Football: Cajuns fans dance on despite rain

Kris Wartelle, The Advertiser, December 19, 2014

 

 

NEW ORLEANS — The city may have been gloomy and rainy all day Friday, but UL Lafayette fans refused to let a little rain get in the way of the biggest celebration before the R�L Carriers Bowl game.

The bad weather was outside, while the annual fan fest was held indoors, in the Marriott ballroom.

The highlight (and what brought many fans to tears) was the graduation ceremony for six UL Lafayette seniors who were able to receive their degrees in front of thousands of screaming fans.

"It feels great,"said Hunter Stover, a kicker for the Ragin Cajuns. "It’s just awesome to see a pep rally in front of the hotel. This is just a great thing before the game."

Coach Mark Hudspeth called the current crop of senior football players "the winningest senior class ever."

That sparked super fans like Butch Dupre, who volunteers to work at the event every year, to feel a sense of pride he said always comes back during this bowl.

"This has been a tradition we don’t want to ever forget," Dupre said. "I felt so grateful that these guys are such dedicated students and that they dedicated themselves to the game and UL football."

Geno Delafose provided the rousing entertainment which kept fans dancing both before and after the graduation. There was enough Rajin Cajun spirit to inspire even those longtime fans for whom the excitement was not new.

"Why would you want to be anywhere else," declared Pat McDonald who has been attending the bowl games for years.

McDonald predicted a win for the Cajuns and said there was widespread optimism for a victory.

"We have the home team advantage," McDonald added.

Troy Knight, who will reign as the king of the Krewe of Triton this year, even predicted the score.

"23-20 UL," Knight said. "The fans and the support will make the difference."