The Tech Talk | Homecoming Edition 2016

A TECH TALK PUBLICATION

MEET THE 2016 HOMECOMING COURT PAGE 5

WHAT WILL YOU BE WEARING FOR HOMECOMING? CHECK OUT OUR SUGGESTIONS PAGE 8

CHECK OUT HOW THE BULLDOGS STACK UP TO UTSA PAGE 12

PAGE 6

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The Tech Talk

HOMECOMING EDITION 2016

D LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

ear Louisiana Tech family, welcome to homecoming 2016.

This is a week a lot of Bulldogs have been looking forward to, myself included. This Homecoming edition is the last paper I will oversee as editor-in-chief of the Tech Talk. A bittersweet moment, to be sure. It seems very appropriate that my last Tech Talk be the Homecoming edition, since it is such a special time for so many students and alumni.

The Tech Talk has made me appreciate this school more than I thought I ever would when I started here at Tech. Being a part of the paper has allowed me to get a peek into several different departments and organizations I may never have been aware of otherwise. Because of the Tech Talk, I have seen how committed our faculty is, from Dolliane Hurtig in the modern language department to Jason Lyons in aviation. I have seen how much mayor Ronny Walker is committed to bridging the gap between Ruston and Tech, and how much effort Dr. Les Guice is putting toward Tech 2020. I have seen how diverse and ambitious our student body is, from the medieval combat club to the rugby club to College Repub-

licans. Being a part of this paper has made me see my school in a new light, and for that I will always be grateful.

Similarly, the Homecoming edition has made me appreciate this week and all the people that put time and effort into making it special. Before working on my first Homecoming edition, I honestly did not care much about homecoming. I do not understand football, I don’t directly participate in the talent show or other SGA events and I had never cared much about the court.

However, since working on my first Homecoming edition last year, I have seen how much work people put into this week and how much alumni and students care about this school. This place truly is special, and I am honored to be a part of the Tech family.

In this edition, you will see how not only Tech, but the town of Ruston, have prepared for Homecoming. You will see how excited Louisiana Tech is to have its alumni back. You will see how much we all care about our school. I hope you all enjoy this edition as much as I enjoyed seeing it come together.

Rachel Maxwell

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Sitting Down with

The Tech Talk

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Miss Tech 2016

The Tech Talk interviews Anna Blake, the newly-crowned Miss Louisiana Tech, to talk about her inspriation and hopes for the year ahead Q: Why did you decide to compete for Miss Tech?

Q: Who inspired you the most?

A: “Well, I have competed in Miss Louisiana three times in the past. But I got involved with this pageant because of a really close friend of mine and former Miss Tech, Mallory Cox. She’s the one who encouraged me to do it. So with that, and my previous pageant involvement, participating in Miss Tech was a nobrainer. Plus, I’m from Ruston, so I’ve really grown up around Tech, and I absolutely love everything about the university. I wanted the opportunity to represent it!”

A: “My good friend, Julianne Tippen. She’s a former Miss Tech and she competed in Miss Louisiana with me. She inspired me so much because you can talk about doing pageants with really anyone and they can try to understand and try to give you advice, but she has actually done it and she knew what it was like. She was the one who kind of pushed me to believe in myself and pushed me to be able to win that night.”

Q: What are you most looking forward to this year?

A: “The biggest thing I’m looking forward to would probably be Miss Louisiana.

That is a big dream and a big goal of mine, so nothing would make me more excited than to win Miss Louisiana while representing Louisiana Tech.”

Photo by Brian Blakely

Canterbury Association

THE EPISCOPAL MINISTRY AT LOUISIANA TECH WELCOMES YOU!

Q: What’s some advice you’d give to the girls thinking about competing for Miss Tech next year?

A: “Just do it. There’s so many people who are capable of doing this who are scared or don’t think they could ever do something like this, but, literally, had you told me three years ago that I would ever be doing this, I would’ve laughed in your face. I just want everyone to know that anyone can do this as long as you do your best, work hard and believe in yourself.”

Q: What does being Miss Tech mean to you?

Q: How was this competition different from the previous years you’ve competed?

A: “Being Miss Tech is being the face of the university. She is always presenting poise and elegance with a smile, and representing Tech to the very best of her abilities.

Louisiana Tech is such a great place, so it’s her responsibility to show that.”

A: “This year is different from the rest because this competition was not just a stepping stone to Miss Louisiana. Winning Miss Tech is an accomplishment in itself because it's so highly known around campus and around Ruston. It comes with a lot of responsibilities. I really feel like I won something.”

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The Tech Talk

INSIGHT

MANAGEMENT

BARELY MANAGING

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Rachel Maxwell

Be a real Bulldog

MANAGING EDITOR Caleb Daniel

FEATURES EDITOR Payton Potter

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Payton Potter

SPORTS EDITOR

Matthew Valcho

PHOTO EDITOR

Brian Blakely

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Colin Fontenot Jonathan Shaul Ashley Kober Danny Do

ADVISERS

T. Scott Boatright Dr. Judith Roberts

ADVERTISING ADVISER Michael LeBlanc

PRODUCTION MANAGER Michael LeBlanc

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Michael LeBlanc

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

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.

Viewpoints should be mailed or brought to The Tech Talk office, 138 Keeny Hall, by 4 p.m. the Friday prior to a Thursday publica­ tion. 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/

CALEB DANIEL Managing Editor | csd020@latech edu

P

eople love Homecoming. The court, concerts, school spirit, tailgating and everything else offered during Homecoming Week all lead up to a fun game of football.

Yet, even during the game itself, why does it seem like football is the farthest thing from many people’s minds?

Sitting on the student side of Tech football games, it’s easy to tell that many people are only superficially interested in the event they came to watch. Football games seem to have turned into nothing more than a place for social gathering, at least for some.

How have we strayed so far from the purpose of Homecoming?

The idea that the contest on the gridiron is only a secondary concern for many Homecoming

game attendees is rather frustrating to me in itself, but I can get over it.

Or rather, I could get over it if these people admitted their true level of interest.

But no, if you ask them, they’re huge Bulldog fans! How ‘bout them Dogs!

Please.

Let me ask you something, fake football fan who wants to fit in. Is Tech the favorite or the underdog in this game? How are we looking this season?

Oh sure, you know the “first and 10, do it again” ritual by heart, but do you know how first downs work?

Do you know the player’s name who got the first down? What did the defense do wrong?

Don’t get it twisted, fake fan, I want you to attend the Homecoming game this year. In fact – gasp – you could attend other games too! However, try to show some

actual care and support for your team rather than hoping your “at the game” Instagram pic gets the right amount of attention.

At this year’s Homecoming game, the Bulldogs will face University of Texas at San Antonio, a team nipping at our heels in the west division of Conference-USA. Tech has one of the best offenses in the nation, a seemingly improved defense and a real chance to win the conference championship.

The hopes and dreams of real people – coaches, players, parents and actual fans – are invested in this game and in this season. Fake fan, try to honor them by paying attention to the game you so flippantly attend.

You just might learn something.

Caleb Daniel is a junior journalism major from Lake Charles who serves as managing editor The Tech Talk.

PAYTON’S POSITION

A Homecoming of my own PAYTON POTTER Features Editor | jpp017@latech.edu I grew up in a small, north Texas town not unlike Ruston.

My hometown, Nevada, and the surrounding towns all shared one school district. Community ISD, aptly named for the community formed by several towns coming together, was big on football.

I must admit I am not a sports fan of any kind. I would rather see a movie than watch a televised game, but that did not stop me from attending almost every game during my high school years.

The social atmosphere of these games kept drawing me in, even though I usually spent the game chatting behind the bleachers instead of sitting on them to watch the game. But no game had a more social atmosphere than Homecoming. On that Friday night, the parking lots, fields and front yards surrounding the stadium would fill up with cars belonging to people who came from near and far to watch the Community

Braves play football. And I, along with the droves, poured into the stadium to enjoy the evening.

After high school, I spent two years studying at a small, east-Texas private school called LeTourneau University. The university had a number of sports teams, but not a football team. I went to a volleyball game or two, but I mostly hung out with Netflix in my dorm on game nights.

Although LeTourneau held a Homecoming celebration each year, without a football game to center it on the festivities did not feel as festive. The events of the weekend usually focused on picnics, reunions and alumni softball games. Do not misunderstand – I am not complaining. Sure, I missed the social atmosphere and crisp weather of a football game, but I just as willingly sat inside while the Homecoming events happened around me.

After two years, I transferred to Louisiana Tech. Once here, I got to experience what Homecoming at a state university is all about.

The social atmosphere, the crisp evening weather and the chance to chat behind the bleachers reminded me of my Friday nights in high school.

The hordes of tailgaters reminded me of the parking lot outside the stadium at Community ISD before the big game. The school spirit reminded me what it is like to participate in an event larger than myself.

In a way, Homecoming at Tech is a Homecoming of my own.

I have enjoyed the opportunity to come home to the nostalgic sights and smells and feelings that helped shape me. I have enjoyed reliving these memories while making new ones. And most of all, I have enjoyed Tech.

So here is my charge: have fun at Homecoming, be safe and make some memories to last a lifetime. Go Bulldogs!

Payton Potter is a senior journalism major from Farmersville, Texas, who serves as features editor for The Tech Talk.

ISA’S ILLUMINATED IDEAS

An American tradition ISABELA PALMIERI Social Media Editor | mvv002@latech.edu

At the age of 12, right after moving to America, “Homecoming” was an empty word to me.

Any thoughts or feelings associated with the word weren’t my own, but constructed through Hollywood’s eyes.

The word Homecoming, by definition, means to return home.

But for the majority of American culture that I had just stepped in, Homecoming seemed to mean much more.

My Brazilian parents never had a Homecoming, so when freshman year of high school rolled around and I was rushed to get a dress, Homecoming became personal.

Based on the American teen movies and TV shows I had previously watched, I hoped Homecoming would be associated with an undefeated football streak and an attractive date for the night. Instead,

it became a word associated with nervousness: nervous about who was asking who, nervous about someone wearing the same dress as me, nervous about everything except the actual outcome of the football game.

After four years of corsages and football losses, Homecoming had lost its glamour I once associated with it. It became a word associated with an American tradition, something I never felt culturally a part of.

Currently, as a member of the Greek community, the word Homecoming completely changed its meaning. It is no longer about corsages, but instead about step show. It is no longer about dates, but instead about the Homecoming parade. It is about football and a week-long string of events that brings a touch of Panhellenic competition.

And while I wish I could cherish this more preferred meaning,

in two years, as I graduate, the meaning of the word will change again.

In two years, this will no longer be mine or every other 2018 graduate’s turf. We will be alumni.

Homecoming will then become bittersweet. Something we can never fully participate in anymore, but still a reason to celebrate. It will be a word that will bring old memories, embarrassing or not. It will be an excuse to visit my old dorm and reminisce.

As the years go on and I have my own children, the word Homecoming will take yet another meaning. The fluid definition will take yet another form as I help my children form their own definition of the not-so-easily definable word.

Isabela Palmieri is a junior journalism major from Santos, São Paulo, Brazil, who serves as social media editor for The Tech Talk.

Do football and Homecoming have to go together?

T

he first Homecoming started as a tradition for alumni of schools to “come home” and celebrate the existence of the school and all its achievements. This would usually occur in the fall, so football was the natural event to pair with the occasion.

This weekend, alumni and their families will descend on Ruston for the 91st annual Homecoming.

Countless events highlight this yearly occasion, but none bigger than the Homecoming game on Saturday in Joe Aillet Stadium.

Returning alumni will notice the renovations ongoing all across the campus, but the most glaring will be the press box of the football stadium.

In August, the athletic department announced a $16.7 million stadium project that would include a brand new press box and guest suite facility that will essentially stretch the length of the field. An additional $1.9 million will go to general stadium improvements including LED lighting for the stadium and aesthetic improvements at entrances to the stadium.

This project comes on the coattails of the recent completion of the Davison Athletic Complex, the multimillion dollar home of the football program, last season as well as installation of a new turf field.

All in all, $40 million will have been spent on improvements to The Joe since 2014. And why not? The football program is one of the biggest part of the school.

Returning former students will want to see how far Tech football has moved forward in the years since they left Ruston. Homecoming is essentially synonymous with football, so of course Homecoming weekend is one of the biggest chances to show things off.

But what if it wasn’t? Is it necessary to have football on Homecoming?

The obvious answer is of course it’s not necessary. Smaller schools or private schools without a football program have Homecoming games not linked to a football game.

The year that Southern Methodist’s football program was disbanded due to recruiting violations in the 80s, the school still had a Homecoming weekend. Without a football team, it was centered around a women’s soccer match.

But, looking deeper than that, does it feel like Homecoming without football? The two have become intertwined to the point that it may not feel like Homecoming without a football game.

Football has quickly become the most popular sport to watch in the country. So while Homecoming originally started as a tradition linked with football, the sport’s growth has kept the link alive with an event that has become more of a social responsibility than a celebration of great institutions.

The Tech Talk

HOMECOMING COURT 2016

BEN RICE sr. English

MADISON RUSHING sr. honors chemical engineering

Q: What are you most looking forward to during this school year?

A: “I’m looking forward

Q: Share one interesting fact about yourself.

A: I was born in

to Christmas because it’s always one of my favorite times on campus.

PHOTOS BY

Singapore while my parents were on an expat assignment in the oil and gas industry.

DONNY CROWE

ALEXIS OVERHOLSER jr. industrial engineering

COLBY ASHLEY sr. kinesiology

MEGAN FRANKS sr. finance

MICHAEL HILBORN sr. finance

Q: Share one interesting fact about yourself.

A: I’ve lived in five states,

Q: What’s your favorite thing about Tech?

A: It doesn’t matter

Q: What is your favorite thing about Tech?

A: My favorite thing

but I call Mississippi my home.

where you came from, if you want to be successful here, you will find success.

Q: What are you most looking forward to during this school year?

A: I am looking forward

HAYES BARBER jr. marketing

CAMILLE LOTT sr. marketing

PAYTON MANGHAM jr. biology pre-med

CATHERINE SEABAUGH sr. political science

Q: What’s your favorite thing about Tech?

A: “My mom always

Q: What is your favorite thing about Tech?

A: My favorite thing

Q: What has been your favorite or most memorable moment at Tech?

A: “My favorite experience at Tech has been

Q: How does it feel to be on this year’s Homecoming court?

A: Louisiana Tech has

fusses at me because I don’t come home enough, but it’s because I never want to leave. Tech is truly my home!”

about Tech is definitely how close everyone is.

TJ PITTMAN jr. political science

SARAH HEAD jr. marketing

Q: How does it feel to be on the homecoming court?

A: I’m excited that I can

Q: How does it feel to be on the homecoming court?

A: “Thrilled, honored and

help show Tech’s diversity and break down social barriers by representing a population of the student body that is often overlooked.

humbled are just a few of the words I could use to describe how I feel about this opportunity.

HAMPTON ROANE sr. accounting

TAYLOR HADDOCK sr. biology

Q: What has been your favorite or most memorable moment at Tech?

A: My most memorable

Q: What’s your favorite thing about Tech?

A: “My favorite thing

experience is definitely working with all the orientation students over the summer.

about Tech is the genuine and personal atmosphere that exists on campus.”

to starting to apply for jobs and see where I will end up in a year because right now, I have no idea.

being an orientation student leader this past summer, and getting to see 2,200 incoming Bulldogs have the same love and excitement for the university as I do.”

about Tech is the homestyle feel that comes with being a part of this university.

given me the best years of my life thus far. It is truly an honor to have been selected for this year’s Homecoming Court.

SHELBY SYLVESTER sr. speech-language pathology

SPENCER HOLT sr. biomedical engineering

Q: How does it feel to be on this year’s Homecoming court?

A: I can truly say that I could not be more honored and humbled to be a member of this year’s homecoming court with some of my closest friends.

Q: What are you most looking forward to during this school year?

A: The thing I’m most looking forward to this school year is just excelling in school and continuing to build lifelong relationships here at Louisiana Tech.

KELSEY WILDES sr. marketing

KENDRA WASSELS sr. marketing

Q: Share one interesting fact about yourself.

A: I love going long

Q: What are you most looking forward to during this school year?

A I am confident that our

boarding because it is the best way for me to relieve stress.

Dogs are going to a bowl game this season.

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6 •

The Tech Talk

HOMECOMING

A YEAR with the

CROWN Words by Starla Gatson Photo by Brian Blakely

2015’s Homecoming Queen Hannah Francis and King Bailey Laborde reflect on their year as Louisiana Tech royalty

A

s Louisiana Tech students, faculty and alumni ready themselves to fill Joe Aillet Stadium for the traditional Homecoming football game, Bailey Laborde and Hannah Francis are preparing for another Tech tradition: passing down the titles of Homecoming king and queen.

Francis, a senior speech pathology major, said she was shocked when she discovered her sorority had nominated her for last year’s Homecoming court.

“I was so nervous because it was a really long process, and I knew that everyone that was up for it were very good candidates,” Francis said. “It was definitely nerve-wracking, but it was such a huge honor to be considered and nominated.”

Laborde, a senior marketing major, said he and Francis were so surprised by the announcement that they had won they initially thought it was a joke.

“We never really thought ‘hey, maybe we could possibly win,’” Laborde said.

“We were waiting for them to call any names besides ours. It was a surreal experience. It was definitely one of the top moments of my life.”

Francis said she believes being crowned Homecoming queen opened the door for her to become a more active presence on Tech’s campus during the past year.

“Since then, I’ve become student recruiter president, and I’ve joined the orientation executive staff,” she said. “I think it helped me realize that people saw I worked hard for the university and that I could continue to do that during my senior year. I could keep pushing

through and giving back to Tech until I leave.”

Francis said she believes the position she and Laborde were voted into gave them an opportunity to be positive role models to members of Tech’s student body.

“It was really humbling to think that the student body thought enough of me to vote me and Bailey as king and queen,” she said. “Homecoming queen is more of someone who participates in the student body and is kind to everybody, and I really try to remember that. It’s up to us to react with a grateful heart that they thought enough of us.”

Laborde said his year as Homecoming king has made him more aware of the way Tech students perceive him and has given him a greater love for the school.

“I absolutely love being able to represent this university,” he said. “And I’ve known Hannah for a while, and we’ve been good friends; the fact that we got to do it together is really cool. It has kind of made me have more of a love for Tech.

Being an orientation leader last year made me love it, but being the Homecoming king made me love it even more.”

Francis said though she is sad to see her year as Homecoming queen end, she looks forward to seeing the tradition continue as a new king and queen are crowned.

“I look back at the year that I’ve had and all the opportunities I’ve had, and it’s been a good run,” she said. “I’m excited to see who the next queen is, and I’ll be happy for her, and I’ll be happy for the king. It’s definitely sentimental, but I’ll be happy to pass on the reins.”

The Tech Talk

EDITION 2016

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8 •

The Tech Talk

HOMECOMING EDITION 2016

HOMECOMING FASHION STYLED BY MIA HESTER & SARAH KATHERINE SEMON

PHOTOS BY ASHLEY KOBER

Ashley Crook, a sophomore marketing major, models homecoming outfits from around Ruston to help you make sure you’re ready to cheer on the Bulldogs in style.

TWICE AS NICE Navy knit two-piece Top: $64.00 Shorts: $60.00 Red clutch $20.00 Necklace $13.00 Outfit courtesy of Rodeo Boutique

Dolce Vita brown booties $159.00

CRUSHING ON VELVET Burgundy velvet dress $29.95 Necklace $31.95 Clear clutch $14.95 Pierre Dumas booties $34.95

Outfit courtesy of Beehive

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HOMECOMING EDITION 2016

AROUND THE TOWN

The Tech Talk

TAILGATING MENU

Events and offers at local locations FRIDAY NOV. 11

10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

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Extended hours @ Rodéo Boutique

•

Extended hours @ Cricket's Grace Boutique

4 p.m. - 7 p.m, 10 p.m. - 12 a.m.

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Homecoming Happy Hour @ Portico

COLLEGE OF APPLIED AND NATURAL SCIENCES •

TECH FARM BURGERS AND SAUSAGE

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ANNUAL ROASTED PIG

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CHIPS AND DRINKS

•

All provided by the School of Agricultural Sciences

8 p.m. - 11 p.m.

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Colt Landon Baker performance @ Portico

9:30 p.m.

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SATURDAY NOV. 12

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COLLEGE OF BUSINESS •

RED AND BLUE TECH SLUSHIES

•

FLAVORS: STRAWBERRY & BLUE RASPBERRY

Waterboys performance @ Ponchatoulas

9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Pre-game Discount @ The Fashion of Ruston

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS •

SHRIMP AND GRITS

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TASSO (PORK MEAT)

•

Provided by the School of Design

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

•

9 p.m.

•

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RIBS

•

BRISKET

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Hwy Lions performance @ Sundown Tavern

9:30 p.m.

•

TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH

Cricket's Grace Boutique 20 percent off Red and Blue sale

Chief and the Hounds @ Ponchatoulas

• 9

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GUMBO (provided by Scott's Catfish and Seafood)

•

For Alumni Association and LTAC members only

10 •

The Tech Talk

HOMECOMING EDITION 2016

Homecoming parade rides again DILLON NELSON Staff Reporter | djn005@latech.edu

homecoming parade November 10, 2016 starts at 6:00 PM More info at latechalumni.org/homecoming2016

To I-20

1

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

4 Alabama Ave.

9

7

W. Railroad Ave.

5

n ow N

3

West on Bulldog Dr. Left onto Stadium Blvd.

Right onto Tech Dr. Left onto Alabama Ave. Right onto Everett St. Right onto W. Railroad Ave. Right onto Tech Dr. Left onto W. Alabama Ave. Right onto Stadium Blvd.

End in TAC Parking Lot

Everett St.

2

3

nt O ow T D S RU

1

vd.

Stadium Bl

8

FINISH

Parade Route Directions

6

Photo courtesy of Louisiana Tech Alumni Association

the parade. He said his organization’s float will be a collaboration with American Society of Mechanical and Kappa Alpha Order and will represent all three, but it will also include plenty of green to represent NSBE appropriately.

“We just won Distinguished Chapter of the Year, so we’re go-

Alumni

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Homecoming 2015 at Louisiana Tech did not include a parade due to rain; this effectively robbed the week of a near essential component. Its welcome return this year is sure to serve as a miniHomecoming in itself.

McKenna Jenkins, director of student activities for the Student Government Association and a junior kinesiology major, said this was an important year for Tech because this event will return the homecoming spirit back to Tech in full.

“It rained all weekend, even at the football game; the homecoming spirit was still there of course, but it was definitely disappointing to a certain degree,” Jenkins said.

“We’re really crossing our fingers nothing happens this year, but we’re going to make the most of it this time whatever happens.”

Jenkins said she and others in SGA came up with the idea of the Young Alumnus of the Year getting to be the grand marshal of the parade.

“We’re very excited, and we asked him to come early so we could prep him as much as possible and make sure he’s got what he wants to do figured out,” she said.

Jenkins said the grand marshal is the leader of the parade, so he needs to be representative of the best of Louisiana Tech. She said it is fitting that 2016 Young Alumnus

Award winner and a three-time participant on American Ninja Warrior, Nathan Burkhalter, has been chosen to lead the returning Homecoming parade.

Burkhalter said he attended every Homecoming parade he could during his time at Louisiana Tech and has remained a bulldog at heart since his last year in 2010.

“I was really surprised and excited,” he said. “I never dreamed that I would get to be marshal.”

Burkhalter said he got to be part of the Homecoming court one year as well as be in the parade, an experience he is happy to replicate.

“I’d like to set up some sort of trailer to do handstands or some American Ninja Warrior-kind of stunts for everyone watching,” he said.

Burkhalter said he sees homecoming as an ideal way to reunite a lot of past alumni and graduates who may have lost touch with the friends and experiences of the university. He said, aside from the homecoming game, the parade serves as a kickoff of sorts most years.

“Campus changes and the evolution of Louisiana Tech get showcased each year,” Burkhalter said.

“The parade just brings about new ideas and experiences that people really tend to look forward to.”

Wilson Wise, a junior electrical engineering major and member of the Tech chapter of National society of Black Enginers, said he is very excited to get to take part in

ing to try to have our float have a celebratory look that fits with the other two groups as well,” he said.

“We’re trying to get as many of our members as possible to participate and make it as lively as possible.”

Wise said the parade is an excellent opportunity to bring to-

gether all types of students from the Tech community.

“The game normally occurs very soon after the parade, so I’d say symbolically it’s as if all the organizations and groups here at Tech are celebrating while they all walk to the big game together,” Wise said.

HOMECOMING EDITION 2016

Homecoming planning: Student Government KAILEE COURTS Staff Reporter | kec029@latech.edu

“The only bad part about planning Homecoming is the amount of work – plus being a full time student,” he said.

The tradition of Homecoming has “The best part was having an active role been around for many years, bringing in planning one of the biggest events on past and present students back to the campus.”

Louisiana Tech campus.

Bowden, a senior finance major, said Each year the Student Government SGA is bringing back old event favorAssociation plans the events that are ites, as well as a new event called Jackheld during Homecoming. son Square.

McKenna Jenkins, a direc- "We wanted to “We wanted to bring a tor of student activities for bring a little bit little bit of New Orleans to SGA, said planning for the he said. “We of New Orleans Homecoming,” week began in June. will have beignets, paintings “We started by picking a to Homecomof the blue bulldog painted by theme for the week and what ing. We will Tech artists and a king cake kind of events we wanted have beignets, walk.” to have,” she said. “Next we paintings of the Bowden said the event will chose events and judges for blue bulldog be held in the Tonk and stucompetitions and just worked painted by dents also have a chance to on the logistics.” participate in a trivia compeJenkins, a junior elemen- Tech artists tition. tary education major, said the and a king Mackenzie Potts, the SGA process has been nonstop but cake walk." president, said the best part worth it. of planning Homecoming is “It has been fun planning Austin Bowden seeing all the events come to the week,” she said. “I am ex- Director of student life. cited to see the finished prod- activities, SGA “There is a ton of work uct of all our hard work.” that has gone into planning Jenkins said her favorite Homecoming,” she said. part of planning Homecoming week “With the amount of support we have was working with different organiza- had and the people involved, planning tions, students and faculty and commu- has been fun.” nity members.

Potts, a senior human resource man“It’s been a busy year so far between agement major, said the most rewardschool and Homecoming,” she said. ing part is being able to help carry on “I would do it all again in a heartbeat a tradition. though.”

“To me, it is all about the tradition of Austin Bowden, a director of student Homecoming and how many years we activities for SGA, said planning Home- have been having it,” she said. “Being coming has been full of hard work for able to play a small piece in the tradieveryone involved. tion is so worth it.”

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The Tech Talk

• 11

Homecoming planning: Alumni Association KAILEE COURTS Staff Reporter | kec029@latech.edu

before the game where we will be serving gumbo.”

Robinson said her favorite part Many people, groups and organiza- about planning Homecoming is tions are a part of planning for Home- seeing everything come together.

“I love seeing the Louisiana Tech coming.

Student organizations work to en- family get together and celebrate,” sure current students have events to she said. “The only bad thing is I enjoy during the week, while the Alum- can’t physically be at every event.”

Barbara Swart, the administrani Association works to hold events for tive coordinator for the Alumni AsTech graduates.

Michelle Robinson, the director sociation, said she has been helping plan Homecoming at of alumni engagement and Tech for 30 years. leadership giving, said the “I love being able to Alumni Association works "It is always help plan all the events with the Student Govern- nice to see ment Association and the former students and then being able to atathletics department start- reconnect with tend them,” she said. “It is always nice to see former ing in the spring. their class students reconnect with “Planning for an event like their class and with the Homecoming is a commu- and with the campus.” nity effort,” she said. “The campus."

Wes Cavin, the direcwhole crew has done a great job planning and providing Barbara Swart tor of alumni planning, said his favorite part of activities for the students.”

Administrative planning Homecoming is Robinson said the main cordinator, Alumni seeing all the Tech spirit. event held by the Alumni As- Association “Planning Homecomsociation is a class reunion ing is a very coordinated honoring the 50-year class. event by different people “This year we are hosting the class of 1966,” she said. “During around campus,” he said. “Seeing the event, the class receives a 50-year everyone come together for the unidiploma, a golden state and T pin versity is great.”

Cavin said while all the events and a medallion presented by Dr. Les and activities held during the week Guice.”

Robinson said the Alumni Associa- make Homecoming special, the big tion also plans events like Breakfast finale is really the football game on with Champ and a tailgate before the Saturday.

“The game culminates a sucfootball game.

“Families can come and enjoy cessful week of events,” he said. breakfast at the Lambright Center “The best way to end the week is and get to hang out with Champ,” she watching our Bulldogs dominate on said. “We also always have our tailgate the gridiron.”

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12 •

The Tech Talk

SPORTS

THIS WEEK IN BULLDOG FOOTBALL For Homecoming, Louisiana Tech will host the University of Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon inside Joe Aillet Stadium.

The game can be listened to on Z107.5FM. Tech defeated UTSA last season in San Antonio, 34-31, and leads the series between the two teams 3-1.

OVERALL RECORD: 7-3, (5-1 C-USA) POINTS PER GAME: 44.1

CARLOS HENDERSON - WR

RYAN HIGGINS - QB

DALTON STURM - QB

JALEN RHODES - RB

1168 yards receiving 19.8 yards per catch 15 touchdowns

3167 yards passing 351.9 yards per game 30 touchdowns

1648 yards passing 183.1 yards per game 16 touchdowns

680 yards rushing 5.7 yards per carry 8 touchdowns

OVERALL RECORD: 5-4, (4-2 C-USA) POINTS PER GAME: 31.2

POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 29.3

POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 26.6

AVERAGE YARDS PER PLAY: 7.9

AVERAGE YARDS PER PLAY: 5.7

TOUCHDOWNS (RUSHING/PASSING): 22/32

TOUCHDOWNS (RUSHING/PASSING): 19/18

TECH IS CURRENTLY RANKED NO. 1 IN THE NATION IN TOTAL OFFENSE

XAVIER WOODS - DB

JAYLON FERGUSON - LB

JOSIAH TAUAEFA - LB

MICHAEL EGWUAGU - DB

62 tackles 3 sacks 5 interceptions

28 tackles 10 sacks 2 forced fumbles

87 tackles 4 sacks 1 interception

65 tackles 3 tackles for loss 2 forced fumbles

UTSA IS CURRENTLY RANKED NO. 64 IN THE NATION IN TOTAL DEFENSE

Bulldogs prepare for 91st Homecoming ALEX HEARD Staff Reporter | amh072@latech.edu

Photo by Tom Morris/LATechSportsPix.com

The Bulldogs prepare to take the field before their narrow season opening loss to Arkansas on Sept. 3 in Fayetteville. Tech fell 21-20 to the Razorbacks.

Photo by Tom Morris/LATechSportsPix.com

Ryan Higgins looks to throw down field against UTEP on Oct. 1 in Joe Aillet Stadium. The Bulldogs beat the Miners 28-7 in the annual Red Out game.

a lot of young players.”

In 2013, Tech almost lost to Lamar University at home. Who was the quarterback The offense of the Louisiana Tech foot- who struggled at truly leading the offense? ball enters its 91st Homecoming game a Ryan Higgins. In August of this year, who was the quarterback who fueled his doubtwell-oiled machine.

If one were to blink, they might miss a ers when he was charged with Driving While Intoxicated? Ryan Higgins. touchdown.

Now, Higgins is driving for touchdowns, Tech has not seen this prolific of an offense since the days of Colby Cameron in what seems as every offensive possesand Quinton Patton under previous head sion, and is legitimately leading the team coach Sonny Dykes’s regime. During the while proving his haters wrong.

Higgins has thrown for 2,914 2012-13 season under Dykes in yards, with a completion perhis last year, Tech ended the year centage of 68.4 while throwing ranked first in total offense, av- “We want to eraging 6.58 yards per play and get better ev- only 3 interceptions to 28 touchdowns.

577.92 yard per game.

Higgins, a redshirt senior, Now, Tech is averaging more ery week and yards per play (7.98) but a tad win a confer- said he did not work so hard to redeem his name and prove his less yards per game (555.1), ence chamworth to worry about individual ranked first in total yards and pionship for awards. fifth in total offense.

“I hear a lot about my stats The offense’s potency is a bit the Bulldog and accolades, but all I care unexpected being that Tech lost about is at winning,” Higgins key contributors from last sea- fans.” said. “We want to get better evson like quarterback Jeff Driskel ery week and win a conference and running back Kenneth Dix- RYAN championship for the Bulldog on; and even that offense, filled HIGGINS fans. Sometimes we feel overwith big names, ended the sea- starting looked here and want to show son ranked 23rd in total yards. quarterback the world we can play some Skip Holtz, head coach at football in Ruston, Louisiana.”

Tech, said all the credit goes to Higgins, at one point, went 19 quarters his staff for creating the juggernaut that without throwing an interception. the offense has become.

Holtz said the way Higgins conducts “Yeah, I mean, everybody talked about how in the world are you going to replace himself despite criticism from both coacha Jeff Driskel, a Kenneth Dixon,” Holtz es and fans over the years is what makes said. “I think it's a real testament to these him a special quarterback.

“Ryan Higgins continues to protect the coaches, the way that they have recruited, the way they are working it to these play- ball,” Holtz said. “I get mad at him. I yell, ers to their development to (head strength scream and holler, and he looks at me like and conditioning Coach) Kurt Hester. We ‘Yes, sir, are you done? I’ve got to go run a came here four years ago, we talked about football team.’”

“He’s poised. He’s protecting the ball. building a program, and it wasn't going to be predicated on just a couple players or He’s running the offense. I just couldn’t having success in one year, but we wanted be more proud of the progress that he’s to be able to do it year in and year out. And made and the things he’s been doing on right now, we've got an opportunity to play the field.”