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

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Cuenca 1 x 'N' in E Superdome becomes Bit! R d Country Colonels travel 'ro the Dome for their second win over the Lions 48 Superdome lt isn't often a rivalry promoted by two colleges can be upstaged, but the Sec- ond Annual Fliver Bell Classic came close when its location was announced. Nicholls and Southeastern Louisiana met in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. Pletitled the Superdome Ftiverbell Classic, the game marked the first time two in-state college division teams would play in the newly opened structure. Although the New Orleans Saints and Tulane Green Wave had been using the structure, the Colonels and rival Lions were the first two Louisiana teams to play there. Conceived by Nicholls Athletic Director Ray Didier and Southeastern Athletic Director Pat Kennelly, several factors brought about the decision. Both universities are located 60 miles from New Orleans, with an enrollment of people and alumni of both schools in the New Orleans area. Another factor was the Dome itself. Only opened in August, the general public had had few chances to tour the facility, since construction and finishing work was still needed. With the announcement of the Novem-

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O 0 I V ACtlVltlES A In tne evenings or between , classes, a person could: go to a concert, attend a play or catch a 25 cent rnovie. For those with a competitive nature, tne Western Week games were open ora bonfire during Homecoming. If a student could find tree time, there was an activity waiting.

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3 A 'L' A Southeastern La. alumni representative and War- ren Hecard of the Nicholls Alumni Association pose with the coveted River Bell, symbol of the victor between Nicholls and Southeastern La. After 515163 million, the taxpayers of Louisiana have the foremost entertainment and convention com- plex in America, located in the city that care for- got. ber 15th date, students, supporters, and residents of the Thibodaux area began preparing. Buses were lined up to ferry students to New Orleans who had no transporta- tion. Arrangements with friends or relatives in the New Orleans area helped to solve some sleeping problems. With support, cameras and curiosity, the Big Bed moved into the awesome Dome. Following the snake-like line of buses, fans were greeted with a welcome sign from the electronic pylon advertising sign in front of the Dome. As over 40,000 poured into the sta- dium, the attention was shifted from the players warming up on the field to the size of the Dome. Small knots of students ventured around examining the structure, with some testing their fitness by walking all the way to the top seats of the third tier. The hot dogs were called superdogs and the prices charged were felt to be one of the reasons. Greg Dumas, of KXOB-FM, announced the play by play to the members of the pressbox. Quarterback Ted Bergeron threw for a . f 4. 1 1, -4 flmg-1, af ZS ?5Tf'?Zf?Ei'fa4z,spl'f12f?E:Qv ,. 'sp l ,yea , X . V I wy,,.f. ,v jk - 9 . ,Q gl- ' ' , x v - ,M . 1 ,M ,, ..,. .M M.-.--. f .4 '---wily-. f ' Q m y .- -M x r., . .. , U W,.,,,, Q, touchdown and ran for another as the Colonels retained the Biver Bell for another year. Punter Terry Magee came close, but did not hit the overhead six-sided screen, to the disappointment of the audience. When the final gun sounded, the Colo- nels had a 14-6 victory to take to the dance sponsored after the game by the Student Entertainment Board. For the Big Bed supporters from Bayou Lafourche country, it was a visit to the big city for a big game, taking home both memories of an exciting Saturday and the Superdome. -BMJ-'1v'Lf ..,..s ...Q -:- Curled to avoid having the ball knocked loose, Steve Stropolo prepares for the impact of two Lions. Hard hitting defense on both sides was evident in the low game score, 14-6 Qiiperril