STAKEHOLDERS' - UL Lafayette Foundation

STAKEHOLDERS’
REPORT OCTOBER 2009
Welcome to the First Issue of
the RCAF Stakeholders’ Report
As a Stakeholder in the Ragin’ Cajuns Athletic Foundation, you have stepped forward with a
financial commitment and made an investment in the future of intercollegiate athletics at the
University of Louisiana at Lafayette. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the RCAF, the coaches
and staff of Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics and the student-athletes, I would like to say “thank you”.
Thank you for your support and dedication towards seeing one of the most visible arms of the
University continue to grow while helping hundreds of young men and women obtain a degree
that will benefit them and their families for many years to come.
Several times a year, the RCAF will communicate with you through future Stakeholders’
Reports. I hope you find our message both informative and a means of reminding you just how
important your support is in keeping your Ragin’ Cajuns competitive on the fields, courts and
base paths. With the investment you have made in the RCAF Annual Fund, we have started a
journey together towards achieving higher goals for our sports programs, and I hope you will
see the dividends paid many time over.
Again, thank you for your investment in the RCAF Annual Fund and the future of Ragin’
Cajuns Athletics.
Geaux Cajuns!
John Bordelon
RCAF Chairman
Upcoming Events
10/23 Women’s Tennis
@ ITA Regionals
10/23 Volleyball
vs. Middle Tennessee
10/23 Soccer
@ Troy
10/24 Football
vs. Florida Atlantic (HC)
10/25 Volleyball
vs. Western Kentucky
Homecoming Week Events
Here are just a few of the events going on this week
for Homecoming Week 2009!
Paint The Town Red Downtown Alive!
UL Ragin’ Cajuns Homecoming Pep Rally
Friday, October 23, 2009
5:30 p.m. at Parc Sans Souci (219 E. Vermilion
St.)
Music Begins at 6:00 p.m., featuring 5th
Avenue
Members of the Football Team and The Pride
of Acadiana will also be present
Homecoming Parade
Saturday, October 24, 2009
10:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m.
Viewing At Alumni Center
Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns vs. Florida Atlantic
Saturday, October 24, 2009
4:00 p.m. at Cajun Field
Ragin’ Cajuns Athletic Foundation Board of Directors: (left-right): Robert Daigle, Julie Bolton-Falgout (exofficio),
John Bordelon (Chairman), Curtis Hollinger, University President Dr. E. Joseph Savoie (ex-officio), C. R.
“Rusty” Cloutier, Ed Domingues , Charlie Moncla, Jr. and Director of Athletics David Walker (ex-officio).
www.RCAF4UL.com
1-877-RCAF-4-UL

RCAF Stakeholders’ Report October 2009
RCAF Stakeholders Setting New Levels of Support
for Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics
Members of the Ragin’ Cajuns Athletic Foundation Annual Fund (RCAF) have a lot to be proud of; after just 7 months, the RCAF is quickly approaching
$500,000 in revenue.
“We always believed our fans wanted to play a major role in our growth and success,” said David Walker, Ragin’ Cajuns Athletic Director.“ We needed a
mechanism that would help fund that growth while providing benefits to those who invested in the future of our athletic program. The RCAF established
that mechanism.”
“The fan response to the RCAF has been nothing short of phenomenal,” said Scott Farmer, Senior Associate Athletic Director.“ In this first year of the
RCAF, we anticipated a great deal of fan interest. However, the number of supporters who have come in at a high level is beyond our expectations.”
Hundreds of fans have invested in Ragin’ Cajuns athletics through the RCAF at various levels, with donations ranging from $100 up to $10,000.
Because of the commitment of RCAF stockholders and University President Dr. E. Joseph Savoie, the Athletic Department will soon begin to shape
the future of Ragin’ Cajun Athletics. Softball, baseball, track and soccer are among the first programs that will have their facilities upgraded. A complete
renovation of Lamson Park, state of the art artificial turf for Tigue Moore Field and a new soccer/track fieldhouse will be the first of several projects that
will enhance the experience for fans, coaches and student-athletes. Additionally, renovations to Earl K. Long will continue as the state is now bidding the
long-awaited re-roofing and waterproofing project.
This past fall, male athletes moved into the newly-renovated Conference Center. The second phase of renovations to the Conference Center will soon
provide quality on-campus residence facilities for female athletes.
The future of Ragin’ Cajun Athletics is bright; and thanks to the dedication of the RCAF stockholders, the journey to the future has now begun.
Attendance Records Set at The Swamp as Your Cajuns
Bring 4-2 Record into Homecoming Game
What a way to begin the season! We are currently at the half-way point in this 2009 football season. A first home game win in front of a sellout crowd
of over 41,000 for the 9th Annual Herbert Heymann Classic was a great way for the Ragin’ Cajuns to begin the year. Then, to follow the opener up with a
win at home over a Big 12 opponent like Kansas State is how every coach in the country would like to start. While we weren’t as successful against LSU
as we wanted to be, each player played like they belonged on the field against any team in the nation.
Coach Bustle and his staff are working on more than just this year’s games. Coaches are out every Friday night recruiting next year’s freshmen class.
According to Coach Bustle, they have seen some
excellent talent and we are looking forward to
next February when these recruits commit to join
your Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns.
The team returns home again on October
24th for the 64th Homecoming game against
Florida Atlantic. Come out early for the tailgating.
The game starts at 4 p.m. and we’ll see you in the
Swamp!
www.RCAF4UL.com
1-877-RCAF-4-UL

RCAF Stakeholders’ Report October 2009
Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball Looking
Forward To Hitting The Field
It may be fall, but the UL baseball program is hard at work in its
conditioning, skill work and weight training regiment. The team is not
only excited about the upcoming season, which consists of 31 home
dates and 23 travel dates, but also about the new artificial turf
field to be installed this winter. Team practice began on
September 29th, and our season kicks off on February 19th against
Nicholls State.
The fall kicked off with the annual golf tournament at Le Triomphe
Golf Course. It was a very big success and we appreciate all the teams
coming out and participating in this special event.
And finally, the Fall World Series will be the best of three games
starting on Friday, October 30th at 6:30 p.m. Game 2 will be on
Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. and, if necessary, Game 3 will be on
Sunday, November 1st. We look forward to seeing you there.
2010 Cajuns Baseball Schedule
2/19 vs. Nicholls State
2/20 vs. Nicholls State
2/21 at Nicholls State
2/26 vs. Miami University
2/27 vs. Miami University
2/28 vs. Miami University
3/3 at SE Louisiana
3/5 vs. Southern Miss
3/6 vs. Southern Miss
3/7 vs. Southern Miss
3/9 vs. Alcorn State
3/10 vs. Alcorn State
3/12 vs. Arkansas State*
3/13 vs. Arkansas State*
3/14 vs. Arkansas State*
3/16 vs. Southern
3/17 vs. SE Louisiana
3/19 at South Alabama*
3/20 at South Alabama*
3/21 at South Alabama*
3/24 at LSU
3/26 vs. Florida Atlantic*
3/27 vs. Florida Atlantic*
3/28 vs. Florida Atlantic*
3/30 vs. Northwestern State
4/2 at FIU*
4/3 at FIU*
4/4 at FIU*
4/6 at Northwestern State
4/9 vs. Troy*
4/10 vs. Troy*
4/11 vs. Troy*
4/13 vs. Houston Baptist
4/16 at UALR*
4/17 at UALR*
4/18 at UALR*
4/20 vs. McNeese State
4/23 vs. LeMoyne
4/24 vs. LeMoyne
4/25 vs. LeMoyne
4/27 at Tulane
4/30 vs. Middle Tennessee*
5/1 vs. Middle Tennessee*
5/2 vs. Middle Tennessee*
5/7 at New Orleans*
5/8 at New Orleans*
5/9 at New Orleans*
5/11 at Southern
5/14 vs. Western Kentucky*
5/15 vs. Western Kentucky*
5/16 vs. Western Kentucky*
5/18 at McNeese State
5/20 at ULM*
5/21 at ULM*
5/22 at ULM*
5/26-5/29 Sun Belt Conference Tournament
6/4-6/7 NCAA Regionals
6/11-6/14 NCAA Super Regionals
6/19-6/30 NCAA College World Series
* - Indicates Sun Belt Conference Game
www.RCAF4UL.com
1-877-RCAF-4-UL

RCAF Stakeholders’ Report October 2009
Enthusiastic Anticipation Sets
the Pace for Your Cajuns 2010
Softball Season
The Ragin’ Cajuns softball team returned to campus in August to begin the groundwork
for what has become an annual ritual for the program – a trip to the postseason. For the last
11 years running and 19 of the past 20 years, the softball team has participated in the NCAA
Regionals. The current string of consecutive regional appearances ranks 10th all-time in NCAA
history.
With what is believed to be the deepest and most experienced pitching staffs in the country,
confidence is very high and all signs point to the postseason run continuing.
2010 Cajuns Sofball Schedule
2/12-2/14 Louisiana Classics
2/12 vs. Bryant
2/12 vs. Syracuse
2/13 vs. Bradley
2/13 vs. Syracuse
2/14 vs. Bradley
2/19-2/21 Houston Marriott Classic
2/19 vs. Iowa State
2/19 at Houston
2/20 vs. Texas
2/20 vs. Texas-San Antonio
2/21 vs. Purdue
2/26-2/28 NFCA Leadoff Classic
2/26 vs. Radford
2/26 vs. Michigan
2/27 vs. Missouri
2/27 vs. Georgia Tech
2/28 vs. UMass
As Ashley Brignac’s shoulder rehabilitation is progressing well, the pitching rotation
is scheduled to feature three pitchers who have a 30-win season on their resume (Donna
Bourgeois and Brittany Cuevas included). The pitchers won’t be alone in the battle. The softball
team will also return six of the eight position starters from last season. Back are key offensive
cogs Melissa Verde, Gabrielle Bridges, Lana Bowers and Christi Orgeron.
Practice started in late September and the team played a fall season schedule which
featured games against outside competition.
At the Spring-Klein College Classic, Brittany Cuevas threw a two-hit shutout against Baylor
in a 7-0 rematch of last year’s NCAA Regionals competition. Donna Bourgeois struck out nine
against UTSA as the Cajuns prevailed 5-1. Offensive success was powered by Bowers with two
home runs and four RBI, while Orgeron was 4-for-8 at the plate.
The remaining fall schedule includes a doubleheader at Lamson Park against Galveston
Junior College on Friday, October 23 at 2 p.m. The intrasquad Fall World Series is scheduled for
October 26, 28, and 29 at Lamson Park. The series involves the players drafting their own teams
and the public is invited.
Mark your calendars and be there the weekend of Feb. 12-14, 2010, as the Ragin’ Cajuns
begin the 2010 season hosting the Louisiana Classics Tournament at Lamson Park.
3/5-3/7 Razorback Invitational
3/9 vs. McNeese State (DH)
3/18-3/21 Judi Garman Classic
3/18 vs. Virginia
3/18 vs. Fresno State
3/19 vs. Washington
3/20 vs. Purdue
3/21 at Cal State Fullerton
3/27 at Western Kentucky* (DH)
3/28 at Western Kentucky*
3/30 vs. Houston (DH)
4/6 at Middle Tennessee* (DH)
4/7 at Middle Tennessee*
4/10 at FIU* (DH)
4/11 at FIU*
4/14 at McNeese State
4/17 vs. South Alabama* (DH)
4/18 vs. South Alabama*
4/20 vs. Florida Atlantic* (DH)
4/21 vs. Florida Atlantic*
4/24 at Troy* (DH)
4/25 at Troy*
4/27 vs. Grambling State (DH)
5/1 vs. North Texas* (DH)
5/2 vs. North Texas*
5/8 vs. ULM* (DH)
5/9 vs. ULM*
5/12-5/15 Sun Belt Conference Tournament
5/21-5/23 NCAA Regionals
5/28-5/29 NCAA Super Regionals
6/3-6/9 Women’s College World Series
* - Indicates Sun Belt Conference Game
www.RCAF4UL.com
1-877-RCAF-4-UL

RCAF Stakeholders’ Report October 2009
Lamson Softball Park Renovations Moving Forward
The Ragin’ Cajuns softball squad has been a Top-20 team virtually
every year over the past two decades, and has brought national
exposure to both the program and the university.
Now, plans are underway to provide the softball team with a
facility that cements UL among the nation’s most respected programs.
Bids will soon be opened on an estimated $2.1 million overhaul
of Alfred and Helen Lamson Ragin’ Cajuns Softball Park, one that will
nearly double the permanent capacity and will represent a quantum
leap in fan amenities.
“Our fans are the best anywhere,” said Cajuns softball coach Stefni
Lotief. “That was the major thing we wanted when we started talking
about the facility . . . we wanted to make it very fan-friendly.”
The plans . . . there are 1,500 mostly-chairback seats between
the dugouts and all but a few are covered from the elements. There
are three private luxury boxes and a 50-seat Stadium Club area.
Concourses are large in comparison to capacity and restroom and
concession areas are larger and more easily accessible. There will also
be a full press box capable of accommodating the needs of NCAA
Regional and Super Regional play. The current grandstands behind the
plate will be moved to the outfield to provide quality seating in that
area. In addition, a new state of the art scoreboard will be built.
“This will be a Top-20 facility,” said UL Senior Associate Athletic
Director Scott Farmer.” It’s a big-time facility and something this
program deserves.”
“The field itself won’t be changed,” said Lotief “and other recent
improvements like brick walls and dugout areas will be incorporated
into the renovation.” “Our field’s in great shape and the lighting is
already state of the art,” she said. “This (construction) will sort of tie
together the whole package.”
A key element in the construction is a reworking of team areas,
providing a more functional locker room and a technology-driven
meeting room. Modern technology will also come into play in a
batting-cage enclosure set to be developed on the first-base line
behind the visitor dugout. The batting cages will be protected from
the weather, including a special indoor area that will house the latest
in video and virtual-reality programming.
“We’ll be able to look at a player’s swing instantly, and compare it
to what they were doing yesterday, a month ago, a year ago,” Lotief
said. “We’ll also have the capability to show video of other teams’
pitchers and set it up to where it looks like they’re actually pitching to
our hitters.”
It may sound like the latest in video games, but Lotief said that the
setup is the most modern technology available and is being used by
many other top programs.
“We’re fortunate in that we’ve been able to travel over the last few
years,” she said, “and go to some of the best facilities in the country.”
“We’ve had a chance to see what they have, and we’ve been able to
develop a lot of ideas for what we want in a stadium.”
“We’re fortunate in that the Athletics Department and the
University are very supportive of our program, and have made it
possible for us to do something like this.”
www.RCAF4UL.com
1-877-RCAF-4-UL