Change in Athletic Network Responsibilities – NOT Goodbye, Farewell and Amen 9/2/12

Originally posted August 26, 2012

Effective August 28, 2012 there will be a change in the coordination of the Athletic Network. Eleven years ago, John Dugas, Liz Landry, and I developed a concept called the Athletic Network. On August 28, 2002, the concept became reality when the website went live on the internet. Click here for the press conference photos of that day.

John, currently UL Associate Athletic Director, has always served as the AN webmaster and over the years has taken on increased responsibilities for the coordination of the AN. On August 28, 2012, he will assume the duties and responsibilities of "Coordinator of the Athletic Network." Under John’s leadership, I am confident the AN will continue to grow and serve the best interests of the Athletic Department in special ways previously not imagined.

Contrary to the final episode of M*A*S*H, I will not say "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen" as I will continue to serve the AN as "Research Coordinator." There is still much to do in that area as the documentation of our athletic program since 1901 continues. Hopefully, the goal to document each team and support group for each year in which they represented the university will be realized in the near future.

I wish to thank the countless numbers, Mike Spears of Firefly digital (host), sponsors, captains, former/current athletes and their support groups, coaches, fans, athletic personnel, university personnel, student workers, volunteers, mutual links partners, and others with whom I have served and with whom I will continue to communicate to promote athletics.

Please know how much these acts of assistance, cooperation, and support are truly appreciated. It has been inspiring and humbling to learn of the love and loyalty so many people have for the university and the athletic program. These interactions strengthened my belief that the decision to voluntarily help create and coordinate the website for the past 11 years was a rewarding one in many ways.

The opportunity to provide the university with the gift of the Athletic Network, while serving as a volunteer for the past 11? years, has been a blessing for which I will always be grateful and one to which I hope to continue to contribute.

Email Addresses: Ed at athleticnetwork@louisiana.edu and John at JohnDugas@louisiana.edu

Peace, Ed Dugas

P. S. Goodbye, Farewell and Amen was the final and 251st episode of M*A*S*H which aired on February 28, 1983. The 2 1/2 hour episode remained the most watched television broadcast in American History and the most watched finale of any television series.