By Kevin Shannahan
The Natchitoches Event Center was the place to be Friday, May 5th as the Demons Unlimited Foundation hosted the 2017 Legends Gala. Approximately 300 enthusiastic Northwestern State University supporters packed the Event Center to meet Ed Orgeron, the new head coach of the LSU Fighting Tigers. A South Louisiana native from Larose, Coach Orgeron came to NSU in 1980 where he was a standout player for the Demons and later an assistant coach at his alma mater before moving on in a journey that ultimately took him to the helm of the LSU Fighting Tigers.
Coach Orgeron was joined by former team mates as well as Former NSU Head Coach Sam Goodwin who coached him during his playing days. Former Demon greats such as Gordon Boogaerts, Petey Perot, Gary Reasons, Johnnie Emmons and Tracy Rew Hoover were also presented.
Local attorney and dedicated NSU Demon Jack Brittain, Jr., his father the late Jack Brittain, Sr. and the Brittain family were honored with the 2017 Joe Delaney Distinguished Supporter Award. Jack Brittain, Jr. accepted the award.
The evening was about more than reminiscing, fun and fellowship however. The evening’s sponsor, The Demons Unlimited Foundation, is charged with supporting NSU athletics by raising funds for scholarships for student athletes, marketing, branding and helping hire and retain coaches,. NSU fields 350 athletes in 14 sports, 8 women’s and 6 men’s. Tonight’s event is expected to raise about $20,000.00 towards that goal. The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating tonight’s event photography. Photo protection is off and downloads are enabled. If you do see a photo you like and download it, please consider making a donation to the Demons Unlimited Foundation in lieu of payment.
