Lion Athletics Association Newsletter Fall 2012
Thank You, Loyal Members! Thank you for your membership in the Lion Athletics Association. Your support is invaluable in creating athletic and academic excellence at Southeastern Louisiana University. In the 2011-2012 academic year, your support enabled the Athletics Department to:
A New Look: Strawberry Stadium Turf Installed Your contributions to the Lion Athletics Association helped replaced the turf field in Strawberry Stadium during the Summer of 2012. (above left)
Lay a new turf field in Strawberry Stadium Place a video display board in the University Center Install a bullpen and batting cages at Alumni Field Add a brand new locker room for the volleyball team We’re proud of what we have been able to accomplish and we could not have done it without you! During the 20122013 year we hope to: Install video boards at Strawberry Stadium Add broadcast media and web streaming capabilities for all sports Assist in supplementing budget shortfalls due to a decrease in state funding to public universities At the Southeastern Athletics Department, we put the student-athlete first. Everything we do is centered on providing opportunities for our student-athletes to reach their personal potential, compete for championships and receive their college degrees. Your Lion Athletics Association membership helps us fulfill our mission. Thank you again for your continued commitment to Southeastern Athletics. -Bart Bellairs, Athletics Director
Volleyball Volleyball freshman Shelby Devlin records a kill over Sam Houston St. (above left)
Soccer Soccer standout senior Maiya Cooper leads Southeastern in goals scored. (above right)
Football
Football senior Nathan Stanley launches the ball for a completion in 25-24 win over McNeese State on September 22. (above)
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Jet Setting Southeastern fans board the aircraft, as the outer bands of Hurricane Issac loom above.
Travel with the Lions - Southeastern vs. Mizzou The Ron Roberts era of Southeastern football has begun! On August 31st, the Lions and a contingent of family, friends and supporters traveled 730 miles to Columbia, Missouri to take on the University of Missouri Tigers, the newest member of the Southeastern Conference. In total, 50 devoted fans, including 24 current Southeastern students, made the trip to cheer on Ron Roberts in his first Southeastern game.
Tailgating Dedicated Southeastern supporters, tailgate hosts Chris & Dana Craven drove to Columbia from their home in Georgetown, Texas.
Cheering on the Lions! Denise Mothe gears up for game time at Memorial Stadium/Farot Field.
Poor weather caused by Hurricane Isaac rerouted the travel party from New Orleans to Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport and steadily followed the plane north. But rain would not halt the Southeastern fans from enjoying their trip. Upon arrival, the Lions and fans headed to Memorial Stadium/Farot Field for a walk through. Following a stadium tour, former Hammond resident Chris Stevens graciously held a cocktail social at the Perlow-Stevens Art Gallery in downtown Columbia. Branden Summers, Student Government President stated, “I really enjoyed meeting the Southeastern Alumni at Mr. Stevens’ gallery. Regardless of the disparity between our generations and geographical locations, we were able to share a commonality discussing our love for Southeastern.” On game day, the Lion Athletics Association sponsored a pregame tailgate hosted by Chris and Dana Craven with food from Domino’s Pizza generously donated by Glenn and Val Mueller. “This trip was a wonderful opportunity for LAA members and students to band together to support the Lions,” said Bart Bellairs, Southeastern Athletics Director, “Many lifelong memories were made.”
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Lion Vision Now Live!
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LionSports.net/Showcase
Southeastern Athletics recently introduced Lion Vision, a subscription-based, live-streaming video service available at LionSports.net. The Athletics Department has partnered with website provider SIDEARM Sports to provide the premium service that allows fans to watch Lion athletic contests on their home computers. Fans can view away contests in baseball, men's and women's basketball, football, softball and volleyball. The AllAccess Showcase will also provide game highlights and an archive of classic Lion action. Three different packages provide multiple pricing options. A single 24-hour pass costs $6.95 while a reoccurring monthly subscription is available for $10.95 per month. Fans will also have the option to purchase a yearly pass at $89.95.
A link to Lion Vision can be found in the Fan Zone at LionSports.net and links to the broadcasts can be found on the individual sport's schedule page and the Upcoming Events tab on the home page. Video equipment for the streaming service was donated by Bob Eichelberger, a volunteer assistant coach with the Lady Lion volleyball program. For questions, contact Matt Sullivan at 985-549-2142 or rsullivan@selu.edu.
The Lion Athletics Association’s third annual Casino Night took place on September 29th at Champagne Beverage in Madisonville. The fundraiser, highlighted by 20 casino tables and a live auction, included the popular gambling mainstays poker, blackjack, craps, and roulette. The $100 entry fee ensured each participant $3,000 in casino chips and a great experience! The live auction was highlighted by a Benelli shotgun and a John Deere riding lawnmower. Other auction items included a Ruger pistol, a diamond necklace, a hand-sewn golf bag and much more.
Gambling for Good
The Southeastern Lionettes (left) pose on a John Deere A grand spread of food included cuisine from local riding lawnmower sold in the live auction by restaurants Seafood King, Your Mom’s Restaurant and professional auctioneer, Barry Hardy (right). Bar, Firehouse Subs, Jimmie John’s, Subway, Eddie Frozen Custard and Fleur De Lis Catering. Beverage services were provided by The Crescent Bar.
All participants were placed in a drawing for door prizes sponsored by several local golf courses, Academy Sports and Outdoors and Lowe’s Home Improvement among others. Special thanks to the Lionettes and Delta Tau Delta fraternity for contributing to the success of this event. All proceeds from the event benefit the student-athletes of Southeastern.
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Race Information Saturday, October 20, 2012 ~ 1 Mile Fun Run -8:00 am 5K Run- 8:30 am Friendship Circle- Southeastern Louisiana University COURSE: The course will wind around the beautiful Southeastern Louisiana University campus, showcasing Southeastern Athletic facilities along the route, and will finish in the North endzone at Strawberry Stadium. PARKING:
Parking will be available at Strawberry Stadium lots
ENTRY FEE:
Pre-Registration: before October 13 $25.00
Late Registration: October 14th until race day $30.00
AWARDS: Awards will be given to the overall male & female winners and the top two male & female runners in each age bracket of the 5K only AGE BRACKETS: 14 & under, 15-22, 23-30, 31-39, 40-50, 50+ T-SHIRTS: Guaranteed to pre-registered runners by October 13th. Late and race day entrants will receive t-shirts as available after the race. Sizes not guaranteed to late entrants REGISTRATION LOCATIONS: Perfectly Fit Performance: 303 W. Minnesota Park, Suite E Hammond, LA 70403 (Checks and Cash only) Southeastern Athletics:
Dugas Center for Southeastern Athletics, First Floor, Room 107 800 Galloway Drive Hammond, LA 70402
RACE DAY REGISTRATION: Race day registration will start at 6:45am. Registration will close at 7:45am for the 1 mile and 8:15am for the 5K REGISTER BY MAIL: (through October 13th only!!) Lion Athletics Association Attn: Ross Barbier SLU 10309 Hammond, LA 70402 Please make checks payable to: Lion Athletics Association PRE-REGISTRATION PACKET PICK-UP: Available at Perfectly Fit Performance Sports on Friday, October 19th between 10am and 6pm. Race packets and tshirts will be available, as well as store specials and exclusive giveaways for race participants POST-RACE PARTY: Music, drinks, fruit and beer will be provided to celebrate the Inaugural Green & Gold 5K & 1 Mile runners on the field at Strawberry Stadium. Celebrate like a Lion!
Proceeds support Southeastern Student-Athletes!
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Lion Athletics Association Announces Coaches Clubs The Lion Athletics Association is proud to introduce the development of individual Coaches Clubs for nine of Southeastern’s athletic programs. Coaches Club funds are restricted monies designated to supplement individual athletics program budgets in the following areas: operations, recruiting and travel, facility improvements, professional development, technological updates and athletic equipment. The program is an opportunity for fans to interact closely with their favorite Southeastern athletic teams. The Coaches Clubs are structured under standardized membership levels and equivalent benefits across all clubs (listed below).
Basic
LAAMember $100/Nonmember $125 Club Membership Card Bi-Annual Club E-Newsletter Regular Chalk Talks with Head Coach Club Shirt
Standard
LAAMember $500/Nonmember $525 Club Membership Card Bi-Annual Club E-Newsletter Regular Chalk Talks with Head Coach Club Shirt Media Guide Website Name Recognition Special Event Invitations
Premium LAAMember $1,000/Nonmember $1,025 Club Membership Card Bi-Annual Club E-Newsletter Regular Chalk Talks with Head Coach Club Shirt Media Guide Website Name Recognition Special Event Invitations Facility Tour Team Meet & Greet & Photograph Opportunity
Deluxe
Touchdown Club- Football 4-4-2 Club- Women’s Soccer Green and Gold Club- Women’s Basketball Diamond Club- Baseball Podium Club- Track & Field Hardwood Club- Men’s Basketball Diggin’ It Club- Volleyball Green Jacket Club- Golf Home Run Club- Softball
LAAMember $5,000/Nonmember $5,025
Club Membership Card Bi-Annual Club E-Newsletter Regular Chalk Talks with Head Coach Club Shirt Media Guide Website Name Recognition Special Event Invitations Team Meet & Greet & Photograph Opportunity Facility Tour Private Lunch/Dinner with Head Coach Invitation to Travel with the Team for Two
Elite
LAAMember $10,000/Nonmember $10,025
Club Membership Card Bi-Annual Club E-Newsletter Regular Chalk Talks with Head Coach Club Shirt Media Guide Website Name Recognition Special Event Invitations Team Meet & Greet & Photograph Opportunity Facility Tour Private Lunch/Dinner with Head Coach Invitation to Travel with the Team for Two Invitation to Serve as Guest Coach/Stadium Recognition
Southeastern Chalk Talks Defensive Coordinator Pete Golding gives Touchdown Club members insight in to the Lions’ defensive strategy prior to the McNeese State football game.
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Meet the Staff Ashley Winning- Director of Development, Athletics Ashley facilitates the day-to-day operations of the Lion Athletics Association, including annual memberships, major gifts, restricted donations, donor relations and premium seating. Prior to joining Southeastern, Ashley served as the Coordinator of Special Events and Community Relations at the LSU Athletic Department. During her time with LSU, Ashley spearheaded the revival of the LSU National L Club, an organization formed to support former varsity athletes, athletic trainers, equipment managers, and cheerleaders. A native of Austin, Texas, Ashley served as a Graduate Assistant in Event/Game Management from 2007 until 2008 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s in Sport Management from Louisiana State University.
Ro Trufant- Coordinator of Athletic Advancement Ro coordinates stewardship, membership benefits, administrative duties and special events for the Lion Athletics Association. Ro, a graduate of Louisiana State University, is the granddaughter of former Athletics Director Ned McGehee. She is the mother of two boys, 18 and 15. Her oldest is currently a freshman at Southeastern.
Heather Thompson- Advancement Accountant Heather Thompson brings seven years of accounting experience to the LAA staff. Heather received two Bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Accounting from Southeastern’s School of Business. She is licensed Certified Public Accountant. Heather is the wife of R. Willis Thompson, also a Southeastern graduate and CPA. He is currently employed at Durnin & James, CPAs in Hammond. Heather and R. Willis have two boys, Will (2 1/2 years old) and Zach (10 months old).
Ross Barbier- Assistant to the Director of Development, Athletics Ross coordinates outgoing communications and social media for the Lion Athletics Association. He also supports special events and corporate sponsorship efforts. Prior to Southeastern, Ross worked as an operations intern with the New Orleans Saints and SMG at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and New Orleans Arena. Ross graduated from Southeastern with his Bachelor’s of Science in Sport Management. He is currently pursuing his MBA in Southeastern’s School of Business. A former student-athlete at Southeastern, Ross is a native of Marrero.
LAA Board of Directors President-Glen Bowman, David Danel, Sheree Daniels, Duane Donald, J.L. “Doc” Garrett, Mike Gremillion, Jr. Matheu, Oscar Lofton, Scott Perilloux, Greg Quinn, Chuck Reid, Danny Schilling, Trey Tantillo, David Vial, Kelly Wells
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Student-Athlete Spotlight Robert Alford, Football Set a Southeastern single-game record (since 2003) with 105 yards in punt returns in the Lions’ 31-21 victory over Lamar … his 75-yard punt return in the third quarter changed the momentum after Lamar had cut the lead to 1714 … the return was the third-longest in school history … had a 59-yard return for an apparent touchdown in the first quarter called back due to a penalty … recorded three stops defensively with an interception while having a second interception called back due to a penalty. Cooper’s goal in the 73rd minute proved to be the game winner in a 3-2 Lady Lion victory over Southland Conference foe McNeese State on September 30 at Cowgirl Field. The goal was the team-high ninth of the season for Cooper, who is among the school’s career leaders in goals (46, 2nd), points (108, 2nd) and gamewinning goals (12, 3rd).
Maiya Cooper, Soccer
Courtney Donald, Volleyball Donald was named to the Tangi Tourism Lion Classic All-Tournament Team for her performance in four matches. She recorded her second 20-plus kill effort of the season in the loss to Weber State.
Contact the Lion Athletics Association Mail:
Lion Athletics Association SLU 10309 Hammond, LA 70402
Phone: Fax:
985-549-5091 985-549-3495
Email: Web:
LAA@selu.edu LionSports.net/LAA
Facebook: Twitter:
facebook.com/selu.laa twitter.com/lionathassoc
Vist Us:
The Lion Athletics Association offices are located on the second floor of West Strawberry Stadium