A Prideful Nation

A Prideful Nation

By: Aniyah T. Foley

They’ve already scoped out the landscape and identified their target; now they’re ready to attack. The Southern University Jaguars have begun their hunt to crush the dreams of their rivals in an effort to bring home the SWAC Western Division Championship once again. Southern University has been a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference for 81 years, has claimed 18 conference titles during their membership, and are preparing to be the sole SWAC victor of this 2015 season to add to the Jaguar pride. This year the Jags will be in Ruston, Louisiana to kick off their season against the LA Tech Bulldogs on Saturday, September 5, and they’ve already begun their preparation to avoid the possibility of being mauled. As a supporter of all things Louisiana, all things football, and an advocate for fair fights, I hope the Bulldogs have been deeply investing their attention to the weight room, because the Jaguars will be coming at them heavy and they have no intention to ease up. The Jaguars reported to fall camp this past Sunday to pick up their equipment for their first fall practice of the season which is scheduled for August 3. As the season opener approaches, head coach Dawson Odums will be preparing to enter his third full year at Southern University and it’s certain that he’s ready to accomplish a lot more than he’s ever done before. In his short history with SU, Coach Dawson has already been acknowledged as a SWAC coach of the year. Respectfully, this title was given to him in 2013 after his first complete season with the Jags, and it’s a safe bet to say that this accomplishment was only the “field goal after the touchdown” knowing that he astoundingly managed to close out that same season with two major victories: a SWAC West Title Championship and an overall SWAC Championship.

With success in their past the Jaguars have been yearning to bring triumph to their school. Technically Baton Rouge, Louisiana is known as the stomping ground of the Jaguars, but Ace W. Mumford Stadium is specifically where the Jags get things done. Seven players from the Jaguar Nation were selected to be a part of the 51 member 2015 Preseason All- SWAC team. These nominations are product of last season’s sensational grind and determination which resulted in a number of Jaguars receiving 2014 All SWAC Honors. This year, players such as DL Gabe Echols, RB Lenard Tillery ,and WR Willie Quinn were honored by the entire Southwestern Athletic Conference for their astounding athletic capabilities, perfected tenacity, and tremendous presence on the field. With such recognition, the anticipation for this season is borderline unshakeable. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to capture the entire Southern University Football experience. You’ll be able to watch the Jaguar’s first three games on broadcast networks such as ESPNU, ESPN3, and ASN (American Sports Network), but merely watching the Jags from a screen this season simply won’t cut it.

Come be a part of the Jag Nation Saturday, September 19! Living your fan life as a virtual supporter of the Southern University Jaguars will never measure up to actuality of being present for SU’s first home game of the season. Southern University will be taking on Jackson State University in their own hunting ground, and it’s in your best interest to be there to witness the Jaguars in their prime for yourself. As a trophy for being such a devoted fan, you will be able to take home your own first-hand memory of the SU Jags demanding respect from the Jackson State Tigers while also being serenaded by SU’s own highly acclaimed Human Jukebox. The combination of Southern University’s remarkably talented marching band and the athletic precision of the Jaguars will produce an astounding emission of school pride amongst attending fans which will result is an overall football experience like none other. However, if you aren’t able to catch the Jaguars take on the Jackson State Tigers or any other of Southern’s home games during the season, it would be a sad day in SU fandom if you miss the 42nd annual Bayou Classic. Grambling State University and the Southern Jags will be continuing tradition as they both journey towards the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana by challenging each other once again to a match that showcases the epitome of college football rivalry. The Bayou Classic has always been known for being held on the last Saturday in November, so guess where I think you should be this year. Become a member of the Jaguar Nation today!