By Kevin Shannahan
Northwestern State University’s Prather Coliseum was the scene of an action packed day Saturday, Feb. 3 as the NSU Demons squared off against the Mc Neese Cowboys before a large crowd of Demon fans. NSU’s “Purple Haze” pep band entertained the crowd and kept things lively as always. No errant referee or opposing player escaped their attention. NSU spirit groups led cheers and performed for the fans during breaks in the action. While not the results one hoped for, the Demon’s men and women’s teams put up a tenacious battle.
During the man’s game, NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio presented a a “Salute to Service” certificate to Dr. Lisso Simmons, a WWII Navy Veteran. In addition, local Realtor Janice Bolton presented a $500.00 NSU Scholarship from Bolton Realty to NSU graduate student Kayla Velasquez. Ms. Bolton also fed both the men’s and women’s teams after the game.
Another hard fought contest was happening off the court as 7 teams battled for gumbo supremacy and bragging rights. NSU’s own Sodexo, the NSU Football Team, Pi Kappa Phi, Phi Mu, Tri Sigma, NSU Strength Coach Jerrod Mayatt and City Bank all fielded teams in the third annual Johnny Antoon Gumbo Cookoff. The popular fundraiser is expected to raise several hundred dollars in Mr. Antoon’s honor for the American Cancer Society. The crowd sampled each team’s efforts and voted by putting tickets in the team’s jar. This year’s winner was the ladies of Tri Sigma Sorority with NSU Football as the runner up.
