Faculty Appreciation Night Wednesday At Lamson Park

Teachers never get enough love. Ragin' Cajun Softball is giving a little bit back to a selfless group of educators on Wednesday.

It's Faculty Appreciation Day at Lamson Park this Saturday. Often, people forget the "student" part of student-athlete. On top of working out, practicing, traveling and playing for their university, athletes also attend class. The teachers, tutors, advisors and schedulers on campus help execute a gameplan just like the players and coaches.

Mike Lotief always takes time to write vocal love letters in his press conferences. This week, he wanted to make sure the faculty got their due.

"The relationships that are built between the professors and the student-athletes, in the current university climate, is unheard of," Lotief said.

To give back, Lotief's softball program will give free admission to any faculty or staff member carrying their university ID. There will also be a pregame ceremony honoring the hardworking folks in vermilion and white (not wearing jerseys), so pack in the seats and get loud and proud.

Maybe it's because Lotief was a lawyer, but the skills of the professorial sort are not lost on him.

There's a reason the Cajuns stay at the top of the academic ranks in the Sun Belt Conference. Part of it is the type of kids they recruit, and the rest of the credit goes to the support system in place.

"The faculty really is the rock of the success, not only of the university, but of our softball program," Lotief stated wisely.

Remember, the "student" part of student-athlete carries the same amount, if not more, of weight as the "athlete" title. In a profession where the slimmest margin of error can dash your career, the professional educators are truly the heroes. When rotator cuffs and ACL's blow out, your brain still works fine.

If you're at Wednesday's game against McNeese State, make sure to clap your hands for the folks wearing vermilion and white. Not just for the players, but for the entire team.