Bloghardt's Reflector

As many of you know, I'm from Baton Rouge, LA. I was raised just about five minutes from LSU's campus. Yes, I didn't actually see snow until the seminary. The most it ever did in Baton Rouge was flurry once or twice.

When I was a little pup, my dad used to take us to LSU games.  "Bright-eyed, young, precocious and full of wonderment," I'd go on Saturdays in the Fall to LSU games. I was at the “Earthquake Game” in 1988.  I was there when LSU clinched the SEC title in 1985 and the fans threw sugar cubes during the game.  I was there when we could win, I was there when we couldn't.

I would do my older's brother's chores to get his tickets. When my younger brothers were growing up, I'd buy their tickets from them.  Yes, I cleaned toilets to go to LSU games!  When I graduated from high school, I attended LSU. I worked for LSU in the resident halls as an RA and a Senior RA. When LSU finally returned to a bowl my second senior year (grin), the players ran toward the stands and were picked up by the LSU fans on the first row. I was one of those fans.

Every game opens the same. The Golden Band from Tigerland begins marching as they play the Pregame.  They then play the Star-Spangled Banner followed by the LSU Alma Mater. I learned the Alma Mater before I knew the Star-Spangled Banner.

So, when my ipod switches to the LSU Alma Mater, my heart begins to race. My mind begins to sing. Then, I probably mouth the words. I might even sing the the song.

#2 LSU plays #9 Virginia Tech this weekend. Time to get ready...

LSU Alma Mater

By Lloyd Funchess and Harris Downey

Where stately oaks and broad magnolias shade inspiring halls,
There stands our deal old Alma Mater who to us recalls,
Fond memories that waken in our hearts a tender glow,
And make us happy for the love that we have learned to know.

 All praise to thee, our Alma Mater, moulder of mankind,
May greater glory, love unending, be forever thine.
Our worth in life will be thy worth, we pray to keep it true,
And may thy spirit live in us, forever LSU.