Southern University athletics is supported by many of its faculty and staff, students, alumni and friends, yet the oldest of its chartered support groups is the Southern University Quarterback Club.
According to the club’s former president, Earl Butler, the Quarterback Club was founded to intelligently discuss game reviews and upcoming games.
“There was a need to support Southern University athletics,” said Butler.
The first meeting was held in the 1930’s at The Chicken Shack, a local Baton Rouge restaurant.
Currently, the club holds meetings every Tuesday during football season and every second and fourth Tuesday during the off-season.
The Quarterback Club has membership drives periodically throughout the year. There is open membership, which means it is open to anyone and there is a $50 annual fee for membership.
As a member, a membership card and a polo-styled SU Quarterback Club shirt is given. They also send out information about various athletic events.
“We plan to do more to get visibility for the club,” said secretary Doris Piper.
The Quarterback Club currently sponsors weekly press luncheons for Jags’ football head coach Pete Richardson, which are held every Wednesday during football season. But the club does not limit their activities to football.
“We support all athletic activities, not just football, we work concessions, and anything necessary for the sport function to go on,” said Butler.
At the end of this season, they assist the SU Athletic Department in awarding clock plaques to graduating seniors.
The Quarterback Club recently received a $1,000 donation from Sam’s Club, matching what they raised for selling jambalaya dinners at a recent game.
The club is the most famous for their raffle of vehicles. This year, they are raffling a 2003 Ford Ranger to be given away at the 2003 State Farm Bayou Classic.
“They saw the need and organized themselves to do that (help),” said Butler. “We have to help those who support Southern-not just football, but everyone.”
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SU athletics’ oldest support group shows love
October 31, 2003
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