Jags, CASA team up

Southern’s baseball team has been hot as of late.
The Jaguars caught fire their last time out in a 14-11 win over Nicholls State. In that game SU lead by 12 runs headed into the seventh inning, had six players score at least two runs and 11 sent batters to the plate in the fourth. SU (15-7) has also won eight consecutive games and 12 of its last 13. Not to mention the Jaguars have scored at least 10 runs in nine of their last 11 games.
Saturday, however, a new task will loom over the Jaguars as they try to keep their winning streak going against Prairie View while helping out the local branch of the Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA is a nonprofit organization that advocates for abused and neglected children by training community volunteers to speak in their best interest.
CASA recruitment coordinator Emily Thibaut and other representatives will attend Saturday’s noon game in hopes of recruiting volunteers. The organization will have a booth set up at the entrance of Lee-Hines Field from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We’ll be handing out promotional items and talking to people about what we do,” Thibaut said.
According to casabr.org 90 percent of children assisted by CASA are African-American. Also, over half are male.
“Volunteers who understand these children’s culture, volunteers who identify with these children could better serve them,” CASA executive director Liz Betz said in a written statement.
Cador said he’s hopeful SU students will do what they can to help. He also said some of his players may volunteer after the season, but find it difficult to contribute now with baseball season and the academic semester in full swing.
“We’re trying to drum up some volunteers to help,” Cador said. “Hopefully we can get some of our students at Southern to play more of a prominent role because most of the kids are African-American.”
Cador said he is unsure what he will do to promote the organization during the game, but said their presence Saturday is special to the community and university.
Still, Thibaut said she hopes to get Cador to wear the CASA foam finger the organization will be passing out.
“I’ll do something. I’m not sure,” Cador said. “We’re going to do whatever it takes because this can play a significant role in making our community a better place for all of our people.”
CASA is asking anyone interested to sign up Saturday and help by volunteering to spend time with a child. People of all ages, backgrounds and professions are encouraged to join. Anyone not in attendance Saturday can register to volunteer at www.casabr.org or by calling 225.379.8598.
As for the game itself, SU will be without junior catcher Michael Thomas who broke his hand in the first inning of an 18-3 win over the University of New Orleans after being hit by a pitch for a second consecutive game.
Cador said Thomas’ injury is unfortunate, but no timetable for a return has been set.
SU will start redshirt junior Jarrett Maloy in game one. Game two’s starter has yet to be named.