Homecoming: Cajuns have spirit – Monday’s Homecoming Kickoff Party at Alumni Center Exciting

Eric Narcisse, Daily Advertiser, Oct. 11, 2011

UL’s homecoming kickoff Monday, October 10, 2011. Photo by P.C. Piazza

Year after year, regardless of the university or how well the football team is actually doing on the field, homecoming is always one of the most anticipated events of the semester.

Things are no different for the student body and staff at UL, as they are extremely excited about all of the events scheduled for homecoming, especially since its football team is off to the program’s best start, at 5-1, since 1988.

"Our football team is doing so well that it has really made homecoming week so much more exciting," senior Danielle Cottonham said. "There is so much excitement around campus that I’ve noticed a lot more people are wearing red on Fridays. There is more Cajuns gear being worn around campus and less LSU stuff. I feel like a lot more people around here are taking more pride in their university and that is great to see."

The student body, staff and members of the community turned out in bunches during Monday’s homecoming kickoff party held at the Alumni House, which featured free food, beverages and music. Those in attendance chanted, sang and danced for a little more than two hours.

"Every year homecoming week is amazing," Erin Edmiston said. "It is always a fun and exciting time, but even more so this year, because not only is our football team doing great, we have a lot of great things going on around campus. It’s a great time to be a part of the Ragin’ Cajuns, because everything is just so positive around here."

Freshman Haliee Boudreaux, who is fully aware of the significance behind the football team’s hot start, said she’s ecstatic her first homecoming week in college is receiving so much fanfare.

"I know that the team hasn’t done as well as they are doing now since 1988," Boudreaux said. "I’m really excited and everyone around here is so excited. It’s really exciting around campus, and I plan on attending all of the events this week. I hope they can keep on winning."

Rachel Bonnette believes the impact the Cajuns are having on the community with their play on the football field is reminiscent to that of the New Orleans Saints’ impact on the community in the Big Easy.

"I would definitely say that homecoming week is a lot more exciting this year than it has been in years past," Bonnette said. "Homecoming week is always pretty exciting because of all the community support and our great fan base, but this year the team that homecoming week highlights is playing so well. "» What coach (Mark) Hudspeth and his team have done so far this year is really inspiring."

All the Homecoming information you need is at www.louisianaalumni.org  Note the stories below on the Athletic Hall of Fame and the Homecoming Court. Congratulations to all of the above.