Total redemption.
That’s how famed Ruston artist, LPJ photographer and Bearcat alum Reggie McLeroy described the feeling watching the football team hoist the 2023 state championship Saturday night in the Superdome.
It was even sweeter given last season’s results in the title game.
“That year, nobody wanted to touch the runner up trophy, because that wasn’t the goal for going down there,” McLeroy said of 2022. “The goal was to win state, and we came up short. I told my nephew (Jacoriyan Crowe) down on the field that we’ll be back here next year.
“I was so excited after the game because they won, and it’s been so long since we won a state championship.”
Ruston High School “red” runs deep in McLeroy’s veins, as a graduate in the class of 1980.
“This is my alma mater,” McLeroy said. “It’s the place I played and coached basketball. I know what it’s like wear the “R” on your chest; it’s a sense of pride and respect.”
McLeroy understands that it takes all of us in the community to support this team, and he’s proud to do his part by creating a 2023 State Championship shirt with Tommy’s Tees in Ruston, where a portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the football program.
“I think it’s wrong for us to produce items for sale and not give back to the school,” McLeroy said. “Our coaches, players and staff work hard each and every day. They put in a lot of hours and work through all kinds of conditions. They make all types of sacrifices to get a win. So why should we benefit from the wins and not give back? That’s why I will always give a portion of my proceeds back to the team and school. I hope others will do the same if they’re not already doing that.”
McLeroy’s championship shirts are available today at 11 a.m. at Tommy’s Tees in Ruston and are priced at $20 for youth and adult small through XL, $22 for XXL, and $24 for XXXL. Sweatshirts will be ready Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. and are priced at $30 for youth and adult small through XL, $32 for XXL, and $34 for XXXL.
