Dude, that’s awesome. Thanks for sharing.Originally Posted by Grantvb
Guys I have something to tell y’all...
I was sitting in the south end zone just to the left of the tunnel with my wife, four kids (even the LSU freshman) and mom, dad , lil sister. During the final drive by ULM, I was on my knees on the concrete with my back to the field, praying the Hail Mary Inc Cajun French - Our Lady of the Assumption - Patroness of the Cajun people. Every time I prayed, the crowd was energized and cheered. When I turned to look and watch the next play, ULM had the upper hand.
On the kick I got down on my knees through both timeouts. Then the moment of faith.......as I prayed, the crowd exploded!!! When I looked up at the people sitting behind me, THE FOOTBALL from the kick FELL RIGHT IN BETWEEN ME AND DAD!!!!
It was like the Blessed Virgin dropping an answer to my prayers straight out of heaven!!! My mom grabbed the ball quickly. And gave it to me. I couldn’t believe it. I immediately ran down to the railing and looked for a player or trainer to give it to. I saw Dan McDonald and tried calling his name, to no avail.
As I scanned the south end zone for someone to give it to on behalf of the team, I saw the perfect person......Dr. Bryan Maggard. I yelled at him, but he couldn’t hear - the people around him did. They motioned him my way. I showed him the ball and told him I wanted him to keep it. I said he’d earned it. He tried to avoid it but I pitched it to him anyway. He waved and thanked me.
Meanwhile, I didn’t know there was a flag on the play, so he told me to hold on so we could see what the deal was. Once it was over and the win was confirmed, he gave the ball to his son and they stood at the goal post as the players left the field. I got to high five many ULM and Cajuns players with my kids. Greatest fan moment ever - almost.
Once they’d all left, Dr. Maggard scoped me out in the stands and threw me the ball back. He said “you have this, thanks for coming out and supporting...”. Told him back that he’s done a great job.
Really didn’t feel right to keep a ball at my house that should be in the trophy case for generations of Cajuns and fans to see. While standing there above the tunnel, I saw a few more Cajuns players coming back to the tunnel from the field. God gave me a second chance to gift the ball to the guy who played great the whole game and represented - Raymond Calais. He and I believe Jamarcus Bradley we’re together when I caught his attention.
I told him this was the game ball that missed and won it for us. He lit up like Christmas!!!! He and Bradley held the ball together, shook my hand and said thanks and headed off to celebrate.
I felt so good to get that ball to them...what a game, what a night, what a year. Geaux Cajuns. Merci, Saint Marie’...
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