by Malcolm Butler
When Andy Robinson and Matt Middleton lead their respective teams onto the turf of Joe Aillet Stadium this weekend for Bayou Jamb, a little feeling of nostalgia may pass through their veins.
Robinson’s St. Frederick High School Warriors will open the two-day, seven-game football bonanza on Friday when they face Mangham at 5:30 p.m.
Middleton’s Cedar Creek Cougars will face off against Evangel Christian Academy at 5 p.m. on Saturday, the next to last game of the weekend.
Both men spent time on the field and in the stadium during their playing and/or coaching days at Louisiana Tech.
Robinson was a part of the Tech program as a player from 1998 through 2001 before then serving as a student assistant (2002), graduate assistant (2003-04) and assistant coach (2005-06) for then head coach Jack Bicknell. He was a part of the 1999 team that upset Alabama 29-28 in Tuscaloosa and earned the program’s first ever Top 25 ranking and the 2001 Western Athletic Conference title team.
He also met his wife Ashley (Antony) at LA Tech, who was a member of the Lady Techster basketball program for two years (1999-2001).
“I am excited to be back,” said Robinson. “Obviously I want to be on the home sideline. This is home for me and for Ashley. I spent nine years here. Playing here and coaching here. I haven’t been back on the field in a long time. 2005 was the last time. I am excited to come back and bring a team and hopefully we will come out and play well and it will be a good experience for us.”
When asked about some of his top Joe Aillet Stadium memories?
“Honestly, I would say the Fresno State game in 2004,” said Robinson of the 28-21 Tech upset win over 17th ranked Fresno State. “The fans tore down the goal posts. That night stands out. As a player, the year we beat Boise State at home (in 2001) and won the WAC. We played really well that day. But that Fresno State game was probably the most exciting atmosphere. The fans rushed the field. It was enjoyable.”
Although Middleton didn’t play at Louisiana Tech, he also served as a graduate assistant coach for the Bulldogs under Bicknell. He was part of the Bulldogs staff in 2000 and 2001. He is also looking forward to being back down on the field this weekend.
“This will be the first time since 2001,” said Middleton. “I will be on the opposite side. (Joe Aillet) looks completely different. There is no hill with (the Spirit of ’88) at the top of it anymore. I remember how it was. It is definitely more closed in than it was. New press box. It’s different. It will be fun.”
Middleton said he visited spring practice this past April and it brought back some memories.
“I went through a nostalgic feeling,” said Middleton. “I remembered back to the new part then (Charles Wyly Athletic Center), which is old now. That was a really big deal back then. It’s a great place, and I have a lot of great memories from there. It will be fun.”
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