Dear Tiger Fan,
“March Madness” is a frequently-used term at this time of the year, and right now it applies not only to the NCAA basketball tournament, but also to the excitement that has been generated this spring by the LSU Fighting Tigers in all of our sports.
Our men’s and women’s basketball teams received bids to the Big Dance earlier this week, and both Coach Johnny Jones and Coach Nikki Caldwell have teams capable of making serious postseason runs. By locking up the NCAA berths, the Tigers and Lady Tigers placed LSU in very elite company. Consider these points:
- LSU and Arkansas are only schools in the SEC this year to play in a football bowl game and have both their men’s and women’s basketball teams reach the NCAA Tournament.
- LSU is one of only 14 schools in the nation this year to play in a bowl game and have both their men’s and women’s basketball teams advance to the NCAA Tournament.
Those are significant facts that illustrate the overall excellence of our athletic department. However, that’s only the beginning — at LSU, we are enjoying a remarkable record of achievement that is a testament to the dedication of our coaches and student-athletes, and to the tremendous support they receive from all of you.
On the diamond, both our baseball and softball teams are ranked No. 1 in the country, which is truly an amazing feat. This year marks the sixth time in the past seven seasons that Coach Paul Mainieri has directed the baseball Tigers to the top ranking. Softball is No. 1 for the first time in school history, and what a statement Coach Beth Torina and her squad made last weekend by winning two of three games over then-No. 1 Florida in Gainesville. The Tigers are now 27-1 and play host to sixth-ranked Oklahoma in a marquee matchup on Friday and Saturday at Tiger Park (Get tickets).
Coach D-D Breaux and her third-ranked gymnastics team just completed an incredible regular season, one which saw the Tigers finish undefeated in the SEC for the first time in program history. Now, the focus shifts to the SEC Championship Meet, where LSU is a strong candidate to capture its first league title since 1980. The conference meet will serve as springboard into NCAA competition, as the Tigers seek their third straight Super Six berth and an opportunity to win the national championship.
Our men’s tennis team is playing at a very high level and has moved into the Top 25 with a 14-3 record, while the Lady Tigers are emerging as a force in the SEC with three wins over nationally-ranked opponents. With the spectacular new tennis facility (construction photos) set to open this fall, men’s coach Jeff Brown and women’s coach Julia S. Sell have their programs in position to be title contenders.
LSU track and field, of course, is always in the championship conversation, and Coach Dennis Shaver led both our men’s and women’s teams to Top 10 finishes at the NCAA Indoor Championship Meet last weekend in Fayetteville, Ark. The outdoor season promises more chances for LSU to enhance its glittering track and field trophy case.
And, the beautiful spring weather we’ve had in Baton Rouge this week invokes thoughts of the golf course, where our men’s and women’s teams are posting outstanding scores. Coach Chuck Winstead has guided the seventh-ranked men’s team to three tournament titles this season, and the women’s team under the direction of Coach Karen Bahnsen is ranked No. 6 in the nation and will play host next weekend to the LSU Tiger Golf Classic at the University Club.
It’s been a fantastic spring already, and it’s only the middle of March! None of these accomplishments is possible, of course, without the continued support of our devoted Fighting Tiger fans. Thanks to all of you for giving us the opportunity to excel within the framework of our great university.
As always, we welcome your comments at athletics@lsu.edu. Unfortunately we cannot answer every e-mail we receive, but please be assured they are all read.
Geaux Tigers!
Joe Alleva
Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics