Originally Posted by
Crawfish
_ Guys,
Some of you have expressed to me that you were unaware of the progress the University has been making in improving our facilities and raising funds for athletics. Many of these initiatives were discussed last week on BOP's program, but time got the best of them and they did not finish. I had gotten this from Gerald at last week's QB club meeting but I did not have an electronic copy. I tried to scan it but had no luck getting a readable product so I typed it. There may be a few typos because I did not have a whole lot of time to devote to copying it but at least you can tell what is happening. (I have a real job too, LOL) Anyway, for what it is worth here it is:
Athletic Initiatives for Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns Improvements made in the past 15 month:
Ragin’ Cajun Athletic Endowment Advisory Committee was established to oversee all monies donated to athletics. Completed
New $1.4 Million Track and Soccer Field complex to be built beginning November 1, 2003. (paid for by the university) Project in progress
New bleachers erected on the 1st and 3rd base sides of Tigue Moore Field at a cost of $500,000. (paid for by the University) Completed
Brick wall borders on the 1st and 3rd base sides (from the dugouts to the outfield) of Tigue Moore baseball Field. (Supplies donated by Acme Brick and Angelle Concrete) Completed
New $50,000 marquee installed at the athletic complex entrance at the corner of Bertrand & Reinhardt Drive. (donated by AAA signs - Ken Stelly) Completed
Letterman’s walk ($65,000 value) to be created in the football tunnel at Cajun Field with new graphics, lighting and a sound system. (Donations to be made) Project in progress
TV Monitors to be installed inside Cajun Field. (donated by Cox Communications - Steve Creeden) Project in Progress
Initiated the “Support Louisiana’s Ragin Cajuns - Its good for business” campaign. ( Sponsored and promoted by Cox Communications, Daily Advertiser, LEDA, and the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.) Project in Progress
New weight equipment is being provided (By Body Masters) for the weight room at a value of several thousand dollars. When the weight room is enlarged, Body Masters will donate an additional $100,000 in additional equipment. Project in progress
8 new Schwinn Air Dyne bicycles were donated to the athletic weight room at a value of $5,000. (Donated by Ross Brubacher.) Completed
Football Suites are being re-carpeted and renovated. New Theater style seats are being installed in Suites A and B. (Paid for by the University) Project in progress
The old scoreboard was renovated and is being converted into an information center. (Material and labor donated by Southern Structures) Completed
A new pickup truck was donated as a giveaway for the football season. (Donated by Courtesy Motors.) Completed
9 new murals in Cajun Field were donated by local artists. Ongoing Project
New lights installed at the Lady Cajuns’ Softball Field. (Paid for by the University) Completed
Initiative is underway bringing together a number of construction companies to renovate and enlarge portions of the Athletic Administration Building. Emphasis will be placed on the weight room, the training room, the equipment room, the locker room, and the hall of fame room. Project in Progress
A New Orleans Saints vs. Houston Texans football game is possible at Cajun Field in 2004. Project in Progress
Entrances at Cajun Field (where fans enter the field) have been renovated. Each gate is now available for corporate sponsorships / naming opportunities. Project ongoing
New signage and graphics have been installed in Cajun Field and in the athletic administration building. (Donated by Pixus Digital Printing) Project in Progress
A $3.5 to $4.5 million indoor practice facility will be built. The facility will accommodate football, baseball, basketball, softball, soccer, and track. (will be paid for by the University) Project in Progress
A new walkway was built in the South end zone at Cajun Field. The walkway allows fans to walk from the patron section (west side of the stadium) to the student / visitor section (east side of the stadium). (paid for by the University) Completed
The lobby of the Athletic Administration Building is being renovated to include new flooring, recognition plaques for athletic donors, furniture, and graphics. Project in progress
Increased the Athletic budget by $37,000 through donations in 2003. This increased funding helped result in the # 50 rated recruiting class in the nation. (as compiled by Rivals.com) Project ongoing
Creation of the Athletic Network website by Dr. Ed Dugas, and his son, John. The Athletic Network is reconnecting former athletes, coaches, managers, cheerleaders, etc. to the University and to each other. project ongoing.
Limestone parking added to Cajun Field to better accommodate fans -- these parking areas were previously unusable when there was rain prior to a football game. (paid for by the University) Completed
Several golf tournaments are being formed to benefit athletics -- two in Lafayette, one in Houston, one in New Iberia, one in Dallas, and one in Atlanta. These are projected to raise $250,000 a year. Project in Progress
Students have voted to assess themselves $20 per student per semester to benefit athletics. It is projected that this fee would raise $200,000 - $250,000 annually and would begin in 2004. Project in progress
A minimum parking surcharge fee for all athletic events is being considered. It is projected that this small fee would raise $200,000 - $250,000 annually and would begin in 2004. Project in progress
Eric Maron was hired with his sole responsibility being Athletic Marketing. completed
Gerald Hebert was hired with his sole responsibility being Athletic Development. Completed
Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajun Discs were donated by Begnaud’s Manufacturing and placed at all entrances to UL Athletic Facilities. Ten discs were donated at a cost of $2500 each. Completed
Wood Flooring and Carpeting donated for all Coaches offices. Completed
Groups are putting together athletics progress presentation meetings in the near future. Mid South Bank -- Regions Bank -- Home Bank -- State Farm --Magnolia Marketing. Project in Progress
The Saints Black and Gold scrimmage was held August 2, 2003 and raised $70,000 for UL athletics. Completed
Information Center (old scoreboard) in the south end zone of Cajun Field will raise $40,000 annually. Completed
Monies being raised for the 1st phase of athletic administration renovation project. A total of $125,000 has been raised so far. Project in progress
The Student Union Program Council (UPC) and the Student Government Association (SGA) are working on projects to promote and inform students about the importance of attending home games. Project in progress
Our Lady of Lourdes Park will be built on the 1st base side of Tigue Moore Field. Lourdes fulfilled payments in August of 2003 for naming rights to the park. Project in progress
Steven RV will donate a $50,000 fifth wheel travel trailer. A raffle will be held with proceeds benefiting athletic recruiting and / or athletic facility improvements. Project in progress
Acme Brick is donating ceramic tile for six rooms at the Earl K. Long Gym and the Athletic Administration Building. Project in progress
A media background banner is being sponsored by MidSouth Bank. The banner is being used for interviews of UL coaches. Completed
A donor Wall of Honor is being installed in the lobby of the Athletic Administration Building to honor and recognize our major gift donors. Project in progress
An outdoor patio was installed at Cajun Field. The initial patio is a promotional item with possible plans to install additional patios for rent / sale to fans. Completed
Operation Kickoff was begun as the 1st phase to establish a $20 million endowment to endow 200 athletic scholarships. Project in progress
With Your help we will continue adding to these accomplishments!
Please help us network with potential athletic donors, help us by volunteering, or help us with a financial or in kind gift. To help in any of these ways, please contact:
Gerald Hebert
Coordinator for Athletic Development
UL Office of Development
Louisiana Fan
Ragin' Cajuns Fan for Sure
TELLING you, November 2005, waiting on icegators, archs, and starting now will interfere with Spring training on through football season!!
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