Less than three minutes into Tuesday’s game against Southern-New Orleans, Cliff Davis knew he was in for one of those nights.

Davis, Northwestern State’s sharpshooting junior guard, had no idea just how special his night was about to become.

Launched by a red-hot first half, Davis set a school single-game record for 3-pointers in a game, connecting on 10 long-range buckets, to lead the Demons to a 99-75 win against visiting Southern-New Orleans inside Prather Coliseum.

“I really thought it was going to be a regular night where I hit five or six,” said Davis, who scored all 30 of his points from beyond the arc. “I didn’t think it would be like how it ended.

Davis’ record night helped the Demons (2-10) snap a 10-game losing streak and center themselves before a 10-day break between games. It helped that plenty of his teammates enjoyed some semblance of a special night as well.

Junior point guard Braelon Bush was perfect from the field, hitting all six of his shots, and finished with a 12-point, 10-assist double-double – his first double-double at the Division I level since Dec. 2, 2020, when he totaled 13 points and 10 assists against Dallas Christian while at McNeese.

The Bush-Davis combo played a pivotal role in each player’s standout statistical night as Bush was credited with the assist on six of Davis’ 10 3-pointers.

“With Cliff breaking the record and me getting a 10-assist game, it meant everything,” Bush said. “We’ve taken a lot of punches. It feels great to be back in the dub column. We’ve got a win again, let’s keep it going.”

Davis’ big game flipped his month-long narrative on its head. In the Demons’ previous seven games, Davis had hit 20 of his 28 3-pointers in the second half of games.

His barrage of seven first-half 3s on 10 tries equaled his previous career high for 3s in a game, which came in back-to-back games at Southern Miss and at Boise State on Dec. 9 and 12, respectively.

“The farther away from the basket you are, the harder it is to get the ball in the basket,” first-year head coach Rick Cabrera said. “He has a gift of making 3s and shooting them at a high clip. He’s done it in Division I games. I’m not totally surprised he did it today. He was open a lot, but that’s what great shooters do – make open 3s. He did that.”

After his scintillating first half, Davis did not hit a second-half 3 until the 9:14 mark when Bush found him for a bucket that pushed the Demon lead to 83-52. Davis did not force a run at the record, waiting until 4:12 was left on the clock to hit the tying shot.

One possession and 48 seconds later, the record was his as Bush found him on a curl at the top of the key to again build a 30-point lead for the Demons.

While Davis ignited a fluid first half that saw the Demon shoot 56 percent from the floor and 50 percent from 3-point range, it was junior Duane Posey who helped steady the Demons during an uneven second half in which the NSU lead never dipped below 23 points and stayed at 25 or more for much of the final 20 minutes.

Posey, a 6-foot-7 Alabama State transfer, collected his first double-double in a Demon uniform by setting career highs in points (13) and rebounds (15). Posey’s big game helped offset a sublime performance from SUNO’s 26-year-old freshman Jamal Gibson, who matched Davis for game-high honors with 30 points and tied Posey with a game-high-tying 15 rebounds.

Posey’s 15 rebounds were an individual season high for Northwestern State and the most for a Demon since Jalen Hampton grabbed 15 at Central Arkansas on Nov. 16, 2022.

“We work so hard,” Posey said. “My teammates get in the gym days and nights besides practice. It’s a good feeling all around. Rebounding is something my coaches challenge me to do every game. Go out, be physical and just be the toughest on the court.”

In addition to Davis, Bush and Posey, Anthony Thomas (12) and Justin Wilson (12) each cracked double figures for the Demons, who put five players in double figures for the first time this season and the first time since a Feb. 2, 2023, win at HCU. 

The Demons will take a 10-day break before returning to action against LSU on Dec. 29. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

While Thanksgiving is a great holiday, Christmas is without a doubt my favorite. There are so many things that make it special, but it’s the memories of Christmas past that make it No. 1 for me.

We’ve all had a specific Christmas that carries special memories. It’s not always about the gifts you got or didn’t get, but it’s about sharing time with family and friends. Yes, the gifts were great, but in our younger, innocent years, that’s not what made Christmas special.

Every year you got a lot of new stuff, but first you had to make room for the new stuff by getting rid of the things you got the year before. It was a continuous cycle and ritual that you had to go through every Christmas. I remember calling my best friend on Christmas morning and telling him everything I got. But the funny thing about that conversation was the fact that I usually had a hard time remembering what I did get.

As I got older, it made me realize that it wasn’t the gifts that made Christmas special. It was more about all the moments shared with family and friends at parties or driving around town and looking at Christmas lights. It was the food, like my mom’s pecan pie and homemade fruit salad. It was going downtown to see the annual Christmas parade the day after Thanksgiving, which was a great way to kick off the Christmas season.

It was picking out a real tree until our family decided to go the artificial route. I even remember my grandparents having this weird white Christmas tree with a rainbow-colored lamp that rotated different colors onto the tree. I thought it was the worst Christmas tree of all time and whoever came up with this idea should have been taken out behind the woodshed and severely beaten.

But for me, it was more about the anticipation of Christmas Eve and believing that jolly Ol’ Saint Nick was headed my way. It was tuning into the 10 o’clock news that night and watching the Santa tracker as I laid two feet on the floor in front of the TV. Where is he right now and how soon will he be coming to my house?

As a youngster, I was a true believer, but could not wrap my head around how he would get into my house since we did not have a chimney. How was this man, bigger than life, going to enter my house and leave the gifts I so desired and had earned? It’s amazing the imagination you had as a kid and the thought process that went with it.

Finally, the big day arrived after a long and sleepless night trying to hear Santa’s arrival. I remember waking up at 5 a.m. on Christmas morning and having to lie in bed until everyone was up, wondering did the big man leave me the Hot Wheels Track or the Daisy BB gun I requested, or would it be underwear and clothes that I did not request? Did he remember the new bike I desired with the sissy bar and chopper handlebars?

I gave him plenty of options so surely, he left at least one of those! After the gifts were opened and I was dressed for the day, I remember going outside and looking for sleigh marks or deer tracks as proof that he actually came by.

Then the day comes when someone delivers the shocking news that Santa isn’t real! It puts that little bit of doubt in your mind and makes you question Santa’s true existence. They would destroy your beliefs with common sense facts and tell you that the big fat man in the red suit does not exist! They would try to reason with you how impossible it would be for a full-size man who eats nothing but cookies and drinks lots of milk would ever fit down a chimney! It was hard to argue with that.

But, in the back of your mind, you’re thinking the “know it all” kid just might be mistake … or is he? He puts just enough doubt in your mind that you feel that the only way to find out for sure is by asking your mom. Moms never lie and she would never tell you something that’s not true!

Then your mom says to you that it doesn’t matter what anyone says, and tells you to ask yourself, “Do YOU believe?” She never actually answers your question, and she leaves you continuing to think that maybe he is real. This is what keeps the magic of Christmas alive. The one thing I always told my kids as each of them at some point asked the age-old question, “Does Santa really exist?” was, “If you stop believing, he will stop leaving.”

Now the day finally comes when you know the answer, but it sure was a lot more fun when you thought differently and just weren’t quite sure. Your imagination as a child is what made Christmas so special. That’s still the case today, as there’s nothing more fun and exciting than to see that twinkle in kids’ eyes as they see jolly Ol’ Saint Nick.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this look back in time when all of us had that special believing look in our eye. It’s always fun going back in time and remembering the things that made each Christmas so special. As we get older, we realize that it’s more about the times we share with family and friends that makes Christmas so special.

To each of you, Merry Christmas, and may all your dreams and wishes come true. Remember, believing is not always about seeing.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Makynli Delcambre of New Iberia is junior and a double major at Northwestern State University with plans to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance in May 2025 and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in December 2025.

Makynli, who has been dancing since age 5 and teaching dance since eighth grade, is current captain of Purple Pizzazz Pom Line, which is preparing for UDA (Universal Dance Association) national dance team competition, one of the biggest competitions in the world, in Orlando, Florida, in January. In addition to serving as a two-time Freshman Connector and involvement with the President’s Leadership Program, she is a member of Purple Jackets, Dance Organization of Students and Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority.

Having wrapped up the marathon that is the NSU Christmas Gala – nine shows over three days – before jumping into finals week, Makynli sat down with NSU to talk about dance, personal and professional growth and plans for the future.  The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

NSU:  Tell us about Gala prep. 

Makynli:  Gala prep starts in October.  We have auditions the second or third week of fall semester.  We go through all that rehearsal time.  We have tech week where we do two runs almost every night. We check lighting, backdrops, make sure the show runs smoothly. We come up on the stage and do spacing.  We have dress rehearsal.  I was in Rockettes and toy soldiers, so it was lots of kicks.  This year the soldiers did tap, so I did lots of tapping.  It was a super fun time, but it really is a marathon and it’s a fun experience. 

NSU: Who were your first dance students?

Makynli:  I taught the babies, the three- and four years-olds. I taught all the way through high school, our select dancers, which is our competition team.  I also taught tumbling at 16 and I was a cheerleader and a dancer my whole life, so I taught all through high school at my studio [Paige’s Dance and Cheer Studio] and then came to college.  I currently teach at Elite Cheer-Nastics.  I teach dance and tumbling. As the captain of pom line, I do a lot of teaching there.  I run practices. I teach skills.  I teach classes.

NSU:  What are some leadership experiences you’ve had as an officer and now captain of the pom line?

Makynli:  I do a lot of jobs, everything from paperwork to running practice to choreography sometimes.  I do a plethora of things and some of the most fun opportunities have been leading the team at UDA camp in the summer.  Camps are always so fun, we get so close.  We spend so much time together. And through football season and basketball season, calling cheers and chants and being on the sidelines with everybody is a really great time.

NSU:  What attracted you to Northwestern?

Makynli: I went to a college fair and the recruiter was on pom line at some point and she was telling me about how it’s a cheer team and a dance team, we do both, and that piqued my interest.  From there I took a tour.  I loved it.  It’s a great environment and felt very friendly, like a family.

NSU: What are some memorable experiences you’ve had with pom and the dance program?

Makynli:  There have been so many. I’ve gotten to travel a lot through pom line and the dance department.  Last year, the dance department went to American College Dance Association at Sam Houston State University.  It was one of the most fun dance conferences I’ve ever been to.  I experienced so many new styles.  I got to take a Latin dance class, partnering stuff.  For pom line, I got to go to UDA Nationals, and perform on stage at Disneyworld at the ESPN Sports Center my freshman year.  That was the first year pom line had ever gone to UDA anything, camp or nationals.  I was one of seven that went.

NSU: How do your experiences impact your own teaching and mentoring?

Makynli: I have taught for a long time, but my time at NSU has taught me how to be a better mentor, a better leader and a better teacher.  I’ve learned skills that I never would have gotten anywhere else. If you knew me as a freshman, I was a completely different person. I was shy, didn’t talk to too many people.  Now you can’t get me to shut up.

NSU:  It sounds like you have good time management skills, too.

Maklynli: That’s the key to life.

NSU: How is the team getting ready for UDA Nationals?

Maklynli:  We have a ton of practices.  We are going to be here for a lot of our Christmas break, practicing, preparing, getting ready, learning our choreography.  We had a choreographer come in and teach it to us.  We’re really excited.  We have practices twice a day most days, in the mornings and the afternoons.  We’re working on skills. We are fund raising and that’s a big part. We’re also trying to get everything together so we have a good trip. 

NSU: What are some ways people can support the pom line?

Makynli:  Some of the best ways are coming out to our events. We’ll have a showcase at a basketball game in January.  Come to games and cheer us on.  We have a ton of fund raisers going on. Look out for the Pom Line Instagram (nsulapomline), our teammates’ Instagram.  We are trying to raise money.

NSU: What do you plan to do after graduation?

Makynli: I really want to do the Disney College Program.  I decided to wait till after graduation because I love it here and I don’t want to leave early and have to come back or put a pause on college.  I also eventually want to open a studio.  I don’t know if it will be directly out of college, but eventually that’s my goal.

NSU:  How would you encourage other dancers to attend Northwestern?

Makynli:  Our Creative and Performing Arts program has given me so many opportunities. ADCA, which was one of the best trips of my life.  I made so many connections. NSU is the only school in the state that offers a BFA in dance, so that drew me here.  The faculty, staff, professors and coaches are amazing.  They really take care of their students and the coaches of the performances group are big on giving the dancers opportunities and making sure their dancers are having a great experience.

My friends call it BowlFest, this most wonderful time of the college football year when you can’t swing a cornerback without hitting a Diesel Driving Academy Arkansas Bowl or a Sparkling Caffeine Ice Classic.

It’s a beautiful thing. 

It’s easy to get caught up in the momentum of bowl games and holidays and start betting actual real money on the games. Santa doesn’t want you overdoing it. And he’s watching you … 

The day I quit betting on ballgames was the day I thought I was about to lose $100 plus juice and nearly started crying like a small wet child.

March Madness. 1993ish? Back when having 100 bucks meant something. I’d bet Xavier to cover against Indiana or the other way around. In the past I’d bet $5 here and there, maybe 10. We figured we were betting $5 to have $5 worth of fun, because nothing makes you interested in a game the way “having action” on it does. Suddenly you’re interested in an Oregon State vs. Louisville score, fanatically so.

But now I was stepping out and betting a Buck, like a big boy, like I had $100 to lose.

It went down to the wire. Was listening on a transistor radio. Sitting in a cheap table chair on Archer Avenue in Shreveport. Living and dying. “If I can get out of this, I’ll never bet again.”

My guys covered. I’d won 100 large. And retired. Wasn’t worth it. I had to work too hard for that little piece of money.

Since then, the stakes have gotten back to normal. I’m in a group that “bets” all the bowl games with the overall winner getting the pot. The capital outlay is about 18 cents a game.

The feeling is the same. Pride. Bragging rights. The joy of thinking of where you’ll spend the $5 each of the guys will have to cough up. Even though both the risk and reward are so tiny, you’ll still pay more attention to the SMU vs. Boston College Fenway Bowl than any sane man should.

Before legal betting in our neck of the woods, you had to “know a guy.” Benny the Bookie or Sam the Human Point Spread. Now you just need your smartphone and a credit card. 

Draft Kings. FanDuel. Promo codes. “Free money” to get you going.

Sounds like fun. And with a limit, I bet it is. I just got to thinking that I might as well flip a coin because … 

How do I know whether or not the starting center just got a “Dear John” letter from his girlfriend;

Or if the quarterback just failed a big math test;

Or if the professional strong safety might have taken something recreationally before the game, the one I just bet a Honey Bun on.

“Too rich for my blood!” I hear a yokel saying …

You can bet spreads, over/unders, moneylines, parlays, teasers. Prop bets. Futures, in which case you’re betting on something that hasn’t happened yet as always, except this won’t happen for a long, long time. (The Orioles are +1,500 to win the 2024 World Series.)

If all these easy ways of betting — even on stuff mid-game, like coin flips or total interceptions — were available by phone 40 years ago, I might still be glued to that chair on Archer, sure I would get rich by the time they were cutting down nets at the Final Four. 

But I backed down. I bet that I really didn’t know what I was doing. And that there would be days when the guys I’d bet on wouldn’t know what they were doing either. 

Probably a good bet.

(But … who you got in the Boca Raton Bowl? Asking for a friend …) 

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

By Doug De Graffenried

It feels like Hallmark channel syrupy sentimentality has washed over into sound biblical exegesis. Maybe I should blame it on all the “truth” floating around on Facebook. After all Facebook and Instagram are bastions of Biblical knowledge and wisdom. I have experienced an outbreak of Levitical shepherds and sheep. I have even heard of these Levitical shepherds swaddling sheep so they would remain pure and without blemish until the time of sacrifice. I know I’m an old dude, but I never heard of anything like this until three years ago. I heard it from a preacher who was speaking at a non-church event. He waxed poetic about the swaddling of a baby and how the shepherds would understand that. As I recall, he went on and on about shepherds swaddling Levitical sheep. I was too tired to go home and look it all up. 

Then it grew into Levitical shepherds, who took care of the Levitical sheep meant for temple sacrifice. The Mishnah allows that animals destined for temple sacrifice would be raised around Bethlehem. These shepherds are in the region, so certainly these were Levitical shepherds raising Levitical sheep. Except, there are two Bethlehem’s in Palestine in the first century. Which Bethlehem are we talking about? It will make a difference in your sheep story.

The other problem with Levitical shepherd is the notion of a shepherd in first century Palestine. Shepherds were thieves and robbers. Their station in life was so low that they were not competent to be witnesses in judicial matters. When Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd.” He is introducing a radical new concept to his audience. Shepherds can be good. They can care for the sheep. They can be trusted. One author long ago said, Jesus as the good shepherd is an oxymoron. The shepherds, hearing the angel’s announcement were not good guys. They were felonious fellows watching the sheep at night.

Nope, I don’t believe Facebook and Hallmark have this exegesis right. The shepherds were night shift shepherds. They were the dregs of the dregs. It is to these outcasts the birth is announced. The first people coming to Jesus were not the religion professionals like preachers and priests. The first people to visit Jesus, didn’t really fit into the religious narrative or lifestyle. That is the point.

Christmas is about the unexpected love and grace of God. It flows freely, even to night shift shepherds. It flows all the way to you and me.

Oh, one more thing about Jesus in swaddling clothes. That didn’t remind the shepherds about some mythical sacrificial lamb swaddled to protect it. No, the scoundrel shepherds would have figured out that the good news came in the form of a newborn.

The story is powerful, just the way it is. You don’t need to read anything else into the love of God born in Jesus. In the end, all you and I need to know is Jesus.

By Brad Dison

For much of the English-speaking world, the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree inside the home became popular in the Victorian era. For hundreds of years, people had decorated Christmas trees, but they were kept outside. Prior to 1840, when Queen Victoria married her German-born cousin Prince Albert, indoor Christmas trees were normally a tradition only held by the royal family. A few upper-class families adopted the tradition, but the popularity of indoor decorated Christmas trees quickly spread when commoners saw an etching of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and their children celebrating around a festively decorated tree. Other countries, including the United States, quickly adopted the tradition. Everyone, it seemed, wanted to celebrate in the same fashion as the royal family. Well, almost everyone.

In September of 1901, Junior, his second wife Edith, and four of their children, Kermit, Ethel, Archibald, and Quentin, moved into a new-to-them house. The house was over a hundred years old when they moved in. Junior and his family loved to celebrate Christmas, but they had never adopted the tradition of having a decorated Christmas tree in the home. Although his children would certainly have enjoyed a festively decorated Christmas tree with all the trimmings, Junior ultimately decided not to get a tree. Junior had nothing against Christmas trees in particular, there was just not enough room in the home for a tree. Can you imagine not having a Christmas tree as part of your holiday decor?

Late in the afternoon on Christmas day, Junior and his family gathered around the table for Christmas dinner. As Edith and the children looked on with watering mouths, Junior carved the 32-pound turkey. After they ate their fill of turkey and all the trimmings, they turned their attention to the mince and pumpkin pies. What a feast it was.

Not wanting his children to miss out on the Christmas tree tradition altogether, Junior found a solution. Following Christmas dinner, Junior made some excuse and conveniently disappeared. Edith and the children took a carriage to the nearby home of Junior’s sister and brother-in-law, Anna—they called her Bamie—and William Cowles. The two families, minus Junior, were enjoying a festive celebration around the cedar Christmas tree complete with red, white, and blue electric lights when they had a visit from Santa Claus. He had white hair, white beard, and belted out the unmistakable “Ho! Ho! Ho!” However, this Santa had no red suit and hat lined with white fur as we would expect. He wore the khaki uniform of a soldier and a sombrero pulled down low over his eyes. Santa passed out a large number of presents to the children, then they all joined in games and the telling of ghost stories over snacks. As the celebration was winding down, the unusually dressed Santa Claus said a final “Ho! Ho! Ho!” and made a hasty exit. Edith and the children said their goodbyes, wished each other “Merry Christmas,” and returned to their house. With a twinkle in his eye, Junior met them at the door and asked for details of their celebration at the Cowles’ home, which they were only too eager to share. Even without a Christmas tree in their new-to-them house, Junior, Edith, and the children had a most memorable Christmas together.

The home that Junior and his family moved into, which Junior deemed not large for a Christmas tree, now includes just under 100 Christmas trees as part of its annual holiday décor. The house had plenty of rooms to be sure, but Junior was so popular and received so many visitors on a daily basis that all the rooms were required for guests. The house is still popular with guests. Visitors wanting to get a glimpse inside the house must apply months in advance for the chance to take a tour. The Santa Claus that joined the celebration at the Cowles residence was wearing, not a traditional Santa suit, but the uniform of a Rough Rider. Junior, the 26th president of the United States, was Theodore Roosevelt. The house without room for a Christmas tree was the White House.

Sources:

1. The Baltimore Sun, December 22, 1901, p.2.

2. Morning Register (Eugene, Oregon), December 25, 1901, p.3.

3. St. Louis Globe-Democrat, December 25, 1901, p.2.

4. The Washington Times, December 25, 1901, p.5.

November 11, 1946 — December 17, 2023

Judge (Ret.) Richard Harmon Drew, Jr., 77, of Minden, Louisiana, passed away on December 17, 2023 after a long illness.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Talley Drew, his children Richard Harmon Drew III and Georgia Drew Boswell (Devron D. Boswell), his grandchildren Emmaline Boswell and Joseph Boswell, and his sister Caldwell Drew Colvin.

He was predeceased by his parents Richard Harmon Drew Sr. and Margaret Elam Drew, his sister Elizabeth Drew Weaver and his grandson Drew Joseph Boswell.

Harmon was born on November 11, 1946 in Minden, Louisiana. He attended Louisiana State University for both his undergraduate and legal education. During a long career in the law, he served as an Assistant District Attorney and then for over thirty years as a judge elected in succession to the Minden City Court, the Louisiana 26th Judicial District Court and the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

For many years, Harmon was honored to teach criminal law and procedure to law enforcement personnel, including the Louisiana State Police and numerous other agencies across the state. As part of that teaching, he created, with his wife Jean, The True Blue Drew Law Book, which was updated each year with new developments. He also created and helped conduct for over thirty years the Nuts & Bolts Fun Judicial Seminar, which provided training for local court personnel at an annual conference.

Harmon was a working musician for most of his life, starting in high school. With Harmon on piano, the Harmon Drew Group played jobs across the region for over forty years. He specialized in 1960s R&B, the music that never grows old.

The funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Thursday December 21st at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1107 Broadway St., Minden, Louisiana. A reception will follow at the St. John’s parish hall from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. John’s Episcopal Church or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Roberta Nowlin
January 23, 1958 — December 15, 2023

Gregory Alvin Lloid
January 10, 1958 — December 15, 2023
Service: Friday, December 22 at 10 AM with internment with military honors to follow at Coldwater Baptist Church Cemetery

John Joseph “Joe” Breedlove
August 25, 1957 — December 6, 2023
Service: Friday, December 22 at 2 pm at Oak Grove Cemetery in Natchitoches

Judge (Ret) Richard Harmon Drew, Jr.
November 11, 1946 — December 17, 2023
Service: Thursday, December 21, 2023, 1:30pm at St. John’s Episcopal, Minden.

March 26, 1976 — December 6, 2023

Nathan Bret Sandel was born on March 26, 1976, in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He passed away on December 6, 2023, in Florien, Louisiana. A visitation will be held for him on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1225 Ebenezer Road, Florien, LA 71429 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. His visitation will continue on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. until time of his funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Wayne Chance and Bro. Jimmy Speight officiating. Interment will be held immediately after at Prospect Cemetery, 1401 Prospect Road, Florien, LA 71429. 

At a young age, Bret was known as the class clown. With the help of Bo Stewart, Bret wreaked havoc (in the funniest of ways) on Florien High School. Soon after graduation, Bret started work in the oilfield. It wasn’t long until he was injured trying to save other crewmen’s lives, which resulted in back surgery in his early 30’s.

For 20+ years, Bret’s talent of running various heavy equipment was his means of livelihood. He worked beside his dad, Randy, to build manufactured home pads, runners, driveways, etc. Bret was an avid hunter and was taught by the best, his Uncle Will. He was most known for being a horseman. For 20+ years, he participated in the Chuck Wagon Races, where he was never beaten as an outrider on a team.

He had twin daughters who he raised like boys. He taught them how to saddle, ride a horse, and stick in the seat like glue. Always get back on if you get bucked off because they’ll sense the fear in you. That wasn’t quite enough, he made sure they turned out tough. His son came a little down the road. He also showed him the ropes, the kind that wrapped around a bull and held onto with a glove.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Johnson and Elsa Raye Sandel, Willie Gene and Anna Prewitt, and Raymond Potter; his aunt, Pam Carver, his Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Tommy Sandel, and his nephew, Jayce Alan. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Alex Sandel and Kade of Florien, LA, Bret Sandel Ryder and husband, Cole of Florien, LA; his son, Garrett Sandel of Calhoun, LA; his grandsons, Emmett Murray and Royce Ryder; two more grandchildren on the way; his parents, Randy and Mona Sandel of Florien, LA; his grandmother, Granny B of Florien, LA; his sister, Kristy Knippers and husband, Monty of Florien, LA; and his brother, Patrick Sandel and wife, Christy of Many, LA; along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and other relatives.

Honoring him as pallbearers will be Garrett Sandel, Patrick Sandel, Darryl Brandon, Jacee Murray, Bo Stewart, Mike Kelly, Josh Sandel, and Buddy Smith. His honorary pallbearers will be Chad Strother, Steve Lee, and Emmett Murray. 

Mr. Rubin Alexander Glass, 77 of Florien, Louisiana gained his Heavenly Wings on Friday, December 8, 2023, in Alexandria, Louisiana. A visitation will be held for him on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Beulah Methodist Church, 2279 Highway 487, Marthaville, LA 71450. His funeral will begin at 2:00 p.m. and will be officiated by Rev. Michael Marbut; with interment to follow in the church cemetery. He was born into this world on November 24, 1946, in Racine, Wisconsin to Rubin Glass and Sarah (Nielsen) Glass.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Rubin and Sarah Glass; and his son, Eric K. Glass. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Barbara (Weeks) Glass of Florien, LA; his sisters, Pat Madison and husband, Bob of Show Low, AZ, Carol Shulak and husband, Richard of Mesa, AZ, Linda Stearns (Secanky) and husband Tom of Mountain, WI, Susan Glass of Show Low, AZ, and Leeann Yamakawa of Jackson, MI; along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends and other family members.

Honoring him as pallbearers will be Billy Weeks, Bart Ingram, Matthew Pagel, Jacob Marbut, Ronald Barnett, and T. W. Lindsey.

Have you ever wondered why some people are so successful no matter what they do? With some people it seems that everything they touch turns to gold. We all know folks who fall into this category and who seem to have something special that you just can’t put your finger on. You can’t measure it, but it’s something average people just don’t have. We call it the “it” factor.

Of course, there are some physical skills you can develop in a person that will help them to achieve great things. With help from the right mentor or coach, you can develop certain skills that may put you on the path to success by making you faster or stronger. But the “it” factor is something you’re born with. Let’s acknowledge, the good Lord blesses certain people with abilities and skills others will never have.

Now, it’s doesn’t mean you can’t be successful, but those born with “it” just take success to another level. The “it” is the gift that allows people to do things you can’t explain. They do things instinctively while the rest of us wonder why and how they did it. We question what makes them so good? Let’s look at an angler who falls into the “it” category.

 In the bass fishing world, it’s the man from Kalamazoo, Michigan — Kevin Van Dam (KVD), the man who many call the greatest bass angler to ever wet a hook. One day while having a conversation with Kevin’s brother, Randy, we talked about Kevin’s instincts and what makes him so good.  Randy told me that even as a young kid, Kevin did things that defied explanation.

Kevin, Randy, and their dad fished often when the bites were few and far between. For reasons unknown, Kevin would switch to another bait and start catching fish immediately. This was something, according to Randy, Kevin did frequently. For no apparent reason he would pick up a different rod and just start whacking them while Randy and his dad just stood there in amazement shaking their heads and wondering why. Over his entire career, Kevin would zig when others would zag. These are instincts not all anglers have and this is what separates the great anglers from the average ones.

In the bass tournament world, there are certain anglers who seem to always make the right decisions at the right time. It’s because, like Kevin Van Dam, they have the “it” factor on their side. In tournament fishing, this is the difference between those that win tournaments and those that don’t. If you’ll notice and look at tournament standings over the years, there are certain guys who seem to always be at the top.

Obviously they are good anglers, but they also have something special that allows them to win more often than others… they have ”it!” You can’t teach it or learn it, you must be blessed with it. I’m not sure why God only hands “it” out to a select few. If you’re one of those who has this gift, be thankful. Because if you use it correctly, it will serve you well.

There’s a radio show that’s been on air for over 16 years. The Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show that also has the “it” factor covering all things related to the great outdoors. Rated as the No. 1 outdoor radio show in the Ark-La-Tex, this program airs every Wednesday from 11:00 till 1:00 CST on AM 1130 The Tiger or FM 103.3. You can also catch me and my co-hosts on Facebook Live or our web site at www.hutdshow.com.  

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and remember, even though it’s cooler now, you still need to wear your sunscreen. Melanoma does not discriminate!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

By Doug De Graffenried

Since I have lived in the Gibsland metroplex, I have rescued or rehomed fifteen dogs. I know that dog number sixteen is out there. I’m always looking!

We kept two dogs; I think it is called a foster-failure. They are classic mutts. I rescued Rolo’s mom knowing that she would have puppies. She had nine! Rolo, the runt of the litter, is part Beagle and part Pit bull. Chester was found abandoned in January of this year. He is a funny blend of Pit bull and boxer. The dogs and I have a symbiotic relationship. I plant things in the yard. The dogs dig them up. I put sod down. The dogs dig it up. I purchase toys for the dogs, they unstuff the toys. There are mornings when the floor of the house looks like a snowstorm happened. Recently, they have taken the indestructible stuffed doggy toys to the backyard to unstuff them. Imagine the fun I’m having picking up the stuffing along with leaves, pecans, and the remains of the plants that have been excavated. 

I built nice picket fences around the flower beds to keep the two diggers out. That plan failed. It failed so miserably that Rolo got trapped behind one of the fences. He entered the flowerbed to dig, and then couldn’t figure out how to get out. He whined until someone came out to free him.

Rolo has also developed a fascination for the Christmas tree. He has a preference for the glass ornaments that are hanging on the bottom third of the tree. Since he is part Beagle, he is a long dog and has a great reach. So along with the stuffed animal stuffing in the backyard, I am now cleaning up the remnants of Christmas tree ornaments. So far, he has not chewed a sentimental ornament, just old glass ornaments. Ugh!

My two dogs can make a prodigious mess. If only I could thank them for making the mess!

I have seen some homes that are perfectly decorated for Christmas. We could debate long and hard; colors, textures, styles, and whether you believe that a C-9 incandescent Christmas light is the most pleasing seasonal illumination. I have seen some homes decorated for Christmas that were probably the inspiration for magazine covers. They are amazing and beautiful. Hours of work to accomplish the perfect Christmas atmosphere. The decorations inspire and create seasonable warmth. There is much to commend about Christmas decorations and the hard work that goes into getting it “just right.”

The first Christmas was not “just right” nor was it orderly or neat.

My dogs have a great gift of bringing chaos to my orderly planting and tree decoration. They remind me that Jesus came into the middle of our mess. He came not to condemn or judge us but rather to lift us out of the mess and bring some order to our self-inflected chaos. I’m going to remember that when I go home this afternoon to clean up what the dogs have left for me this Monday.

The message of Christmas is that Jesus has entered your mess!

By Brad Dison

Each year on Christmas Eve, the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Cologne, Germany hosted a Living Crèche, what you and I know as a nativity scene or manger scene.  Church members dressed as shepherds, angels, wise men, Mary, and Joseph, stood as motionless as possible to show their reverence for such an important and sacred event.  If one was available, a newborn child played the part of baby Jesus.  The recreated nativity scene often included various animals.  In some years, a parishioner read the story of the birth of Christ to be sure that everyone, regardless of age, understood the occasion.  A well-rehearsed choir of children broke the silence by singing a religious hymn, followed by a period of silence, then another hymn. 

In the years leading up to the Living Crèche of 1670, the children in the choir became bored between songs.  The choirmaster instructed them not to move from their assigned spots and not to talk.  The period between songs was reserved for absolute silence.  The children followed the first instruction and remained in their spots, but as they became bored, their natural inclinations slowly took over.  One would give another a look.  Another would whisper.  The progression continued as long as they went unnoticed by the choirmaster.  Before long, the children were talking.  A stern look from the choirmaster quelled their conversations, but only for a few moments and the progression began again. 

The choirmaster was determined that the Living Crèche of 1670 would be different.  In previous years, the choirmaster had threatened and meted out different types of punishments, but they had little effect.  Nothing seemed to keep the children quiet.  He planned to find another way to keep the children quiet.  After much consideration of various ideas, all of which he quickly discounted for one reason or another, he decided that the only way to keep the children quiet was to put something into their mouths, but what?  Handkerchiefs?  Pieces of wood?  Surgeons used items such as these for their patients to bite down on during operations, but the parishioners would never have allowed that to happen.  Finally, the choirmaster settled on something more positive, food.  If he gave the children something good to eat, something all the children liked, they would not be able to talk.  The choirmaster knew the parishioners would not allow children to eat during such a solemn occasion.  He searched for a loophole and, after a visit to the local confectioner, the choirmaster came up with a solution.  He ordered enough white “sugar sticks” specially designed to resemble a holy symbol related to the story of the birth of the savior. 

The archbishop raised an eyebrow in disapproval when the choirmaster explained that he would give the choir children sugar sticks during the Living Crèche.  When the choirmaster explained how the sugar sticks tied into the nativity scene, the archbishop relented.  On Christmas Eve of 1670, the choirmaster passed out his specially designed sugar sticks to the children.  During the service, the children were silent between songs as they enjoyed their sugar sticks.  His plan had worked.  In the following years, in addition to the children in the choir, the congregation enjoyed the sugar sticks as well.  The ritual eventually spread around the Christian world and became a part of our Christmas tradition which continues to this day.

We buy more of these sugar sticks during the Christmas season than any other time of year.  In addition to their great taste, we often decorate with them.  They still have the same shape as designed by the Cologne choirmaster, but they now come in a variety of flavors and colors.  The most popular, by far, is the peppermint flavored red and white sugar stick.  Back in 1670, the choirmaster had the confectioner bend the sugar sticks in the shape of a shepherd’s crook or hook.  We know these sugar sticks as candy canes.

Sources:

1.      “Candy Cane History & Legends, Spangler Candy.” Www.spanglercandy.com, www.spanglercandy.com/our-brands/candy-canes/legends.

2.     Kennedy, Lesley. “The Twisted History of Candy Canes.” History, 7 Dec. 2018, www.history.com/news/candy-canes-invented-germany.

The more things change, the more they remain the same. 

Cries and moans about perceived poor officiating in the NFL this season seem to be louder and more often than usual. Maybe it’s because the season is a game longer now, or maybe it’s because more fans have more TV access to more games than ever before, or maybe it’s because there are more commentators on more platforms than ever and because fans have more ways than ever to express their views.

And who knows? — maybe the officiating isn’t as good this season as it’s been in the past. Only the chief of NFL officials would know that. And he’s not saying.

But a lot of us are. You can slam officials on everything from Facebook to “Insta” to TikTok — if you know how to work all those things. (Some of us don’t.)

Unlike fans, the players and coaches are wise to temper their comments about officiating or face getting fined. That threat didn’t stop Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett Sunday for calling the officiating in Sunday’s game against Jacksonville a “travesty” and “honestly awful.”

And his team WON.

Much more publicized and dramatic was what happened in Kansas City, where the homestanding Chiefs had a touchdown (that included a lateral pass) called back because a KC receiver had lined up offsides. The score and extra point would have given Kansas City a four-point lead with a minute to play; instead, three Patrick Mahomes incompletions later, the Chiefs were 20-17 losers to Buffalo.

After that game, Kansas City players and even some broadcasters complained that such a “little” penalty shouldn’t decide the game. The quarterback blamed it on the ref. The coach said “it’s a bit embarrassing for the National Football League” for a dramatic play and score so late in the game to be wiped out by an offsides penalty.

Which is all fine except the professional wide receiver lined up offsides. He has been playing since he was 6 and has been practicing for this season since July. It was the fourth quarter of the Chiefs’ 13^th game of the year. 

And it’s the first rule in most sports: you have to be on one side of a line or another at some point. Think of all the lines drawn on fields and courts and tracks. You can’t have a sport without a line like you can’t have a trial with a manila folder.

Yet it’s the fault of the official. It’s not dropped passes or turnovers or blown assignments that have the defending Super Bowl champs at 8-5. Neg. It’s somebody else’s fault. Like the official’s. For calling the receiver offsides. For being offsides. For dropping the flag as soon as the ball was snapped.

What a joke. The officials were right and some people are still mad. 

It’s just a game and not life or death and the world will continue to spin. Still it’s funny when even professionals, obviously in error, blame someone or something else when things are going badly.

Like playing any sport at a high level, officiating is demanding and an inexact science. It’s my pleasure to know officials at every level of sports, and the ones I know love it and train for it and take it seriously, just as the players do. The imperfections of players and officials and even the journalists who cover them will never go away.

None of this is new, even though there have been several stories this fall questioning officiating. I’ve kept a few dozen Sports Illustrated covers through the years. The one I’m looking at today pictures Terry Bradshaw — then Pittsburgh’s quarterback and probably why I kept the cover — pleading with an official. This is the headline:

“The Refs: Uproar in the NFL”

The date is October 9 of 1978.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

Join us in spreading joy this holiday season!
Our #VaughnValue family is thrilled to announce our first annual Christmas Toy Drive!

This festive season, let’s come together and make a difference in the lives of children in our community. From November 28th to December 22nd , we’ll be collecting new, unwrapped toys, or gently used toys to brighten up the holidays for those in need.

How can you help? It’s easy:

Stop by our dealership during business hours and drop off your donation in our designated collection area.

Spread the word! Share post and encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to join in this heartwarming cause.

Let’s make this holiday season extra special for every child! Your generosity will bring smiles and warmth to so many young hearts.

Thank you for being part of this incredible initiative! Together, we can make a difference. And we will be donating to multiple local organizations.

#ToyDrive #SpreadJoy #CommunityLove #HolidaySpirit

Rickey Robinson
January 29, 1951 — December 9, 2023
Service: Saturday, December 16 at 11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Sherrie K. Donoway Hamilton
December 3, 2023
Service: Saturday, December 16 at 11 am at the First United Methodist Church, 411 Second St. in Natchitoches

Annie St. John
December 2, 2023
Arrangements TBA

Coach McCorkle talks about his family and educational/coaching experience how he intends to move forward from the recent turmoil within the Demon Football Program

Whatever line of work you’re in, there is always a goal or a destination you’re trying to reach. Without goals it’s hard for us to measure our success. For some the goal might be attaining a title while for others it might be reaching a financial milestone that gives you security. But for tournament bass fishermen, it’s all about the money. No matter how good you do or how many tournaments are won, anglers are never satisfied.

In no other sport do participants question themselves more than tournament anglers. It’s similar to a football coach critiquing film the day after the game. Bass anglers do the exact same thing but on a different level. Anglers are even more critical of themselves than any coach could ever be. Here’s a long list of questions anglers may ask themselves no matter how well they do.

First, they will question where they started the tournament if they didn’t catch fish early. Did they leave their starting spot too early? Did they use the wrong technique, or could they have changed lures that may have triggered the fish into biting? Should they have used a different color soft plastic worm? They question if their timing was off on their rotation of spots they planned to fish that day. (In bass fishing, timing is everything.) Did they stay tool long in one area?  Should they have started out in deeper water rather than fishing shallow? The questions never seem to end.

Tournament anglers are always looking for excuses. They can always find a reason the tournament did not go their way. For example, the water was too cold or too hot. A cold front came through the night before and the fish did not bite. There was a full moon last night so the fish fed at night. But the most famous excuse is that someone was on their best spot — all day.

Just like a Monday morning armchair quarterback, anglers question if they should have called an audible at 10 o’clock that morning rather than waiting ‘til 1 in the afternoon to make a change. Even when they get a check and have a high finish, anglers still question what they could have done better? The only time anglers are truly satisfied, is when they pull out a win.

Wins are few, especially today with so many great anglers competing. Sometimes anglers must have a little bit of luck to get a win. There’s a saying among tournament anglers about winning, “When it’s your turn, it’s your turn and there’s nothing you do to screw it up.” It’s as if the bass fishing gods have intervened to make sure you win. It’s like playing a slot machine when you pull that handle and triple 7’s pop up. This is where luck comes into play. As a Las Vegas casino attendant once told me, the machine is constantly playing itself, you just happened to be sitting there when the machine decided to pay off. Even in tournament fishing, sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.

From the start of an angler’s career, they are always looking to fish the perfect tournament. Even in the tournaments they win or had a high finish, there were still things they felt they could have done better. It’s even worse on the questions they ask themselves when they bomb in a tournament.

As you can see, anglers are tough on themselves no matter the results. They will always question what, how and where they caught every five-fish limit they weigh-in. They will always wonder if they could have done something a little bit better. 

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and always strive to be the best angler you can be … win or lose.

 Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

By Doug De Graffenried

I started Monday with a trip to the doctor. There is nothing wrong. I was there for my 250,000 mile checkup. Because I have reached my “golden years” they asked me some unfamiliar questions. 

The question that threw me off was, “have you fallen recently?” I try not to fall. In the years since I was a younger man, gravity has become stronger. In High School I could dunk a volleyball. I never could get enough air to dunk a basketball, but I was so close. I could run like the wind. I got knocked down a great deal on Friday nights. Yes, I played football! Now if I were to try to jump at all, the results would be hilariously embarrassing. And the only wind I feel now is the kind that God sends. Now, I am watching football.

My current reality is I will miss a step on the ladder. I get tangled up with all the plants on the floor of my greenhouse. I know I have too many plants, because my 10’ x 20’ green house is full. I stumble but I don’t fall. I spill things in the kitchen, but I don’t fall. I trip sometimes but I don’t fall. Yet.

I know why they asked the question. At my age, that hurt to type, falls become an issue. There are many reasons a person might fall and there are definite consequences of falling.

I started thinking about falling. Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall and bad things happened. He was so smashed up all the governmental programs and personnel could not put him back together. When the stock market falls my wallet and future are imperiled. There are times clothes will fall, that is called a wardrobe malfunction. We used to call it flashing, but us ancient people are not cultured, civilized, or politically correct. 

Falling can be good. If a few pounds fall off, that is good. Your numbers might fall and that would be another good thing. What about falling in love? That can be a good, bad, or complicated thing.

There is a whole season dedicated to fall. It is called fall. I remind people it is not called rake, mulch, or burn. It is called fall, and the leaves are beautiful and obedient. Leave the leaves in their fallen condition, your lawn will thank you in the spring. I can’t verify what your neighbors might think about it, but the grass will love it.

Falling is also theological. Since the Garden of Eden, we humans are said to be in a fallen state because of sin. There is one more theological insight about falling.

Jesus said, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Have you fallen recently?

Independent Banker magazine, the award-winning monthly publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), named BOM Bank as a 2023 Best Community Banks to Work For recipient on Dec. 4. The $972 million-asset bank received accolades for instituting a healthy work-life balance for employees and fostering an environment conducive to acts of community service. 

“We are honored to be named one of the Best Community Banks to Work For by ICBA Independent Banker magazine,” Ken Hale, president of BOM Bank said. “Our employees are an extension of our community, so we consider it our responsibility to make certain they have what they need to succeed and to aid our efforts to give back to the community. This year BOM Bank employees logged over 5,000 hours performing volunteer service.” 

BOM Bank is highlighted in Independent Banker’s December issue representing community banks between $751 million to $1 billion in assets. Each self-nominated community bank’s full-time employees were asked to complete a workplace survey hosted by Avannis, an independent research agency. Key criteria considered in selecting this year’s honorees included: work environment, compensation, leadership and corporate culture, and opportunity for recognition and advancement. 

“Whether it’s fostering professional development, encouraging acts of service, or providing flexibility and support, this year’s standouts showcase the community banking difference and why this profession continues to attract compassionate and dedicated professionals motivated to helping their communities prosper,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “We’re proud to recognize BOM Bank for powering its employees to fulfill their potential and wish them continued success.” 

To learn more about the winners and methodology, visit independentbanker.com.

He was 6-8 and thin as a celery stick in the 1970s, a young athlete all afro and smiles and jump shots.

“The kids today, they see that afro I had back then — they love that,” says Aaron James. “I couldn’t grow one now.”

Retired in Ruston — “You better believe it!” says the ex-NBAer and college coach and administrator — James is still all smiles. It would be hard to know him and not like the easy-going, lanky dude who led the nation in scoring as a senior at Grambling in 1973 when he pumped in 32-plus a game.

The weekend after Thanksgiving, the Grambling Hall of Famer, Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Famer, and Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer was back on the court, minus the hops and the afro but still hanging with teammates and getting love from fans, just as he did in 1974 when the New Orleans Jazz was born and James was the franchise’s first draft pick.

In Salt Lake City since 1979, the Jazz hosted James and former teammates Truck Robinson — an All-Star forward and still the franchise’s all-time rebound leader — and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Gail Goodrich for a weekend, part of a season-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Jazz. Similar events are planned through the spring, when the organization will release a documentary featuring former players, coaches and owners titled “Note Worthy: 50 Seasons of Jazz Basketball.”

“They really did it up nice,” said James of the weekend, one that included “lots of dinners,” a meet-and-greet with four dozen or so fans who’ve had season tickets since 1979, and, from a luxury suite in the Delta Center, watching the Jazz beat the New Orleans Pelicans.

“I love the Pelicans,” said James, whose All-America hoops career began at the Dryades Street YMCA in New Orleans. “But when they play the Jazz, well, I gotta pull for the Jazz.”

He still talks to several of his teammates three or four times a year, something he understands is unusual for former NBAers. E.C. Coleman. Nate Williams. Freddie Boyd. Paul Griffin. Several others. He’s spent time on vacation with Rich Kelley up in Sun Valley, Idaho, where the former 7-foot center lives, and Kelley and his family have attended the Bayou Classic and shared Thanksgiving with James’ family in New Orleans.

“We were close when we played together,” James said of those first Jazz teams. “We were just like family. Of course, that means we’d fight a little bit too. But we were all just really good friends. At least once a month I talk to one of the guys.”

Good times. Back then, if there was a basketball goal within 35 feet or so, James was taking aim, so much so that former NBA star and Jazz play-by-play announcer Hot Rod Hundley called him “AJ From the Parking Lot.”

“I still get that from time to time,” James said. “Somebody will come up to me and say, “Wait … AJ From the Parking Lot!”

When was the last time, I wondered, he shot a basketball?

“Last week when they had me and Truck and Gail on the court during the Pelicans game,” he said. “We each shot a free throw. They missed; I made mine.”

Of course he did.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

By Brad Dison

For much of the English-speaking world, the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree inside the home became popular in the Victorian era.  For hundreds of years, people had decorated Christmas trees, but they were kept outside.  Prior to 1840, when Queen Victoria married her German-born cousin Prince Albert, indoor Christmas trees were normally a tradition only held by the royal family.  A few upper-class families adopted the tradition, but the popularity of indoor decorated Christmas trees quickly spread when commoners saw an etching of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and their children celebrating around a festively decorated tree.  Other countries, including the United States, quickly adopted the tradition.  Everyone, it seemed, wanted to celebrate in the same fashion as the royal family.  Well, almost everyone.

In September of 1901, Junior, his second wife Edith, and four of their children, Kermit, Ethel, Archibald, and Quentin, moved into a new-to-them house.  The house was over a hundred years old when they moved in.  Junior and his family loved to celebrate Christmas, but they had never adopted the tradition of having a decorated Christmas tree in the home.  Although his children would certainly have enjoyed a festively decorated Christmas tree with all the trimmings, Junior ultimately decided not to get a tree.  Junior had nothing against Christmas trees in particular, there was just not enough room in the home for a tree.  Can you imagine not having a Christmas tree as part of your holiday decor? 

Late in the afternoon on Christmas day, Junior and his family gathered around the table for Christmas dinner.  As Edith and the children looked on with watering mouths, Junior carved the 32-pound turkey.  After they ate their fill of turkey and all the trimmings, they turned their attention to the mince and pumpkin pies.  What a feast it was. 

Not wanting his children to miss out on the Christmas tree tradition altogether, Junior found a solution.  Following Christmas dinner, Junior made some excuse and conveniently disappeared.  Edith and the children took a carriage to the nearby home of Junior’s sister and brother-in-law, Anna—they called her Bamie—and William Cowles.  The two families, minus Junior, were enjoying a festive celebration around the cedar Christmas tree complete with red, white, and blue electric lights when they had a visit from Santa Claus.  He had white hair, white beard, and belted out the unmistakable “Ho! Ho! Ho!”  However, this Santa had no red suit and hat lined with white fur as we would expect.  He wore the khaki uniform of a soldier and a sombrero pulled down low over his eyes.  Santa passed out a large number of presents to the children, then they all joined in games and the telling of ghost stories over snacks.  As the celebration was winding down, the unusually dressed Santa Claus said a final “Ho! Ho! Ho!” and made a hasty exit.  Edith and the children said their goodbyes, wished each other “Merry Christmas,” and returned to their house.  With a twinkle in his eye, Junior met them at the door and asked for details of their celebration at the Cowles’ home, which they were only too eager to share.  Even without a Christmas tree in their new-to-them house, Junior, Edith, and the children had a most memorable Christmas together.

The home that Junior and his family moved into, which Junior deemed not large for a Christmas tree, now includes just under 100 Christmas trees as part of its annual holiday décor.   The house had plenty of rooms to be sure, but Junior was so popular and received so many visitors on a daily basis that all the rooms were required for guests.   The house is still popular with guests.  Visitors wanting to get a glimpse inside the house must apply months in advance for the chance to take a tour.  The Santa Claus that joined the celebration at the Cowles residence was wearing, not a traditional Santa suit, but the uniform of a Rough Rider.  Junior, the 26th president of the United States, was Theodore Roosevelt.  The house without room for a Christmas tree was the White House. 

Sources:

1.     The Baltimore Sun, December 22, 1901, p.2.

2.     Morning Register (Eugene, Oregon), December 25, 1901, p.3.

3.     St. Louis Globe-Democrat, December 25, 1901, p.2.

4.     The Washington Times, December 25, 1901, p.5.

The first day of December brought what, in some ways, may stand as the first day in a new era of Northwestern State athletics.

On an unseasonably warm Friday on the Northwestern State football practice field, 15 dignitaries turned over a pile of dirt, symbolizing the groundbreaking for the multi-million dollar David and Sherry Morgan Health Performance Center.

The annex that will be located in the Donald G. Kelly Athletic Complex will include a new 11,600 square foot weight room with space for more than 100 student-athletes, a 25-foot artificial turf pad, a new nutrition center, a student-athlete lounge and offices for the strength and conditioning staff. A second phase of the construction project will convert the current weight room into a high-tech rehabilitation center along with other sports medicine upgrades. The third phase will be the renovation of the current Eugene Christmas athletic training room.

The roughly hour-long ceremony brought to life a project that worked its way through the legislative and fundraising process, much like a football team making its way steadily downfield rather than by virtue of one or two big plays.

“It’s like (State Senator) Louie Bernard said during the program, ‘Sometimes good things take a little bit longer than you think to come to fruition,’” former Director of Athletics Greg Burke said. “This project started before COVID. That meeting with David Morgan in (former NSU President) Dr. (Chris) Maggio’s office was Homecoming of 2019. Then COVID really put the brakes on things for over a year. We got it going again. Thanks to a lot of people from the donors to the legislators to the people on campus, I knew it was going to happen. From the first time (current NSU Director of Athletics) Kevin (Bostian) and I talked, it was a discussion point. There was no doubt it was going to get to the finish line. It was a matter of timing more than anything else.”

The timing of Friday’s ceremony came two days after Northwestern State introduced its new football coach, Blaine McCorkle, who attended the ceremony.

During his introductory news conference Wednesday, McCorkle spoke of meeting with Bostian and how Bostian had a “vision for everything” within the walls of the NSU fieldhouse. Friday’s groundbreaking brought some of those closer to reality.

“There are a lot of times you got into a new place and they tell you what they’re going to do,” McCorkle said. “There’s nothing better when you show up on the first day and they’re putting shovels in the ground. That’s pretty exciting to see, and it gives me hope and encouragement that I made the right choice coming here. It’s not just a vision and a reality, and we saw that today.”

Added Northwestern State President Dr. Marcus Jones: “The renovation and expansion of the athletic complex is a major milestone for NSU Athletics. Not only is it a symbol of progress and pride, but it is also an investment in our coaches, staff, student-athletes and future Demons. For NSU to remain competitive, we must continue to recruit the highest-caliber of student-athlete. Modern recruiting standards are based on the expectations of prospective student-athletes, and the quality of facilities is a major factor in the decision-making process of every student-athlete. Being able to showcase a state-of-the-art facility, such as the one that will be built here, will give NSU an advantage over our peers and help us to attract a high-caliber recruit.”

A significant portion of what lies ahead for NSU Athletics as it relates to the center is rooted in what happened on the campus more than half a century ago. David Morgan walked into a business class – “Late,” Sherry Morgan added – and met his wife.

“There were some young ladies there from the business school who were going to take our letters,” David Morgan said. “We were supposed to read a problem in the business book and dictate a letter to the girls from the secretarial pool who came over to class. I walked in, and I surveyed the group. I saw this beautiful, blonde-headed young lady with a Tri Sigma jersey on. I said, ‘Hey, I haven’t seen here before. I’m going to go it by her.’ That began a 50-year relationship and marriage. We just celebrated 50 years of marriage – to the same person, which I think is important.”

When the Morgans announced their $1.5 million lead gift in April 2022, David Morgan called attending Northwestern State a “game-changer” for both he and his wife.

The same could be said for what the Morgans’ donation did to move the project forward.

“The support this project – and Northwestern State University as a whole – received from David and Sherry Morgan cannot be understated nor can it be underappreciated,” Bostian said. “The David and Sherry Morgan Health Performance Center will benefit current and future student-athletes in much the same way David’s and Sherry’s experiences as Northwestern State benefited them. The work put in by our university administration and our legislative representatives at the local and statewide levels is symbolically recognized here today, but the impact it will have will be seen physically on the fields or on the courts where our student-athletes will compete.”

That impact will be felt outside the walls of the university as well.

“We believe the strength of the university is the strength of our medical center,” said Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Kirk Soileau. “As the community grows, we grow as an organization. On behalf of Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, our associates, our medical staff and our board, congratulations on this amazing project. Thank you to the Morgans for putting this together and helping this all come together.”

Bernard echoed the Morgans’ sentiments in his remarks.

“There is something about the college experience,” he said. “There is something about going to a university and what it leaves with you. It drips with nostalgia when you come back to your university and you can be proud of it. We’re always going to be proud of Northwestern. There’s not a university, a business, an industry in America that hasn’t had tough times. Tough times don’t last. Tough people do. All of these things you see happening today are positive things for Northwestern, and I challenge all of you to stay strong, stay positive. Be more than involved with Northwestern – be committed to Northwestern.”