Athletics: Fundraiser Aims to Keep the Momentum Going for UL Athletics

With UL’s basketball, track, golf and tennis seasons well under way and spring sports right around the corner, a group of local diehards and business leaders is coming together to host the inaugural Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics Celebration fundraiser.

The goal of the fundraiser will be to raise funds for RCAF to help recruit and retain coaches, and to improve the university’s athletic facilities.

The inaugural fundraising event, scheduled for Saturday, April 28, at the Cajundome Convention Center, will feature entertainment by Louisiana Red. The event is from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., with the band taking the stage at 8 p.m.

"Energized by the success of coach Hudspeth’s first season with the Ragin’ Cajuns, we hope to keep the momentum going for every other UL sport. We want to continue to build fan and community support as we prepare for the 2012 football season," says Blaine Barrilleaux, one the function’s organizers.

Undefeated at home, Hudspeth’s squad finished the season with a 9-4 record that included a first-ever bowl win, and there’s a lot of excitement around basketball this year as well.

"Coach Marlin’s men’s basketball team is off to a great start in Sun Belt play this year, so there is a lot going on to keep Cajuns fans excited," says Ken Meyers, another organizer. "But we know it takes a tremendous amount of resources to keep these programs moving in the right direction, and that is the main reason we wanted to start this fundraiser."

The gathering will feature cash and prize giveaways and a chance to win a trip for two, including seats on the chartered flight with the Ragin’ Cajuns to an away game.

Tickets are $150 and serve as admittance for two to the event and also as entries into the cash and prize drawings. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office outside M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field.

The event will offer complimentary beer, wine and food, and a cash bar will also be available. A silent auction is planned.

All of the proceeds from the Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics Celebration will go to the Ragin’ Cajuns Athletic Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds for the university’s athletic programs. One need not be an RCAF member to attend the event. Dress for the event is dressy casual.

Sponsorships for the event are still available. Call Matt Roth at 337-412-0503 for more information.

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