BATON ROUGE — Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal welcomed the BCS National Championship LSU football team to the Governor’s Mansion on Thursday afternoon saying the Tigers have set an example that the rest of the state of Louisiana should follow.
Joining the LSU football team at the event were chancellor Dr. William Jenkins, athletic director Skip Bertman and head coach Les Miles.
“You have achieved glory, both on and off the field,” Jindal told the team. “You have shown the state that we can be No. 1. We don’t have to settle for mediocrity, not in jobs or education. The state of Louisiana can achieve excellence and you have shown that.”
Jindal also called on members of the LSU football team, most of which are natives of Louisiana, to give the state an opportunity after graduation.
“I hope you give Louisiana a chance,” Jindal said. “We want you to call Louisiana home for years to come. This state is proud of you and what you have accomplished.”
LSU’s invitation to meet with Governor Jindal came shortly after the Tigers wrapped up the 2007 BCS National Championship with 38-24 win over Ohio State in the title game in New Orleans. LSU posted a 12-2 overall mark in 2007 on its way to winning its second national title in five years.
Miles thanked the governor for meeting with the team as well as being given the opportunity to play for the state of Louisiana.
“We are proud to represent Louisiana and I am humbled to represent this great university,” Miles said. “It’s an honor to be invited to the governor’s mansion and to take part in this event.”
Miles also congratulated his team on their accomplishments, both on and off the field, during the 2007 season.
“It’s wonderful to be a part of a great team,” Miles said. “Anytime a team achieves ? wins a championship of significance ? it’s based on character and sustaining chemistry over a period of time. This team is made up of quality individuals who display tremendous character both on and off the field.”
Miles and the Tigers return to the practice field on Friday afternoon in the first of what will be 15 workouts this spring. The Tigers return 44 letterwinners and 12 starters from last year’s national championship team.