Bustle says Louisiana closing gap
LOUISIANA La. -- University of Louisiana football coach Rickey Bustle had just concluded his final team meeting of the 2002 season, thanked his senior class for their contributions and then asked them to leave the room.
What Bustle was left with were the remains of his first season -- a group of 46 scholarship players or nearly 40 fewer than the NCAA's limit for Division I programs.
It only heightened the plight of Bustle, whose 3-9 record in 2002 added to a school-record stretch of seven straight losing seasons.
"It was scary," Bustle said. "But you look at it as a positive. It was a good nucleus. But that's where it was and we're still short. Even after next year I still won't get 85, but I'll be closer."
Low numbers and morale among players, along with apathy from fans, were just part of the equation Bustle had to solve in his quest to turn around UL-Lafayette's moribund football program.
The challenge will continue this season for the Ragin' Cajuns, who return 37 letter-winners and 12 starters to face another ambitious nonconference schedule and ever-improving Sun Belt Conference.
Senior defensive lineman Derace James of Patterson has set definitive goals for this season.
"I believe everyone's going out more determined," James said. "We're looking to have a good season ... we've improved over last year. Make no mistake about it ... we want to win the conference."
The source of Louisiana's optimism is centered on the recruiting efforts of Bustle and his coaching staff. To offset their disturbingly low roster numbers, the Ragin' Cajuns signed 32 players during the recruiting period -- including 11 from the junior college ranks that figure to see immediate playing time.
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By WILLIAM WEATHERS
wweathers@theadvocate.com
Advocate sportswriter
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