2

A TECH TALK PUBLICATION

MEET
THE 2014
HOMECOMING
COURT
PAGE 5

GET A GLIMPSE OF WHAT

HAPPENED DURING
HOMECOMING WEEK
PAGE 6

HOW WILL THE

BULLDOGS FAIR AGAINST
THE HILLTOPPERS?
PAGE 3
PAGE 12

THE YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A

QUEEN
2013 Homecoming Queen Madison Byles reflects on
her year as Louisiana Tech royalty PAGE 3

PAGE 11

PAGE 10

The Tech Talk

HOMECOMING EDITION 2014

Dear Alumni, Students, Faculty and Staff,

ere it is, our Homecoming edition.

By the time this paper is published, Homecoming Week will be
in full swing. We will have already had talent shows and marathons, concerts and step shows, scavenger hunts and cook-offs.

LETTER
FROM
THE
EDITOR

THE

LADIES

This Saturday is the culmination of the entire week.

We will face off with the Hilltoppers on the battlefield
of Joe Aillet Stadium. And we will win.
And our alumni will be with us the entire way.
Homecoming is the most important week of our
academic year. And there is a reason that its name is
so literal.
College is like a second home. For many, it is their
first taste of freedom. It is the first time you experience
real life.
It stays with you, too. Not just in the academic
sense. You make lifelong friends and have unforgettable experiences.
College is important. Louisiana Tech is important.
And it shows just how important Tech is when our
alumni return for this week. To have affected this
many people in ways that make them want to return,
Tech must be someplace special. And it is.
Its a family. A tradition. All those stereotypical
words that people use when they want to get sappy.
They all apply.

OF

PHI

MU

One day I will be among the alumni. One day you

will be, too. Our names will be on a brick lining Techs
walkways.
Whatever we do and wherever we will be, we
will know that we can succeed because of what we
learned at Tech.
And when we enter the real world, prepared for it
by what Tech has taught us, we will always have a
home here.
We will come back to this small school in north central Louisiana and we will see that we have stayed
with it just as much as it has stayed with us.
So, to our alumni, welcome home. Were happy to
have you back.
To our fellow students, thank you for making this
one of the best homecoming weeks yet.
And to the Hilltoppers, well see you on the gridiron.

John Sadler

CONGRATULATE

Leslie Brister and Madison Blackwell

ON BEING VOTED TO THE 2014 HOMECOMING COURT!

Follow us at PhiMuAlphaLambd

Like us at Facebook.com/PhiMuAlphaLambda

Find us LatechPhiMu

Alpha Lambda Chapter Louisiana Tech University Ruston, La 71272

PHI MU LOVES THEM DAWGS!

The Tech Talk

HOMECOMING EDITION 2014

A YEAR WITH THE

Madison Byles
recaps her year
as queen
CATHERINE BURKE
Staff Reporter

Photo by Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay

Homecoming queen Madison Byles and esort Tyler Wagnon pose in
front of a photograph of the Lady of the Mist in University Hall.

n Oct. 19, 2013, Madison

Byles was crowned the
Louisiana Tech homecoming queen. Homecoming
queen at Tech is an honor received based on an interview
process and the student bodys
vote.
I told my mom before the
game that the queen would
definitely be someone who everyone liked, someone who
has school spirit and someone
who is well-respected, Byles
said. Thats what made it as
special as it was for me. Its an
awesome feeling to know that
the majority of your universitys
student body and faculty thinks
that highly of you.
Byles said when they called
her name her jaw dropped.
I did not expect it at all. I
was truly shocked, but relieved
that all my hard work had paid
off, she said. I honestly never
thought it would happen to me,
and it was perfect timing.
Byles said the Thursday
before last years game, her
younger cousin, Kaitlin, died
from cystic fibrosis.
It was like something so
horrible happened and then
something so good did to lift
my spirits, she said. I truly
believe Kaitlin was on the field
with me that day.

Youll

Looking for a source for music,

culture, food, fitness and the arts?

Byles said she thinks serving

as Techs H omecoming queen
helped her land her current job.
Byles said she is now living
in Houston, Texas, where she is
the womens universe service
associate for Louis Vuitton.
It is a big accomplishment
and honor and one of the
things Im definitely most proud
of, she said. It was definitely a
focal point of my job interview.
It shows that you can jump into
any environment and make it
your own. Future employers
look for things like that.
It definitely does not feel
like a whole year. That week
was so much fun and definitely one I will never forget, she
said. I loved everyone I was on
court with. It gave me the opportunity to hang out with and
get close to some people that I
more than likely would not have
been if it was not for homecoming court.
Byles said the experience
was unlike anything else she
had ever experienced.
And to the new homecoming queen, the biggest of congratulations, she said. It is
a real honor to be chosen to
represent your school. You are
now part of a history of distinguished, involved, respected,
well-liked and poised women.

Email comments to
cjb066@latech.edu.

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07/14

The Tech Talk

INSIGHT

MANAGEMENT

BLONDIE KNOWS BEST

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
John Sadler

Coming home; what this week is really about

MANAGING AND
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Cody Sexton

NEWS EDITOR

Ray Patterson

SPORTS EDITOR
Jared King

FEATURE EDITOR

Kelsy Kershaw

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Wynnifred Sanders

ASSOCIATE
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Ellie Moslander

PHOTO EDITOR

Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brian Blakely
Carter Carroll
Colin Fontenot
Jaclyn Perry

ADVERTISING MANAGER
Taylor Loftin

ADVISERS

Dr. Judith Roberts

T. Scott Boatright

ADVERTISING ADVISER

Dr. Reginald Owens

PRODUCTION MANAGER
Michael LeBlanc

KELSY KERSHAW
Features Editor

he time has come for us to welcome

home our Louisiana Tech family who
came before us.
It is a week of philanthropy, school spirit,
celebration and tradition; it is Homecoming
week.
By definition, Homecoming is the return of
a group of people, usually on a special occasion, to a place formerly frequented or regarded as home.
As this weeks events commence it is important that we remember the true meaning of
Homecoming.
Fun, exciting festivities, the guessing game
of who will be crowned king and queen, and
the question of whether or not the Bulldogs will
get the win; all of these things bring a buzz to
campus, but they are not what Homecoming is
all about. It is about celebrating our traditions,
supporting our fellow Bulldogs, and welcoming
our Tech family.

The weeks events such as the 5K, the Union

Board Talent Show, the Unity Step Show, the
volleyball tournament, the pep rally and the
parade would not be possible without the planning and organizing efforts of various on-campus organizations.
Through participation in these events, we
show our support for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital and the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana.
The money raised from the 5K will be donated to St. Judes, and SGA will be collecting
canned food items throughout the duration of
the week for the food truck.
There are smaller events like the displays,
the organization cook-off, and the scavenger
hunt set up to promote student involvement.
All of the events will be tied together with
the pep rally tomorrow evening where students
will get their strongest dose of red and blue.
When I reflect on the weeks events, and
my time here at Tech, I am filled with so many
emotions. Each year, during times such as
Homecoming, I am reminded of why I decided

to become a member of the Tech family.

Being loyal blue is the biggest blessing and
greatest gift I could have ever received.
As I join my fellow current bulldogs in welcoming home our older fellow bulldogs, I can
not help but smile, because I know that even
when I graduate and leave Tech, I will always
be a part of this family.
It is a comforting thought to know that no
matter where you go in life, and no matter what
you do, you will always have a home right here
at Tech.
With bittersweet tears, I participate this
week, knowing it is the end of one chapter
and the beginning of another in this wonderful
beautiful thing we call life.
That is what this week is really about; the
warm feeling you get when you look beside
you, and sense the love and pride of your family who bleeds red and blue with you.
Kelsy Kershaw is a senior journalism and FMRS major
from Jennings who serves as features editor for the
Tech Talk. Email comments to kjk016@latech.edu.

ADVERTISING
PRODUCTION

Michael LeBlanc

LETS GET ONE THING STRAIGHT

DEPARTMENT HEAD

Dr. Reginald Owens

Smells like no school spirit

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tech Talk subscriptions are $25 a

year. Mail to: Tech Talk Subscrip
tions, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA
71272.

PUBLICATION

The Tech Talk (USPS 535-540) is

published Thursdays of the regular
school year, except in vacation and
examination periods, by the Jour
nalism Department of Louisiana
Tech University. Publication office
is in Keeny Hall, Room 139.

POSTAL

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CONTACT US

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EMAIL techtalk@latech.edu
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Tech Talk welcomes letters to

the editor. However, we reserve the
right not to print anonymous letters.
We also ask that each letter be
accompanied by a telephone number,
address and classification or title.
We will not print the telephone num
ber. Viewpoints should be mailed or
brought to The Tech Talk office, 139
Keeny Hall, by 4 p.m. the Friday prior
to a Thursday publication. Letters
should be mailed to The Tech Talk,
P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272.
Emails should be sent to techtalk@
latech.edu. You can also submit
letters online at
www.thetechtalk.org/home/
lettertotheeditor/.
Louisiana Tech University is committed to the principle of providing
the opportunity for learning and
development of all qualified citizens
without regard to race, sex, religion,
color, national origin, age, disability,
marital status, or veteran status for
admission to, participation in, or employment in the programs and activities which the University sponsors
or operates. For Title IX information,
see University Policy #1445 at http://
www.latech.edu/administration/
policies-and-procedures/1445.shtml.

CODY SEXTON
Managing Editor

kay, I confess. I have the absolute worst

school spirit.
Events like Homecoming mean very little to
someone like me who always had other things occupying my time.
I can count on one hand the number of football games I have attended. The only reason I went
to those was to partake in the ritualistic tailgating
event, but only for the public drunkenness I have
become accustomed to while living in Louisiana. I
feel about tailgating the way I feel about camping;
I hate being outside for extended periods of time.
Attribute it to my complete lack of interest in
sports (and that is a part of it), but my unconventional college experience is a large part as well.
I was never one of the people who was able
to enjoy many of the things my peers did. Even
in high school, I had to forgo many of the things
everyone else got to have fun doing. From the
moment I turned 16, I had to work for anything
I wanted.
It became apparent that if I wanted to do anything with my friends who had the luxury of their
parents financing their social lives, I had to earn it
myself. My parents wanted to instill a strong work
ethic in me and I could respect that. Either that or

we were poor. Im still not entirely sure why I had

to work as hard as I did.
Unsurprisingly, my life of working six days a
week did not change when I moved to Ruston. I
rarely allowed myself the luxury of missing an opportunity to make money for something as frivolous as a football game. Even if it allowed me an
excuse to spend a day drinking.
Im not complaining.
The money I could earn on a Saturday morning had the potential to finance my phone bill and
maybe a cheap bottle of whiskey. And when I was
not waiting tables or making smoothies, my time
was spent on Barksdale Air Force Base due to a
six-year commitment to the military in exchange
for school funding.
So due to a combination of having to always
put work and the military before everything else,
and a simple disinterest in sports, I never thought
of regular school activities like Homecoming as a
big deal.
I do not look down on the tradition itself. I understand that a strong sense of school pride helps
to keep an educational institution alive. Potential
students want to bring their desire to seek a higher
education (and their tuition money) to a school
they can be proud of. Therefore, schools make a
spectacle out of big events like Homecoming.
I also understand Homecoming is a way for

schools to invite back alumni in the spirit of reminding them they are still a part of the school
even though they have long since graduated. By
doing this, alumni feel the desire to help keep the
school alive by making donations.
But Im not one of those people and I doubt I
ever will be. Louisiana Tech is simply a school to
me. Once I graduate the odds of me ever returning are minimal. No offense to the school, my time
here will simply be over. I will be long gone and
my desire to come home as they say will not be
strong enough to drag me from the better life I will
have undoubtedly established elsewhere.
However, as this is my last year and I am on
the cusp of graduating, thus ending my academic
career permanently, I look back and realize my
school-affiliated memories are few. My last chance
to participate in Homecoming is disrupted by my
commitment the military and I will be spending it
on base.
While I might not have had the typical college
experience, I enjoy the bragging rights of being
able to say I worked hard and earned everything I
got without relying on anyone, a lesson I value over
cheering on a football team.

Cody Sexton is a senior journalism major from Seattle

who serves as the managing editor for the Tech Talk.
Email comments to cls068@latech.edu.

SOME RELLIE GOOD ADVICE

A slice of my homecoming life

ELLIE MOSLANDER
Associate Multimedia Editor

s Homecoming week has begun and

events are kicking off, the excitement can
be felt all around campus. Homecoming
was something foreign to me until my freshman
year at Louisiana Tech.
Growing up, I was homeschooled, so I never
really had the chance to participate in a Homecoming. I remember when fall would come
around; everyone would start picking out dresses, begin talking about the Homecoming game
and other events occurring during the week.
I never really understood what the big deal
was until I came to Tech. Im not upset about
not having a Homecoming experience in high
school, because Ive gotten to experience it at
Tech.
Even though Homecoming is a lot different in college than it is in high school, its still
a great experience. Theres no big Homecoming dance, where students feel obligated to find
dates. Homecoming week is a time to share with
friends and the rest of the student body. Im glad
it is something college students can experience

as well. Homecoming is a time where the campus comes together to celebrate the university, its
students and its alumni.
The celebration extends throughout the week
through various events such as the talent show
hosted by Union Board, the announcement of
the Homecoming queen and king, the Homecoming parade and of course the Homecoming
game.
For the most part, I have never really been the
kind of person who likes to be around big crowds
of people and go out and participate in events.
My first year of Homecoming, I honestly did not
plan on attending and was pretty okay with doing
so. I heard about the events and everything going
on during the week, but did not think it was really
my kind of thing. My friends ended up encouraging me to go to some of the events and I am very
glad I did.
I remember my first Homecoming at Tech in
2012, and that I did not know what to expect.
I attended my first Homecoming game, the parade and various events around campus and had
a great time. I could have experienced Homecoming in high school, but now I was able to on
a much larger scale on a college campus.

The campus seems to come alive during this

week as well because there is something always
going on around campus during Homecoming
week whether it is planned or spontaneous. It
is one of the most exciting weeks of the school
year.
The thing I love most about Homecoming at
Tech is the feeling of community. Everyone is
welcome to participate and they do. Everyone
is very friendly and welcoming as well. Alumni
come from all around to be reunited with their
classmates and to show off their school spirit.
Even though I may have a different perspective on the idea of Homecoming, because I never had anything to base it on, I do not think it is
a bad thing and Im glad Tech has given me the
opportunity to experience Homecoming.
So I look forward to participating in my third
Homecoming this year and the others I will experience during the rest of my time here at Tech.

Ellie Moslander is a junior journalism major from Albuquerque, New Mexico who serves as associate
multimedia editor for the Tech Talk. Email comments to
emo012@latech.edu.

The Tech Talk

HOMECOMING EDITION 2014

PHOTOS BY
DONNY CROWE

MADISON BLACKWELL
jr. biomedical engineering

LESLIE BRISTER
sr. biology

Q:What are you most

looking forward to this
school year?
A: Im looking forward
to many milestones
I will be passing up this year. I have
research opportunities and classes that Ive
looked forward to all of college.

Q: How do you feel

about being on the
2014 Homecoming
Court?
A: I am so honored and beyond excited. I
remember sitting in the stands as a little
girl and admiring all the girls dressed up.
I cannot believe I am in their shoes now.

GRACE COYER

JORDAN WARD

sr. business management

sr. kinesiology and

health promotion

Q: What has been the

most memorable moment for you at Tech?
A: My most memorable moment is being able to represent
Louisiana Tech sororities as PanHellenic
president.

MORGAN TANNER

jr. mechanical engineering

sr. electrical engineering

Q: How do you feel

about being on the
2014 Homecoming
Court?
A: I feel very
privileged that I was picked to be one of
14 students on campus to represent the
campus today to the alumni.

Q: What has been the

most memorable moment for you at Tech?
A: Hands down, Ill
always remember having dinner with Dr. Guice and Mrs. Kathy at
their beautiful home.

ANDREW LEWIS

TAYLOR GUILLOT

sr. medical technology

jr. fashion merchandising

and retail sales

Q: What has been the

most memorable moment for you at Tech?
A: Receiving my orientation student leaders acceptance letter. I
was very emotional because it meant the
world.

Q: How do you feel

about being on the
2014 Homecoming
Court?
A: I am really excited and so honored. Its
so exciting to represent my department and
organizations in this way.

CHASTIN SEEBY

JORDAN RUSHING

sr. professional aviation

sr. biology

Q: What are your plans

after graduation?
A: I hope to give back
to my university by working as a flight
instructor for the aviation department.

Q: What are you looking forward to the most

this school year?
A: The moment I walk
across the stage concluding my college
career.

MAGGIE BRAKEVILLE

COLLIN MCDONALD

sr. agricultural business

jr. kinesiology

Q: What has been your

most memorable
moment at Tech?
A:When I won SGA
president. It was such an honor to be
selected by my peers for such a prestigious
opportunity.

Q: How do you feel

about being on the
2014 Homecoming
Court?
A: I am honored to represent the Tech Spirit
Groups and Regal Blues on Comecoming
Court as well as the Tech student body.

DREW JIMMERSON

MADISON BOTTOMS

sr. kinesiology

jr. secondary math

education

Q: What are your plans

after graduation?
A: My plans are to
become an admissions
recruiter for Tech.

WILLIAM LORIO

Q: What are you looking forward to the most

this school year?
A: Watching Tech win the rest of these
home games.

Q: What are you looking forward to the most

this school year?
A: I am looking forward to soaking in
everything I can before my time at Tech is
over.

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The Tech Talk

The Tech Talk

HOMECOMING EDITION 2014

HOMECOMING
2
A

0
T

1
G

4
A

Photo by Brian Blakely

ABOVE: The Student

Government Association held a 5K wiht a
route that ran through
campus. Entry fees
went toward helping
St. Judes.

ABOVE: The band Crackers

of Graham performed at the
Union Boards talent show on
Tuesday.

RIGHT: McKinley
Ward-Lasalle, a
sophomore sports
marketing major, participated in the 5K.
Photos by Colin Fontenot

Photo by Colin Fontenot

Photo by Brennen Lege

MIDDLE LEFT: Boston Scott, a sophomore

kinesiology major, performs a dance routine at the talent show.
MIDDLE RIGHT: The Regal Blues practice
for the upcoming Homecoming game.
BOTTOM LEFT: Jenny Hicks, a sophomore kinesiology major and member of
Union Board, dressed up like an elephant
for the talent show.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Tytiana Browder and
Lakenya Lafitte, members of Alpha Kappa
Alpha, practice their routine for the step
show Wednesday.

Photo by Colin Fontenot

Photo by Brennen Lege

48
The Tech Talk

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and is so suspenseful and exciting, she

said.
43
Culver said she will be attending the
82 year for more
Homecoming parade this
ALABAM
This year the Louisiana Tech Home- than
just
A AVEsocializing.
(LA HWY 150)
coming parade will give students an
I will be there to support the Bullopportunity to participate in a Home- dogs against Western Kentucky, to parcoming tradition to take place at 10:30 take in39the tradition that is Homecom47
74
a.m. Saturday.
ing, and to make memories
with all of
The parade is put on by the Student my peers, she said.
Government Association and
Maggie
Brakeville,
features the Alumni AssociaSGA president,
will
D AVE be atA
O
RAILR
tion along with other organi- The
tending
the
Homecoming
TEC
parade
H FA
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parade
as a member of
69
RD
is a way
to
5
61 court 15
The parade is part of0) the
the
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Y8
this
year.
HWto be
R
(
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D
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81show our 91
K
AV
12 The parade is a way
AR
IA
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able to incorporateIFORNthe
com64
AL
C
munity into theW celebration, school spirit53 to show our school spirit
said Lacy Culver, SGA70director
invite the community
59
and invite
the and
24
of student affairs.
to campus for some
71 fam37
70
Also, it gives the organiza- community
to ily fun, she said.
30
tions that are participating
a DR
Brakeville
said the paX
MA campus for
chance to show off their
crerade
is
a
way
to see the 17
LO
75
51
ativity and excitement about some
university
and
commufamily nity come together
56 for a
Homecoming.
She said the Homecom- fun.
great event.
41
DR
60
ing theme WildGREENWAY
about
the
Wes Cavin, director of
Bulldogs, is incorporated
alumni relations,
said the
BARNETT SPRING RD
MAGGIE SOUTH CAMPUS
throughout theVETVILLE
week
and
Alumni Association puts
6
DR
through float decorations. Cul- BRAKEVILLE
out flyers and information
ver said it is a way to express SGA president
with the parade map.
Tech pride.
We absolutely en18 are26 86 50
I think all of 55
the floats
courage our alumni to
27
going to be great and I cannot
wait to come to the parade, he said. We en25
see what everyone comes up with,
she courage everyone to come.
57 will begin near
VETVILLE
DR
said. I attend the
parade
for an opCavin said the parade
portunity to hang out with current stu- Tech Point and will go around the camdents, alumni, the community and my pus, hitting major streets such as Calipersonal friends.
fornia Avenue, Tech Drive, Alabama
Among the many exciting events Avenue and then back to campus.
throughout Homecoming week, Culver
For more information contact the
said she thinks students will be looking SGA office.
forward to the announcement of the
Homecoming king and queen the most. Email comments to
It is on everyones minds all week emo012@latech.edu.

JAMES ST

ELLIE MOSLANDER
& WINNIE SANDERS
Multimedia Editors

WESTERN ST

42

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Bossier
City
Store
78. South Hall
Pearce Hall (Residence)
-251-0065 Phone: 318-263-4822
Phone:
318
Phone:
318-562-3880
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3 locations!
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64. Physical
Plant (South Campus)
3487 Highway 33
1820 North Railroad Ave. 2695 East Texas St.
Ruston65.
Store
Arcadia Store
Bossier City Store79. Student Center
Planetarium
Monday - Friday
Monday - Friday
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-251-0065 Phone: 318-263-4822
Phone: 318
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318-562-3880
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a.m.and
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pus) Saturday69. PrintingSaturday
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The Tech Talk

HOMECOMING EDITION 2014

Alumni Association to host class reunion

IAN EDWARDS
Staff Reporter

Tech Talk file photo

54 Golden Society members will receive a golden medallion and Louisiana Tech pin at Saturdays luncheon.

Since we are also holding the Breakfast with Champ event again this year, as
well as some other festivities, Id say the
week is very busy, he said. However, its
the good kind of busy. Its a collaborative
effort with the Student Government Association and city of Ruston, and we want to
give all of our Tech fans something to get
excited to see.
Cavin said at the end of the day, the
Alumni Association is eager to provide

the returning graduates with a memorable

week.
It really is an exciting time to be a
Bulldog, he said. Homecoming is always an exciting time for the alumni, and
we love the role we play in helping them
reengage with their peers. After all, they
made us who we are today.

Email comments to
ije001@latech.edu.

Skip Russells
Skip Russells

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various alumni interact with each other is

her favorite part of Homecoming.
This is my 28th year to do Homecoming here at Tech, Swart said. I give them
nametags with their senior yearbook pictures on them and they use those to find
their old friends by face. Its always fun to
see the reaction.
Cavin said, while busy, Homecoming
Week is still something everyone can enjoy.

Louisiana
LouisianaAve.
Ave.

The Louisiana Tech Alumni Association will host its annual Golden Society
Reunion on Friday.Wes Cavin, director of
alumni relations, said the reunion will primarily focus on the graduating classes of
1964 and prior.
While anyone from the classes of 1964
and before may attend, we are planning to
give a special commemorative diploma
and medallion to the classes of 1964,
1954 and 1944, respectively, Cavin said.
He also said the association chose to
honor the classes of 1954 and 1944 because they believed those classes have
reached important milestones.
Cavin said he
Homecoming
felt
the returnis always an
ing graduates will
exciting time for greatly enjoy the
the alumni, and festivities.
Right now, we
we love the role have
around 75
we play...
alumni who have
signed up for earWES CAVIN
ly registration,
director of alumni
he said. It should
relations
be a good crowd
of folks who are
happy to return to
the university after all these years.
Cavin said his favorite part of the reunion is speaking with the various alumni.
Its usually expected for the alumni to
be awestruck at how Tech has changed in
50 years, he said. In reality, I think Im
more shocked from their stories of how
Tech used to be. Its always exciting to
hear how far weve come and compare it
to where we are now.
Barbara Swart, administrative coordinator for alumni relations, said seeing the

Keeny Hall
Keeny Hall

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
SERVING TECH STUDENTS SINCE 1965
SERVING TECH STUDENTS SINCE 1965
YOUR PARENTS WASHED WITH US
YOUR PARENTS WASHED WITH US

10

The Tech Talk

HOMECOMING EDITION 2014

Steppin within the

Greek community
FREDEDREIA WILLIS
Staff Reporter
From Stepping to Stomp the Yard,
an artform has evolved from a percussive
dance identified with black Greeks to a
cultural phenomenon enjoyed by all.
Louisiana Tech students share their
experience about Techs past Greek Unity
Step Shows and excitement about the
2014 show, which was held wed. Oct. 9, at
7 p.m. in Memorial Gym.
Techs Greek Unity Step Show is usually held the week of Homecoming, sanctioned by SGA and coordinated by National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Vice president of Student Government
Association Sarah McCorkle, said it is important for SGA to host this event as a way
to serve students as well as continue traditions of Techs great university.
A really cool thing about hosting this
event is that we not only have a great opportunity to serve students, but also serve
those who were once students in Greek
life and return as an alum, said McCorkle,
a senior communication and political science major.
Greek yard shows, step show, and stroll
competitions have not only enhanced
the college experience but also created a
new culture for fraternities and sororities
worldwide.
Many have only experienced stepping
for the first time through movies; however,
stepping is not new to college campuses.
Stepping is a dance style rooted in African tradition and flavored with modern
Greek culture. With original intentions to
inspire traditionally African-American fraternities and sororities, stepping has since
upgraded to a form of intercultural educa-

tion and diversity outreach with non-black

Greeks and others participating.
Chase Cason, a junior engineering major, said black Greeks are known for stepping, but having a lot of diversity brings
new flavor to the step show and it gives
the audience an image of how diverse
Tech is.
When the show comes around, students get excited because this is probably
the only time the whole school will see
real stepping for the year, Cason said.
Its also a great way to see all Greeks
come together.
Techs step shows has evolved into a
community-wide event for fraternities and
sororities, and students from both Tech
and surrounding colleges.
Antoinette Thompson, a student at
Grambling State, said even though she
does not attend Tech she never fails to be
present for Techs step show.
Since I attend a Historical Black University and we are all about stepping, its
so fun to come out and see how Tech
does it, said Thompson, a sophomore
education major. Tech definitely shows
students stepping is not only for blacks,
and its more interesting to have diversity.
She also said she plans on coming out
for next years show and she wants to be
involved.
Each year, the Greek Unity Step Show
is a highly anticipated event for which
chapters practice for a month in advance
and students expect the unexpected.
Students always take the opportunity
to enjoy an amazing and fun experience
together and interact with chapters in
Techs Greek community.

Photos by Brennen Lege

ABOVE: The
women of Alpha
Kappa Alpha
sorority practice
their routine for
the Step Show.
Left: Kimberly
Miles and Taylor
Woods, members of Alpha
Kappa Alpha,
prepare for their
routine.

Email comments to flw005@latech.edu.

panhellenic
family!
Thanks for joining the

reek life comes with great pride. Our women value

scholarship, community service, campus involvement,
and social activities. Greek women are held to a high
academic standard. Our sorority women consistently
achieve a GPA above the all-womens grade point average. Community service is another valued area of Greek
life. All of our women raise money and volunteer their
time for charitable causes. Each sorority raises over
$20,000 for their philanthropy each year. Greek women
are involved on campus in other organizations as well.
The social aspect of sorority life is another great benefit. Each house has formals, theme parties, sisterhood
nights and exchanges with different fraternities.
joining a sorority will definitely be the best decision
you will make during your college career!

Junior Auxiliary Of Ruston

RACE FOR THE KIDS

COLOR RUN 2014
5K Trail Color Run & 1 Mile Run/Walk
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Lincoln Parish Park Ruston, LA

Registration: www.fitrightracing.com/ruston-ja-race-for-the-kids/
All proceeds from this fundraiser will be used by JA of Ruston for our service
projects benefiting children and families in the Lincoln Parish Community.

Contact: Kristy Burton 318-548-0414 Rachel Roach 318-245-6415

www.jaofruston.org

The Tech Talk

11

HOMECOMING EDITION 2014

Spirit groups prepare for Homecoming

BRENNEN LEGE
Staff Reporter
Louisiana Techs bustling array of events, festivities,
dances and acrobatics throughout Spirit Week are all
small parts of what make Homecoming what it is. But
what goes on behind the scenes to make it all possible?
In the weeks leading up to Homecoming, spirit
groups have worked long hours on a mission to deliver
a smooth week full of performances for the Tech community.
Lacy Culver, SGAs Homecoming chair, described
the full plate of preparation she dealt with in her first
year planning the week out.
Homecoming requires much more planning than
I could have ever imagined, Culver said. Ive been
working on Homecoming since May, when I received
my SGA position. Maggie Brakeville, the SGA president, and I wanted to get an early start so it wouldnt
be so chaotic when it actually got here.
As a student observing for the last two years, Culver
said she never imagined she would be the one planning
it one day.
Reserving locations and appointing judges for all
events, arranging the Homecoming Court selection
process and appointing the courts judges were all part
of the list of Culvers responsibilities.
Of course there are still so many things left to do,
but I feel confident Homecoming Week 2014 will be
a success, Culver said. I hope everyone goes out to
enjoy the events and has a great Homecoming Week.
Techs Regal Blues dance squad has been hard at
work while assistant coach and student Megan Lee
helped teach four new dances over the past few months.
Their first performance of the week was Wednesday night at the step show to kick things off.
The energy and the response we get from the
crowd is what we feed off of and we always have so
much fun dancing for the students, Lee said.
Next will be the pep rally performance, and during the Homecoming game they perform twice: once
at halftime with the Band of Pride and again in the
end zone between the third and fourth quarters of the
game.
Techs cheer coach Kyle Falting has been treating

The Tech Cheerleaders practice a new pyramid formation for the pep rally and the homecoming game.

Homecoming Week just like any other, knowing a consistent regimen is what the team needs to focus on during the week.
This week will be no different than the others as
we are constantly trying to increase our effectiveness
on the sidelines by improving our skills, Falting said.
We want our teams to value leading the crowd over
all else and understand how the incorporation of skills

Photo by Brennen Lege

elevates their effectiveness.

Each year as months of preparation unfold over the
course of a single week, the efforts of these groups act
as a backbone to the body of school spirit and pride
on display., she said

Email comments to
bsl008@latech.edu.

Lousiana Tech University

A V I A T I O N

SEARCHING FOR OR LOOKING

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DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL AVIATION
P.O. BOX 3181 RUSTON, LA 71272
(318)257-2691 WWW.LATECH.EDU/AVIATION

12

The Tech Talk

SPORTS

THIS WEEK IN BULLDOG FOOTBALL

For Homecoming, Louisiana Tech plays the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday in Ruston.

The game will be televised on the FOX Sports Network and can also be listened to on 107.5 FM.
The Bulldogs lead the series between the teams (2-1).

OVERALL RECORD:

OVERALL RECORD:

(5-3,4-0 C-USA)
POINTS PER GAME:

32.9

POINTS ALLOWED
PER GAME:

(3-4,1-3 C-USA)
KENNETH DIXON - RB
681 yards
4.5 yards per carry
10 touchdowns

CODY SOKOL - QB
1,978 yards
247.2 yards per game
17 touchdowns

25.9

POINTS PER GAME:

45.6

POINTS ALLOWED
PER GAME:
TOTAL OFFENSE:

TOTAL DEFENSE:

TOTAL DEFENSE

TOUCHDOWNS:
(RUSHING/PASSING)

TOUCHDOWNS:
(RUSHING/PASSING)

380.5

BRYAN SHORTER - RB
26 tackles
5.5 tackles for loss
4.5 sacks

549.4

XAVIER WOODS - DB
34 tackles
4 interceptions
1 touchdown

TONY JOHNSON - LB
44 tackles
5 tackles for loss
1.5 sacks

Bulldogs take on Hilltoppers

in 89th annual Homecoming

Louisiana Tech is playing its 89th annual Homecoming game against the
Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers.
This will mark the fourth
time these two teams have
met and will be the first
time both teams do so as
members of the same conference.
The Bulldogs and Hilltoppers last met in the 1973
NCAA Division II National
Championship game. Tech,
led by former NFL Pro
Bowl wide receiver Pat Tilley, beat Western Kentucky
34-0 in Sacramento, California.
Tech comes into this
years game with a 5-3 overall record and a 4-0 record
in Conference USA after
defeating the Southern Miss
Golden Eagles last week by
a score of 31-20. Tech sits
atop the Western Division
standings of C-USA.
It feels good to be undefeated in C-USA, but we
take it one game at a time
and look at it going 1-0 in
the season every game, junior defensive back Kentrell
Brice said. You get this one
and then go on to the next
game 1-0.
The Hilltoppers come in
at 3-4 on the year with a 1-3
record in C-USA.
Despite its 3-4 record,
Western Kentucky is fifth
in the nation in total offense averaging more than
550 yards per game and its

NICK HOLT- LB
69 tackles
5 tackles for loss
1.5 sacks

554.7

350.8

WILL TRAHAN
Sports Reporter

LEON ALLEN - RB
716 yards
4.7 yards per carry
7 touchdowns

41.1

TOTAL OFFENSE:

13/17

BRANDON DOUGHTY - QB
2,871 yards
410.1 yards per game
24 touchdowns

passing attack, led by se- has been heating up as of

nior quarterback Brandon late due to senior quarterDoughty, is second in the back Cody Sokols stellar
nation averaging more than play. Sokol threw for a ca410 yards per game.
reer high 423 yards and
When you play a team three touchdowns in last
like this, there are two ways weeks game against Southto look at it, Tech coach ern Miss. Sokol has thrown
Skip Holtz
17 touchdowns
said.
You
and eight ineither have
terceptions this
to keep the
season.
ball in front
The teams
of you and
that loaded the
make them
box against us,
slow down
we have shown
the game by
we can put up
taking some
some
pretty
points
off
big numbers,
the
board
Holtz said. We
or you have
have had some
to load up
pretty strong
and get after
perfor mances
it, spread it
offensively.
I
wide open
think we are
and see if
getting better
we can win
and growing on
a shootout.
it. It is nice to
BRICE
Those are
have that kind
really your
of balance. We
two options. I think that did not have that last year.
story will be told Saturday. People loaded the box and
The strength of Techs took away Kenneth Dixon.
football team this season We would not throw for 400
has been its defense.
yards, we would throw for
First year defensive co- 180.
ordinator Manny Diazs deThe Bulldogs look to
fense likes to put pressure move to 5-0 in C-USA with
on opposing quarterbacks a win over Western Kenand is ranked 10th in the tucky Saturday and benation in tackles for loss.
come bowl eligible with its
We just take it as anoth- sixth win of the season.
er game, Brice said. A lot
of teams like to throw and a
For more on Tech athletics,
lot of teams like to run, and follow the Tech Talk Sports
it just happens to be their Desks Twitter page at twitter.
thing to throw it. We are com/techtalksports.
going to prepare for it and
play our best.
Email comments to
Techs passing offense bwt008@latech.edu.

12/24