SU’s Baseball Program Gets Constant Boost

Finances can run thin when you are a major collegiate athletic program with a “minor” budget. When budgeted money is allocated and spent, the team may take a hit in areas that need constant attention.
Case in point is the Southern University baseball team. As a team that constantly reaches new plateaus, provisions that at one time may have been minor are now major necessities.
Things such as baseball bats, helmets and the baseballs alone have to be constantly replaced and to help head coach Roger Cador is the Southern University Baseball Booster Club.
The mission of the SU Baseball Booster Club is to supplement the baseball team while addressing, assessing and prioritizing its needs…while keeping within NCAA guidelines.
Ike Thomas, president of the newly incepted club, said that support for the team was long overdue.
“The booster club was formed because we felt there was a need to support one of the quality programs that Southern University has had for some time,” Thomas said.
“There was a lot of needs that Coach Cador had and we felt we had to support such a program by raising funds and getting him the things that he needed comparable to other top notch programs.”
According to Cador, his equipment budget is only $5,000 and he spends that on baseballs.
During the off-season, Cador provides a wish list to the club and they in turn raise money for the team through fundraising.
Items as jackets, practice uniforms and players’ bags are purchased for the team in addition to the batting helmets, bats and balls that are provided throughout the season.
“We intend to enhance our fundraising during the off-season, so that when the season rolls around, the team will have everything they need,” Thomas said.
“There were some items that the University wasn’t able to provide for us and they immediately stepped in,” Cador said. “They came right in and made it happen. This is a small army, but they are very valuable to us and it shows their dedication. I really appreciate what they do.”
Those interested in joining the club can call the SU Baseball office at (225) 771-2513 or (225) 771-3172 for more information.