I covet a good bowl of cereal. Have never tried to hide it.
My spousal unit knows it. My friends know it. The American People know it.
Folks like us, we’ve forgotten more about cereal than most people will ever know.
Kind of proud of it.
What about you? Don’t you love cereal with cold, cold milk? Isn’t cereal the food version of the marvelous dog? Always there when you need it, always forgiving and welcoming, refreshing, low maintenance, a friend at all times?
Tougher question: If you can eat only one cereal the rest of your days, what is it?
If you answered Frosted Flakes, you are correct. But, different strokes for different folks. Next week we will examine the Top 10 Cereals of All-Time, According to Me. What does your Top 10 look like?
In the meantime, let’s more fully explore this simple yet complex culinary treat that should be a Food Group all its own.
Consider the fascination and charm of its history, from a guy “inventing” granola more than 100 years ago to Cap’n Crunch, which is a cottage industry unto itself.
I touched Cap’n Crunch once with a 10-foot pole and promised never to again. But against a cereal that is so self-important it doesn’t even spell out Captain, I am in the minority. There is Cap’n Crunch Berries, Cap’n Crunch Peanut Butter Crunch, Cap’n Crunch Caramel Crunch, Cap’n Crunch All Berries … dude should have made General by now.
But my spousal unit as a youth enjoyed Cap’n Crunch. I was shocked at this revelation. Investigated further and discovered I am matrimonied to a person whose favorite cereals growing up were Golden Grahams and something I’ve never even seen in real life, and that is King Vitaman, spelled ‘man’ instead of ‘min,’ which in itself is messed up. Why would a little girl eat that? You think you know a person …King Vitaman breathed its last in 2019 so how good could it have been and how good could it have been for you?
Let’s take a roll call and see what memories these bring back:
What is so special about Special K?;
Post Alpha-Bits. Discontinued in 2021. And yes, I took a physical knee in honor of the cereal, and vowed to never eat a Post cereal again — until that night when I ate a bowl of Cheerios, one of history’s greatest cereals;
Sugar Smacks, Trix (are for kids), Grape Nuts and Post Toasties;
(Cukoo for) Cocoa Puffs, Cocoa Crispies, and Count Chocula, which is the cereal company’s way of saying, “We want your child to weigh 260 by fifth grade”;
Total (which is total baloney if you’re a kid), Life, Quisp, Apple Jacks, Lucky Charms, Crispy Critters, Fruity Pebbles (the Flintstones franchise, which is totally bogus since everyone knows there was no cereal in the Stone Age, DUH!), Franken Berry, Sugar Bombs, Shredded Wheat, and on and on we could go.
Your Top 10. Be thinking … (Malt-O-Meal or Cream of Wheat equals an automatic disqualification.)
Four Lincoln Parish students participated in the state fitness meet at Pineville High School this past weekend and placed top in the district parish meet.
Those students who placed were Tripp Vernon from Simsboro and Ruston Elementary students Aleigh Dawson, Lauren Price, and Robert Payton.
Additionally, Tripp Vernon placed first in the 50 yard dash and Robert Payton placed first in the sit ‘n’ reach.
Ruston Elementary educator Brandy Roberson provided this report.
Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) are pleased to announce volunteers removed a record 313 tons of litter during Love the Boot Week April 17-23, 2023.
“I want to thank all Louisianans who helped clean up during Love the Boot Week. It was our largest clean up ever and I couldn’t be more proud of everyone’s hard work,” said Lieutenant Governor Nungesser. “Let’s Love the Boot every day and put the paradise back in Sportsman’s Paradise.”
“All 64 parishes participated and a remarkable 547 events took place in just one week,” said Susan Russell, KLB Executive Director. “I am grateful to all Louisianans who care enough about Louisiana to bring awareness to the litter problem and actively work to remove and prevent it.”
In total, 12,777 individuals volunteered for 61,493 hours. In addition to litter removal, volunteers focused on community beautification, planting 370 trees and 3,542 plants, and refurbishing 146 gardens.
Participating in Love the Boot Week were 23 colleges and universities, 78 K-12 schools, 57 individuals and family groups, 199 businesses and non-profit organizations, and 190 governmental entities.
Plastic beverage bottles were the most common litter type picked up. Other common items found included fast food packaging (cups, wrappers, bags), alcohol beverage containers, cigarette butts and/or tobacco packaging, and plastic bags.
With support from Love the Boot sponsor, The Coca-Cola Company, Osprey Initiative was contracted to implement recycling for plastic bottles and aluminum cans at 16 events. Recovered were 1,548 bottles and 1,586 cans, totaling 135.29 lbs.
How to check out clean up supplies at your local library
How to get your business involved in the Clean Biz Partnership
Sponsors of Love the Boot Week include the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, The Coca-Cola Company, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, Lamar Advertising, Cox Communications, The Crawfish App, Alexandria and Pineville Convention and Visitors Bureau, Louisiana Restaurant Association, Texas Brine Company, and Winn-Dixie.
Allie Floyd (00) is the third LA Tech player in the past four years to earn the Conference USA Freshman of the Year award.
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech pitcher Allie Floyd was named the Conference USA Freshman of the Year as four Lady Techsters garnered honors by a vote of the league coaches.
For the second-consecutive year, centerfielder Sierra Sacco was named first-team all-conference, while outfielder Kylie Neel landed on the second team. In addition to winning Freshman of the Year, Floyd also was named to the All-Freshman team with teammate and fellow pitcher Mary Martinez.
Floyd became just the fourth player in Lady Techster history to earn the Freshman of the Year Award, joining Anna Cross (2013 Western Athletic Conference), Lindsay Edwards (2019 C-USA) and Sierra Sacco (2022 Conference USA). Floyd led LA Tech and ranked sixth in C-USA with 122 innings pitched while posting a 2.52 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. Her four saves ranked second among all C-USA pitchers. Floyd led a LA Tech pitching staff that posted a 2.36 ERA, the lowest by a Tech team since 1999. The three C-USA Freshman of the Year Awards for Tech lead all C-USA programs since the Lady Techsters joined the conference in 2014.
Sacco became the first Lady Techster since Morgan Turkoly (2017-2019) to earn consecutive first-team honors as Sacco was named to the first team as a freshman in 2022. The Marrero, La., product leads Tech with 54 hits, 39 runs scored, 39 walks, and a .327 batting average. Sacco has 36 stolen bases this season, leading Conference USA and ranking 10th nationally. The sophomore is the all-time program leader in career batting average with a mark of .388. Sacco has made 114 consecutive starts in centerfield and reached base in 18 straight games.
Kylie Neel was named second-team all-conference after putting up incredible numbers this season. Neel led Tech with a .351 batting average, 52 hits, 45 RBI, five home runs, 11 doubles, and 80 total bases. Despite missing the final C-USA series at Western Kentucky she finished among the league leaders in numerous categories including: RBI (3rd, 45), Sacrifice Flies (T-3rd, 4), On-Base Percentage (7th, .462), Doubles (T-7th, 11), Batting Average (9th, .351), Runs Scored (10th, 33) and Walks (10th, 25). Neel carries a 23-game reached base streak into the conference tournament.
Martinez led Tech with a 10-3 record this season while posting a 2.12 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 69.1 innings pitched. Martinez’s 10 wins were the seventh most in the conference, and her 2.12 ERA ranked eighth among all C-USA players. She allowed the fewest walks (12) and runs (22) of any C-USA pitcher this season. The Lady Techsters’ two All-Freshman selections are the most since 2021, when Tristin Court, Lauren Menzina, and Kylie Neel landed on the team.
The Lady Techsters will open play at the C-USA Tournament Wednesday at Noon when they take on Middle Tennessee. Fans wishing to purchase tickets to the tournament can do so by calling the Louisiana Ticket Office at 318-257-3631 or by going to LATechSports.com/tickets. Single-day and tournament passes are available.
All-Conference USA First Team C: Isabella Perez, FIU C: Sierra Frazier, UAB DP/UT: Ashleigh Washington, Charlotte IF: Kassidy Krupit, Charlotte IF: Laura Mealer, Middle Tennessee IF: Kailey Gamble, North Texas IF: Cierra Simon, North Texas IF: TJ Webster, WKU OF: Bailey Vannoy, Charlotte OF: Sierra Sacco, LA Tech OF: Taylor Davis, WKU OF: Faith Hegh, WKU P: Sam Gress, Charlotte P: Gabby Sacco, Florida Atlantic P: Ashley Peters, North Texas
All-Conference USA Second Team C: Olivia Peterson, Florida Atlantic C: Kalei Christensen, North Texas DP/UT: Olivia Valbak, UAB IF: Ella Whitney, FIU IF: Shelby Echols, Middle Tennessee IF: Julia Garcia, Middle Tennessee IF: Mikayla Smith, North Texas IF: Kat Ibarra, UTEP OF: Kylie Neel, LA Tech OF: Amaya Harris, Middle Tennessee OF: Bella Wiggins, UAB OF: Savannah Favre, UTEP P: Gretchen Mead, Middle Tennessee P: McKenzie Wagoner, North Texas P: Leigha Kirby, UAB
Conference USA All-Freshman Team Lena Elkins, Charlotte Savanna Nguyen, Charlotte Lexi Winters, Charlotte Megan Kruger, FIU Isabella Perez, FIU Ella Whitney, FIU Allie Floyd, LA Tech Mary Martinez, LA Tech Ansley Blevins, Middle Tennessee Tatum Sparks, North Texas Hannah Miles, UAB Caitlin Russell, UAB Kaytlan Kemp, WKU
It was a defensive battle to open Grambling States trip[ to the 2023 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tournament. Still, GSU used a three-run sixth inning to slip past Florida A&M 3-1 on Tuesday afternoon at the Gulfport Sportsplex.
The victory marked the first time Grambling State (31-20-1) won a SWAC Tournament game since the Tigers beat Jackson State to open the 2013 tourney.
GSU starting pitcher Dacia Richard (11-5) tossed a complete game, surrendering one run on six hits with two strikeouts.
At the plate, Grambling State scattered four hits but converted base runners in the runs late in the contest. However, GSU loaded the bases with no outs in the opening frame. The Tigers registered its first hit on the game in the fourth inning.
Tytianna Robinson went to 2-for-4 with pair of singles and an RBI. It was her RBI base hit in the sixth that broke the scoreless tie and gave the Tigers a 1-0 lead. Ta’Mya Johnson gave GSUs a two-run cushion with a perfectly placed RBI single through the right side of the infield.
The Tigers made it a 3-0 game when Anaiyah Fultz drew a bases-loaded walk.
FAMU (20-23) scored a run in the top of the seventh and brought the tying run to the plate with two outs, but couldn’t score, securing the 3-1 win for the Tigers.
Lauryn Peppers (7-9) was charged with the loss for the Rattlers. She pitched six innings, allowing three runs on four hits. She also walked seven batters and struck out four.
Up Next
Grambling State awaits the winner of Tuesday night’s game between SWAC East No. 1 seed Alabama State and SWAC West No. 4 seed Alcorn State. GSU will take on the winner of that contest on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Steven Dale “Steve” Ryan, age 71, of Ruston, LA will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at Salem Methodist Church in Dubach, LA with Rev. Robbie Robertson officiating. Burial will follow in the Salem Cemetery in Dubach under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston.
Steve went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 7, 2023 while being surrounded by his loving family. He passed away after a brief illness at Willis Knighten North Hospital in Shreveport, LA. Steve was born November 16, 1951 in Zanesville, OH to Joy and Robert “Bob” Ryan. He worked for over 20 years as a purchasing agent for Lear Corporation in Zanesville. After moving to Ruston, he worked for Franke Corporation until his retirement in 2020. Steve was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was an avid Ohio State University fan but was the biggest fan of many of the endeavors of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball in Ohio and was happiest on a ballfield or when hunting and fishing in the great outdoors. Steve was a proud grandfather who loved spending time with his grandchildren and watching them figure skate, participate in karate and play hockey. You could usually find Steve and Marlette watching sports or the cooking channel in their free time. Steve was preceded in death by his father and brothers Jerry Ryan and Greg Ryan.
Steve is survived by his wife of 20 years, Marlette Singleton Ryan; his mother, Joy Ryan; son Brad Ryan; daughters Lindsay Ryan Lent and husband Dustin and Tiger and husband Jake McNabb; three cherished grandchildren: Rylan Lent, Avery Kate McNabb and Ryker Lent; niece Staci Mehling; nephews Chad Ryan and Storm Reeves; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and a host of other family and many friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be the following family and friends: Thomas Graham, Gilbert Hayes, Dustin Lent, Avery Kate McNabb, Jake McNabb, Storm Reeves and Ryan Shamberger. Honorary pallbearers are the following friends: Dana Giovannello, Mike Hays, Bobby Jefcoat, Mickey Murphy and Britton White.
Marlette Ryan would like to thank the doctors and nurses of Willis Knighten North for their excellent and loving care. Steve will be missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of love and devotion to family and friends will live on.
Visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at the church.
Buddy Davis keeps smiling down on Lincoln Parish residents even four years after his death in 2019. (Photo Courtesy of LA Tech Athletics)
By T. Scott Boatright
Forever legendary Ruston sportswriter/executive sports editor O.K. “Buddy” Davis may have left this Earth close to four years ago now, but the man with the golden pen has never stopped touching residents of Lincoln Parish who continue to cherish their memories of him.
There have been more than a few beneficiaries of Davis’ estate since his death on July 13, 2019, at the age of 72, and one of those on Friday will add to the list carrying Davis’ name on in perpetuity as the O.K. “Buddy” Davis Ball Field will be dedicated on the grounds of the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston.
The dedication ceremony is set for 10 a.m. Friday at the LMCH and the public is invited.
“We are honored to commemorate the legacy of Buddy Davis with our new O.K. “Buddy” Davis Memorial Ball Field,” said LMCH Vice President for Development and Public Relations Sarah Head. “Buddy’s incredible generosity made possible the much-needed improvements to our field, a space critical to the growth and healing of children in our care. His remarkable life and career will inspire and encourage the children playing on this field for generations to come.”
Davis’ estate has donated over a half-million dollars to causes dear to to him, including Louisiana Tech Athletics, the Eddie Robinson Museum at Grambling State University, the Ruston High School Alumni Association, 4 Paws Animal Rescue, the North Louisiana Military Museum and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame as well as the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, to which his estate donated more than $106,000 that has been used to create his namesake ballfield.
Over his 55-year writing career based in Ruston, Davis covered everything from the Olympics in Munich, Germany, to NBA All-Star Games, Super Bowls and Final Fours down to local youth baseball and T-ball tournaments.
In the process Davis crafted tens of thousands of bylined stories and, earning well more than 100 writing awards in national, regional and statewide contests.
At least a part of Davis’ fondness for the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home came from his close personal relationship with Ruston High football coaching legend “Chick” Childress, who grew up in the LMCH.
The media room at Louisiana Tech’s Joe Aillet Stadium Press Box is also named in honor of Davis, who over the years has been named to the Louisiana Tech Sports Hall of Fame, the Grambling Legends Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Ark-La-Tex Sports Hall of Fame.
Davis earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Football Writers Association of America, and was a recipient of the Louisiana Sports Writer Association’s highest honor, the Mac Russo Award, and held a life membership from that organization.
Ryan Pierce, Division Chair for the School of Business and Technology for Louisiana Delta Community College and Dr. Jamie Newman, Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Applied and Natural Sciences at Louisiana Tech, are the inaugural recipients of the Tonya Oaks Smith Innovation and Transformation Award.
Courtesy of LA Tech University Communications
Revered Irish poet and dramatist W. B. Yeats said, “Education is not the filling of the pot but the lighting of a fire.”
Dr. Tonya Oaks Smith embodied that motto every day in her career. Her love of learning sparked a flame that inspired others she served with through collaborative efforts across the Louisiana Tech University campus as well as our state and country. Unforgettable in so many ways, she was passionate about encouraging others to use their potential to make the world a better place.
During its 3rd Annual Mini Summit, the SCILS Region 8 LaSTEM Center honored the legacy of the late Executive Director of Communications and Marketing by establishing TOSITA— the Tonya Oaks Smith Innovation and Transformation Award. The annual honor is set to celebrate the significant contributions of the center’s friend, colleague, and fellow collaborator whose mark has been left on each life she touched.
Smith was convinced constant innovations in and through higher education could transform the mind and value of anyone willing to commit themselves to the process so they could improve and better serve their fellow travelers. The award then recognizes individuals within the SCILS network who represent the type of talented dreamers Smith inspired to bring their own ideas to life and become true innovators within their fields.
Named as inaugural recipients of the TOSITA honor were Dr. Jamie Newman, Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Applied and Natural Sciences at Louisiana Tech, and Ryan Pierce, Division Chair for the School of Business and Technology for Louisiana Delta Community College. Each have played essential roles in the transformative work taking place within the SCILS network while representing the level of innovation and transformation that Smith was known for— Newman for helping jumpstart the center’s Girls in STEM state-wide initiative and Pierce for creating and producing the SCILS podcast.
“As someone who worked so closely with Tonya and knew her as a colleague, friend, and mentor, receiving this award is a tremendous and humbling honor,” Newman said. “Tonya’s inclusive advocacy and support for new ideas and the promotion of others is a characteristic I admired and sought to emulate. This recognition serves as a reminder of who Tonya was and an encouragement for me to continue engaging, promoting, and innovating so that others may have the opportunity to pursue their dreams.”
Pierce served on the SCILS Advisory Board with Smith and was equally moved when the recognition was announced. “This is a humbling experience to say the least,” he added. “It is an extreme honor to have been considered for the Tonya Oaks Smith Innovation and Transformation Award. With all the incredible collaboration and effort generated by teachers, staff, and administrators from all partners in the SCILS network, I am grateful to help tell the story of STEM education across North Louisiana.”
Part of the team that brought to life SCILS— our STEM Collective for Innovative Louisiana Stakeholders— Smith was essential in seeing that the Region 8 LaSTEM Center charted its own unique and impactful journey. She helped it make its mark and celebrated its success, and she was an undeniable cheerleader for its team. Her voice remains present, internalized within the spirit of those who will continue carrying the torch she so boldly helped ignite.
Dr. Lindsey Keith-Vincent, Associate Dean for Research, Outreach, and Innovation in Tech’s College of Education, believes honoring those who continue to carry the torch for innovation and transformation is not only a fitting tribute for Smith but also the concrete reminder of a legacy that will help perpetuate her brilliant work and leadership.
“Ryan Pierce and Jamie Newman embody the spirit, passion, commitment, and creativity of Dr. Tonya Oaks Smith,” Keith-Vincent noted. “It is certainly fitting for them to be recognized as the inaugural SCILS TOSITA award recipients. Their commitment to the SCILS effort from day one and their mission for ensuring access and opportunity in STEM for all parallels that of our former colleague and friend. I am certain she would be in favor of the celebration of these two accomplished servant leaders. We are thankful to Tonya’s family for allowing us to celebrate her memory, legacy, and impact in this special way this inaugural year and for years to come.”
Lincoln Parish resident and athletic trainer Chris Brister has again been recognized for his outstanding work with student-athletes, both on and off the field.
This past week, the Louisiana Athletic Trainers’ Association named Brister the 2023 Sports Medicine Person of the Year in a vote taken by his peers throughout the state after being nominated by Ruston High head football coach and athletics director Jerrod Baugh, citing Brister’s commitment and tremendous care for the students of Lincoln Parish.
“To know that your head football coach put you up for a prestigious award; it was pretty nice,” Brister said. “It’s a nice feeling to know there’s folks out there that recognize the hard work.”
Dan Gressett, Ruston High principal, once again spoke to how appreciative the school is for all that Brister has done.
“It’s no surprise to me that coach Brister is being recognized again,” Gressett said. “We are very fortunate to have him on staff here at Ruston High. He’s very good at what he does, and he truly cares about taking care of our athletes.”
When asked to share his thoughts on Brister, Baugh said nearly the same thing.
“He is probably the most important person in our school district in terms of what he does for our kids well being on a day to day basis,” Baugh said. “He is definitely invaluable to us and our athletic programs and more than deserving of any and all awards that he gets.”
Ever humble, Brister is a reminder that the real reward at the end of the day is knowing that students and coaches are receiving the best care they can, and under his leadership, Ruston was named 1st Team Safe Sports School by the National Athletic Training Association after years of work alongside former trainer Raeann Stuart.
A Ruston man who failed to appear in court on a rape charge was arrested Sunday on a traffic stop.
At about 6:45 p.m. Sunday evening, a Ruston Police officer stopped a Lincoln Town Car on South Farmerville St. because the driver was not wearing a seat belt.
The driver was identified as Jamal Jackson, 24. A record check indicated Jackson was wanted on a warrant from Third District Court for failing to appear on a charge of third degree rape.
Jackson was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center and also issued a citation for no seat belt.
Bail was set at $30,000.
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.
Louisiana Tech fans won’t soon forget — if ever — the Bulldog baseball team hosting the 2021 Conference USA Championships at the Love Shack almost two full years ago.
Talk about an electric atmosphere for both the Bulldogs and their fan base. And although the Diamond Dogs came up just short in the C-USA title game, their success — including those two dramatic wins over rival Southern Miss on that Saturday — led directly to Tech hosting an NCAA Regional the following week.
This week it will be the ladies turn.
Head coach Josh Taylor and the Lady Techsters will host the 2023 C-USA Championships at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field starting Wednesday and running through the championship game on Saturday.
Eight teams. Four days. 12 games. One champion.
Taylor and Co. shocked the C-USA softball world last year by claiming the regular season title in year No. 1 in Ruston. With 39 wins and a league trophy came expectations in year No. 2. Some of them fair. Some of them probably a little premature for a program that was eight games under .500 just two years ago.
However, the Lady Techsters enter the tournament as the No. 7 seed and will face No. 6 seed Middle Tennessee Wednesday at 12 p.m. in the first game of the tournament. It’s win or go home in a tournament format where the double elimination part of the tournament doesn’t start until after the first two games of the week conclude.
Thus, it’s imperative that Tech fans show up and show out on Wednesday at noon. The Lady Techsters went 13-11 in C-USA play, with eight of their 11 losses by 1 or 2 runs or in extra innings. The team has the talent and ability to make a run to Saturday’s championship game and a pro-Tech crowd would be a tremendous asset.
Here are five reasons why Tech fans, softball fans and just casual fans should make plans to come out this week and watch the 2023 Conference USA Softball Championships.
Parity. Talk about a tournament that is up for grabs. Heading into the final weekend of the regular season, seven of the eight teams that qualified for the 2023 C-USA Championships had a shot to win the regular season title. That’s not a typo. Ultimately, the Charlotte 49ers won the regular season title by a half game. In Tech’s 10 years in C-USA, this is by far he most parity seen on the softball side.
The host team could make history. Louisiana Tech is the No. 7 seed. If the Lady Techsters are able to win the tournament title on their own field, they would be the highest (or lowest however you want to look at it) to win the C-USA Tournament. The No. 6 seed is the highest seed to every win the tournament (Middle Tennessee in 2018).
Talented teams. Conference USA is one of the best non-Power 5 softball conferences in the country. The top seven seeds in this week’s C-USA Championships are ranked in the top 100 in the country in the most recent RPI. The league has wins over plenty of P5 teams like North Carolina State, Oklahoma State, Georgia, Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Arizona State, North Carolina, Iowa State, Iowa, and more.
Stars on the field. There are some big-time players in Conference USA and they will be converging on Dr. Billy Bundrick Field this week. 2-time C-USA Player of the Year Bailey Vannoy (Charlotte) and Kailey Gamble (North Texas) are two of the top home run hitters in the country this year. Sierra Sacco (LA Tech) ranks in the top 10 nationally in stolen bases. Sam Gress (Charlotte) and Gabby Sacco (FAU) rank among the nation’s leaders in wins in the circle. All eight teams have stars and softball fans in north Louisiana will have an opportunity to see them in action.
Local talent. Louisiana Tech’s roster is loaded with in-state players from the I-20 corridor, including Lauren Menzina (Cedar Creek), Katelin Cooper (Cedar Creek), KB Briley (Sterlington), Jordyn Manning (Ouachita), Alyssa Martin (Glenbrook), Caroline Easom (Airline), Paris Endris (Airline) and Jina Baffuto (Airline).
I will leave you with a sixth and final reason to come out this week and it’s the most important one: to support your hometown team. These 26 ladies are donning the red and blue with the LA Tech logo on their uniforms. And they would love and appreciate a big crowd at their beautiful facility to come out and cheer them on in what will be a highly-competitive week of college softball.
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Tickets for the 2023 Conference USA Softball Championships are still on sale and can be purchased at the softball box office each day. Single session (day) and all-tournament tickets are available at various price points (chairback, bleacher seat, berm). For ticket information, call 318-257-3631 or go to LATechSports.com/tickets.
KLPI 89.1 FM, Louisiana Tech’s campus radio station, wrapped up its annual participation in Vinylthon recently, a charity event held nationwide where stations play nothing but vinyl records for 24 hours or more.
It’s put on by the College Radio Society, an organization that awards scholarships to college students who want to work in radio. Over 170 stations across the United States and the world participate in the event each year, KLPI being the only station in Louisiana to do so.
“This year was special because this year was a full 72 hour event,” said Evan Gross, a senior KLPI DJ. “(For 72 hours) we don’t play any CDs. We don’t play anything off of a computer. We don’t play anything off of our phones or anything like that. All of the music is played only off of vinyl records live on air. Nothing is pre-recorded. It is just a DJ live in the studio, dropping a needle on a vinyl record.”
KLPI members can reserve time slots to do a DJ show during the 72-hour event. Most bring their own vinyl records; in fact many often play records on their own weekly shows outside of Vinylthon. It’s all part of a vinyl comeback that has been sweeping the music world in recent years. Vinyl has been the best-selling physical music format for the last three years, first out-selling CDs in 2020.
The non-assigned time slots are filled by the “ride-or-dies” who stay there for the whole event, always ready to jump into the booth. This is what many of the members said they love about the event: hanging out in the station, eating, sleeping and goofing around with friends.
“So we’re in here a long time… I was live from midnight to 9 a.m. at one point.” said Gross. “Camping out in the station for Vinylthon is, it’s almost like having a sleepover at your friend’s house. You just get to hang out with all of your friends for an extended period of time. If you’re not live, it means you’re just sitting here and you get to listen to whoever else is live. Talk to your friends in the station, while your friend in the studio is playing records. It’s just a fun situation to trade out with people.”
Tyler Walker, a DJ, participated in Vinylthon for the first time.
“Being a ride-or-die was very exhausting,” Walker said. “I stayed awake as much as I could so I could be there to help things run smoothly. My time in the booth was pretty fun actually. Most people got stressed out because of the constant attention the records needed, but once I got into the groove (pun intended) time flew by for me.”
Vinylthon is a big deal for the members of the station, and something they prepare for all year. One thing they do is “Kennel Dives,” which is where they go to their storage area where the thousands of records KLPI has accumulated over its nearly 60 years of existence are stored. There they search for interesting records to broadcast across the airwaves during the annual event. It’s also a big deal for recent alumni, some of whom come back every year for the event.
“Last year (in) 2022 we did the full 24 hours for the first time and it was an amazing experience for everyone involved and it’s kind of become like a legend to those alumni who have passed on from that year or those of us who are still around and we aimed to make this past year 2023 an incredible experience and I feel it definitely lived up to the hype,” Gross said.
KLPI doesn’t just participate in Vinylthon. For over 60 years, the campus radio station has strived to be “Ruston’s Rock Alternative” and plans to continue that legacy and the medium of radio into the future.
“I think a lot of people kind of miss out on what KLPI is,” Gross added. “A lot of people look at KLPI and just see a radio station where people just play whatever music they want and that is a part of it, sure. But we’re playing music for fun. We invite people to listen and have fun with us. We want to engage with our listeners and our main audience is supposed to be students here at Louisiana Tech. Sure, our music taste might not be exactly what you’re looking for, but we’re still on air to have fun. We still have jokes and gags on air. We play music.
“We try to have a fun environment, but if the music isn’t what you’re here for, we still have DJs with a lot of personality and vinyl is really kind of where we let that shine. Vinylthon is when we get everyone together, get sleep deprived and kind of fall into that loop of just giggling cause you’re so tired and getting everyone around and just having fun playing whatever fun records we found.”
Individuals can listen to KLPI on 89.1 FM or through the RadioFX app where a schedule of DJ specialty shows playing a variety of music genres can also be found.
Especially to my own children’s educators, both now and in the past (and in the future) — thank you. You have dealt with an overprotective mama bear, have answered questions, have taught them, loved on them, and protected them.
Thank you for answering calls after hours, before school, and during school. Thank you for helping me understand how to better help my kids as they go through the public school system. Thank you for meeting with me one-on-one, for sending me weekly updates, for being fair and kind.
We pray for you daily. It’s hard being a teacher – especially now. My mother was a fourth-grade teacher for nearly 25 years, and I saw how much she cared for her kids and how hard she worked after school hours and on weekends. I know your job is not done at 3 p.m. I know your weekend is not work-free. I know many of you work summer school – and even if you don’t, you’re prepping new curriculum, attending conferences and workshops. Your summer off is not really a summer off.
But you do it anyway because you care. Because it’s your calling and you genuinely want the best for your students – which includes my little girls.
One of my younger daughter’s teachers last year gave all of her students a small stuffed animal for Christmas, and that has always stuck with me because that’s something my mom would have done. This teacher bought this gift out of her own money for each of her students – a toy for Christmas from the teacher. She didn’t have to do that. She did it because she cared for her students. My daughter still has that stuffed dog – it’s a prized possession of hers.
I remember my older daughter, when she went to kindergarten – I was so nervous because she was so little and so young, and she had gone to a very tiny preschool for two years. How was she supposed to navigate the big-girl world of kindergarten? Her preschool teacher was so patient with me and assured me that my firstborn was going to be just fine – and she was.
I have example after example of how each one my kids’ teachers have influenced their lives – and my own. And it’s not just the teachers – it’s the counselors and school nurses and administrators. It’s the paras and auxiliary teachers and cafeteria workers and janitors and so many others.
Teacher Appreciation Week may be over, but please know that my family loves you and appreciates you the whole year. We are supporting you and advocating for you – because we know that you are doing the same for our kids.
By Anna Kate Semmes, Sadie Gormanous, Andrew McClure, and Leilani Celestine
This story was written by students in the Honors 389 course, Sports Literature, taught by Michelle Jimmerson at Louisiana Tech University.
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To describe the atmosphere, culture, and all that encompasses Louisiana Tech baseball is no easy feat. Since the program was first established, the game has touched countless people in many distinct ways, providing something special and unique to each participant–from student, to player, to fan. In the many years since its establishment, the small-town Ruston team has accomplished far more than many could have ever dreamt it would.
Much of that is rightfully accredited to the various baseball talents that have made their way to the town, some whose playing careers surpassed even the college level. However, the true makeup of Louisiana Tech baseball consists of much more than just the players and coaches; rather, it is the fanbase that may be the single most consistent aspect of the program throughout the years.
Looking around the J.C. Love Field, lovingly nicknamed the “Love Shack,” the wave of red and blue is made up of incredibly–almost inexplicably–dedicated fans, many of them longtime season ticket holders. Candidly, Ruston’s beloved “Diamond Dawgs” are not always able to gift their fans a token of gratitude with a blemish-free winning season or a championship trophy by the spring’s end. But, fortunately, an underwhelming season has never stopped devoted fans from coming in droves to faithfully cheer for their Dawgs, passing along the tradition for generations. Being a faithful Bulldog fan runs in their blood.
Of course, the intrinsic truth of any sports aficionado is simple: Everyone loves to win. Naturally, a winning streak pumps up students and fans, filling the entire campus and town with adrenaline–as seen when Louisiana Tech hosted a regional in 2021 and won the conference-USA championship just this past 2022 season. Plenty of victories, comeback wins, and underdog triumphs decorate the history of Tech baseball, but this is not every game or every season. So, what keeps these Tech fans–who are anything but fair-weather fans–showing up and showing out season after season, rain or shine, loss or win, homerun or strikeout?
In recent years, it may have much to do with the coaching staff and the head coach, Lane Burroughs. In 2016, when he first accepted the position, Burroughs was granted the ultimate confirmation that Ruston, Louisiana, was the place he was meant to be. On that fateful night, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (hosting the Arkansas Razorbacks) drew a particularly passionate and competitive crowd. Towards the end of a tough game, the Dawgs were down 2-1, and Chase Lunceford was up to bat. Everyone in the stadium held their breath. At that moment, the infamous railroad tracks that lie behind the stadium roared to life as a honking Norfolk Southern train shattered the night’s stillness. Noticing the immense crowd of fans, the train came to a screeching halt on the tracks, just in time for Lunceford to hit a two-run triple and secure a 4-2 win for the underdog Tech team. Bulldog fans went berserk. Tech coaches and players leapt with joy, fists pumping wildly in the air.
What most fans did not know, however, is that Coach Burroughs was simultaneously celebrating a second kind of victory at that moment. His father, who had passed two years prior, had worked for the Norfolk Southern train company–the same company whose train sat stopped on those tracks right at the turning point of one of Coach Burroughs’s first big wins. From then on, Burroughs felt certain of his position here in Ruston, and he commemorates that moment with a framed picture in his office of that exact night: the train idling behind the field as the diamond sprang to life at the game’s close.
Beyond the thrilling wins, Burroughs is a coach who truly cares about the young men on his team in a way that far exceeds the game at surface level. He seeks to invest in his team, not just as talented athletes, but also as adults–the husbands, fathers, and leaders they will grow to be long after the sun sets on their time as Tech baseball players.
Teri Netterville, a dedicated baseball mom of two Tech players—one who just finished a successful last season and one who is close to wrapping up his second year as a team member—is devoted to the team far beyond her boys, describes each player with the same knowledge and enthusiasm for their accomplishments. With her distinguished family history (her father is in the Louisiana Tech Hall of Fame for football) and her passion for the baseball program, if anyone has insight on what it means to be a faithful fan, it is Netterville.
“He tells it like it is,” she explains, confidently describing Burroughs. “He shoots it straight, and the boys respect him for it…[All the] coaches believe in [the players] and encourage them.”
Burroughs, she further outlines, does not simply evaluate players by what they look like on paper, but instead seeks players whose characters match their skills. He wants players who truly crave the game, and who play for the benefit of the whole team. Because of this, the brotherhood amongst the members is one unlike any other.
Will Safford, a third-year infielder and LSU transfer, speaks of his time on the team thus far:
“I [now] play the game more freely,” said Safford. “It’s easier to play for the people here because they have your back. I’ve learned a lot about how you play the game the right way and how to play for your coaches, teammates and community because they have your back, and that’s kind of like the vibe of the whole team.”
Burroughs’ coaching style is not lost on the fans, either, as many speak highly of his coaching and character. Rafe Semmes, an alumni and avid Tech sports fan claims that the culture of Louisiana Tech baseball harks back to “the leadership from a head coach who demands excellence and effort, but in a way that is empowering for the players rather than crippling.”
However, a successful team does not rely solely on staff. Team loyalty must go deeper than just those on the field; it must bleed into those who fill the stands.
Loyalty is ingrained into the hearts of many Tech fans. This devotion to the university, the players, and the game itself helps explain the considerable turnout and support for each baseball game, season after season. Teri Netterville reveals that the players often claim the fans helped pull them up in the midst of crucial points of the game.
“Have you ever been in a place where the energy around you is so high, so heightened, that you felt like your heart was about to leap out of your chest?” said Netterville. “It was like that. It almost had a party atmosphere, and the guys could feel that energy on the field.”
While Louisiana Tech is not the biggest university in the state, clearly something could be said for the enduring school pride flourishing here. The alumni genuinely support the school and students long after their graduation, many raising their children alongside football games in the fall, basketball in the winter, and baseball in the spring–children who cannot help but dream of attending the university themselves one day. However, loyalty alone does not solely account for the lively, congenial culture and atmosphere present at the games. To look into the crowd is to see an accurate depiction of a community and college intertwined, thread together by their unity as a fanbase.
To numerous fans, the impact of Tech baseball extends much further than winning. Louisiana Tech baseball is about community, family, and support. Lifelong fans form bonds with the young men on the field and unconditionally support them, as though each player is their own child. No loss can disrupt this kind of bond. Season ticket holder Gary Green, who has been a faithful attendee of the games since 1991, illustrates his extensive devotion to the fandom, going as far as to say he “hunger[s] for [the team] to do well and succeed.”
Linda Wallace, another season ticket holder who attends these games as routine and religiously as church service on Sunday morning, explains this phenomenon: “It’s almost like a family–a family tradition.”
For both Green and Wallace, their attendance is quite literally a family tradition, as they both habitually enjoy the games with their spouses–not a rare occurrence by any means. Tech baseball games are often a family excursion, a fun outing with something for every member of the family to enjoy, whether that be delicious baseball food, the welcoming atmosphere, or exciting plays.
A night at the recently rebuilt J.C. Love Field exudes character and enjoyment. The smell of hotdogs and popcorn lingers above the heads of boisterous families and laughing friends, giddy with anticipation of another fun-filled game. Excitement defrosts fans frozen from the frigid winter. Stadium-goers have a perfect view of the field, the on-campus apartments (holding balconies speckled with student spectators), and the setting sun overlooking the train tracks.
Devoted fans recognize each player by his walk-on song, even endearingly calling out designated nicknames as a player steps up to bat. Some yell at the exasperated umpire, some hum to the upbeat songs, and some simply chatter to their seat neighbors. The stadium is only truly quiet during pivotal plays. People cross their fingers, mumble prayers to themselves, and shut their eyes–the suspense either climaxing in an outburst of energy or a uniform sigh of defeat.
At the game’s inevitable end, win or lose, the alumni will gather to sing the alma mater with a single finger in the air, earnestly pledging their loyalty to the university. Then, as one season ends, another will take its place–gone, but never forgotten. And then, yet again, traffic will flood the corner of Tech Drive.
People will come decked out in all things Tech blue. Young married couples with giddy toddlers, teenagers from the local high schools, spouses married over half a century, rowdy college students, proud baseball parents, dedicated alumni, and everyone in between will be unified once more to watch a ballgame. There is really nothing quite like this shared experience, exclusive to the tight-knit Ruston community and college students.
On the fifth annual Louisiana Tech University Giving Day recently, 990 donors from the Tech Family contributed gifts totaling over $2.43 million, setting a Giving Day record for funds raised.
Donors included students, faculty and staff, alumni, parents, corporate partners, and community members. Funds were raised for areas across campus and beyond, ranging from colleges and departments to programs and scholarships. The giving efforts on the day were highlighted by a single $1 million gift in support of Louisiana Tech Athletics capital projects, including the Student-Athlete Academic Center, which will serve the academic, career, nutritional, and personal development needs of more than 320 student-athletes.
“I’m still in awe of our results this year,” said Lindsey Murry, Director of Annual Giving. “When we began planning this day last October, our goal was simply to do better than last year. But, given this year’s results, I’ve learned a valuable lesson: never underestimate the generosity of our loyal Tech Alumni and donors.”
The theme of 2023’s Giving Day was “People, Knowledge, and Culture,” and it was chosen to align with the Tech 2030 strategic framework. This year’s event comes after four consecutive Giving Days of raising over $1 million for the University, making the annual day a crucial one for furthering Louisiana Tech’s strategic goals as the campus and the Tech Family both continue to grow.
“The contributions made on this day— and throughout the year— do more than set records,” said Devin Ferguson, Assistant Vice President for Philanthropy & Engagement. “Gifts to Louisiana Tech have a direct impact on people. Whether a student, a faculty or staff member, or a member of our community, all of their experiences are enriched because of generous philanthropic support.”
Some of the areas directly impacted by the Tech Family’s giving include the Student Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), which received funding to support their trip to the National Concrete Canoe Competition in Wisconsin later this summer, the Parkinson Resource Center, which provides both educational experiences for Tech nursing students and program opportunities for community members with Parkinson’s Disease, and the Good Nutrition Mission Food Pantry on campus, which offers resources to Tech students who experience food insecurity.
“We are grateful for the investments made by our alumni and friends in support of Louisiana Tech,” said Lisa Bradley, Interim Vice President for University Advancement and Chief Financial Officer of the Louisiana Tech University Foundation. “The loyal support from the Louisiana Tech family has a direct impact on the unparalleled learning experience our students receive. Gifts received on Giving Day were aligned with 134 areas across campus and ranged in size from $5 to $1 million. The commitment, loyalty, and caring demonstrated by our donors showcases the pride we have in Louisiana Tech and gives us confidence that the future needs of our university will be met with excellence.”
To see more data from Giving Day 2023, including successful match challenges and the donor wall, visit LouisianaTechGivingDay.org.
Louisiana Tech’s Police Department emailed students, faculty and staff and have warned of a scam that has come to their attention.
Bill Davis, assistant chief of police, said that several parents of Tech student-athletes were recently contacted by individuals representing themselves as law enforcement in an attempt to scam the parents for money.
“It is critical for the public to know that at no time would law enforcement ask anyone for money in relation to any aspect of a police investigation or arrest,” Davis wrote in the email. “If a parent or family member of a student should receive a call requesting or demanding money from someone representing themselves as law enforcement, call the student and then call the actual law enforcement agency to report the scam attempt.”
Most importantly, Davis said not to send money or provide personal information to the caller.
Students should make their parents aware of this potential scam as soon as possible and advise them to contact their nearest law enforcement agency to report the incident.
The second annual Out Of the Darkness Walk held at Louisiana Tech raised over $10,000 to go to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention.
All of these proceeds will go directly back to the community.
The idea to hold the event was crafted by Dr. Mallory Garza, who is the assistant director of student health and wellness in Tech University’s Counseling Center.
“I knew that I wanted to bring some kind of suicide prevention to campus,” Garza said. “I started looking more into the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I decided on organizing a campus walk aimed towards increasing awareness, education, programming and training to help stop suicide.”
More than 170 registered participants, along with others, joined together for the one-mile walk around Louisiana Tech’s campus.
“Mental health is so important and I really admire the counseling services for going above and beyond to reach as many students as possible,” said Savannah Stewart, a student at Tech.
Garza said the counseling services plan an outreach for each month.
“The emphasis this month is on self care,” said Garza.
For example, today Counseling Services will hold a Destress Day at the Centennial Plaza from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. with several different activities offered. They plan to have puppies, a bash car and a stress ball making station.
Louisiana Tech also offers mental health services for full time students at no additional cost.
The Grambling State University softball team placed two student-athletes on the 2023 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) All-Conference teams, announced by the conference on Monday night.
Cadashia Collins was named the SWAC Freshman of the Year and landed on the first team, while pitcher Dacia Richard nabbed second-team honors.
Grambling State earned the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) West Division No. 2 seed in the 2023 SWAC Softball Tournament and opens play versus Florida A&M, the No. 3 seed from the East Division today at 12 p.m.
The double-elimination tournament is being held at the Gulfport Sportsplex in Gulfport, Miss. and runs through the championship game on May 12.
GSU earned the No. 2 seed after finishing the regular season with a 30-20-1 overall record and a 15-9 mark in SWAC play. It marked the first time that the GSU softball program achieved at least 30 wins since the 2001 season.
This is also the highest that the Tigers have been seeded in the SWAC Softball Tournament since earning the No. 2 seeding in 2009.
Collins, a freshman shortstop from Chattanooga, Tenn., had a breakout season and was one of the key contributors for Grambling State’s offense as a true freshman. She contributed a batting average of .310 with 46 RBI, 14 doubles, three triples, one home run and 35 runs scored. Her 46 RBI ranks second in the league. Collins’ 15 doubles is also the most in the conference while she also contributed ten stolen bases to go along with a fielding percentage of .945.
Richard was one of the strongest pitchers in the conference this season. She amassed double-digit victories, sporting a record of 10-5 with an ERA of 3.25. Her 10 wins ranked third in the SWAC, and her ERA placed her seventh in the conference. She was also third in the conference in strikeouts, racking up 76 Ks. Richard limited opposing hitters to a .222 average, which was second-best in the SWAC.
Louisiana Tech’s Matt Terry was named the 2023 Conference USA Coach of the Year. (Courtesy Photo)
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
The 2022-23 Conference USA men’s golf all-conference and superlative honors were announced Monday with Louisiana Tech head coach Matt Terry being named C-USA Coach of the Year and fifth-year senior James Swash earning First Team All-Conference USA.
Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, all-conference and all-freshman selections are determined by Golfstat national rankings, while the Coach of the Year was selected by a vote of the league’s head coaches.
Terry’s Bulldogs reached the match play portion of the 2023 C-USA Championship for just the second time in program history, which included a win over No. 2 seed Middle Tennessee to reach the match play finals after finishing third in stroke play.
The sixth-year head coach at LA Tech coached Swash who ended up winning the individual conference title with a -2 performance during stroke play (earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Regionals).
Terry became just the third head coach in the program’s history to earn conference coach of the year honors (first since 1982).
Swash became the first LA Tech golfer since 1980 to become an individual medalist, coming back from three strokes down in the third and final round to win the event by two strokes. It was one of his four top-20 finishes during the 2022-23 season and one of his two top-10 finishes (tied for eighth at the Border Olympics. He finished in the top 35 individually in eight of his 10 tournaments.
2022-23 Conference USA Men’s Golf Awards
Player of the Year Owen Stamper, Middle Tennessee
Freshman of the Year Markus Varjun, Middle Tennessee
Phillip Hatchett Coach of the Year Matt Terry, Louisiana Tech
First Team All-Conference Owen Stamper, Middle Tennessee Vicente Marzilio, North Texas Dongjin Park, Charlotte Raghav Chugh, Rice ( James Swash, Louisiana Tech
Second Team All-Conference Tucker Allen, North Texas Khavish Varadan, UAB Michael Barnard, Middle Tennessee Alex Maguire, Florida Atlantic Max Schliesing, UTEP
Third Team All-Conference Max Sturda, Florida Atlantic Hunter Bott, UTSA Kevin Jegers, Middle Tennessee Christian Fanfelle, UTSA Jay Kirchdorfer, Rice
All-Freshman Team Markus Varjun, Middle Tennessee Carter Maneth, Middle Tennessee Lukas Boandl, Rice Alvaro Roldos, North Texas Brayden Bare, UTSA
(WNBA Star Jewell Loyd to partner with Playmakers League)
This is an advertorial.
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The Playmakers League aims to ensure more playing time, development, and fun for participating individuals. Playmakers has created differing levels of curricula based on various developmental stages for youth basketball and focus on what Dr. McCormick refers to as “Physical Literacy.”
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