BB 2007: Hosting or Not?

[CRAWFISH61]

I buy a parking pass for football and Ragin Cajun youth cards for my 2 kids. These are donations to the RCC. Every year I get a report from the UL foundation. They report the assests, donations, and what scholarships are funded etc. I did not ask for this but I receive it every year. I think my total donation is $140 per year. I don't know why I receive every year and other people don't but it does contain most of the informatin that everyone ask for. If I get another of the double secret double decoded foundation reports I'll try and pass out that information. Hopefully, Authement's SS troops won't arrest me.

[AstroCajun]

This all assumes that the NCAA deems the Cajun facilities as adequate to host.

As great as it would be for us to host, I am of the mind that perhaps losing out the bid might be the best thing that could happen for us long term.

If we get the bid DESPITE our facilities, then what's our incentive to fix the problems with our field?

Losing out when our record would otherwise warrant a bid might be the spark that lights the powder keg.

As passionate as we have been as fans, there's always SOMETHING that comes up that dampens our spirits.

Last year in football it was the MT letdown. Have we recovered? Have we used that disappointment to say NEVER AGAIN?

Let's use the next letdown (and history tells us this will happen) to make some change.

And when we say "Never Again!" let's mean it.

[Cajun90]

_ I have seen a number of posts that state, "we need a private athletic foundation." Someone has to explain the "private" part to me. What does it encompass? What does it mean? Does it mean that it will operate as does the lsu TAF? Does it mean that the University has no control?

So, before there is more talk about a private athletic foundation a number of things must be clarified. _

TAF is a "private" foundation that was born out of the LSU athletic dept. However the board is compromised of TAF members and to my knowledge no LSU personnel are on the board or work directly for the foundation.

Now I do not believe there is anyway that a private fund can be established without some relationship to the University because of the requirements for tax exempt status and Louisiana disclosure laws. There are vehicles in place (i.e UL Foundation) that can serve the same purpose but they aren't being operated or marketed properly so I think the argument for a private fund might be a little off base. Lets forget a "private" fund because it still requires University cooperation and instead lets make the existing system work better.

Keep in mind that TAF works because of an excess demand over supply. Basically TAF has established a system where the more you contribute the more points you get. These points help you in obtaining better seats, parking etc. One thing I like about TAF is that contributions (monetary or in kind) to academic programs also gain you points. It isn't all about athletics. TAF also operates with a staff of approximately twenty four people. I know Gerald Hebert gets a lot done but he is only one person. Maybe the effort should be focused on properly staffing our existing system. Get a half-dozen more people working on it with the cavet that they pay their own way. They get out and get the fund raising system working so that it pays their salary plus meets a certain goal in fund raising.

[rhineaux]

_ I know Gerald Hebert gets a lot done but he is only one person. Maybe the effort should be focused on properly staffing our existing system.

INTERNS!!!!! MARKETING INTERNS!!!! BUSINESS INTERNS!!!! AND EVEN ARCHITECTURAL/DESIGN INTERNS TO DESIGN POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS THAT WE COULD MAKE, LIKE ADDING SEATING OR NEW LUXURY BOXES TO THE TIGUE, A FANCY NEW ADDITION TO THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT, ETC.

[Cajun Express]

_ I buy a parking pass for football and Ragin Cajun youth cards for my 2 kids. These are donations to the RCC. Every year I get a report from the UL foundation. They report the assests, donations, and what scholarships are funded etc. I did not ask for this but I receive it every year. I think my total donation is $140 per year. I don't know why I receive every year and other people don't but it does contain most of the informatin that everyone ask for. If I get another of the double secret double decoded foundation reports I'll try and pass out that information. Hopefully, Authement's SS troops won't arrest me. _

I don't get any of that. I contribute to football, basketball, and baseball. Never have gotten the first piece of paper. Used to get a receipt for tax purposes, but am now told I need to request same. Just another example of why this club has problems, lack of any discipline. I am glad you get it, but I assure you that is not the norm. I will however ask why there appears to be different rules for different people.

[Cajun Express]

_ TAF is a "private" foundation that was born out of the LSU athletic dept. However the board is compromised of TAF members and to my knowledge no LSU personnel are on the board or work directly for the foundation.

Now I do not believe there is anyway that a private fund can be established without some relationship to the University because of the requirements for tax exempt status and Louisiana disclosure laws. There are vehicles in place (i.e UL Foundation) that can serve the same purpose but they aren't being operated or marketed properly so I think the argument for a private fund might be a little off base. Lets forget a "private" fund because it still requires University cooperation and instead lets make the existing system work better.

Keep in mind that TAF works because of an excess demand over supply. Basically TAF has established a system where the more you contribute the more points you get. These points help you in obtaining better seats, parking etc. One thing I like about TAF is that contributions (monetary or in kind) to academic programs also gain you points. It isn't all about athletics. TAF also operates with a staff of approximately twenty four people. I know Gerald Hebert gets a lot done but he is only one person. Maybe the effort should be focused on properly staffing our existing system. Get a half-dozen more people working on it with the cavet that they pay their own way. They get out and get the fund raising system working so that it pays their salary plus meets a certain goal in fund raising. _

Nicely put.

[UL Ragin Cajun]

_ I don't get any of that. I contribute to football, basketball, and baseball. Never have gotten the first piece of paper. Used to get a receipt for tax purposes, but am now told I need to request same. Just another example of why this club has problems, lack of any discipline. I am glad you get it, but I assure you that is not the norm. I will however ask why there appears to be different rules for different people. _

Ragin' Cajun Club

Supporters of Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns are eligible to become members of the Ragin' Cajun Club at various levels. For more information, please contact Gerald Hebert, Coordinator of Athletic Development by calling (337) 482-0922 or by sending him an e-mail message.

Email Gerald Hebert

[Cajun Express]

_ Ragin' Cajun Club

Supporters of Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns are eligible to become members of the Ragin' Cajun Club at various levels. For more information, please contact Gerald Hebert, Coordinator of Athletic Development by calling (337) 482-0922 or by sending him an e-mail message.

Email Gerald Hebert _

I am a member. I renew every year. My level is pretty good, and I will see why I do not get these financial documents. Again I should not have to ask, but I will. I am throughly familiar with the various levels.

[UL Ragin Cajun]

_ I am a member. I renew every year. My level is pretty good, and I will see why I do not get these financial documents. Again I should not have to ask, but I will. I am throughly familiar with the various levels. _

Gerald is on ESPN1420 now asking for calls to answer these types of questions. If you can call him now.....