Men’s Basketball: Ragin’ Cajuns basketball deserves respect

Men’s Basketball: Ragin’ Cajuns basketball deserves respect

Alison Moon, Editor in Chief, Vermilion  alisonemoon@gmail.com

Editorial, February, 2, 2011

Did you know we are one of the few universities across America that lets its students into sporting events for free? Did you also know that most of our students don’t use this privilege? Take for example football games. Students know their privilege for that and use it fairly well. But what about the other sports like track, baseball and softball and, more specifically, basketball?

These past two weeks have held nothing but basketball events for me because of its 100-year anniversary. Our school has a long history with basketball, a history that has long gone unnoticed by current students.

Sitting in his season spot on the right of the south end of the court is long-time University of Louisiana at Lafayette fan Clifford Broussard. First impression presents a rather well-mannered and mild man, but just wait till a referee makes a bad call and Cliff’s voice can be heard distinctly over the crowd questioning the referee’s eyesight. Cliff recalls the holy days of the game when students were “hanging from rafters” just to be able to go to the game.

Fans like Cliff recall the golden days of the UL Lafayette basketball program with players like Dwight “Bo” Lamar who, in his time here, was a three-time collegiate All-American with an average 32.1 points per game. He went on to play for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1977.  Bo, of course, calls to mind his legendary coach Beryl Shipley.

Shipley coached basketball at UL Lafayette–then South Louisiana Institute and later, University of Southwestern Louisiana–from 1957-73. He was the winningest coach in school history and would also be the first coach in the Deep South to play an integrated team when he desegregated it in 1966. The story goes on from there and has a long, deep-rooted history that keeps Cajuns fans, like Cliff, coming back season after season.

Our basketball history is one to be proud of and is still going to continue to make us proud. Old basketball players and fans alike that I met during the reunion are greatly looking forward to what new head basketball coach Bob Marlin promises. Marlin has displayed a deep respect toward the basketball program and its history. Those who have been involved and remain close supporters since their original time recognize that and in return, respect him.

Marlin has proven himself well so far. The Cajuns have been winning and the games are enjoyable. The players display great athleticism by keeping fans on their toes with amazing plays. They are sure a delight to photograph.

One of my favorite things about the games is the comedic relief during time-outs. Dance contests, the Kiss Cam and not to mention the opportunity for a student to win $500 if he can make a basket from the free-throw line. Cheerleaders, dancers and a mascot, oh my! I won’t promote intoxication at family events but there are really big cups of beer available for purchase as well. Don’t forget peanuts.

What better way to pre-game this Saturday than by going to the basketball game at 7 p.m. You’ll get out around 9:05 p.m. and still have time to go home and put on your club outfits.