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A TECH TALK PUBLICATION
MEET THE 2015 HOMECOMING COURT PAGE 5
THEN AND NOW: A GLIMPSE OF PAST HOMECOMINGS PAGE 10
BULLDOGS CELEBRATE 90TH HOMECOMING PAGE 12
IT FEELS GOOD TO BE THE
2014 Homecoming Queen Taylor Guillot and King Drew Jimmerson reflect on a year of representing Louisiana Tech PAGE 6
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The Tech Talk
HOMECOMING EDITION 2015
Welcome to Homecoming 2015
H
omecoming can mean a lot of different things to every individual person. For some it may involve sports, food, school spirit or another excuse to party.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
For me, Homecoming has never really been a big deal. I was homeschooled in high school so I never really had much of a reason to share an interest in it. Even in college I have remained pretty indifferent about the entire week. I’ve attended one Homecoming game since my time at Louisiana Tech, and while it was fun, the idea of Homecoming itself has never really meant much more than another week at school, just more events and people around. This year though I’ve thought a lot more on homecoming, because of this very paper itself. Our staff has been discussing events, stories and people to interview since the start of the quarter and I know we are not the only organization sharing this feeling. This year I have realized how big Homecoming is for many people. There is a lot of planning that goes into this
week and the game itself. I have honestly always viewed this week as a big advertisement for school spirit. This will be my last year at Tech and also my last Homecoming ever, as a student and being involved in this aspect has helped me to appreciate it more, for what it is. But now I can say I’m glad it is here. Take this week to appreciate the fact that we can celebrate attending a university and receiving a higher educational degree. There is a lot more to attending college than just being a part of the social campus life. So whether you love this week or if it is just another week in the school year for you, have fun and enjoy this time.
Ellie Moslander
HOMECOMING EDITION 2015
The Tech Talk
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ON THE MENU A GUIDE TO BULLDOG TAILGATING
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Louisiana Tech’s football games are where students, faculty, football fanatics and visiting individuals gather to partake in game day activities before cheering their Bulldogs on to victory. At Tech’s home games, the departments and schools get together with others of their field to participate in game day activities. One specific activity is setting up a tailgating tent that represents their college and provides food for students and fans alike to freely enjoy.
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THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND SCIENCES Serving will begin at noon. • Taquitos • Full taco bar
THE COLLEGE OF APPLIED AND NATURAL SCIENCES Serving will begin at 11:30 a.m. • Hamburgers • Sausages • Whole roasted pig (apple included)
AR GE
THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
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Serving will begin at 11:30 a.m. • Gyros with Tzatziki sauce • Mediterranean style pasta salad • Brownies
THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS Serving will begin at noon. • Sliced brisket
THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Serving will begin at 11:30 a.m. • Chicken and sausage jambalaya • Salad • Chicken fingers • Brownies
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WEEKEND EVENTS THURSDAY
BEN RECTOR CONCERT Howard Auditorium - 7 p.m.
FRIDAY
ALUMNI AWARDS LUNCHEON Davison Athletics Complex - noon
Alumni
CLASS OF 1965 REUNION
Davison Athletics Complex - 5:30 p.m.
PARADE
Through Campus - 5:30 p.m.
PEP RALLY & PRESENTATION OF THE COURT
Skip Russell s
Howard Auditorium - After Parade
SATURDAY
BREAKFAST WITH CHAMP
Louisiana Tech Student Center - 9 a.m.
ALUMNI & FRIENDS TAILGATE Argent Pavilion - 11:30 a.m.
BULLDOG FOOTBALL VS. NORTH TEXAS
Welcome Back,
Campus We miss you, and your quarters! Washateria Campus Washateria
Skip Russell s
Joe Aillet Stadium - 2:30 p.m.
Canterbury Association
THE EPISCOPAL MINISTRY AT LOUISIANA TECH WELCOMES YOU!
Just East of Tech Campus
Next to University Apartments behind Wesley Foundation
• Open 24 hours / 7 days a week • Cleanest in town • New machines • AirEast Conditioned Just of Tech Campus
EVER Y
I S W YO N E E LC O ME!
Texas
Homer St.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK SERVING TECH STUDENTS SINCE 1965 Wesley YOUR PARENTS WASHED WITH US Campus Washateria
-www.latech.edu/tech/orgs/canterburyWyly Tower
Keeny Hall
Alabama
The Rt. Rev. Jake Owensby, Bishop • The Rev. Bill Easterling, Rector Stephanie Carwile, Faculty Advisor, School of Architecture
• Open 24 hours / 7 days a week Wesley • Cleanest in town • New machines Wyly Conditioned Tower Keeny Hall • Air Texas
Where: Church of the Redeemer, 504 Tech Drive • PH 318.255.3925
Alabama
Campus Washateria
Louisiana Ave.
Canterbury meets every Wednesday evening at 6 P.M. All Canterbury services followed by Fun, Food & Fellowship
Louisiana Ave.
HomerFoundation St. Next to University Apartments behind Wesley
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The Tech Talk
INSIGHT
MANAGEMENT
RACHEL’S RAMBLINGS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Welcome back
Ellie Moslander
MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Maxwell
NEWS EDITOR Blake Bolin
FEATURE EDITOR Devin Dronett
SPORTS EDITOR
Matthew Valcho
PHOTO EDITOR
Brian Blakely
PHOTOGRAPHERS Colin Fontenot Devin Dronett Ashley Kober Avery Bryan
ADVERTISING MANAGER Taylor Loftin
ADVISERS
Reginald Owens T. Scott Boatright Dr. Judith Roberts
ADVERTISING ADVISER Michael LeBlanc
PRODUCTION MANAGER Michael LeBlanc
ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Michael LeBlanc
RACHEL MAXWELL Managing Editor | ram049@latech edu
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ne thing I have always loved about Tech is the ties the school keeps to its alumni. I know it sounds cheesy, but there truly is something special about this school that I know will stick with me for life, so I love knowing that I will be able to come back years from now to reminisce about my collegiate days. I have grown and learned so much from the faculty, organizations and my classmates already. I cannot wait to come back to the school after I’ve graduated and see the brick bearing my name on the walkway. I will relish the opportunity to return to see the progress of my favorite organizations that are now shaping who I am as a student:
my Sigma Kappa sisters, the Tech Talk staff, and the debate team. Another tradition I am excited to see from the alumna perspective is Homecoming weekend. I have fun at the games now as a student, but I know that a level of nostalgia can make events that we sometimes take for granted a truly special occasion. When I was in high school, every milestone seemed silly and unnecessary. I went to probably a total of four football games during my tenure, and I mocked school spirit on several occasions. However, since I’ve been out of Benton High, I realize how special some of those events were. I love going back for BHS’s Homecoming weekend now, and seeing all the younger students experiencing the same things I did
a few years ago. I can only imagine that the alumni who return to Tech for homecoming weekend feel that same sense of belonging as I do when I return to high school. For me, and so many others I know, college has been a lifechanging experience. It has taught me so much about myself, and I wouldn’t want to go through these paramount years anywhere other than Louisiana Tech. So welcome back, alumni. I hope you are enjoying your Homecoming weekend, and I hope you are as proud of Louisiana Tech as you were when you walked the halls yourself. Rachel Maxwell is a sophomore journalism major from Benton who serves as managing editor The Tech Talk.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Tech Talk subscriptions are $25 a year. Mail to: Tech Talk Subscrip tions, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272.
PUBLICATION
The Tech Talk (USPS 535540) is published Thursdays of the regular school year, except in vacation and examination periods, by the Jour nalism Department of Louisiana Tech University. Publication office is in Keeny Hall, Room 138.
POSTAL
Secondclass postage paid at Rus ton, La. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Tech Talk, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272.
CONTACT US
NEWSROOM 318.257.4946 EMAIL techtalk@latech.edu ADVERTISING 318.257.4949 EMAIL techtalkads@latech.edu DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES JOURNALISM CONCENTRATION 318.257.4427
GET THE PICTURE
Homecoming through the lens DEVIN DRONETT Features Editor | dhd005@latech.edu
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ith Homecoming week here, there are various events and activities around campus. I feel most students and alumni are excited during this time, however I feel I have a lack of school spirit compared to most. I’m not sure as to why I feel this way, but the combination of working for The Tech Talk and my passion for photography helps me to become immersed in the events around campus. I have more of an appreciation for the time and effort that is put forth to make everything come together. I enjoy covering events around campus as I have such a drive for documentary (candid) photography that I want to capture the interactions between people. You would think focusing on the camera settings or worrying about capturing the right images
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Tech Talk welcomes letters to the editor. However, we reserve the right not to print anonymous letters. We also ask that each letter be accompanied by a telephone number, address and classification or title. We will not print the telephone number. View points should be mailed or brought to The Tech Talk office, 138 Keeny Hall, by 4 p.m. the Friday prior to a Thursday publication. Letters should be mailed to The Tech Talk, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272. Emails should be sent to techtalk@latech.edu. You can also submit letters online at www. thetechtalk.org/home/ lettertotheeditor/. Louisiana Tech University is com mitted to the principle of providing the opportunity for learning and development of all qualified citizens without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status for admission to, participation in, or employment in the programs and activities which the University sponsors or oper ates. For Title IX information, see University Policy #1445 at http:// www.latech.edu/administration/ policiesandprocedures/1445. shtml.
would somehow take away from my experience but it is actually quite the opposite. Whether I am on the sidelines and having a player run past at arms length away or front and center at a concert, I feel I am more immersed in the moment while waiting for that precise moment to release the shutter. I briefly mentioned this in one of my previous writings on how I admire how photo journalistic photography captures the spirit and feeling of the event as opposed to set up photography. I have come to realize that when covering an event I am not just creating images of people in their environment, but also capturing the essence of the event. This includes everything from the emotions and interactions between people, and also those great unexpected moments. Some think the fine art aspect is lost in photojournalism, but when the images are finally presented the viewers are encour-
aged to use their thoughts and personal experiences to make connections and determine how the images makes them feel. I find excitement in covering events around campus as there is exhilaration in anticipating and capturing moments without the subject actively aware of the process. During Homecoming week there are so many events and people involved, the opportunities to make successful photographs are endless and I am excited to attend as many events as possible. All in all, photojournalism is the art of truthfulness and emotion. The images created are that split second of the shutter capturing a permanent view of the truth in that point in time. Devin Dronett is a senior graphic design and photography major from Lake Charles who serves as features editor for The Tech Talk.
READ BETWEEN THE SIDELINES
I’ve always been a Bulldog MATT VALCHO Sports Editor | mvv002@latech.edu
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ll my life I’ve had some kind of connection to Louisiana Tech and Bulldog athletics. Some of these connections are a bit more obvious, while others took a little digging to find. The most obvious connection I have to Tech is my family and friends. My mom was a Bulldog at one point, albeit only a year, before transferring to Baton Rouge and LSU. Family friends and acquaintances have also graduated from Tech. The coolest connection I have to Tech though, started coming together in the ‘70s. My dad was raised in Youngstown, Ohio, about an hour outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylva-
nia, where his dad was brought up. Even though they lived in Ohio, my grandpa, the great man that he was, raised my dad to love the smash-mouth, hard-nosed style of play of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers of the ‘70s dominated the football world, winning four Super Bowls over six seasons. Owner Art Rooney and his family put together a dynasty in Pittsburgh that continues to have success to this day. Who did they put at the helm of this team? In 1970, the Rooneys drafted none other than Tech quarterback Terry Bradshaw No. 1 overall to lead the offense. While Bradshaw was in Pennsylvania working on his Hall of Fame career, his family was still in Louisiana. Bradshaw’s late father, William, just so happened to work for the Riley Beaird Company in Shreveport with my grandpa on my mom’s side.
The two families attended the parties for birthdays and anniversaries together. After my mom graduated, she moved to Dallas where she met my dad. While they were dating, he got to meet Terry at an anniversary party for his parents. My dad once joked that that’s the moment he knew she was the one. What Steeler fan wouldn’t want to marry into a family that knows the greatest quarterback in team history? All this goes to show, I’ve always had some kind of connection to Tech athletics. It just seems right that I ended up here studying to become a sports journalist. I’m extremely happy I did. I love it here and I’ll always bleed Tech blue. Matt Valcho is a junior journalism major from Benton who serves as sports editor for The Tech Talk.
How formal should Homecoming be?
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ressing up for Homecoming has become a tradition for students on college campuses across the United States, but do all students agree with the tradition? For students here at Louisiana Tech, homecoming has finally arrived. The Bulldogs will take on North Texas and students will grab their date and pack the East side of Joe Aillet Stadium. Unfortunately, a 2:30 p.m. kickoff means less time for fun prior to the game. An afternoon Homecoming usually consists of an early brunch or lunch followed by tailgating in Hideaway Park. That question that comes into play, is a shirt and tie necessary attire for the homecoming football game? At The Tech Talk, everyone agreed that dressing to the nines is a necessity for homecoming. First off, it is fun. Look good. Feel good. Homecoming has a storied tradition, and do we really want to be the student body that breaks this tradition? It is not like you are being asked to dress up for every single game. It is one home game every year. Another factor is that this game is a yearly event for Louisiana Tech alumni. Every single year, our former Bulldogs show up to Ruston and when alumni come in, you want to look your best. Homecoming allows all Louisiana Tech students to dress up in unison and look like on cohesive body. The arguments against it are weak at best. It is too hot. I do not like to dress up. Get over it. Like we said earlier, it is a once a year thing. Not only that, it’s November. It is not that hot. As far as the argument of not wanting to dress nice? Well, at some point in your life you are going to need to learn how to dress. While you may not want to dress nice, that does not mean you cannot add your own personal style. This is not a school uniform where everyone wears the same pants, ties, shirts and shoes. You can bring your own flavor to your one Homecoming outfit to try and make it personal. While you are at it, it is always great to snap a few pictures and send back to family. Is there a better way to impress family members than showing how professional you and your friends look while attending a college football game? Plus, your date will not get more attractive than he/she is at that moment, so once again there is no better time for a picture. Dressing up has become a tradition at schools across the nation; Louisiana Tech is not the lone school to participate. Besides, you can be thankful. Thirty to 40 years ago, that is how everyone dressed for every football game. Rather than it being a once a year thing, attire for football games was considered to be business professional, so things could always be worse. In the end, the best decision is to button up the shirt. Put on the tie. Look your best and enjoy another Bulldog victory this Saturday at the Joe.
The Tech Talk
HOMECOMING COURT 2015
PHOTOS BY DONNY CROWE
SETH POYNTER senior, sustainable supply chain management
Q: How has attending Louisiana Tech impacted you? A: “Coming here I didn’t know a single soul, but becoming involved and starting off a new phase of my life here was the best decision.”
SAL ANNARUMMA senior, accounting
Q: How has attending Louisiana Tech impacted you? A: “I can honestly say that Louisiana Tech has helped make me into the young man I am today.”
CASEY CHAUDOIR
JACKSON CLOSE
senior, history
junior, economics
Q: How does it feel to be nominated? A: “When I found out
Q: How has attending Louisiana Tech impacted you? A: “Tech has affected
I was on court, I as so excited. I was actually at Regal Blue practice when I found out, so it was so great to get to share that moment with them.”
me in such positive ways, made some best friends that could never be replaced as well as became a better person”
EVA EDINGER
PARKER BEAGALE
junior, biology/pre-med
junior, marketing
Q: How has attending Louisiana Tech impacted you? A: “Tech has shaped my mind, my soul, and my
Q: How does it feel to be nominated? A: “I was extremely
character. The faculty, staff and student body are truly one of a kind...”
TREVOR WILLIAMS senior, mechanical engineering
Q: How has attending Louisiana Tech impacted you? A: “My goal when coming to college was to become more involved and make connections for the rest of my life and Tech has done more for me than I could have ever hoped!
BAILEY DEBONA
senior, biology
junior, kinesiology
Q: How has attending Louisiana Tech impacted you? A: ”Attending Tech has
Q: How has attending Louisiana Tech impacted you? A: ” I have grown as
let me grow and develop into someone my parents could be proud of, as well as a person who will be able to succeed into today’s world .”
a person and learned leadership qualities through each organization I have joined here at Louisiana Tech.”
COURTNEY GEROUX junior, mechanical engineering
TIM SCHULER junior, economics major
Q: How does it feel to be nominated? A: “I was beyond
Q: How has attending Louisiana Tech impacted you? A: “The biggest impact
honored to not only represent the university that both of my parents graduated from but the place I call my home away from home...”
Tech has left on me was teaching me how to step into many different roles and to manage all of them while excelling at them.”
BAILEY LABORDE
HANNAH FRANCIS
junior, marketing
junior, speech pathology
Q: What are your plans for the rest of the school year? A: “Being a junior here
Q: : How has attending Louisiana Tech impacted you? A: “Becoming involved
and having only a little less than two years left, I realize now how short my time is here and I have to make the most of it.”
on campus and putting myself out there has allowed me to grow so much as a person and friend. I am very grateful for all of the opportunities Louisiana Tech has given me.”
&
excited of course, but more importantly honored.”
MACKENZIE POTTS junior, human resource management
Q: How has attending Louisiana Tech impacted you? A: “Over all Tech has helped me develop into the person I am today and I honestly could never give back like it has given to me.”
JOELLE MOORMAN
MARY PEYTON PAYNR
senior, marketing analysis
senior, industrial engineering
Q: How does it feel to be nominated? A: “I was honestly
Q: What are you looking forward to the most this school year? A: It is such a privilege to represent our awe-
surprised when I was selected. It made me realize how much being true to yourself and the people around you matters. “
LANE ROBERTSON
some university. This has been an experience that I will never forget!
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The Tech Talk
ONE YEAR WITH THE
CROWN
The 2014 Homecoming queen, Taylor Guillot, and king, Drew Jimmerson, talk about their life after being crowned, their Tech pride and honoring school traditions. WORDS BY REBEKAH BARNES
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THE KING
ech alumni and students alike will sing, “Louisiana Tech, I love thee,” at the Homecoming football game, and graduates like Drew Jimmerson have many reasons why the alma mater rings true. “What do I love about Tech? Where do I begin?” Jimmerson said, sitting in Tolliver Hall after a shift at Green Clinic. Jimmerson is a physical therapy technician who graduated from Tech last summer with a degree in kinesiology. “Honestly, I kind of miss school,” he said. “It’s nice to get off work and not have any homework to do or tests to study for. Walking around on campus between classes with my friends and having study groups, I miss all that.” Last fall, Jimmerson and Taylor Guillot were crowned Homecoming king and queen. “It made me feel like I did something good and made an impact the best I could,” he said. “I had very loyal friends who supported me and the university supported me as well. It was a really good feeling, one of the best days of my life.” He was involved in student recruiters, the ESPE kinesiology club, Sigma Nu fraternity and Orientation Student Leaders, the organization that nominated Jimmerson for the Homecoming court. “Whenever I went through freshmen orientation, they were just such positive role models,” he said. “That inspired me to get a little more involved with Louisiana Tech, and I wanted to help out as much as I could.” He said he encourages freshmen and all students to be in-
volved on campus because it can make the experience easier. “Be yourself, love your university and enjoy the time you have because when you’re enjoying it, the time will fly by, but it’ll be worthwhile,” he said. He said being involved taught him more about Tech and during the transition from college to the workplace, he’s carried over many lessons beyond academia. “We have the Tenets of Tech like respect, loyalty, integrity, leadership and knowledge,” he said. “A lot of people may take those lightly, but they’re actually very important.” The Tenets of Tech are its values freshmen learn at orientation and in their seminar classes. “In all the organizations I joined, I learned leadership skills and social skills,” Jimmerson said. “When I’m working with a patient in the clinic, I’m able to socialize with them and work with them through their therapy the best I can.” He said because he has a positive attitude he is able to encourage patients through difficult exercises when they are about to give up. He brought this same attitude to freshmen students at orientation when they seemed overwhelmed. “I thought I could bring a serious attitude when needed, but I could also crack a joke,” he said.He said what he loved most about Tech is its small-town atmosphere and traditions. “I think homecoming is important because it’s a way of getting the students, faculty and alumni all together from all across the state and country to enjoy a great Tech tradition and reminisce on their time as students,” he said.
The Tech Talk
Photo by Donny Crowe
Guillot and Jimmerson at the 2014 homecoming game.
Photo by Donny Crowe
Photo by Brian Blakely
Guillot and Jimmerson at the 2014 homecoming parade.
Photo by Brian Blakely
A
THE QUEEN
t the 2014 Homecoming game, Tech announced Taylor Guillot and Drew Jimmerson as the Homecoming queen and king, but it took several seconds for them both to realize it. “It was such a deserving group; anyone could’ve gotten it,” Guillot said. “I’m not sure why they voted for me, but I’m extremely thankful they did. It was a blessing.” Guillot is a senior fashion merchandising in retail studies major, concurrently working on her master’s in business administration. She has been involved in many organizations across campus including her sorority, Kappa Delta, Orientation Student Leaders, Order of Omega Honors Society and student recruiters. “Being in organizations at Tech has really grown my love for the university just because you get to know more about it from people who share the same love for it,” she said. She said Tech’s traditions create a family atmosphere on campus and give students, including herself, pride for the school. “I think one of the coolest traditions we have is the bricks, and you don’t see that a lot of places,” she said. “It allows people to come back and say, ‘I went to this school, and I wasn’t just a number.’ Traditions are something you can come back to and hold on to even when you graduate.” Homecoming is another tradition Tech upholds, and Guillot said being honored at homecoming was a humbling experience because everyone nominated deserved to win. “It’s about the school, and it’s a great way to get all the stu-
dents together to celebrate Tech and the football team and this fun time in our lives,” she said. She said she has tried to use the recognition to be a role model and a representative of Tech’s values. “I feel like my time at Tech has gone by so fast, but it’s been filled with countless blessings,” she said. “I’ll look back on my time here and the people I’ve met, being a part of Homecoming court and such special experiences, and knowing people voted for me out of such a deserving group of women and men is humbling.” Being involved on campus has helped her get to know people who are different from her, which she said has always intrigued her. “It’s so easy, especially in college, to get stuck in your comfort zone,” she said. “It’s something you have to be intentional about doing or else you’ll get stuck following the same schedule and talking to the same people.” She said balancing school with work and organizations has made it difficult to stay joyful and positive, but staying busy and hearing other people’s stories has helped. “I hope my experience shows that everyone has a purpose here,” she said. “Whether it’s something highlighted or not, it still matters.” Her advice for the next Homecoming queen and king is simple. “Soak up the memories and appreciate Tech,” she said. “Try to give back to the university as much as it has given you.”
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HOMECOMING EDITION 2015
The Tech Talk
HOMECOMING
FASHION Freshman Biology major, Jessica Trinh, models two possible homecoming looks
Royal Blue Scalloped Dress $31.95 Grey Ankle Tess Boots $36.95 Red Cuff with Gold Bulldog Pendant Bracelet $21.95 Red Louisiana Boot Necklace $29.95 Silver Bulldog Paws Earrings $6.00
$126.80
Red Piko Dress $24.95 Camel Vest $39.95 Tope Buckled Bootie $34.95 Louisiana Tech Football Bracelet $6.95 Louisiana Tech Football Necklace $7.95
$114.75
Attire courtesy of The Beehive Outlet Photos by Frededreia Willis
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The Tech Talk
• 9
HOMECOMING EDITION 2015
The Regal Blues practice their routine in the Lambright health and fitness center for the 2015 Homecoming game. Photo by Ashley Kober
Spirit Teams Behind the scenes:
The Band of Pride sets aside their instruments to practice marching formations in preparation of the Homecoming game.
How do the Regal Blues, Tech cheer team and the Band of Pride prepare for Homecoming?
Photo by Frededreia Willis
Story by Catherine Burke
I
“We practice for two hours, four days a t’s Homecoming week: a week filled with spirit, student involvement and Louisiana week,” she said. “We wake up early for our 8 Tech alumni. But Tech football’s No. 1 a.m. Homecoming game rehearsal and take support system is there as well and working a very short break after.” Kyle Falting, a Tech Cheer coach, said as hard as ever. Between the Band of Pride, Regal Blues, Homecoming week is special for the team and Tech cheer team, there is a lot of prepa- and the coaches as well. “All four coaches cheered at Tech as ration that goes into Homecoming. Katelyn Billberry, a junior member of students and Homecoming weekend is The Band of Pride, said the band feels a always a big weekend for cheer alumni to bit more pressure during the Homecoming come back to Tech,” he said. “One of our biggest goals is to create a progame. gram where alumni feel welcome “The band tries their always and also that they feel hardest to put on the best “We spend proud of where the program is performance wherever they several weeks today.” are,” she said. “When there Falting said the cheer team is is a bigger crowd and more perfecting our working on a few new things for eyes on us though, I think we routines and the Homecoming game. tend to focus a little more.” “We have new skills that we Billberry said they aim to making sure we are working to attain that will please during their perfor- are ready for the engage the crowd and showcase mances at the Homecom- big week.” our athletes’ talents,” he said. ing game. “We will have new pyramids, “A lot of alumni or locals DERVELOY new partner stunts and new baswant to come out and join LAUREN Regal Blues head coach ket tosses for the homecoming in on the fun,” she said. “We game.” have a lot more people to Lauren Derveloy, Regal Blues entertain and we want to head coach, said the team looks forward to have fun and get the crowd engaged.” Billberry said preparation, especially for Homecoming every year. “Homecoming is one of the most excita game this big, is a lot more work than peoing weeks of the year,” she said. “There are ple may realize.
The Tech cheer team trys to perfect their stunts the week before the Homecoming game. Photo by Jonathan Shaul
so many activities and events that the girls are exposed to and have the opportunity to dance at.” Derveloy said the team starts preparing for Homecoming weeks in advance. “Homecoming is something we look forward to from the first team meeting we have after the girls make the team,” she said. “We spend several weeks perfecting our routines
and making sure we are ready for the big week.” Falting said expectations are high and he feels the team is prepared. “We expect a large, diverse crowd for Homecoming full of alumni and we want to be our best for them,” he said. “It’s an honor to get on that field and lead the best fans in the nation.”
10 •
The Tech Talk
1943 Parade before the homecomiong game against Southeastern.
HOMECOMING THROUGH THE 1936
YEARS
A look into the Evolution of the Louisiana Polytechnic Institute PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LOUISIANA TECH ARCHIVES
1963
ABOVE Louisiana Tech cheerleaders prepare their routine for the Homecoming game against the University of Southwestern Louisiana.
ABOVE The 1936 homecoming queen Nelda Nobles walks with attendants Carloyn Cupp, Doris Davenport, Evelyn Wall and Bill Ruple. RIGHT Joe McNeeley (36) Fred Dean (70) and Ricky Shirly (54) and Elmo Simmins (32) during Tech’s homecoming game against UTA.
1973
The Tech Talk
1995
1961
ABOVE Members of the 1995 Kappa Delta sorority watch the homecoming parade.
1948
ABOVE The 1961 Louisiana Tech Majorettes. LEFT A float runs through downtown Ruston during the Homecoming parade.
Alpha Lambda Chapter Louisiana Tech University Ruston, La 71272
would like to congratulate their sisters on the 2015 homehomecoming court
Hannah Francis
Bailey DeBona
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The Tech Talk
SPORTS
THIS WEEK IN BULLDOG FOOTBALL For Homecoming, Louisiana Tech will host the University of North Texas Mean Green at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon inside Joe Aillet Stadium.
The game will be televised on Fox College Sports network and can be listened to on Z107.5FM. Tech defeated UNT last season in Denton, 42-21, and leads the series between the two teams (7-6).
OVERALL RECORD: 6-3, (4-1 C-USA) POINTS PER GAME: 38.2
KENNETH DIXON - RB
JEFF DRISKEL - QB
DAMARCUS SMITH - QB
JEFFERY WILSON - RB
738 yards rushing 5.8 yards per carry 11 touchdowns
2736 yards passing 304.0 yards per game 19 touchdowns
565 yards passing 94.2 yards per game 6 touchdowns
616 yards rushing 6.3 yards per carry 1 touchdown
OVERALL RECORD: 1-7, (1-4 C-USA) POINTS PER GAME: 18.1
POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 26.1
POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 44.2
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS: 51
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS: 27
TOUCHDOWNS (RUSHING/PASSING): 18/20
TOUCHDOWNS (RUSHING/PASSING): 6/10
TECH IS CURRENTLY RANKED NO. 22 IN THE NATION IN TOTAL OFFENSE
VERNON BUTLER - DT
BEAU FITTE - LB
ZAC WHITFIELD - DB
KISHAWN MCCLAIN - DB
34 tackles 3 sacks 1 fumble recovery
65 tackles 4.5 tackles for loss 1 interception
29 tackles 4 pass breakups 1 interception
80 tackles 2 pass breakups 1 forced fumble
UNT IS CURRENTLY RANKED NO. 103 IN THE NATION IN TOTAL OFFENSE
Bulldogs look back on favorite moments before 90th Homecoming ALEX HEARD Staff Reporter | amh072@latech.edu
Photo courtesy of Robb Parker / The Collegian - Kansas State
Vernon Bulter (9) brings down Kansas State running back Justin Silmon (32).
Photo courtesy of LA Tech Athletics Communications
Coach Skip Holtz lifts the Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl trophy.
To some, football is all about the highlights and crazy moments on the field. The crazy catches and acrobatics are what stick in people’s minds. It makes sense as those are the main reasons some viewers watch. However, to others, football can be about not only highlight plays, but the growth of the team as well. And as the 19th Homecoming Football game at Louisiana Tech approaches, some reminisce over those moments and growing pains. Vernon Butler, a senior defensive lineman, said his favorite moment on the gridiron at Tech was last season’s bowl victory. “My favorite moment would have to be our Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl victory,” Butler said. Tech defeated Illinois 3518 in the game, proving a team from the ConferenceUSA could hang with Big Ten opponents and that the eight wins the team had coming in were no fluke. Butler said the moment means so much to him because it was where all the team’s hard work last season paid off. “It was great to get the win,” Butler said. “To win a bowl game where we had come from the year before (ending up with a record of 4-8) was special.” Butler said winning the bowl game showed what the team was made of. “The win showed where
we came from,” Butler said. “We grinded through long summer days with (head strength and conditioning) coach Hester. Guys were hurt and tired, but we kept pushing and got the job done, and that offseason success rolled over into the regular season.” Holtz said he concurred with Butler that the bowl victory was a great moment. “The Heart of Dallas Bowl was a great victory for us,” Holtz said. “After what had happened the season before there was a great sense of achievement amongst everyone.” Holtz said the way the team conducted themselves against UTSA this season made him proud and is something he will never forget. “I loved the class and sportsmanship in the UTSA game,” Holtz said. “Especially after previous matchups with them where things got chippy, where guys were vocal at each other, to see our guys and their guys help each other up was great. We have an opportunity and obligation to represent this university in an orderly manner that we do not take for granted.” Holtz also said beating ULL handily twice for in-state bragging rights sticks around in his mind. “Both games over ULL have been satisfying,” Holtz said. “You look at all the (trash) talk between the two programs, for us to come out on top in such lopsided, bragging rights games was good.” Holtz said he could think of plenty of great plays and moments on the football field
all day long, however, the moments off the field are the ones that mean the most to him. “My favorite moments are watching guys develop and to be in the locker room after a game,” Holtz said. “Especially after a win, to look around and talk to the team, to see the excitement, joy, and stories in every set of eyes is special to me. I have sat in most of the living rooms of these players; I have recruited most of these men to come here, so I know the adversities they have had to overcome; whether it be personal, health, or academic issues, to see them come out on top are the moments I enjoy in coaching” Holtz said two particular stories that stick out in his mind are Butler’s and Jeff Driskel’s. “You look at guys like Jeff (Driskel) and Vernon (Butler),” Holtz said. “Those guys had to overcome a lot. To see guys like Jeff overcome circumstances like he had at Florida and to now see the respect his team has for him. Those are the things I love the most.” Driskel struggled to find consistency at Florida and transfered to Tech to play out his final year of eligibility. Butler said moments off the field stick out to him as well. “I will always remember the pre-game speeches,” he said. “Coach gets us fired up for the game with a good speech. I will always remember the emotion in the room.” Tech plays North Texas in the 90th Homecoming game.