In the Fall of 1997, as an 8th grader at Ruston Junior High, I attended my first Ruston High football game. The previous year we moved to Ruston from south Louisiana. My heart was still in south Louisiana. I missed my friends from south Louisiana and regularly checked my then-hometowns scores in the newspaper on Saturday mornings.
However, in the Spring of 1999, I approached Coach Tommy Reeder to ask him if I could be a part of the football team. I knew that I couldn’t play. I have a congenital heart defect and collision sports were off limits. Nevertheless, I wanted to be a part of the football team to make friends.
That conversation between Coach Reeder and I birthed a love that is only transcended by my love for the Lord and my friends and family.
I love Ruston football. I love everything we stand for. We represent honor. We represent integrity. We represent history and family.
The past three seasons have been nothing short of extraordinary. Three trips to the Dome! 3–0 verse West Monroe. Two district championships!
Class of 2025 Seniors, you have been an absolute joy to watch. You have put Ruston back on the football map! Starter or scout team, your success the past three seasons has won the affection of my heart and of so many Bearcat graduates before you!
Today, you feel the sting of defeat.
Today, you feel one of the downs of life.
You might even feel that you let the community of Ruston down.
You did not! My heart is grateful!
From 2000 to 2021 Ruston did not make it beyond the Quarterfinals. I, along with many Bearcat fans grew weary wondering if we would ever even see a championship appearance again!
I walked out of the Dome Saturday night knowing that I was able to watch my Bearcats play in the Dome. Not once, not twice, but three times in a row!
You did what no class or team ever did in the history of Ruston High.
There will be a day that you look back beneath the towering columns of your accomplishments.
There will be a day that you, with fond memories of your accomplishments, sing her praises, speed them onward, to the world proclaim.
We, Bearcat fans of all generations, will always love and cherish your accomplishment and how you carried Ruston High School’s name.
Bearcat Pride,
James McGovern
Ruston High Class of 2002
Head High School Baseball Coach
First Baptist Christian School (Lafayette, LA)
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