By Kyle Roberts and Malcolm Butler
Ruston High’s state championship season sure had a nice ring to it.
And now, the program has the hardware to show for it.
Bearcat players, coaches and support staff were all given their 2023 State Championship rings in a surprise ceremony for the students Wednesday, held in the Ruston High auditorium.
“We’re very proud to be able to do something like this for the kids,” Ruston High head coach Jerrod Baugh said. “We struggled with how we needed to go about doing it; I wanted to keep it a secret for the kids and the coaches. I did my best to make sure it was going to be a surprise for everybody, and I think it’s absolutely been great.”
Ruston High principal Dan Gressett opened the ceremony by thanking the players, coaches, spirit groups, support staff and teachers.
“A lot of people had a hand in this past football season, and a successful football season usually means a successful school year,” Gressett said. “Day-to-day operations go smoother. Students, teachers and staff are excited to be in school, and we have something to look forward to. Support is at an all-time high, and most of that is because of what this group has done. I want to say “Thank you.”
Louisiana National Bank CEO Brian Woodard, and Ruston alum from 1984, addressed the crowd to give praise to the football program and was the one to give the final countdown for the team to open their ring boxes in unison. Woodard then explained why Louisiana National Bank wanted to be part a group of community patrons that purchased the rings to ensure that none of the players would have to buy their own.
“Our community revolves around education,” Woodard said. “We have Louisiana Tech and Grambling State, but the high schools are such a big part of everybody’s lives. It’s been such a long time for Ruston High to have a state championship. We felt it was something worth being a part of. It’s a special day for Ruston High and the whole community.
The rings were made by Jostens with a ruby-red “R” emblazoned in the middle and “State Champions” in print around the top and “Firmly Founded” in red on the side. Each player, coach and support staff member were also given a replica championship trophy.
“They did a great job,” Baugh said of Jostens. “I think the kids were very pleased; I steered more towards what I thought the kids would like. And “Firmly Founded”– it’s something that’s been around for a long time, and that’s something that everybody that’s come through here know. We kind of change our own slogan year to year, but “Firmly Founded” is something that anybody that’s gone to Ruston High School will see and know where that’s from.”
Junior quarterback Josh Brantley was thrilled to finally be able to put on his ring after being named the MVP of the title game.
“It’s finally paid off,” Brantley said. “We had it on our minds all summer that we were going to win the state championship. And now we have the rings; it’s finally sinking in.
“I love it,” Brantley concluded. “I want another one.”
