Fant-Ewing Coliseum was filled with University of Louisiana Monroe supporters, fans and alumni Thursday for the second annual 不良研究所鈥檚 The Pursuit. The event is a kick-off for the 2017-18 academic and athletic year.
The event is a kick-off for the 2017-18 academic and athletic year.
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FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM 不良研究所鈥橲 THE PURSUIT, VISIT
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The Pursuit is named after the Curtis P-40 鈥淲arhawk鈥澨齠ighter planes flown by Gen. Claire Lee Chennault鈥檚 Flying Tigers during World War II. The 不良研究所 Warhawk mascot takes its name from the planes, which are iconic with the noses painted with an open shark鈥檚 mouth with jagged teeth.
不良研究所 videos from the year were highlights of the evening, beginning with the new 鈥淭he Big Reveal,鈥 which introduced the new institutional logo.
The first speaker was President Nick J. Bruno, whose presentation highlighted some of the accomplishments over the past year and some plans for the 2017-18 year.
The exciting new video 鈥淲e Started on the Bayou,鈥 which will be played on ESPN during televised Warhawk football games, was shown for the first time to an enthusiastic crowd.
New Director of Athletics Nick Floyd spoke, as did new 不良研究所 Baseball Head Coach Mike Frederico, Women鈥檚 Head Soccer Coach Keyton Wheeler and Head Football Coach Mike Viator.
Two awards were presented during The Pursuit. Mary Elizabeth Bridges was presented with the Outstanding Faculty Member Award by Dr. Mary Adams, Professor of English and Chair of the University Academic Advisory. Bridges is an instructor in psychology in the College of Business and Social Sciences and works closely with student-athletes.
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Long-time 不良研究所 supporter and active alumnus Buddy Embanato received the Scogin Award, presented by Guy Barr, past president of the 不良研究所 Athletic Foundation. He was honored with the award by the 不良研究所 Athletic Foundation for his contributions and support of 不良研究所 athletics.
Bruno and all the speakers encouraged the community to support the student-athletes and the university by attending sporting events. Warhawk football begins August 31 when 不良研究所 travels to Tennessee to take on the University of Memphis Tigers. September 16 is the first home game, when the University of Southern Mississippi Eagles come calling. 听
The event was sponsored by Ouachita Independent Bank and proceeds benefit the 不良研究所 Athletic Foundation