Cajuns Break Ground on Athletic Performance Center

Phase One, Part Two

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held today at the Leon Moncla Indoor Practice Facility for the new University of Louisiana Athletic Performance Center,

The building is the second big project in phase one of the UL Athletics Master Plan.  The first project, the addition of nearly 7,000 seats in the south end zone and new restrooms and concession stands, is near completion.

The Athletic Performance center will include a new, state-of-the-art weight room as well as an athletic training area.  Athletic offices and coach's offices will also be in the new building which should be ready in about a year.

UL President Dr.Joe Savoie called athletics the "front porch of the university," and stressed athletic facilities lead to athletic success and that leads to more students and more giving.

In addition to the announcement and groundbreaking, the crowd in attendance heard from Ragin Cajun Athletic Foundation Chairman of the Board D.Wayne Elmore, who reported that at the end of the fiscal year June 30th, the RCAF had taken in nearly $8,000,000 in donations, an increase of 69% over the previous year.

Two student-athletes, softball player Shellie Landry and baseball shortstop Blake Trahan also spoke.  Landry talked about fan support and the support she and her mother received last year during the mother's battle with cancer.  Trahan spoke of the facilities and the importance of facilities in recruiting.

Baseball coach Tony Robichaux represented the head coaches and mentioned many supporters of the athletic program who had passed away.  Their legacy, he said, laid the groundwork for the facility improvements.

The final project in phase one will be the new soccer/track locker room facility.