Fire and Emergency Training for Natchitoches Parish Fire Districts 1,4,5,6 and the Natchitoches Fire Department took place on Feb. 23, 2023 for live burn training.

This Saturday, February 25, saw Northwestern State University hosting 450 high school students and their families who visited our university for a day of fun and learning about the many opportunities afforded by Northwestern. The visitors had a busy day attending presentations on financial aid, housing, tours, and a browsing session in which the visiting students and their families met with representatives from the university’s academic departments and student organizations. Interested students also had an opportunity to audition for the Spirit of Northwestern Band and Theater department. NSU’s Army ROTC hosted an open house, giving information on scholarship opportunities and letting visitors try their shooting skills on a “smokeless range” simulator. In the words of Van Erikson, Director of Enrollment Management, one could leave N-Side View “…ready to arrive and be successful…”

Dr. Nikki Ceaser-Small, an NSU alumna and Senior Director of Campus Administration for the Dallas College Cedar Valley Campus, returned to her alma mater to speak to the prospective students and their families about how her experiences at NSU shaped the course of her life and prepared her for her future.

Northwestern State University offers a myriad of opportunities to build your future with over 60 programs and concentrations ranging from certificates to doctorates. Two NSU alumni, Gary Fields and Jim Mustien, have won Pulitzer Prizes, one of the premier awards in Journalism. Over the past several years, NSU pre-meds have achieved an enviable acceptance rate into medical school. A number of NSU College of Creative and Performing Arts alumni are performing in Broadway shows in New York City. The Louisiana Scholars’ College features a superb Great Books-based curriculum that offers a quality liberal arts education at a fraction of the price of a private college. The university’s athletes routinely boast an exceptional graduation rate. Northwestern State University has compiled a solid record of preparing its graduates for success in their chosen fields.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to congratulate the young men and women who visited our campus on their upcoming high school graduation. We are looking forward to seeing this new generation of students come to NSU and do great things with their lives!

Over 30 units rolled through our city Saturday, February 25 in the Natchitoches Black History Parade. The parade, themed “Expressions of a Culture”, began on Texas St., went through Martin Luther King St. and concluded at the Ben D. Johnson Center.

Natchitoches City Attorney, Alex Washington, served as Grand Marshal. Local civil rights icon and hero Elnora Robertson followed.  Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams and First Lady Tiffany Williams were on hand for the second Black History Parade of his term. A group of sharp looking and well drilled NCHS Army Junior ROTC cadets led the parade with the American flag. Community leaders from the school board and city council were joined by churches, dance teams and civic groups. Eager spectators lined the route as the parade rolled by. Children were treated to candy and throws from the parade’s many participants. The parade ended at the Ben D. Johnson Center and was followed by a Black History Program at a local park.

The Natchitoches Black History Parade was more than family fun. The event was also a celebration of the history, resiliency and accomplishments of our parish’s African-American community.

DENTON, Texas – Northwestern State saw scoring chances fall by the wayside in both games of Sunday’s finale of the North Texas Invitational, leading to another pair of losses.

The Lady Demons (7-7) left seven runners on base in a 5-2 loss to Wichita State to start the day before running into an offensive buzz saw against North Texas in the finale, falling 10-1 in six innings.

Wichita State 5, NSU 2

The Lady Demons were able to take advantage of their first scoring opportunity of the day getting a run in the top of the first.

Leadoff batter Laney Roos was hit by a pitch and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and to third on a groundout. A Kat Marshall single up the middle on a 2-0 count put the Demons ahead 1-0 four batters into the game.

After a scoreless bottom of the first from starter Kenzie Seely, the Demons had a chance to add to their lead in the second after a Taylor Williams leadoff single. She was left in scoring position with two out this time on a ground ball back to the pitcher for the final out.

Two pitches later the Shockers tied the game on a leadoff home run to left field. NSU, however, responded to take the lead right back in the top of the third, again taking advantage of the leadoff batter reaching base.

Bailie Ragsdale beat out an infield single to the left side and moved to third on a Marshall single to left. Makenzie Chaffin pulled a ball through the right side for a second straight hit scoring Ragsdale from third and putting Marshall in scoring position at second. A pop up and ground out left two runners on base however and only one run on the scoreboard for NSU.

This time the Shockers responded immediately on their end with the first three batters of the frame reaching base, the third being an RBI double to tie the game at two. Two batters later a sacrifice fly to left put them ahead for the first time in the game.

A shutdown inning for relief pitcher Alex Aguilar, who struck out the Demon side in the fourth, kept the momentum with Wichita State allowing them to add to the lead in the bottom of the inning.

A base hit to right center put the leadoff batter on which was followed by a two-run home run to left from catcher Lainee Brown gave the Shockers their final two runs of the day and a 5-2 lead.

The Demons got runners to second and third in the top of the next half inning after a Keely Dubois walk and Chaffin double with two outs, but could not produce the necessary two-out hit to bring them in to score and close the gap. That was the final scoring opportunity for NSU in the game as Aguilar retired the final seven batters she faced in a row to finish the game.

North Texas 10, NSU 1

The Mean Green jumped on the Demons early in the weekend finale with three runs in the bottom of the first. The first three batters of the inning reached on a single and two walks leading to a sacrifice fly for the first run and two-run single to make it 3-0 five batters into the bottom of the inning.

The Demons were able to get out of the inning with no more damage done and cut into the lead in the second by picking up a run on a throwing error on a Derika Castillo infield single, where she almost scored a second run on the play but was cut down at home on the long relay back in from the outfield.

North Texas though started the bottom of the inning with a double, getting a run on an RBI groundout two batters later, before a solo home run with two outs in the inning made it a 5-1 affair.

NSU left two runners on base, at second and third, in each of the next two innings unable to pick up the timely hit that would have score one or more of those runs and chipped away at the UNT lead.

Ryleigh Denton threw a pair of quick innings after settling into the game in relief to keep the deficit at four until four straight hits started the bottom of the fifth, bringing in three more runs putting North Texas in run-rule territory.

NSU went to the bullpen for the second time in the game for the first career appearance for redshirt freshman Haley Parker. The Fort Worth, Texas, native struck out the first batter she faced in her collegiate debut, getting the Demons out of the inning with a second strikeout to end the inning.

The offense was unable to produce in the top of the sixth setting the table for a leadoff single and two-run home run to finish the game early for the home standing Mean Green.

NSU plays its next seven straight games in Natchitoches beginning with the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission Lady Demon Classic next weekend, followed by the conference opening series with Lamar the weekend of March 10.

SUGAR LAND, Texas – Two games into the Sugar Land Space Cowboys Collegiate Classic, the Northwestern State baseball team has found a blueprint for success – strong starting pitching and timely hitting.

The Demons got a dominant start from right-hander Alex Makarewich and the NSU offense banged out double-figure hits for the second straight game as the Demons downed New Mexico State, 7-3, at Constellation field on Saturday morning.

“Alex had great stuff,” seventh-year head coach Bobby Barbier said. “Every time we needed a zero, he gave it to us. He really commanded two pitches in the strike zone.”

Making just his second career start, Makarewich (1-0) fanned a career-high 11 batters, giving the Demons (3-3) their first double-figure strikeout game by an individual pitcher since Cal Carver struck out 11 Alcorn hitters in game one of a doubleheader on March 12, 2012.

After the Aggies (0-5) took a 2-0 lead on fourth-inning solo home runs by Gunner Antillon and Logan Gallina, the Demons answered immediately as Gray Rowlett smacked a tying two-run home run and Jeffrey Elkins delivered a two-out RBI single, driving in Broch Holmes, who followed Rowlett’s home run with a double.

“The last two games, we’ve done a good job making adjustments at the plate,” Barbier said. “Gray Rowlett gets beat with a 1-0 fastball in his first at-bat and has the big homer in his second at-bat to even it up. We’ve put together good at-bats the last two days. Give our guys the credit for sticking with it after a tough opening weekend.”

Handed a lead, Makarewich made it stand up, striking out four of the final six batters he faced across two final scoreless innings of work. A product of Keller, Texas, Makarewich worked a career-high six innings, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out 11.

With Makarewich rolling, the NSU offense added on for a second straight game.

Holmes tacked on a two-out RBI single in the fifth before the Demons responded to the Aggies’ third solo home run of the game with a three-run seventh inning that saw NSU take advantage of New Mexico State’s fourth error of the game. Rowlett had a sacrifice fly in the inning, finishing with three RBIs in his second game of the season.

Elkins capped the inning with an RBI single to record his first multi-RBI game of the year.

Those runs proved important as the Aggies loaded the bases with one out in the ninth inning before Barbier turned to junior right-hander Kyle Froehlich. Froehlich, the winning pitcher in Tuesday’s victory against LSU-Alexandria, struck out the only two Aggies he faced to record his first career save.

“It was like Kyle has been doing that for 10 years,” Barbier said. “Gus (Collins) gave up the leadoff home run (in the seventh inning) and then settled the game down for us. Kyle came in and was dominant. He had good stuff and great tempo. He was absolutely dominant.”

Freshman Michael Dattalo led NSU’s season-high 12-hit attack , going 3-for-4 while Holmes and Elkins each went 2-for-4.

Gallina had two of NMSU’s four hits, three of which were solo home runs.

The Demons wrap up their stay in Sugar Land on Sunday when they face Stephen F. Austin. Right-hander Drayton Brown (0-1, 6.35) takes the mound for Northwestern State while the Lumberjacks have not announced a starter.

Northwestern State 7, New Mexico State 3

NMSU   000 200 100 – 3 4 4

NSU       000 310 30x – 7 12 0

W – Alex Makarewich (1-0). L – Tyler Hoeft (0-2). S – Kyle Froehlich (1). 2B – NSU, Broch Holmes. HR – NMSU, Gunner Antillon (1), Logan Gallina (1), Jimenez (1). NSU, Gray Rowlett (1). Highlights: NMSU, Gallina 2-4, HR, RBI. NSU, Michael Dattalo 3-4; Holmes 2-4, 2B, RBI; Jeffrey Elkins 2-4, 2 RBIs.

Records: New Mexico State 0-5, Northwestern State 3-3.

Northwestern State University’s Department of Biological and Physical Sciences will host the annual Science Showcase that gives high schoolers an opportunity to experience a day in the life of a science major.  Events will be from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, March 3. There is no cost to participate.  

Faculty, staff and students from the department will lead tours of education and research facilities, provide information about student events and organizations and present hands-on demonstrations. Participants will also learn about scholarships, career opportunities and more.  

Registration for the Science Showcase is available at www.nsula.edu/sciences.    

About 100 students from Broadmoor High School and Scotlandville High School in Baton Rouge and Many High School participated in Northwestern State University’s second Experiential Learning Day Feb. 24.   

Hosted by Louisiana GEAR UP, the day’s focus was on ACT prep as students learned test-taking tips in English, science, math and reading led by faculty from NSU’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development.  They also rotated through workshops that focused on nursing and allied health, new media, journalism and communication arts; creative art and graphic design, computer information systems and classroom to career transition.  

The next Gear Up events at NSU will take place March 3 and March 24.   

A federally funded national initiative, Louisiana Gear Up (Louisiana Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is supported by the U.S. Department of Education, which awards grants to states or institutions of higher learning to create partnerships with high-poverty middle or high schools. In partnership with 16 school districts and the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA), Louisiana Gear Up aims to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education.  

The Natchitoches Police Department has identified Shafonda Murphy (B/F, 40 y.o.a. of Natchitoches) as a suspect in a shooting that occurred Wednesday evening, Feb. 22 around 10:16 pm.

Natchitoches Police Department officers responded to a business in the 1400 block of Texas Street in reference to a gunshot victim.  Upon officers arrival they located the victim suffering from a single gunshot wound.

The victim was transported to the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center with a non-life threatening injury. 

An arrest warrant has been issued for Shafonda Murphy who is wanted for attempted second degree murder.

If you have seen Shafonda Murphy please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or Detective Davanta Stevenson at (318) 357-3878.  Do not attempt to apprehend or detain this individual by yourself.   Shafonda Murphy is considered to be armed and dangerous.  Remember all information given shall remain confidential.  

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388.  All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $2,500 for the arrest of an offender.

There was no surprise Thursday night for either parish team in the quarterfinal round of the LHSAA girls’ basketball playoffs, which was great news for Lakeview High School and unfortunate for Natchitoches Central.

Lakeview, the No. 2 seed in Division IV Non-Select, edged visiting East Beauregard 58-55. The Lady Gators advance to play in Hammond next week in the state semifinals, at a day and time to be announced this weekend, against third-seeded Oak Grove, which won 35-26 over LaSalle in its quarterfinal.

The big news in that bracket was the upset by No. 9 Oakdale, eliminating top-seeded White Castle 51-34 on the road. Oakdale will meet No. 4 Arcadia in the other Division IV semifinal, leaving Lakeview as the highest remaining seed to advance to Marsh Madness.

In Bossier City Thursday night, the powerhouse Parkway Lady Panthers asserted their dominance, overwhelming the Lady Chiefs of Natchitoches Central 58-24 before a packed crowd at Parkway’s gym (aka “The Cage”). 

It was unsurprising since Parkway had easily beaten NCHS, the district runner-up, in both regular-season meetings.

All-American senior guard Mikaylah Williams scored a game high of 19 (15 in the second half) as Parkway answered the bell early (and often), taking control almost immediately. Williams is the daughter of former NSU Lady Demon LaTonya Perry.

Natchitoches Central took a brief 3-2 lead following a 3-pointer by sophomore Akeelah Wade, Parkway kept up the offensive pressure. After an Ambree Williams layup, the first quarter belonged to Mekanna Miles.

The Lady Chiefs’ box-and-1 on sharpshooter Chloe Larry did not rotate to the corners and that is where Miles made them pay.  Her 11 first-quarter points included three straight 3-point shots that pushed the Parkway lead to 13 (19-6) at the end of one.  The lead grew to 33-13.

After halftime, it appeared that Natchitoches Central was trading shots on the offensive end while changing defenses on the other. The changing defenses, however, allowed Williams, an LSU signee, to settle in and score 11 points in the third.  By the end of the quarter, the game was pretty much out of reach. 

Williams (19), Miles (17) and Larry (13) were top guns for the Lady Panthers while Wade had a team-high 11 for the Lady Chiefs. 

Parkway (28-5) will move on to face third-seeded Barbe next week at Marsh Madness in Hammond. 

Natchitoches Central finished the season with a record of 24-10 and another deep playoff run from one of the state’s traditionally-tough girls’ basketball programs.

• Reporting on the NCHS-Parkway game by Preston Edwards, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

This past weekend I had the distinct pleasure of transporting my youngest daughter to her volleyball tournament in Dallas, Texas.

These weekends are epic for many reasons. We get three days of travel, watching her play ball (or sometimes keeping the bench warm while others play) hanging out with new friends and their moms, and exploring new places to dine. Tournament weekends are non-stop mama-daughter magic. I know these days are limited so we make the most of them.

While we were away one of the other parents found a trendy, locally owned burger place that had everything we were looking for. Good reviews, not too far away, it wouldn’t break the bank and it was super cute. The girls had been playing ball since early that morning so they were ravenous and ready for nourishment.

Once the burgers were ordered, it was time to wait. The younger girls sat at one end of the table and laughed nonstop about the various follies from the game, videos found online and all of the things that teen girls giggle about. The other end of the table held the moms. Our area of the table carried a more serious tone. We talked about the brackets for the next day’s game, the lack of funding for public schools, budgets for dress shopping and all the things that moms complain about.

A sudden hush fell upon all of us as our lunch arrived. We were all starving by this point. As the server passed out plates of burgers and bowls of fries it grew quieter and quieter.

Until….. my daughter had an audible nervous laugh. All of the girls kept asking her if something was wrong and she wouldn’t answer them. She just kept looking at me. At first I thought maybe her hamburger was undercooked or she found a bug in her food. The longer she gazed into my eyes I saw the panic. Her mouth was laughing but her eyes said she needed me.

I got up from my seat and was making my way around the table and she never lost her gaze with me. I knew she was in trouble so I asked, “Are you choking?” and she nodded in the affirmative. While I was walking I was praying under my breath.

When I made it to her, I was in full mama bear mode. Mama bear who knew how to administer the Heimlich Maneuver. I stood behind her, rubbed her back and asked was she ready. I softly said the name of Jesus, and was about to go to work when she said, “It moved!”.

Mama bear stood down and began thanking Jesus under my breath. Immediately Kat’s friends became irate with her and told her the universal sign for choking was not laughing. This was no laughing matter. They firmly told her that the next time this happens, place both hands near your throat so others will know you are choking. This also gave me a chance to remind her to chew her food completely before she swallows. In this particular instance there was a slice of bacon that was half way down her throat and would not move.

Crisis could have been averted with the proper amount of chewing.

It truly was scary for a brief moment but I knew every time I call on the name of the Lord he always comes through for me. He has never let me down and I know he never will. His word promises he will never leave or forsake us. Life can change in an instant, but he is a faithful friend who is always there.

“Call upon me in the day of trouble, I shall rescue you, and you will honor me.” – Psalm 50:15

The Real Views is a free newspaper that went out of commission in 2016. The newspaper is now back in circulation with a mission to create immense benefits for the community.

The Real Views Newspaper was a renowned syndication in the Natchitoches Parish and the multicultural communities. With a mission to uplift the community and offer exciting opportunities, the newspaper is now back in circulation with a new look and feel. Now revamped under the direction of a new publisher, the newspaper’s motto is: “A community with a voice shall be heard.” From news and community discussions to job tips and money-making guides, The Real Views Newspaper aims to raise the bar high in 2023 and become a powerful platform for community members to engage, share information and reap benefits.

A spokesperson for The Real Views Newspaper made an official press statement, “We are now very excited to be back in circulation for 2023 and beyond. With so much exciting content planned for the year, The Real Views Newspaper is now fully geared to become more than just a news source. While we will offer archived news on the website, current news will be shared in a free printed newspaper. Our core vision is to become an important hub of community activities and interactions.”

The spokesperson added, “Aiming to highlight the positive developments in the community, the newspaper will also work to bridge the gap between the public and our community leaders. While leaders will be encouraged to write articles to address the public, the average citizens will also be allowed to sound off about their expectations for local leaders.”

Being completely free, The Real Views Newspaper, with its riveting journalism and educational content, will bring the community together in 2023 to create a truly positive change. With a mission to highlight the hard work of community police officers, firefighters/fire service workers, business owners, church members, and community leaders, the newspaper will also be working to empower the community by inspiring entrepreneurs and offering vital life skills/advice to the community youth and native residents.

SUGAR LAND, Texas – For several years, the goal of the Northwestern State baseball team was to play games at the end of May in Constellation Field.

The site of the Southland Conference Tournament for six years, the stadium in suburban Houston was a guidepost for the Demons and a start to their national postseason aspirations.

In 2018, it became a field of dreams for NSU, which won its first SLC Tournament championship in program history by defeating New Orleans there. Four-plus years later, it is home to NSU’s second straight in-season tournament weekend as the Demons take part in the first Sugar Land Space Cowboys Collegiate Classic.

NSU opens tournament play Friday at 3 p.m. facing Seton Hall and will also take on New Mexico State at 11 a.m. Saturday before concluding the three-game set against Stephen F. Austin at 2 p.m. Sunday. Free streaming audio of Friday’s and Sunday’s games will be available on www.NSUDemons.com and through the Northwestern State Athletics mobile app, which can be downloaded free for Apple and Android devices.

“Tough on the staff to prepare for three more new teams, but they’re great and they work their tail off for it,” seventh-year head coach Bobby Barbier said. “It will be good to play there again. They’ve made some changes to the park. It will be a little easier to hit a home run there then it was back in the day, but it will be fun to play three good teams.”

The Demons (1-3) walked out of Constellation Field as SLC Tournament champions in 2018, so no current NSU players were on the active roster at that time. However, the NSU coaching staff was all there in some capacity.

Barbier and associate head coach Chris Bertrand were on staff while current assistant coaches Spencer Goodwin and Dan Hlad were in different roles. Goodwin was a graduate assistant while Hlad picked up a save in the tournament opener and started the title game.

“It will be really neat to go in a tournament-type setting, too, where there are games before you,” Barbier said. “That’s always fun. The other teams are sitting there waiting for you or you can get there early and watch the other games that are going on. It brings baseball back to when you were a kid. We all played American Legion tournaments that were fun. It will probably be a little sentimental for them.”

While the Demons no longer have active players on their roster from the 2018 team, there are current NSU players who were recruits at the time and have ties to the greater Houston area.

Junior outfielder Jacob Farrell, a native of the northwest suburb of Cypress, Texas, had his own reason to celebrate the night the Demons held off New Orleans, 6-4, to clinch their fourth regional berth in program history.

“My graduation party was that day, so we had it on TV,” Farrell said. “I remember it very vividly. I have played there a few times in travel ball, being from Houston. It’s been a while, so it’s changed a little bit, but I’m used to it.”

Farrell is joined by Lathen Buzard (Richmond), Caleb Castle (Houston), Andrew Cossio (Spring), James Starnes (Spring), Daunte Stuart (The Woodlands) and Bo Willis (Magnolia) as Houston-area Demons.

With the Sugar Land Space Cowboys having gained Triple-A affiliation with the Houston Astros ahead of the 2021 season, this weekend’s tournament marks the second straight season the Demons will play a series in a Triple-A or higher ballpark. A year ago, the Demons faced off with Oklahoma at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers.

“We hope when we recruit guys and convince them this is the spot for them, they know we are going to play in these spots,” Barbier said. “We’re going to play in major league parks and Triple-A parks and the Oregons of the world. South Al was a great stadium over there. We want to give these guys and experience while they’re here, not just practice baseball all the time, but to have that experience of playing in those places.”

Series Probables

Friday: Northwestern State LHP Cal Carver (0-0, 0.00) vs. Seton Hall TBA

Saturday: Northwestern State RHP Alex Makarewich (0-0, 4.50) vs. New Mexico State RHP Tyler Hoeft (0-1, 6.23)

Sunday: Northwestern State RHP Drayton Brown (0-1, 6.35) vs. Stephen F. Austin TBA

Young, energetic conference champion-winning coach Ian Brophy has been tabbed as the seventh coach in Northwestern State soccer history, director of athletics Kevin Bostian announced Thursday. 

Brophy comes to NSU after one season at Mount Olive, a Division II school in North Carolina, where he led the Trojans to a 13-5 record, including 11-1 during conference play, and the Conference Carolinas regular season crown. 

The success comes despite the team losing its top two goal scorers from the previous season as well as the Conference Carolinas Defensive Player of the Year. 

The hire must be approved by the Louisiana Board of Supervisors, of which NSU is a member, as well as pass through other university human resource processes. 

Eight players on Brophy’s Mount Olive team made the all-conference teams, most in the league. 

“I am absolutely thrilled and honored to be the next head women’s soccer coach at Northwestern State University,” Brophy said. “I want to sincerely thank athletic director Kevin Bostian and everyone on the search committee for making my fiancée and I feel so welcomed during the interview process and for placing their faith in me to lead this program forward. 

“I would also like to thank my family, previous players, coaches and everyone at the University of Mount Olive for helping prepare me for an opportunity like this one.” 

Brophy, a native of Miami, aims to build upon the winning tradition NSU has constructed over the past four seasons, having finished in the top two of the Southland Conference standings in each of those seasons, spanning two coaches. 

In the success, two different coaches have led NSU to the conference title game, including a trip in 2022 to the NCAA Tournament, its first such appearance since 2005. 

The success on the field is just one reason that drew Brophy to Natchitoches. 

“A few things certainly attracted me from the outside, like the ability to take over a Division I program that has consistently competed for conference championships in the Southland Conference over the last several years, was certainly a major consideration and something that initially caught my eye,” Brophy said. 

“However, once on campus and in town I realized the wonderful sense of community that exists in Natchitoches, the exciting facilities and future the athletic department has under Kevin (Bostian), and the level of growth and continued push for excellence from Northwestern State all made this a place my fiancée and I could not wait to call home.” 

Prior to his time at Mount Olive, he was an assistant for Division II Florida Southern, helping lead the Mocs to 18 wins, including an 8-3-4 mark in his first season, after the school won just nine games combined in the previous three seasons. The success came despite operating with just five athletic scholarships, the second fewest in the conference. 

“Ian has had success at virtually every level in collegiate soccer,” Bostian said. “He has shown a knack for being able to turn programs around quickly, although he will not have to do that here. What he has done at his previous stops – from recruiting high-level student-athletes and building successful programs – shows me he knows how to win. 

“Bringing Ian into the fold positions our program to continue to build on the successful foundation laid by the past two coaching staffs.” 

Brophy succeeds Stuart Gore, who accepted the women’s soccer head coaching position at Troy in January. Gore led the team to a 24-10-5 record in his two seasons in Natchitoches, guiding NSU to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in nearly two decades. 

As an assistant coach at Knox College in 2016, Brophy helped lead the Prairie Fire to an unblemished 19-0-1 overall record after the team recorded just one winning season in the previous eight years. That season also was the first NCAA Tournament appearance in school history. The Prairie Fire led the nation in goals against average, surrendering just .15 goals per contest. 

In the past four seasons, the Lady Demons have been known for their tenacious defense, allowing just 66 goals in 75 games for a .88 goals against average. The conference stats have been even better, posting just a .51 goals against average in those four seasons, doing it with three different goalkeepers. 

NSU had the conference’s defensive player of the year three times in those four years and have had all-conference goalkeepers the past three seasons. 

“Our work ethic and level of effort as a coaching staff and team will be obvious to anyone around our program as it will be an important requirement to put in the work to build something special here,” Brophy said. 

“The success here over the last four seasons certainly excites me and shows what the program is capable of if you can bring the right culture and work ethic.” 

Brophy began his coaching career at Treasure Valley CC in Ontario, Oregon, turning around a program that was 2-14-4 the year before he arrived and turned it into a 16-3-3 mark in his first season, setting nearly every school record in the process. 

He holds a USSF National C Coaching License and has been a head coach at the middle school, high school, and competitive club levels. 

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT IAN BROPHY 

“In his short time with our program, we saw his skills in working with our high-caliber student-athletes while developing a large class of newcomers. With the experience he has gained here at UMO, I look forward to watching his progress at Northwestern State. I wish Ian and his family good luck in his next coaching endeavor at NSU.” 

– Joey Higginbotham, Mount Olive director of athletics 

“Northwestern State is getting a steady set of hands, someone I spent many years with. His tactical feel for the game and ability to communicate a message clearly will allow him to hit the ground running. His clever way of thinking and appetite for the game is contagious.” 

-Paul Lawrence, Florida Southern women’s soccer head coach 

“I am excited for Ian on his hire at Northwestern State. I am proud of his work at Florida Southern. We are just seeing the fruits of his labor this year with a berth in the NCAA Tournament and first ever win in the tournament, as many of the players on the team were recruited by him. We wish him nothing but the best at NSU.” 

-Drew Howard, Florida Southern director of athletics 

“Ian has done excellent in his role here UMO as our head women’s soccer coach, and I know that he will continue to grow even more in his next position there at Northwestern State. We appreciate all the passion and dedication that you have put into the women’s soccer program and wish Ian nothing but the best of luck in his new position.” 

– Kristen Gurley, Mount Olive assistant director of athletics 

One thing I’ve learned over my many years of fishing bass tournaments — never trust another angler! Now why would someone say such a thing? Because it’s a fact! Today we’ll look at a situation and you’ll understand why this is a true statement. 

No group of people on planet Earth are less trustworthy than bass fishermen. They will lie in a heartbeat to keep other anglers at bay when it comes to where and how they are catching bass. They will sell their first born for crucial information if it will help them win a tournament.

That’s why it’s so important to bond with a couple of guys who are your true friends that you can discuss what you’re doing and how you’re catching bass without the threat of one of them revealing your secrets. Trust is a word very few anglers use because the pool of people you can trust is small and almost non-existent.

A good friend of mine, who is a legendary angler from East Texas, told me one time that he was done with fishing Pro/Am events. Pro/Am events are tournaments where you have a Boater/Pro who runs the boat and the trolling motor while he’s paired up with an Amateur/Co-Angler for the day. The biggest problem in these types of events, is that the Pro/Boater spends all his hard-earned money and time finding fish for an event while the Am/Co-Angler benefits from all that hard work without ever wetting a hook in practice or burning any gas.

When you take a Co-Angler to your best spots, you hope and pray that he won’t go tell all his buddies where these spots are and how you’re catching them. 

So many times, I’ve asked Co-Anglers nicely to please not tell anyone where and how we caught our fish for that day. But no matter how much they promise they will keep everything a secret, they’re lying!

This happened to me last year on Sam Rayburn. I had a good crankbait bite early off one spot. We both had our limits in the first 30 minutes of the tournament. I had over 16 pounds in the live well and my Co-Angler had his three-fish limit of almost 10 pounds.

I specifically asked the young man to please not share this spot with anyone else as I had another tournament coming up the next weekend. He reassured me that he does not share other anglers’ spots or information with anyone. 

So, feeling good about the rapport and connection we had made, I thought this guy was trustworthy. Guess what? Once again, my faith in humanity and trusting another angler was lost when I returned the following Thursday to scout for my next event on Rayburn.

Just after daylight I ran to my starting spot from the week before, where I had caught 16 pounds in 30 minutes. As I approached the spot, I noticed a boat was fishing almost directly on the same location. So, I pulled up and lowered my trolling motor trolling in his direction. Once within speaking range, I asked the angler if he had caught anything off this spot. He said “yes” with enthusiasm as he set the hook on a four-pounder!

While smoke and blood began to ooze from my ears, he commented that the area was loaded with some really good quality fish that his son had caught with a guy last weekend. I told him, “Yeah, I’m that guy!”

I could see the look on his face when he said, “Uh oh!”  He knew immediately that his son was not supposed to have told him about the spot. Once again, I politely asked the dad if he would lay off these fish until after my tournament on Saturday. He obliged and apologetically pulled up his trolling motor and left. 

While I understand that I really don’t have the right to claim this or any spot as off limits to anyone, it’s just the ethical part among other tournament fishermen to honor another angler’s spot or area. Now if another angler had found those same fish as I did, then it’s a matter of who gets there first. This is all a part of the unwritten rules of tournament fishing that so many anglers today refuse to observe.

Ethics have been thrown out the window in today’s bass tournament world. It has now become every man for himself with little to no regard for anyone else. 

If the ethical part of tournament fishing does not return, there will be some bad consequences for anglers down the road, especially the up-and-coming high school and college anglers who are not being taught these unwritten rules.

Until next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to wear sunscreen. Melanoma is real and can be deadly if not caught early. Early detection is critical to overcoming this form of cancer. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@gmail.com

BOM made a donation to the Natchitoches Tennis Center for their court resurfacing project. Pictured left to right: Tennis Director Willy Paz and BOM’s Kessler Barnes.

By Joshua Webb

This part of my story begins with me recovering from an MS exacerbation that in California earthquake terms was, “The Big One.” One day I was playing in and sponsoring a charity golf tournament, and the next day I was in critical condition. All the doctors would say is it was a result of the stress of being a business owner and the outrageous Texas summer heat and humidity. A perfect storm that almost cost me my life.  Then, the journey began for me to learn not only how to walk again, but how to dress, eat and simply function as a somewhat normal adult. 

Recovering from such a flare took me seriously busting my ass with instructions from a team of incredibly remarkable human beings. First there were two weeks of inpatient therapy, then two months of home health, all led by team of people I will forever be grateful for. The team saw my potential, never pitied me, and cut me zero slack. Zero.  

Since, I’ve had 13 similar, additional hospital stays, then recovery; I’m now only two months out of a wheelchair. Each time I’ve lost my ability to walk, I’ve gotten back on my feet. 

Such flares do quite a number not only on my legs, but the way my heart beats, my speech, and my ability to swallow. They’ve often taken the music making ability from my hands, but not the song from my heart; the last being the hardest for me to overcome, emotionally.

I know what I’m capable of IF I do what it takes and keep myself in the company of quality people: the encouragers, not the loathers. This formula is simple and will work for anyone. We can only achieve our maximum potential IF we have people in our lives who believe and act along with us to the same standards. No pity is allowed in my life, and it shouldn’t be allowed in yours. DO NOT PITY YOURSELF! BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! 

As the saying goes in the wonderful state of Texas: If the horse bucks you off, get back on him and try it again! Never give up on yourself or those you love. You need each other’s reinforcement day in and day out. One foot in front of the other. Because all of you matter. You matter!

I’m telling this part of my story with the hope that others will find the bravery within themselves to tell their story too. You are brave. You are not alone. Tell your story because you never know how many lives the telling can change for the better, starting with yours. 

To tell your story here, reach out to me via email at you.matter.ms@gmail.com or through my Instagram @you_matter_ms. We look forward to hearing your story. 

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center has added its name to the list of locations for safe medication disposal. Located at 501 Keyser Avenue, at the front entrance of the hospital, medication can be placed in the green box by Patient Access.

“With a goal of promoting medication safety throughout the community, NRMC is excited to receive authorized collector status from the DEA.   Obtaining this status allows us to offer a drug take back receptacle for our community.  We hope that offering a safe location to drop off unwanted medications will help avoid accidental misuse, medications ending up in the wrong hands, overdoses, taking less potent expired medications, and other risks surrounding medications,” Kassie Williams, NRMC Director of Pharmacy.

51% of misused prescription pain relievers are given, bought, or taken from a friend or relative. Medicine take back options are the best way to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription and non-prescription medicines.

How it works: Identify your unwanted, unused, or expired medication and remove all personal information from the packaging. Bring the medication to the medication disposal box and drop it in. The medication will then safely be destroyed.

The Natchitoches Parish Courthouse is also a safe medication disposal site.