Meet The Tide Night Gets Fans "Ready for some football"

by Carey Meitzler

Through the combined efforts of varsity cheerleader coaches Robin Daffern & Kaye Smith and Touchdown Club President Bob

Ford and numerous helpers, the Maroon Tide Nation was treated to a sneak preview of the upcoming football season at Tide

Stadium on the eve of the USM Jamboree.

The evening included introductions of the cheerleaders, band, dance teams, and football teams amid the humid conditions. 

The Maroon Tide varsity made their way through a tunnel of fans, NJROTC, and cheerleaders as they were introduced.   Coach

Dodd Lee has instituted a "Tide Walk" for this season and the Maroon Tide will now enter the field from the front entrance of the

field house and make their way to the field passing through members of the Maroon Tide Nation between the field house and the

west end of the home stands each week at home games.

After the Maroon Tide concluded their light game week Thursday workout, the Touchdown Club feed them an hamburgers,

sausage, Nicky Guidry's renowned baked beans, and watermelons.   Topping off the array of food was a lip-smackin' banana

pudding prepared by Karen Robbins.  All in all, a fun night at Tide Stadium to get everyone ready for some football.

Maroon Tide Nation turned out despite the humid conditions.

Varsity Cheerleaders perform a dance routine.

The Pride of the Tide puts on another outstanding routine as the Jr High Pride looks on from the track.

The Junior Pride kicked up their heels during the Meet The Tide night.

Tide players make their way to the field through the Tide Walk.

The Maroon Tide went through their walk through in preparation for the Friday's USM Jamboree.

Debbie Bullock looks on as Coach Lee gives the players some "pointers" on how the food will be served.

Yolanda Dunn sporting an umbrella.                  The bands played as the Maroon Nation looked on.

State Senator Ezell Lee grilling sausage while Gerald Courville, Ronnie Stogner, & Jeff Robbins do the burgers.

Jerry Bounds, Dub Herring, Issac and Allen Hickman look on as Nicky Guidry takes some notes.

                    A long afternoon at Tide Stadium has Tucker Smith "tuckered out".

Yolanda getting it done helping Jeff Robbins & Ronnie Stogner.     Vessie Means, Albert Richard, Donald Nixon.

                                                                  <-Slicin' and Spicin'->