Football: Ragin’ Cajuns fans send football team to New Orleans Bowl – video included

Megan Wyatt, Daily Advertiser, Dec. 18, 2013

Cajun Walk event brings food trucks, fans to Cajun Field during noon hour.

Athletic Network Footnote: Click here for video of Cajun Walks send-off by Cajun fans.

Ragin’ Cajuns fans gathered Tuesday to send the University of Louisiana at Lafayette football team to the New Orleans Bowl the way only Cajuns fans can.

The tiniest fans from the Reach Institute held a red-and-white rope in honor of Coach Mark Hudspeth’s popular catch phrase “Don’t let go of the rope.”

Older fans, decked out in red Cajuns gear, formed a tunnel for football players to pass through. Fan after fan loaned hands for high fives and voices for well wishes.

“Anytime our athletics get to see all the fans, they can see that Ragin’ Cajuns football is more than just them,” said Brian McCann, sports information director for the Cajuns. “It’s thousands of people’s lives every fall.”

The sendoff happened at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday at Cajun Field, and food trucks Mad Luann’s, Hibachi Hero, Freetown Fries and Kona Ice offered lunch options from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the event.

David White, who owns Mad Luann’s, sold out of food an hour early.

“There was a pretty good turnout and good energy,” said White, a 1991 UL graduate.

Clarence Glenn, a member of The Ragin’ Cajuns Gridiron Alumni Chapter for former UL football players, attended the Cajun Walk sendoff for the first time Tuesday.

“It’s amazing how the program can make a turnaround in 2 ½ years,” said Glenn, who played defensive back for the USL football team from 1982-86. “I didn’t have the opportunity to play in a bowl game, but we did have a fan base. It was heartwarming, and I’ve felt that since 1982.”

Gulfport, Miss., native Winona Dunn moved to Lafayette after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and has been following the Ragin’ Cajuns ever since.

According to Dunn, the entire Ragin’ Cajun spirit has improved because of Hudspeth.

“I love him,” she said. “He has done so much for the enthusiasm.”

Hudspeth and the team arrived in New Orleans on Tuesday afternoon and will practice from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. today.

Fan events begin Thursday in New Orleans with a Ragin’ Cajuns “We’re Back Again!” parade, where The Pride of Acadiana marching band will lead fans along Bourbon Street in second line fashion.

“To be a Ragin’ Cajun is to be excited and happy and passionate,” said fan and alumnus Ruben Henderson III at Tuesday’s event. “To be a Cajun is to be Ragin’ for the entire athletic program.”