Athletic Director: “Ask The AD” Beginning Now – Link Provided To Submit Questions

Welcome to the first edition of "Ask the AD". Each month, questions will be answered that you submit using the online form at RaginCajuns.com.  I appreciate your support and look forward to hearing your questions. GEAUX CAJUNS!
 
On behalf of the entire Athletics Department, I would like to extend our prayers to everyone affected by the recent floods.
 
The Cajun Spirit never ceases to amaze me. No other community comes together to lift up those in need like we do. It reminds me of the narrative of the "One and Only Ragin’ Cajuns" video that was produced last year. "We answer the call for the greater good. Together we rebuild, reconnect, and restore our faith in one another. We Cajuns now embark on a new century – one filled with opportunity.  We embrace its challenges; breathe in its adversity as we march forward as one. We will not wilt.  We will not back down, just as those that have come before us. We stand tall. We stand proud, for we are the One and Only Ragin’ Cajuns".
 
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The kick off of each new season is always a great time to look back on how much the Ragin’ Cajuns have accomplished and look ahead to ways that we can continue to grow.
 
If you have not had the opportunity to visit campus lately, I invite you to come back and see the growth for yourself. It’s enjoyable hearing from alumni and former student-athletes that come back for the first time in several years and how proud they are of this growth and how it makes them even prouder to be a part of the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns family.
 
This past July, I had an opportunity to share some impressive statistics about the growth of our University and Athletics Department over the past six years at a Department wide workshop. Here are just a few:

• University enrollment is up over 1,000 students
• Campus facility enhancements include the incredible new Student Union and dining facility, residence halls, University Quadrangle, and the entrance wall in front of Martin Hall
• Athletics’ budget has increased over 100% since the 2009-10 academic year
• Annual ticket revenue has increased 86% from $1,486,071 to $2,747,542
• The RCAF total contributions have increased 276% from $2,157,581 to $8,132,561
• Looking at athletic facilities on campus, there has been a great transformation. Lamson Park was completely renovated to become one of the best softball facilities in the entire country and also added a dedicated indoor hitting facility in 2016. The three-tier Athletics Facility Master Plan was announced in March 2013. Everybody should be proud of the already completed Tier One projects which included the beautiful, state-of-the-art Student-Athlete Performance Center, the south end zone renovation at Cajun Field and the Soccer/Track Complex.  Tier Two began with the renovations to "The Tigue" that will be completed during this spring. Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams are looking forward to playing in the newly renovated Cajundome this season following it’s $21 million make over.
• On the field, we are experiencing the greatest era in school history.  In the last six years, we have:
  • Appeared in four bowl games
  • Received a berth in four post-season men’s basketball tournaments
  • Advanced to (and won) two post-season women’s basketball tournaments
  • Won a Men’s Tennis Sun Belt Conference championship
  • Advanced to four NCAA Baseball Regionals and two Super Regionals
  • Appeared in (and won) six NCAA Softball Regionals, advanced to six Super Regionals and one Women’s College World Series
• And the one that I am most proud of is that we have accomplished all of this while achieving new heights academically. This is a direct reflection of the commitment level of our student-athletes, our coaching staff, and the Athletics and University administration. Our student-athletes Graduation Rate has led the Sun Belt Conference and all of the public institutions in the state of Louisiana each of the last three years!

 
The upcoming year could be a monumental one for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. From a facilities stand point, the Cajundome and "The Tigue" will be completed.  We also look forward to breaking ground on a new Student-Athlete Academic Center on campus as well as a new training facility at Oakbourne Country Club that will serve our golf team.
 
Additionally, significant projects such as the RCAF Priority Points System and the re-seating of the Cajundome and "The Tigue" will also take place this year.
 
The RCAF unveiled the new priority points system last Spring in order to provide an equitable and transparent priority ranking of how individuals are allocated tickets, seating, parking, tailgating and other benefits. Determinations are based on loyalty and financial support to the Ragin’ Cajuns Athletic Foundation, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and its Department of Athletics.
 
The priority points system should go "live" in the coming weeks.  At that point, fans will be able to log onto myRCAF.org (hyper link) or Account Manager (hyperlink) and check their points.
 
The Priority Points System will be a key factor when both Men’s Basketball and Baseball are re-seated this year. Season ticket holders will be rewarded for their loyalty throughout the years and receive the option of renewing those seat locations in the new venues. Following the renewal process, all available seat locations will be allocated based on priority points rankings. Click here for additional information about the re-seating process for Men’s Basketball.
 
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VICTORY BELL
The new Victory Bell is now in place and ready to ring following each Ragin’ Cajuns victory throughout the year in all sports.  It rang for the first time when the soccer team defeated Alcorn State. I look forward to a great Fall and hearing the bell ring many times!
 
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SEASON TICKETS
Season ticket holders are the backbone of Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics.  I greatly appreciate those of you that have already purchased their football season tickets for the 2016 season.  If you have not had a chance to do so yet, there is still some time.  Log on to RaginCajuns.com or visit the Cajundome Box Office and get season tickets today!
 
The football season kicks off against Boise State on September 3^rd. In order to create the best home field advantage possible and return to a bowl game, Cajun Field needs to be packed with vermilion and white!
 
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RAGIN’ CAJUNS ATHLETICS CELEBRATION AND FALL SPORTS FAN DAY
 
Be sure to mark your calendars for the annual Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics Celebration (RCAC) and Fall Sports Fan Day, presented by MidSouth Bank. 
 
The RCAC will be Saturday, August 27, at 6:00pm at the Cajundome Convention Center.  The evening will include live music by the Boogie Allstars, complimentary food and drinks, a silent auction, raffles and a chance to mingle with the coaching staff. This is the largest single-event fundraiser for the RCAF each year, and proceeds from the event help recruit and retain quality coaches for all programs. Events like the RCAC, which has raised nearly $1 million in the first four years, enable us to assemble quality coaching staffs and maintain this high level of competitiveness. One of the special things about this event is that it is completely organized by community business leaders and fans. I would like to thank this group for their passion and countless hours of planning to make this year’s RCAC a success. Tickets are $150 (admit two people) and can be purchased at the Cajundome or at ticketmaster.com
 
This year’s Fall Sports Fan Day, presented by MidSouth Bank will be held on Sunday, August 28 at 5:00pm at the Cajundome Convention Center. This is a great opportunity to hear from some of the head coaches and get autographs from the football, soccer, volleyball, cross country and both basketball teams. The Pride of Acadiana, the Cheerleaders and Ragin’ Jazz will also be on hand. The event is absolutely free to fans and MidSouth Bank will be on hand to distribute free t-shirts to fans while supplies last.
 
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MISSION STATEMENT, CORE VALUES AND STATEMENT OF IMAGE
 
Mission Statement:
To inspire champions and prepare leaders by fostering an environment which enables student-athletes to realize personal, academic and athletic aspirations.
The Athletics Department embodies the diverse culture that is our community, and recognizes the responsibility we have to maintain the highest standards of character. We are committed to the academic, athletic, and social development of student-athletes, instilling values of integrity, service, and competitive success.
 
Core Values:

• Competitive Excellence
• Academic Integrity
• Joie de Vivres
• Unify Community Involvement
• Nourish Student-Athlete Welfare
• Sound Fiscal Responsibility

 
Statement of Image:
Ragin’ Cajuns…we have a history rooted in sacrifice and principle, and we share a mind-set with all ethnicities. We welcome student-athletes from all walks of life, and we graduate individuals with a foundation of integrity, character, and pride. We are a unique culture, passionate for success made evident by our competitiveness and tireless work ethic. We are Louisiana. We are family. We are Ragin’ Cajuns.