By Kyle Roberts
Members of Ruston High’s football program were presented with a nice gift from Louisiana National Bank Tuesday — a big check for nearly $25,000 to help cover the cost of the state championship rings that have already been given to players and staff in a spring ceremony.
The donation covered 50 percent of the total cost for the rings.
“Louisiana National Bank has always been supportive of us — not just the football program, but they do yearly start-up money for every sport including cheerleading,” Ruston head coach Jerrod Baugh said. “A lot of places are not fortunate enough to have that. Louisiana National Bank and (president/CEO) Brian Woodard have been very good to our athletic programs, state championship or not.
“And then you add this to it, and they didn’t blink an eye. They contacted me and said they were open to doing whatever we needed. We’re very fortunate to have somebody i the community here that knows what it takes to be able to provide for the kids.”
Baugh added that other businesses and people also gave private donations to help with the ring costs.
For Woodard, a Ruston High alum from the class of ’84, it was a no-brainer to offer support.
“(The championship) was a big event for our community and for the kids,” Woodard said. “Anything we can give back to our schools is great for education. It was worthwhile to do that.
“Football was a big deal when I was in high school and the years after, and Jerrod has brought it back. I’m very proud of what he’s done and we’re very supportive of him and the coaching staff. They’ve got a great group.”
The Bearcats will begin their title defense with a home opener against Acadiana on Friday, Sept. 6.
