Spirit Leader: The Fabulous Cajun Chicken

[Turbine]

Heim was told after the 1999 athletic season that his services were no longer required.

I have done a lot of research on this subject and the timeline I have come up with was that the Cajun Chicken was dumped to make room for the Pepper.


In a primer Nelson Schexneider said

"Ragin" implies hot fire, a steamy climate, the spicy food, an attitude"

In other words a fiery pepper.


Before the Pepper arrived the students were informed of what was happening and were allowed to pick a name.

Julie Simon-Dronet, director of Public Relations and News Services . . . So, the students picked the pepper, so to speak, and held a “name the pepper” contest on campus. “Cayenne” was the winner. . . .

In the same article an almost exact talking point from Nelson Schexneider

“Cayenne represents a unique image the university has continually built upon throughout the years,” said John Mouton, Mouton, president of the Union Program Council. “It reflects our hot and spicy way of life.”

Now this may all be just circumstantial ... but I don't think so.

[rhineaux]

_ I have done a lot of research on this subject and the timeline I have come up with was that the Cajun Chicken was dumped to make room for the Pepper.


In a primer Nelson Schexneider said In other words a fiery pepper.


Before the Pepper arrived the students were informed of what was happening and were allowed to pick a name.

In the same article an almost exact talking point from Nelson Schexneider

Now this may all be just circumstantial . . . _

Great Stuff Turbine. I've never made my disgust for the pepper a secret, but these quotes don't mean a lot to me. It sounds like these people were told what to say and they said it. In my opinion, having a pepper like that is more representative of a Tex-Mex style chili cookoff. to me, I've never thought of Cajun food in the same light that i think of four alarm chili. Cajun food can someitmes be spicy, depending on the tongue, but i always found it to be more seasoned well than anything. And, i don't know where they were going with the hot and spicy attitude/way of life angle. That may have some truth, but a freaking pepper doesn't come close to defining it.

Not to mention, it is impossible to make a decent looking costume out of it. It makes for a horrible looking logo. And there were tons more cliche' "cajun" things they could have played on, like the gator or something else. hell, why do we even need a furry headed costume to walk around anyway? Bring back the chicken full-time...get an alligator.. costume... something... anything... i just wish somebody would end this misery.

I hope Uncle Ray and whoever else is responsible for this debacle, is at the game tonight and see's how much joy the chicken brings and how bad they screwed up by taking that away from us and giving us that prehistoric carrot.

[barry0]

Boom Boom Boom

[El Sidonio]

As much as I've come to like the idea of the pepper, and as much as I like the logo, I realize that the actual pepper costume in real life isn't as popular as good looking as the chicken/gator/whatever else.

I for one, will be very happy that the Chicken is making his farewell appearance and will try and bring a video camera to document the occassion.

However, y'all don't forget that the Cajun Chicken's popularity comes more from Russel Heim's creativity and energy than it does from the costume itself. So, even if we bring back the costume, I say we'd still be facing a letdown if Russel is not in it. So, since we all know this is basically Russell's final appearance, I say we don't ever bring the chicken back. I agree that the pepper is not the best mascot. I agree with those who mentioned the Catahoula hound dog, or maybe a white alligator with vermilion clothing (going with the UL color scheme).

Just my 2 cents

God Bless

GEAUX UL RAGIN CAJUNS!!!!!!!

P.S.- Small bit of good news that proves the name change is starting to work on the inside as well. At the engraving shop I work at, The honors program faxed us an order, and the letterhead said "University of Louisiana - Honors Program". The city tag was nowheres to be seen.

[CrazyCajun]

THE CAJUN CHICKEN NEEDS TO RETURN. i KNOW MAYBE THIS GUY DOES NOT WANT TO CONTINUE IT BUT SOMEONE NEEDS TO GET THE OUTFIT FROM HIM AND RETURN THE TRADITION. THAT WAS AWESOME LAST NIGHT. THE KIDS LOVE IT AND I FORGOT HOW FUNNY HE WAS. THEY COULD STAGE A SKIT WHERE THE CHICKEN KICKS CAYENNES ASS IT WOULD BE GREAT.

[Duggie35]

SOMEONE NEEDS TO GET THE OUTFIT FROM HIM AND RETURN THE TRADITION. _

I'm sorry, but simply having someone else wear that Chicken suit and thinking the chicken would be back is simply not true! Russell H. "IS" the Cajun Chicken!!!!! Anyone else trying to immitate him just wouldn't be the same!!!!

[Cajun Express]

_ I'm sorry, but simply having someone else wear that Chicken suit and thinking the chicken would be back is simply not true! Russell H. "IS" the Cajun Chicken!!!!! Anyone else trying to immitate him just wouldn't be the same!!!! _

You are correct, he is unique, but I think he could mentor a young person who would be willing to take the time to learn under the master. I know it is his creation, and he would need to take the lead on something like that, and it would be something he would have to want to do. I think the writer was simply expressing his excitement over the return. I know I found it to be a refreshing event at the game..

[cajunlove]

You are correct, he is unique, but I think he could mentor a young person who would be willing to take the time to learn under the master. I know it is his creation, and he would need to take the lead on something like that, and it would be something he would have to want to do. I think the writer was simply expressing his excitement over the return. I know I found it to be a refreshing event at the game..

You're right. The presence of the chicken was awesome. It made me remember how much fun I used to have at Cajun games when I was a little boy. I would like my son to see the chicken at Cajun games while he is growing up. I would much rather anyone else in the suit than cayenne. Do it for the future Cajuns!

[cajunfan96]

_ You're right. The presence of the chicken was awesome. It made me remember how much fun I used to have at Cajun games when I was a little boy. I would like my son to see the chicken at Cajun games while he is growing up. I would much rather anyone else in the suit than cayenne. Do it for the future Cajuns! _

Bring Back the Chicken!!!!!!!!!

[CrazyCajun]

_ I'm sorry, but simply having someone else wear that Chicken suit and thinking the chicken would be back is simply not true! Russell H. "IS" the Cajun Chicken!!!!! Anyone else trying to immitate him just wouldn't be the same!!!! _

i was not taking anything away from russel but plenty of other schools pass on their traditions. MAscots don't live forever. who knows a he could teach a young person his tricks and maybe that person can come up with some new ones of his own to improve the chicken.