Longtime Northwestern State director of athletics Greg Burke has been named Director of Business Development and Public Relations for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation.

Burke, who drew national acclaim for his work as NSU’s AD from 1996-2022, started his new role this week, said LSHOF Foundation CEO/President Ronnie Rantz.

Burke’s initial focus will center on assisting with partnership opportunities, including attendance at events, for the approaching Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame induction weekend July 27-29.

Future priorities will include establishing a membership structure for annual support, developing annual and long-term sponsorship and partnership opportunities and embarking on long-term funding sources which will maintain and enhance the future profile of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches.

“It is both inspiring and a privilege to have a role in continuing to develop the brand and legacy of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in its ‘hometown’ of Natchitoches and on a statewide level,” said Burke. “I look forward to working with Ronnie Rantz, Doug Ireland, the Foundation board and others to further develop the vision and mission of the Hall of Fame and to position it for sustained success and growth.”

Except for four years at the University of Akron as a development officer in his home state, Burke has lived in Natchitoches since 1986, and traveled throughout Louisiana extensively in his roles as assistant AD and then AD at Northwestern State, and since retiring from the university.

He has done fundraising and development work along with marketing, public relations and extensive administrative duties, raising millions of dollars for NSU Athletics and contributing to a long list of milestones for the Demons. He has also been active in community and regional affairs as a board member and officer of multiple service and civic organizations, and is a board member of the Friends of Louisiana Sports and History (FLASH) local museum support group.

“The opportunity to bring Greg onto our Foundation team is a big step forward for us,” said Rantz. “He knows Louisiana, is well known around Louisiana, and loves Louisiana sports. He is widely admired around the state and country for who he is and for his career in intercollegiate athletics, and he has a passion for Natchitoches and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame that makes him an ideal addition for us.”

Burke worked in the private sector during the past year, traveling extensively to meet with stakeholders and potential partners.

“Greg is the consummate professional, and a people-person who will develop relationships around Louisiana and will strengthen existing bonds,” said Ireland, the Hall of Fame chairman and Foundation executive director since 1990. “His personality and skill set would be assets to any organization and they are tailor-made for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation.”

Burke can be reached via e-mail at gregburke@lasportshall.com or through the LSHOF Foundation office in Natchitoches at 318-238-4255.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame includes 25 Pro Football Hall of Fame members, 18 Olympic medalists including 11 gold medal winners, 12 members of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, seven of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players, seven National Baseball Hall of Fame inductees, 42 College Football Hall of Fame members, nine National High School Hall of Fame enshrinees, jockeys with a combined 16 Triple Crown victories, six world boxing champions, nine Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinees, seven College Baseball Hall of Fame inductees, 10 College Basketball Hall of Fame members, four NBA Finals MVPs, four winners of major professional golf championships, five National Museum of (Thoroughbred) Racing and Hall of Fame inductees and two Super Bowl MVPs.

The 2023 Induction Celebration will kick off Thursday, July 27, with a press conference and reception. The three-day festivities include two receptions, a free youth sports clinic, a bowling party, and a Friday night riverbank concert in Natchitoches. Tickets for the Induction Ceremony, bowling party and two VIP events, along with sponsorship opportunities, are available now through the LaSportsHall.com website.

The 2023 Induction Celebration will be hosted by the LSHOF Foundation, the support organization for the Hall of Fame. The LSHOF Foundation was established as a 501 c 3 non-profit entity in 1975 and is governed by a statewide board of directors.

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Mitchell Baptist Church received its award from Samaritan’s Purse for participating in Operation Christmas Child for five years. The church began as a Drop Off Center in 2018 with Bro Bobby Russell as the pastor and Tonia Cates as the Drop Off Coordinator. In the first year, they collected 654 Shoeboxes to send to third-world countries around the world to share the Gospel.

In 2020, Glenna Carter became the Drop Off Leader. Shoeboxes are collected from Converse, Pleasant Hill, and Zwolle and are filled with school supplies, toiletries (no liquids), toys, stuffed animals, shoes, clothes, and a Wow item.

In 2023, Lisa Dyess became the Drop Off Leader and is seeking churches, schools, communities, and individuals to participate in this ministry to follow God’s Great Commission.

Once the child is invited to the distribution of shoeboxes by Samaritan’s Purse they are presented the gospel and then given the gospel in a book called “The Greatest Gift.” This book has been translated in 90 different languages. The child is then given this tangible gift of God’s love for him through a shoebox filled with His Love. The child then can enroll in a 12-lesson class about God’s love for him. Upon completing the class, a graduation is held and each child is given a Bible in their very own language.

In 2022, Mitchell collected a record number of Shoeboxes 889 in the THIRD WEEK of November. Mitchell is one of the six churches on the West Central La Team that serves as a Drop Off Center. Other churches include Calvary Baptist in Many, First Baptist Robeline, First Baptist Natchitoches, Martin Baptist in Martin, and First Baptist in Winnfield.

To become involved in this ministry contact Lisa Dyess at 318-796-2400.

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The Louisiana Gumbo Cook-Off is returning to the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival on Saturday July 22, in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum located at 220 South Jefferson Street on the Northwestern State University campus in Natchitoches. In honor of this year’s festival theme, Celebrating Louisiana’s Cultural Gumbo, the festival will see the long-awaited return of the Gumbo Cookoff, in which professionals and hobbyists alike can compete in any of three categories and demonstrate their cooking skills. Registration and the Cooks’ Meeting will take place at 8 a.m. Tasting and judging will begin at 12:30 p.m. with winners be announced at 2:30 p.m. There is no fee to compete in the Cookoff. Gumbo must be cooked on-site outside of Prather Coliseum.

The Gumbo Cook-Off is the Louisiana Folklife Center’s way of celebrating the state’s unique and storied foodways, as well as the rich culture behind the cooking of gumbo. The ways of preparing gumbo and the ingredients used are as varied as the people who cook it, so there is no better way to embody this year’s festival theme of Celebrating Louisiana’s Cultural Gumbo.

Competitors will be given a 10’ x 20’ space outside of Prather Coliseum to set up either propane burners or cookfires to prepare their gumbo. Running water will be available on the premises, but all other supplies must be brought by the head cook. All gumbo must be cooked on-site, with no commercial or pre-made roux allowed. Poultry, meat, seafood, rice and broth or stock may be prepared in advance or on-site, and canned broth is allowed. Gumbo must be heated to a boil on-site, and gumbo must be prepared in as sanitary a manner as possible. Chefs must prepare at least two gallons of gumbo for the competition. For the complete list of rules, please visit our website at nsula.edu/folklife/.

“A Buck A Cup” gumbo sales to the public for the People’s Choice category will begin at 1 p.m. Festival attendees will be invited to purchase gumbo and vote on which gumbo they most enjoyed. Chefs participating in “A Buck A Cup” must provide their own bowls, spoons and napkins.

The Gumbo Cook-Off is being held at the Natchitoches-NSU Louisiana Folklife Festival. In addition to the cook-off, this year’s festival will include the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, three stages with live music, and many crafts and food vendors. The festival’s curated showcase of Louisiana folk musicians, food vendors and traditional crafts persons will open at 9 a.m., with live entertainment scheduled for 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The family-oriented festival is fully wheelchair accessible. Tickets are $10 at the door for all events, or $6 for an evening pass to all events after 5 p.m. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

Support for the festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the City of Natchitoches, the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and the State of Louisiana.

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Samuel James Friedman
January 4, 1937 — July 2, 2023
Service: Friday, July 7 at 11:30 am at the Natchitoches Events Center

Billy Ray Pesnell
March 20, 1934 — July 2, 2023
Service: Saturday, July 8 at 11 am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, located at 1815 Marshall Street in Shreveport

Pera Sophie Knopp Oehler
October 4, 1927 — July 5, 2023
Service: Saturday, July 8 at 9 am at Central Cemetery in Robeline

Retha Mae Ballard Justis
March 23, 1928 — July 4, 2023

Service: Sunday, July 9 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Elories “Honey” Helaire Johnson
July 4, 2023
Arrangements TBA

Alma Corine “Corey” Morris Creighton
February 16, 1951 — July 1, 2023
Service: Friday, July 7 at 10:30 am at the Family Worship Center, located at 330 Sandy Point Rd in Campti

Anita McGee
Service: Saturday, July 8 at 2 pm at Calvary Baptist Church in Natchitoches

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History threw a party to celebrate ten years of chronicling our area’s history and our state’s sports heritage, Saturday, July 1. The museum’s award-winning architecture draws visitors from all over the world to our city. The LSHoF was named the number 1 new architectural project in the world when it was built in 2013, the only project to be named from North America.

About 150 visitors came by the museum’s birthday celebration to enjoy traditional Fourth of July fare and experience the new exhibits throughout the 27,500 square foot facility. In addition to displays showcasing our state’s rich athletic heritage, there are items chronicling the history of the local area surrounding Natchitoches. There is also a gallery entitled “Southern Soul” highlighting Louisiana’s folk artists.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History is a superb addition to our area’s diverse tourism attractions. The museum offers quality family fun for a very modest admission fee.

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Preparation is the key to doing well on any tournament trail. But in the tournament bass fishing world, it can also test an angler’s patience.

Anglers spend hours and days pre-fishing for schools of quality fish that will help put them either in the winner’s circle or at least in line to get a check. There’s a saying with bass fishermen that “time on the water” is critical to being competitive. 

Let’s look at another famous quote with bass fishermen: ”What a difference a day makes!”  There’s no telling how many times anglers have found quality fish during practice, only to be left wondering on tournament day, “Where did they go?”

My last tournament on Sam Rayburn was a prime example. The fishing overall was tough and summer temperatures were hitting the mid 90’s. Not only was it hot, but there was little to no wind which makes fishing difficult on any body of water. When you tell people it was a beautiful day, in bass fishing terms that means the fishing was probably not very good. Pretty bluebird days do not usually equate to great fishing days. 

This tournament, my electronics played a big role in me locating a school of bass offshore in 15 to 18 feet of water. It had a high spot of about 10 foot that was holding a solid school of bass. During my final practice day after coming across this little honey hole, I made two casts onto this spot with a big redbug colored V&M Straight Wild worm when the rod loaded up with a solid 3.5-pound bass. This was what I was looking for!

Any time you can catch fish over 3 pounds on a spot, that’s a good thing. My next cast resulted in a 4-pounder and now I was excited. Realizing that quality fish were present, I pulled up the trolling motor and left the scene, counting on this spot for tournament day. 

But guess what? I ran into the same thing that happens so many times when you find a good group of fish on one spot in practice — overnight they get smaller! For some reason my 3- and 4-pound fish I found the day before turned into 1.79, 1.74. 1.72. 1.59 and 1.76. Five fish that were just under 9 pounds total. Every fish I caught looked like it had come out of the same mold!

One thing you must understand about bass, they tend to group up the same size as others in the school. Again, this is not unusual in that it often happens that bigger bass will leave a spot only to be replaced by smaller ones. It’s as if a memo was sent out the night before my tournament alerting all the good fish to move off this hump. 

After catching and culling three times with a worm, I decided to show them something different as I picked up a Strike King 3XD crankbait. Immediately I started catching fish and hoped they would be bigger fish. But no, they continued to be in the 1.75-pound range which was not helping me at all. My co-angler, who was fishing out of the back of the boat, was also catching fish, but of the same size I was. We both tried different techniques, but the results were still the same — small fish!

I finished 18^th overall in this event but should have finished much higher IF my fish had not gotten smaller or if the good fish hadn’t read that stupid memo.

That’s what makes tournament fishing so frustrating. You spend hours and days trying to find quality bass and for whatever reason, they just disappear. Sometimes all the preparation in the world doesn’t help if the fish don’t cooperate.

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and please wear good sun-protective clothing and your sunscreen. If you think you’re immune to getting Melanoma — think again!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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By Brad Dison

Milton Teagle was born and raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans.  Milton was an overweight child.  As a toddler, people stared just a little too long at Milton, but he paid them no attention.  When he started school, he was subjected to cruel, merciless teasing by some of his classmates.  Milton acted as if their teasing had no effect on him, but inside, Milton was crumbling.  The only comfort he found was from eating the wonderful foods of his hometown.  It was a vicious, seemingly unending cycle in which the teasing led to eating and the eating led to more teasing.

To help his struggling family— his father worked in a thrift store and his mother sold cosmetics— eight-year-old Milton began selling sweet treats at Leah’s Pralines, a candy shop located in the heart of the French Quarter and just four blocks from his home.  Working in a candy shop did not help with his weight problem. 

The relentless teasing continued throughout Milton’s high school years.  By the time he graduated from high school, he stood 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed nearly 270 pounds.      

Friends from his youth remembered him as being likable and hilarious.  He was always teasing and joking around.  Antoiniette Di Piazza, a childhood friend of Milton’s, said “You could always tell sometimes at school when he was younger, he would try to hold back tears.  I felt for him.  The boys would just pick on him because of his weight,” but he was “one of the nicest, sweetest, most humane people.  I just can’t begin to tell you how big his heart was.”  Milton once told a reporter, “You know how they teach you early on that ‘Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you?’ Well, that’s a lie.”

After his high school graduation, Milton attended the Dominican Seminary in Iowa where he planned to become a priest.  Two years into the program, Milton decided that he was not suited for the priesthood. Milton was searching for direction in his life, and that direction appeared in a simple handwritten note.  One day, Milton was walking to his car when he noticed a handwritten note under the windshield wipers.  Written on the note was, “Fat people die young.  Please don’t die. Anonymous.”  Milton tried to brush off the note, but the words kept replaying in his mind. 

Milton did not want to die.  He realized that being overweight was hazardous to his health and he wanted to do something about it.  For over two months, Milton lived off a diet of just lettuce and water.  His weight began to plummet from nearly 270 to about 110 pounds.  Because of his crash diet, Milton suffered from bulimia and anorexia.  He began to lose his hair and, by losing more than half of his body weight, his skin hung from his body.  Milton realized he needed help and checked himself into a hospital. 

During his recovery, Milton got a crash course in nutrition and health from his doctors and nurses.  Milton wanted to know more.  He began to read everything he could find on the subject.  At first, he sought out the information for his own wellbeing.  As his health improved, he decided to find a way to help others who were like him to find a healthier way to live.  Milton considered a career in medicine so he could learn more about the human body, but he changed his mind because he hated the idea of “dead bodies and blood.” 

Milton worked at a number of jobs and considered different career paths, but sharing his experience and knowledge of health and nutrition were always on his mind.  He developed a philosophy of “love yourself, move your body, and watch your portions.”  In the 1970s, Milton moved to Los Angles and began working as a maître d’hôtel for an upscale Beverly Hills restaurant called Derek’s.  Milton wanted to join a fitness center to improve his health even more, but he felt uncomfortable because all of the fitness centers seemed to be geared towards customers who were already physically fit. 

With minimal experience in the restaurant field and the knowledge he gained about health and nutrition, Milton opened a salad bar and adjoining fitness center called “Ruffage.”  His clients included some Hollywood stars, but unlike the other fitness centers, Milton made an effort to make clients of all sizes feel welcome.  He began a program called the “Anatomy Asylum” which provided training on healthy eating, portion control, and fun exercises in a supportive environment.  Because of his supportive nature, his wonderful personality, and his fitness classes, Milton guest starred on the daytime soap opera General Hospital.  From there, Milton was often a guest star on numerous talk shows hosted by Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin, Phil Donahue, David Letterman, and Howard Stern.  In 1980, Milton got his own television show which featured exercise routines, discussions about health topics, and comedy.  At its peak, the show was broadcast in over 200 countries. 

It all started with a handwritten note which said, “Fat people die.  Please don’t die.”  As a child, Milton went by the nickname Dickie.  In his twenties, Milton adopted his uncle’s name, Richard.  If you have never participated in one of his many programs, you certainly know the phrase “Sweating to the Oldies.”  You also know Milton Teagle “Richard” Simmons. 

Sources:

1.     “How Richard Simmons’ Childhood Shaped Him.” People Magazine, 2017,people.com/health/richard-simmons-childhood-fitness-guru-new-orleans/.

2.     “Get Your Aerobic Outfit On and Enjoy the Life Story of Richard Simmons,” by Jack Lorre, Fansided, 2022.  https://en.onechicagocenter.com/view/?id=richard-simmons-life-occ&src=.

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May my life be like a great hospitable tree, and may weary wanderers find in me a rest.”
~ John Henry Jowett

Samuel James “Sam” Friedman was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on January 4, 1937, and died peacefully in his sleep in Glenville, North Carolina on July 2, 2023, at a remarkably youthful 86.

He was preceded in death by his son, Kerry Friedman; his great-granddaughter, Annaley Ratliff; and his parents, Elizabeth H. and Sylvan N. Friedman.

He is survived by his wife, Edwina Bagwell Friedman; his children, Elizabeth Edwards (and husband Stephen) and Greg Friedman (and wife Hanna); his grandchildren, Erin Ratliff, James Lee Friedman, Ian Edwards, and Ava Edwards; and his great-granddaughter, Audrey Ratliff.

Sam showed an early interest in agriculture and animal husbandry and in high school proudly served as National FFA President. Upon his graduation from Natchitoches High in 1954, he attended LSU where he earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science. He continued his studies at Louisiana State University Law School (now Paul M. Hebert Law Center) and obtained his Juris Doctor in 1961. After graduation, he served for two years in the army and was discharged with the rank of Captain. He returned to Natchitoches and entered into private law practice.

In 1973, he left his law partnership to form Safari Management, a hotel development and management company. This firm started with the acquisition of the Holiday Inn-Brownwood, TX. Next, he and his partners built the Holiday Inn-Natchitoches, and they soon owned and/or operated more than 20 Holiday Inns, a Hilton, and 3 Residence Inns. He was elected to the Board of Directors and served as President of the International Association of Holiday Inns, Inc., the franchise organization of Holiday Inn owners.

In 1977, he became the principal shareholder and president of Traber Agency, a general insurance agency corporation in Natchitoches. He sold the agency to the Bank of Montgomery in 2016.

In 1979, Sam acquired property in Clay County, TX, and organized Lone Star Hereford Ranch, one of the premier Hereford cattle operations in the United States. He operated it until he sold it in 1990.

In 1989, he was honored to be elected to the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry.

Sam valued his ties to LSU and was a zealous Tiger fan all his life. He continued to support his alma mater after graduation by being actively involved in the Alumni Association and heading the fund drive for many years in Natchitoches Parish. He was a member of the Louisiana State University Foundation, and in 1984 he was appointed to a six-year term on the Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors, serving as Chairman for the 1986/87 school year. In 2000, he worked extensively with the LSU Alumni Association to develop Lod Cook Hotel on campus that still operates successfully today.

In the ‘80s, Sam realized that the hotel industry was changing, and he decided to stay ahead of the curve. In 1988, he divested himself of his roadside Holiday Inns and formed a new company, Dimension Development, with the mission of developing primarily extended-stay, suite hotels. He first focused on Homewood Suites, an emerging conceptual hotel still in development, and he participated in establishing the design and operating standards for the brand. He subsequently served as a founding member and Chairman of the Homewood Suites by Hilton Franchise Advisory Council for 17 years until he retired as Chair Emeritus.

Through the years, the company also acquired full-service and luxury hotels. Today Dimension operates 80 hotels in 15 states. The thriving company recently held a leadership conference in New Orleans that coincided with Sam’s 50th anniversary in the hotel business. Sam was feted with an evening of tributes that began with a second line and culminated at a dinner at Galatoire’s with family, friends, and past and present business associates toasting Sam’s accomplishments and contributions to the hospitality industry and his vision in shaping the all-suite hotel market.

Sam viewed his time on earth as a great adventure and life a wilderness to be explored. He loved mountains and lakes, salt water and deep-sea fishing, fine wine, and sparkling conversation, and he was a connoisseur of anything culinary-related. He was in his element when he was entertaining, and he excelled at it. He was the consummate host, bon vivant, and good friend. With his charisma and an unparalleled gift of storytelling, he worked a room, much to the delight of everyone in it. It has been said that if you choose your passion as your job, you will never work a day in your life. When Sam found the hotel business, he discovered his passion and spent his personal and professional life doing what came naturally to him, offering hospitality and respite to family, friends, and strangers.

Funeral services are under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Visitation will be at the Natchitoches Events Center Thursday, July 6, from 5:00 until 8:00. The funeral will take place at the Events Center Friday, July 7, at 11:30, with Rabbi Judy Ginsburgh officiating. Burial will be at Memory Lawn Cemetery. A reception at the Events Center will follow the service.

Pallbearers will be Mike Berman, Calvin Braxton, Mike Cahn, Kevin Dunn, Paul Harden, and Bobby Mancil.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ed DeSousa, Jeff Fisher, Fred Flippin, Ed Horton, Jack Guenther, Allan Rose, and Lovan Thomas.

Sam’s kindness, generosity, and hospitable nature were not limited to people. He was also an animal lover and advocate and, through the years, made room in his home and his life for countless dogs, cats, birds, and various species of wildlife. Recently, Edwina and Sam saw a need for a shelter and pet adoption center to serve Natchitoches Parish and donated land to the animal rescue group, Friends All United for Natchitoches Animals (FAUNA), to expedite the project. He was excited about it and immersed in fundraising ideas to build the facility. Those who wish to honor Sam’s memory may do so by donating to FAUNA Shelter Construction Fund, P.O. Box 2552, Natchitoches, LA 71457, or to a cause of their choice.

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Samuel James Friedman
January 4, 1937 — July 2, 2023
Service: Friday, July 7 at 11:30 am at the Natchitoches Events Center

Terry L. McQuillin Sr.
July 13, 1950 — July 2, 2023
Service: Wednesday, July 5 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Elories “Honey” Helaire Johnson
July 4, 2023
Arrangements TBA

Alma Corine “Corey” Morris Creighton
February 16, 1951 — July 1, 2023
Service: Friday, July 7 at 10:30 am at the Family Worship Center, located at 330 Sandy Point Rd in Campti

Anita McGee
Service: Saturday, July 8 at 2 pm at Calvary Baptist Church in Natchitoches