Lafayette Ragin Cajuns

Lafayette Ragin Cajuns Football History

HOME ~ College Football History

 
 

 

 

University of Louisiana Lafayette

After years of achievement and leadership in higher education and five years of planning and lobbying, UL President Dr. Ray Authement was rewarded for his determination on April 27, 1984 as the Board of Trustees for State Colleges and Universities voted by a 17-1 margin to drop the �Southwestern� from USL�s name. On that date, the University of Southwestern Louisiana became THE University of Louisiana.

By that time, USL�s name had become a hindrance to further advancement and improvement among universities. UL had outgrown its double-directional name. UL�s enrollment was at 16,000 students, which made it one of the
football historytwo largest schools in the three-state region of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. It was a comprehensive university and had students from all 50 states and 100 countries enrolled. UL lead the state in professional and certification exams in many fields including engineering, nursing, and education. The University of Louisiana had received national recognition for their computer science program and was a charter member of NCAA Division I-A Football.

The name didn�t last long, however, as some administrators at other state schools worried that UL�s new name would diminish their image. In May of 1984, the Board Regents, with the strong support of powerful LSU backers on and off the Board, took the issue to district court, asserting that only the Louisiana Legislature could rename state universities. They won and District Judge William H. Brown stripped the University of Louisiana of its new name. UL was ordered to revert to USL on May 22, 1984. Soon after and in specific response to this case, the state legislature changed state law to require that only the legislature could change the name of state colleges and universities.

But the fight was not over for a name that was more reflective of the University�s accomplishments, achievements, and stature. In 1995, the Louisiana State Legislature to agree to allow the change. However, Act 45 required a compromise that has become known as the �LSU Rule.� The LSU Rule required that at least two state universities change their name at the same time. It required that all universities who change their name change it to �University of Louisiana at [city designation].�

Northeast Louisiana University hesitated and stalled but in 1999 Northeast�s Lawson Swearingen finally agreed to the name change. The Board of Regents and the UL Board of Supervisors finally approved the name change in late August 1999. USL became UL Lafayette and NLU became UL Monroe. USL officials decided to make it official at the Centennial Spectacular kicking off the yearlong celebration of the university�s 100th birthday. University of Louisiana was now a reality.

Fortunately, the legislative law regarding the name change only applies to university and state employees. This state policy does not govern UL alumni, supporters, other universities, and certainly not the autonomy of the press. This leaves the door open for UL Lafayette to be commonly and popularly known as LOUISIANA, while maintaining the official name.

Victory Run

Texans have a special reverence for the State "Lone Star" Flag and their "Stand Alone" attitude and historical past such as the Alamo, all contribute to this reverence. It is no wonder that during the pre-game ceremonies when the huge Texas state flag is unfurled and carried on the field, the crowd roars with excitement. Since LSU is now the University of Louisiana, fans decided to honor thir state flag with such a tradition.

On February 23, 2001, Advertising Flag Co., Inc. was authorized to proceed with the manufacture of a state flag of Louisiana measuring 53' x 80' with 70 sewn-in handles with Memorial Day as a completion date. The edges of the flag are embroidered with the dates of every victory UL has enjoied since 1908. On Monday, July 2, 2001, the flag was delivered to Thibodaux in a box 42" x 42" x 12" weighing 160 lbs. The flag was named "Louisiana" since the tradition will relate to and honor all of Louisiana and all of the rich history of the state.

Unfortunately, due to a legal review dug up a Louisiana statute that prohibits adding anything to the state flag, the planned embroidery on the flag would be considered flag desecration and a felony. With the embroidery almost completed, a change of direction was needed. Five smaller flags (58" x 96") were produced. One side red with "Ragin' Cajuns" in black and white. The other side of each flag would sport 100 blue embroidered victories 30" x 80" set on black with 8" white letters showing "100 Victories" (for the first 100 victories) and "200 Victories" (for the second 100 victories) and so on with the fifth flag indicating 500 victories with the final 31 victories embroidered. These victory flags are paraded and waved by five cheerleaders ahead of the large flag as it is brought on the field and ahead of the Ragin' Cajun team as it comes out of the tunnel.

Louisiana�s Victory Run finally occurred during the pre-game ceremonies of the Southern Mississippi - UL contest. Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship, Louisiana, and the five victory flags were introduced to the field. With the first exposure of Louisiana�s Victory Run, the tradition was finally begun.

Home Page