28 at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Calhoun

Scarlett O’Hara Fitzgerald 
November 28, 1940 – June 26, 2022 
Visitation: Wednesday, June 29, 2022, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Connect Point Church, 212 Walnut Street, Bernice 
Funeral Service: Wednesday, June 29, 2022, 10:00 AM, Connect Point Church, 212 Walnut Street 
Bernice 
Cemetery Committal: Wednesday, June 29, 2022, Pisgah Cemetery, Bernice 

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Longtime Ruston resident and Louisiana Tech journalism graduate (1994) Malcolm Butler is officially joining the Lincoln Parish Journal and will partner with Kyle and Judith Roberts as the co-publishers for the free daily on-line media outlet.

“We at the LPJ could not be more excited to have Malcolm formally join our efforts,” Judith Roberts said. “He has had a storied career at Louisiana Tech and knows Ruston and Lincoln Parish inside and out. For us, it only adds to the integrity and stability of the LPJ moving forward. This move will improve our ability to serve the residents of this community with free news and feature stories that they richly deserve.”

Butler has spent the past 23 years serving in a full-time capacity within the Louisiana Tech Athletic Communications Department. He announced his transition out of his current role last week, although he will remain as the radio voice for Tech football, men’s basketball and softball.

“First, I want to publicly thank Dr. Les Guice and Dr. Eric Wood for their support,” said Butler. “I made the decision about a year ago that this would be my last year in a full-time capacity at Tech. Both of them have been awesome in allowing me the flexibility to transition out of the athletic communications department while remaining as the voice of Tech Athletics. I look forward to continuing my deep connection to my alma mater.”

Butler has Lincoln Parish in his blood, attending AE Phillips Laboratory School, Ruston High School and Louisiana Tech during his educational days. He said he feels joining the LPJ as co-publisher is a great step that will allow him to continue to contribute to his hometown in a variety of ways.

“One of the things I loved about my job at Louisiana Tech was I had the ability to tell so many stories about the people at a school I love,” said Butler. “Everyone has a story. Even the stranger on the street. And I look forward to joining Kyle and Judith and the staff at the Lincoln Parish Journal in providing our area with a wonderful online media outlet.”

During the past 23 years at Louisiana Tech, Butler has won numerous awards state-wide for both his writing and his broadcasting.

“The Lincoln Parish Journal is made up of writers and content providers who have grown up in this parish,” said Butler. “So many of us were Wiley Hilburn disciples from the Louisiana Tech journalism program. And every one of us love our community.”

Readers can contact Butler at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.

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By JASON PUGH, Written for the LSWA

NATCHITOCHES – Kyle Williams brought a big crowd of friends from Ruston to Saturday night’s Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and it brought out the emotions from him and everyone else at the Natchitoches Events Center.

The Ruston native and resident, along with Louisiana Tech’s Teddy Allen, were among the 12-member LSHOF Class of 2022 enshrined in front of nearly 700 appreciative people.

A standout first as a freshman running back, but later as a defensive lineman for the Ruston Bearcats, Williams became a starter at LSU as a sophomore, midway through the Tigers’ 2003 national championship season. His time with the Tigers led into a 13-year NFL career including six Pro Bowl appearances with Buffalo – one of the NFL’s most passionate markets.

“I’m super happy for you and your family,” Bills head coach Sean McDermott said in the induction video. “Jill, I hope you don’t cry that crying face you did when Kyle retired. Kyle, I hope you smile a little bit and enjoy the moment you earned.”

Williams smiled plenty during his speech, but when it came time to acknowledge his big group of friends from Ruston and LSU, it was the thought of his wife that nearly made the high-motor defensive tackle come to tears.

“Probably the greatest moment of my career is making a victory lap in Buffalo and getting to go into a secluded room and tell my (five) kids the reason I was able to do that was I made a commitment to be my best every day and do my best,” Williams said. “That’s why we get to experience this weekend. Last but not least – and maybe the shortest – I like to call her the Little General.

“Jill, when I hitched my wagon to your star, it took off. You’re the toughest person I know. You’re a monster. You’re the best. I appreciate you.”

It was a Kleenex moment to end an entertaining on-stage interview of Williams. There was little else but laughs, typically, when Allen was in the LSHOF spotlight as an inductee.

Allen was spotlighted as a Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism winner from the Hall’s parent entity, the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.

A statewide writer and columnist now featured in the Online Journals group featuring the Lincoln Parish  Journal, the loquacious everyman took a 10-minute break from his traditional master of ceremonies gig to be honored in his first year on the ballot.

“It helps to write like you talk,” said J.J. Marshall, Allen’s longtime friend and co-worker. “If you listen to Teddy and you read Teddy, it’s the same. It’s the way he talks. He doesn’t try to overwrite. Teddy opens up and types it. Here it is. It sounds simple, but a lot of people don’t do that.”

The son of a South Carolina preacher who famously bestowed “The Mailman” nickname on Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer Karl Malone, Allen had one simple way to sum up his journey to the Hall of Fame.

“I’ve led a Forrest Gump-like existence,” he said. “I was working at Beacon Gas in Claiborne Parish, and literally the parish sheriff took me to Ruston and said this is where you’re going to school. I told him no. He said, ‘Yeah, this is gonna happen.’

“There have been a lot of people help me get from Point A to B to C. Such dear friends. I just like to laugh and love to hear you laugh.”

 

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On Friday, June 24, 2022, just after 5 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a two-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 139 at Everglades Road.  This crash claimed the life of 48-year-old Prentice Starr, Jr.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2015 Dodge Charger, driven by Starr Jr., was traveling north on LA Hwy 139.  At the same time, a 2017 Hyundai Sonata was traveling south on LA Hwy 139.  For reasons still under investigation, the Dodge crossed the centerline and struck the Hyundai.

Starr Jr., who was restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Morehouse Parish Coroner.  The driver of the Hyundai, who was wearing a seat belt, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital.

Impairment is suspected to be a factor; however, a toxicology sample was obtained and submitted for analysis.  This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that impaired driving continues to be a major problem throughout Louisiana. Whether impaired through alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two, the consequences of driving while impaired remain the same. Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired, always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, and avoiding all distractions can often mean the difference between life and death.

In 2022, Troop F has investigated 15 fatal crashes resulting in 19 fatalities.

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The Lincoln Parish Library will be closed at least through today due to staff exposure to COVID-19.

According to an announcement from the library, the facility will reopen to summer hours Tuesday morning pending staff availability.

Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

In observance of Independence Day, the library will be closed Friday, July 1 through Monday, July 4.

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech VP and Director of Athletics Eric Wood announced today that the University has extended the contract of head women’s basketball coach Brooke Stoehr for an additional two years.

Stoehr’s contract now runs through the 2025-26 season.

Stoehr, who just completed year six at the helm of the Lady Techsters, led the program to a 21-12 overall record and the Conference USA West Division title, qualifying with an automatic bid to the 2022 WNIT during the 2021-22 season. 

“We are excited about extending Brooke’s contract to help provide stability for the Lady Techster basketball program,” said Wood. “The program has been on a positive trajectory, and we are looking forward to the future.

“Despite a roster that included nine newcomers last year, Brooke and her staff were able to overcome a tough start in conference play and lead the program to the Conference USA West Division title and the championship game of the 2022 C-USA Tournament. I know this group’s goal is to win a championship and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament this coming year, and we look forward to watching them work towards those goals.”

Despite the new faces, Stoehr’s young group rallied for an 11-3 regular season finish, including winning the final four games to clinch the division title and earn a one seed in the C-USA Tournament.

“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to lead this storied program and couldn’t be more excited about the future with these young women,” said Stoehr. “We have a locker room full of great teammates that represent some very special families. 

“I can’t thank Dr. Guice and Dr. Wood enough for their belief in me to lead this program that is so dear to my heart. I appreciate their commitment to the program, our young women and my family.”

En route to their 21 wins last season, Stoehr eclipsed her 100th win at Tech, moving into third place all-time behind Sonja Hogg and Leon Barmore. 

“Ruston has been a great place to raise our family and call home,” said Stoehr. “We look forward to continuing to love and serve our young women in a way that allows them to compete to the best of their ability academically, athletically and socially.”

The Lady Techsters return 97 percent of their scoring and rebounding from the 2021-22 campaign, including all-conference performers Keiunna Walker and Anna Larr Roberson.

“We are extremely excited about the group of young women we have coming back as well as the newcomers we have added,” said Stoehr. “We are eager to get back on the court for the first time with this group and our new staff additions. It’s an exciting time for the program, and we want to build on the momentum created with last season’s championship run.”

Off the court, Tech saw eight student-athletes earn a spot on the C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll and six were named C-USA Academic Medalists. The program also earned a perfect single-year APR rating, its second in the last three years.  

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Metairie native Jessica Borne is passionate about Louisiana Tech’s Band of Pride. She played trumpet and served as a leader of the band, both as an upperclassman while she completed her BS in Accounting (2016) and as a graduate student in 2017 while she earned her Master of Accountancy.

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AT&T has continued its investment in Grambling State University with a $25,000 contribution to the Grambling University Foundation Inc., for scholarships in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

The funds will be awarded to 25 students for one year, with priority consideration given to merit students with a financial need. The minimum grade point average to qualify as an AT&T scholar and maintain a scholarship is 3.0. Scholars will be selected based on their application, essay, faculty recommendation, involvement in STEM-related extracurricular activities, and unmet financial need.

“Donations like this that AT&T has made toward STEM scholarships, reducing the financial burdens some of our students would have to face and making it affordable to attend Grambling — that kind of gift tells our students that success is imminent,” said Melanie E. Jones, Vice President for Advancement, Research, and Economic Development at GSU. “We are proud of our partnership with AT&T because they realize that we are a strong brand with high-quality academic programs and we’re producing graduates who are becoming true game-changers in their fields and careers.”

According to The 74, a nonprofit news website focusing on education issues in the United States, STEM occupations are projected to increase twice as fast as all other jobs through 2029, and while the number of college graduates with degrees in STEM-related fields is seeing comparable growth, inequitable access to education in these fields is creating barriers to entering the workforce for people of color and women.

A close look at the data on who works in STEM reveals that Black and Hispanic professionals are underrepresented compared with their white and Asian peers, and women fill only a quarter of STEM jobs, largely due to labor shortage issues.

“AT&T is proud to support Grambling State University’s STEM program by providing these funds to support student scholarships in these high-demand fields,” said David Aubrey, Assistant Vice President and State Director of External Affairs at AT&T. “Since 2014, AT&T and its Foundation have provided more than $250,000 to GSU for support of its academic and athletic programs.”

Students interested in applying for the scholarships should contact the Office of Financial Aid. 

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Louisiana Tech outfielder Sierra Sacco was named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association State Freshman of the Year while three other Lady Techsters earned all-state honors as voted on by a panel of state SIDs and media members.

Sacco joined pitcher Audrey Pickett on the first team while shortstop Amanda Gonzalez earned second team honors. Catcher Brooke Diaz was named all-state honorable mention.

The honors come after the foursome helped lead Louisiana Tech to the 2022 Conference USA regular season title with a 39-20 record, including an 18-6 mark in league contests.

Sacco becomes the sixth Lady Techster to ever earn the state’s Freshman of the Year award, joining Debbie Nichols (1987), Paige England (1995), Evette Grayson (1996), Emma Barnes (2006) and Lindsay Edwards (2019).

Sacco, who was edged by just one vote for the LSWA Hitter of the Year Award, batted .441 with a program record 83 hits, including seven doubles and three triples. The Marrero, La., native scored 54 runs (second most in single season) and posted a .535 on-base percentage (third highest in single season).

She ranked among the nation’s leaders in hits, batting average, on-base percentage and stolen bases and reached base safely in 55 of 59 games, including a streak of 31 straight to end the season. She successfully swiped 28 bases in 33 attempts.

Sacco was named the Conference USA Freshman of the Year and was one of 10 finalists for the Schutt Sports/NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year.

Pickett became just the second Tech pitcher since 1996 to earn a spot on the all-LSWA first team (Krystal De La Cruz, 2019) after a stellar senior season in the circle.

The Aurora, Colorado, native posted a 25-6 record with a 2.56 earned run average, including five shutouts. She made 36 appearances and 33 starts while working 213.1 innings, allowing 212 hits while walking only 45 and striking out 109.

Pickett was named first team all-Conference USA after a season that saw her record the most wins by a Lady Techster pitcher in a single season since 1999. She became just the fourth Tech pitcher to ever earn first team all-conference honors.

Gonzalez earned second team honors at shortstop after a break-out junior campaign that saw her bat .370 with 61 hits, including 10 doubles, 4 triples and 8 home runs.  She scored 36 runs and drove in 32 runs while stealing nine bases in nine attempts.

The Santa Monica, California, native earned first team all-Conference USA honors and second team all-Mideast Region honors after starting all 59 games at shortstop. She led C-USA with 163 assists and her 103 total bases rank in the top 10 in program history.

Diaz earned honorable mention honors at catcher after a season that saw her bat .294 with 47 hits, including nine doubles and seven home runs. She led Tech with 39 RBI while scoring 18 runs and recording a .481 slugging percentage.

The Eagle Pass, Texas, native was stellar defensively behind the plate, throwing out 14 base runners during the year while also recording two pickoffs.

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