Judi Ann Ford - UL Athlete 1967-68 ... Miss America 1969

[Turbine]

Former Junior National Trampoline Champion, Judi Ford, attended the University of Louisiana as a freshman for the 1967-68 session.

Judi, holds a special distinction at the University of Louisiana in being the first female athlete to officially represent the University in intercollegiate sports.

Actually she was the first female since the 1920's to compete interscholastically for UL. When Louisiana (SLI) joined the Women’s Athletic Association in 1922 the women were banned from competing interscholastically.

Below are some moments from Judi's freshman year.

The complete 67-68 gymnastics team was comprised of Ed Callender, Jim Yongue, Judi Ford, Sparkey Busey, and Don Waters. The team was coached by Jeff Hennessy

As soon as Judi finished her freshman year at Louisiana, her life really began to soar.

[Turbine]

The summer of 68 was non-stop whirlwind for Judi Ford.

After going home to Illinois for the summer-from UL-she entered the Miss Boone County contest. She won, and this automatically qualified her for the Miss Illinois contest.

A few weeks later on July 20th in the West Aurora High School Auditorium, she was crowned Miss Illinois.

Six weeks later on September 7, 1968 none other than Bert Parks was singing "There She Is" for a newly crowned Miss America, Judi Ann Ford.

With more scholarships than she could shake a stick at, Miss America never returned to the University of Louisiana, as a student that is.

A few moments that helped Judi capture the crown.

[mrobson]

Judi Ford ... Miss America 1969 ... another feather in the cap for USL.

[HoustonCajun]

I remember Judy Ford as she was a roommate of a girl I went to high school with. Actually had a date with her. As her pictures show, she was very beautiful. She had to be a great trampolinist to get a scholarship to USL back then. Of course, she moved on to bigger and better things when left and returned home.

[rhineaux]

Actually had a date with her. As her pictures show, she was very beautiful.

How'd you screw it up? Or was she just out of your league and you both knew it and it was unspoken that it would be the only date? then again, maybe girls weren't like that back then.

I am curious of how it must have been to go out with a future Ms America? I would say that I know what its like to go out with a Ms America becasue my finacee' is that beautiful, but she doesn't read this board (or any boards for that matter) so I'm not gonna waste the points on you guys. I did however see A Landry at Poet's one night and her and AC Slater walked right in front of me, and I leaned over a little so they both brushed me. Yeah, I'm a creep like that.

[Big Buds]

Dude, Judi was hot.

[CajunFun]

For some months now, I have been trying to find some stories about UL's Judith Ford, Miss America 1969, with no luck.

She goes by Judi.

Doh.

http://ultoday.com/sections/headlines

[RedBug58]

I still have a Bayou Classic program autographed by Judi Ford. I remember standing in line at Blackham to get that autograph.

[wcd35]

Cool pics on this site:

http://www.trampoline-usa.com/index.htm

Not sure if it was ever linked here.

[Boomer]

_ Cool pics on this site:

http://www.trampoline-usa.com/index.htm

Not sure if it was ever linked here. _

In the Miss America competition she actually did a trampoline routine---well I was told that---Anyway--one Spring afternoon I happened to peak in on the building next to the present girl's gym----WOW--unreal--never had a date but man---beauty and athleticism---Her stock went up that Summer!!!!

[RedBug58]

_ In the Miss America competition she actually did a trampoline routine---well I was told that---Anyway--one Spring afternoon I happened to peak in on the building next to the present girl's gym----WOW--unreal--never had a date but man---beauty and athleticism---Her stock went up that Summer!!!! _

I remember our whole family sitting around the TV watching her do her talent routine for the Miss America contest. That was exciting stuff! Great time to be a kid.

[raginlittlecajun]

my grandfather escorted her for the Bayou Classic!