Celebrating with Champions

The band played, and the intimate crowd cheered as rain began to drizzle lightly upon the displayed season and tournament trophies. A united university body came gathered in front of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union to honor the men and women victors of the Southwestern Athletic Conference on Tuesday during the “Celebration of Champions” program.
The program, organized by the chancellor’s office and athletic department, was the university’s way of acknowledging the men and women’s basketball teams for their 2006 SWAC Championships and NCAA tournament appearances.
This marks the first time in Southern history that both teams won the regular season, the tournament and made NCAA appearances at the same time.
“Of course what we do here at Southern University primarily is try to win academic programs,” said Dr. Edward Jackson, chancellor. “But the greatest recruitment tool in the world is a successful athletic program and a successful band program and we have the two of the greatest recruiting operations in the world.”
The Human Jukebox was also recognized for their outstanding participation at each home game and appearances at both tournaments.
Other organizations that were recognized for their accolades were the Look Dancers and Co-Ed cheerleading squad.
The dance team won first place in the SWAC dance competition and the cheerleading squad placed first in the cheerleading competition. The cheerleading squad also brought home the title as the World Wide Cheerleading Champions. Each program received trophies for their immeasurable success.
Both basketball teams were also presented with a resolution from the State of Louisiana presented by State Representative Avon R. Honey for their exceptional season.
“There is no feeling like being a champion,” said Rob Spivery, men’s basketball head coach. “We are very proud of both basketball teams, but I am certainly proud of our men’s basketball team. But I would be remise, if I would leave this podium without giving a high degree of thanks to all these support groups.”