Athletic Media: UL defeats Texas State in social media battle

Chris Ramirez, Daily Advertiser, October 6, 2013

The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns have defeated the Texas State Bobcats in the first-ever Social Media Challenge between the schools.

The two are expected to square off in their Sun Belt Conference football opener at UL tonight at 6 p.m.

But first, fans from each schools took on one another in social media challenge in a faceoff to show school pride. The task was to get more likes and followers before the game. Fans took the UL Ragin’ Cajuns’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages over the top.

The challenge between both schools’ athletic departments started at 10 a.m. Monday and wrapped up today at 5 p.m.

In a statement, the Ragin’ Cajuns’ athletic department said the school’s social media sites picked up over a combined 6,000 new likes and follows in the last week.

UL’s social media win means Texas State will have to publish a photograph of either the Ragin’ Cajuns’ mascot, coach or administrator wearing a UL T-shirt.

Anastasia Semien, Daily Advertiser, October, 5, 2013

University of Louisiana at Lafayette fans have been showing their pride in a major way with the university’s social media challenge against Texas State.

In just four days, the UL Ragin’ Cajuns’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages have gained more than 5,000 likes and followers, said Nick Ross, sports information assistant at UL.

“It’s been a great reaction,” he said. “So far were very pleased with our growth.”

Ross said the Ragin Cajuns’ Facebook page growth has been “massive.” Their Instagram followers grew from 152 to more than 1000.

He said they’re tracking their competition’s numbers as well. He’s been emailing the point person at Texas State to see how they’re progressing.

The challenge between both schools’ athletic departments started at 10 a.m. Monday and will run through 5 p.m. Saturday. Spanning over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, it will be based on the number of followers or likes gained during that time period.

The losing school will have to publish a photograph of its mascot, coach or administrator wearing a T-shirt from the winning school.

UL has been hosting daily contests such as trivia and scavenger hunts that have included athletic, school and Lafayette history.

Ross said there is still time for the community to help UL win the competition. They will also be giving away tickets to Saturday’s game.

“You can still like and follow us until 5 p.m. tomorrow,” Ross said. “This contest is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Fans are encouraged to use “#ULFanChallenge” to join the online conversation. Visit the Ragin’ Cajuns on Facebook at facebook.com/ragincajunsathletics, Twitter: @ULRaginCajuns and Instagram: @ULRaginCajuns to like and follow them.

“Our fans have proved why they’re some of the best fans in the world.”