Nicholls State University - La Pirogue Yearbook (Thibodaux, LA)

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Ragga!! syaafks women 3' afhfafiafr by Judy Cadoret The woman behind the initiation of women's sports at Nicholls is Marion Russell, director of women's athletics. A 22-year veteran in the field of Health and Physical Education, Ms. Russell brought about intercollegiate competition in basketball and tennis last year, with the Keeping statistics for the softball team, Marion Rus- sell confers with Tennis Coach Carolyn Self. Celie Fraiche l'bumps the ball with Linda Becnel ready to back her up. sum Gym. Cadoret addition of volleyball, formerly a club sport, this year. Softball, now a club sport, is next on the list for entering the intercollegiate ranks, with swimming a possibility for the future. Besides heading the Women's Athletic Department, Russell served as volleyball coach, coming up with a winning season of 20-10. Her tree substitution of players in games helped produce experienced players with the confidence to win. Ms. Russell has been an instructor at Northwestern State University, Louisiana Tech and the University of Southwestern Louisiana, in addition to her extended career at Nicholls. She currently serves as the Region IV Louisiana voting repre- sentative to the Association of Intercolle- giate Athletics for Women. ln the past she has also appeared in Who's Who in American Women, and was named as an Outstanding Educator in 1972. Joining Ms. Russell this year in the coaching of women's athletics are Caro- lyn Self, the tennis coach and a faculty member of Nichollsg Vera Chighizola, graduate-assistant coach of basketball, and Steve Wieschhaus, student basket- ball coach. ,vf ' 8 4 x ! inns Managers Ann Percle and Barbara Mary Cavell puts the ball over a Naquin prepare for the match Northwestern blocker at the Nic- against UNO at their Lakefront holls State Invitational Tourna- ment Marion Russell 107

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Penntngton Pennington Trying to pass the ball is Valyn i-ieathcock. a returner from last yearis team Linda Becnei breaks through the middle to get in better posi- tion to receive the ball Sophomore center Patty Bubrig attempts a jump shot against UNO as Linda Becnel stands ready to helps Both Bubrig and Becnel were leading scorers for the Lady Colonels. Connie Beshel blocks out an opponent in order to rebound the ball. This was BesheI's first year on the team average per game. Her ability to pass the ball off gave her 32 assists to other team members. The floor of the gym was a common spot for Linda, as her aggressive play earned her a fair share of falls and bruises. Freshman guard, Regina Cutrera scored 124 points for an 8,6 average per game during her first year on the team. Womens Basketball 109