Visit from NSU gives former Lady Demon Ortega reason to reminisce

When the Northwestern State Lady Demons visited Austin during the 2013-14 season, Angela Ortega wore purple to see her alma mater play.

Ortega wasn't clad in purple mid-day Sunday at the Erwin Center -- for good reason. Much like the vanity license plates making the rounds, Ortega, in her third season as the assistant athletic director for basketball operations at Texas, was in a divided mood before the game.

"Somebody asked me this morning how I felt about it," said Ortega, who helped lead the Lady Demons to the first NCAA Tournament appearance in program history in 1989. "Today is a heart divided ay for me. Obviously, I'm with Texas, but I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Northwestern, for the opportunity I was given there. I'm so proud of Scott and Brooke (Stoehr) and everything they've done. Seeing them a year ago and then following them throughout the year and watching them win the Southland Conference Tournament, I couldn't be more proud."

A shooting guard in her career with the Lady Demons, Ortega gave the Stoehrs an assist, helping them to identify current assistant coach Kasondra Foreman, who played for Ortega during her time at North Texas.

Ortega joked about not having a lot of purple left in her closet these days. However, she sees a lot of the same characteristics in the Stoehrs' Lady Demons as there were in she and her teammates, despite a fair share of differences.

"Northwestern doesn't run as much as they used to, but you have to play according to your personnel," Ortega said. "I think (Janelle) Perez is a fantastic point guard. The first time I saw her play, even last year, she stunned us. She came in here and hit the backdoor cuts and was getting to the rim. She's a big key to their success."

Ortega and her teammates used their play on the court to leave a lasting legacy on the Lady Demons program.

Another part of Ortega lives on every summer. Although she deferred credit -- and the origins of the statement are debated -- Ortega has been credited with offering the statement that defines the Lady Demons' summer golf fund-raiser, the Don't Die Wondering Classic.

The scramble golf tournament turns 27 in August and has become synonymous with the Lady Demons program.

"I'm excited," Ortega said. "I'm glad they're able to take something and turn it into something that raises money for the program. Anything that's going to give back to Northwestern and help them, I'm all for it."

From Natchitoches to Cooperstown?

Welcome back to the Daily Demon blog. We are resurrecting our quaint little corner of the Internet after a too-long absence.

And we will do so with a post that initially may seem not too timely. Then again, neither were Lee Smith's sojourns from Major League Baseball bullpens to the mound.

Those here in Natchitoches remember Smith as a member of the Demons basketball team. The rest of the American sporting populace likely recall Smith as a leisurely strolling, hard-throwing closer for the Chicago Cubs and a number of other teams.

So why with baseball season a good four-plus months away from starting in earnest are we restarting this blog with a baseball-themed post?

It is because Smith is still on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot, the 2015 version of which was released Monday by the Baseball Writers Association of America. Last year, Smith earned 29.9 percent of the vote. A minimum of 75 percent is required for election to the Hall.

In my former career as a sports writer, I had the chance to write a few stories detailing Smith's potential for election.

One national baseball writer compared Smith's current Hall track to that of Bert Blyleven, who made it into the Hall in his last year of eligibility on the writers' ballot.

Although it appears Smith's chances at reaching the quaint upstate New York hamlet of Cooperstown may seem slight, his numbers scream worthiness in my eyes.

Smith retired as the all-time saves leader -- a mark now held by Mariano Rivera. Anyone doubt Rivera's Cooperstown credentials?

The release of Michael Lewis' Moneyball made analytics a popular tool of the baseball trade more then a decade ago.

Four closers are in the Hall of Fame. Exactly one posted a better strikeout-to-walk ratio than Smith's 2.57-to-1 -- Rollie Fingers.

Smith is not likely to be invited to Cooperstown this July, but he already resides in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame here in Natchitoches.

Time spent listening to Smith's tales of the interactions between members of the 1980s Cubs would fill the 1,494-mile drive from Natchitoches to Cooperstown. Those I was privileged enough to hear would fill a reporter's notebook and a baseball fan's soul.

There may not be a Hall of Fame for such storytellers, but, if there were, Lee Arthur Smith would be in there on the first ballot.

The Will to Win

I made the comment twice during Wednesday's broadcast of the Lady Demons' thrilling, overtime win at Central Arkansas, and I will make it here.
I have never seen a team--and a head coach--that wanted to win a game more.
From start to finish, NSU was focused, determined, and "all-in". From the first timeout, Head Coach Jennifer Graf's face was red as can be. She wasn't mad--she was intense. And from my vantage point close behind the Lady Demons' bench, every player was tuned in--hanging on every word she had to say.
The result? A win against a good team, at a place where that good team doesn't lose very often. Wednesday's effort--and result--emphasizes what has been obvious most of the year. NSU has the talent to be a very good team. Maybe--hopefully--it has just taken a little longer than everyone would like for that talent to come together.
Saturday, the second half of the Southland Conference season begins. NSU will take a 4-4 league record--and a two-game winning streak-- into a 2pm home game against winless Texas A&M Corpus Christi. It will be one of just two Prather Coliseum appearances for the Lady Demons in February. I hope to see you at the game, but if not, I hope you will listen on 100.7 KZBL and the Demon Sports Network, or nsudemons.com.
See you on the radio!
Tony Taglavore
Voice of the Lady Demons

Headin' West

The Southland Conference schedule makes for visits to quaint places like Huntsville, Texas and Thibodaux, Louisiana.
But Wednesday night, the Lady Demons will pay a visit to one the league's marquee cities--San Antonio.
Here's hoping NSU will bounce back from their first SLC loss--last Saturday's home defeat against Central Arkansas. The Lady Demons could very well be 3-0 going to the Alamo city. NSU led UCA by six at the half. Unfortunately, runs of 15-0 and 12-0 propelled the Sugar Bears to a come-from-behind win.
16 games into the season, a star is emerging for the purple and white. Jordi James has taken over as the Lady Demons' leading scorer. Before a recent game, I told Jordi I enjoyed watching her play, and I meant it. She can hit the jumper, but is not afraid to--and almost plays like she would rather--take it inside. I also like her attitude on the court. She, like others, plays with a purpose--the purpose of winning.
Wednesday's game at UTSA could catapult NSU to big things. The Lady Demons come back home Saturday for the first of three straight at Prather Coliseum. Who knows? If things break just right, NSU could be 6-1 going into February.
But, as head coach Jennifer Graf likes to say, one game at a time.
The team headed to San Antonio Tuesday morning. I will bring up the rear and arrive Wednesdsay afternoon. I invite you to tune in for all the action Wednesday night on 100.7 KZBL in Natchitoches, 92.1 KSYR in Shreveport, and around the world at nsudemons.com. The pre-game show comes your way at 6:45--tip-off is set for 7pm.
See you on the radio!

Tony Taglavore
Voice of the Lady Demons

2-0...and Counting?

Well, well, well.
Look who is 2-0 in the Southland Conference--your Northwestern Lady Demons!
Yes, I realize there are two months of basketball remaining.
Yes, I realize the conference office doesn't hand out trophies for winning your first two league games.
And yes, I realize winning your first two conference games is a HUGE confidence-builder for a team that has struggled at times when it comes to building confidence.
Wednesday night, NSU ventured into deep South Louisiana for their first league road game of the season. The Lady Demons shot 51 percent from the field in the first half, and led by as many as 16 in the second half. But someone left the doors open at NSU's end of Stopher Gym. The Lady Demons went cold, going more than nine minutes without a field goal.
And that's what makes NSU's victory so impressive. Despite that drought--one which allowed Nicholls to tie the game--the Lady Demons refused to lose. Freshman Jasmine Bradley, who is hardly playing like a freshman right now, came up with two HUGE offensive rebounds late in the game, AND gave her body for the team by taking a charge in the final minute. And when Ronnika Drake rebounded a Nicholls missed three-pointer and dribbled out the clock, the Lady Demons had survived.
And in conference play, there is a lot to be said for survival. Especially on the road.
NSU returns home for a 2pm game Saturday against Central Arkansas. Admittedly, I am biased. However, I sense something very positive starting to build. A 3-0 league start would raise this team's confidence level even higher. I hope you will come out and support a team that, I promise, will feed off your energy. Of course, if you just can't make it to Prather Coliseum, tune in to 95.7 KDBH in Natchitoches, and around the world at nsudemons.com for all the action.
And will someone make sure the coliseum doors are closed--at least on NSU's end?

Tony Taglavore
Voice of the Lady Demons

Rest for the Weary

I am living out my dream of being a radio play-by-play voice (women's basketball) for a NCAA Division-1 university. But hey, I like a break as much as anyone else! The Lady Demons won't hit the hardwood again until December 16th at Jackson State. The nine days between games come at a good time. It will give me the chance to catch my breath, and give the players time to concentrate on academics. It will also put some distance between the first nine games and the rest of the season. As Head Coach Jenifer Graf said following Tuesday's loss at Texas Tech, it's been a up and down year so far.

However, in that loss to the Lady Raiders, NSU played--at times--their best ball of the season. In fact, at times, the best word to describe their style of play was "beautiful". The Lady Demons played with energy, enthusiasm, and--as color analyst Matt Bonnette said--"intensity". Some of the assists NSU dished out were the prettiest you will ever see--in either a women's or men's game. I wish I had a set of dishes that nice!

Bottom line is that this team is loaded with talent. But that talent is young. It is taking time--with seven new players and just two seniors--for everything to come together. But in being courtside for every game and at practices on the road, I can tell you that Head Coach Jennifer Graf and her staff are working hard--teaching this team how to play as a team. Remember, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is the Conference season. That begins January 8th. There are still a few more games for the Lady Demons to work out some kinks before the league season begins. If things come together, considering this team's talent and potential, good things will come.

So until December 16th at Jackson State, I will rest up--and look forward to the rest of the season!

Tony Taglavore
Voice of the Lady Demons

Back Home, But Not For Long

After five days in Chicago (along with four plane rides in which I was in the last row for three of the four, and in the next to last row for the other one) for the Maggie Dixon Classic hosted by DePaul University, the NSU Lady Demons basketball team is back home. Despite a valiant rally--NSU trailed by 20 with nine minutes left--the Lady Demons came up five points short against Morgan State in the Consolation game. What's even more impressive is that NSU spotted the Lady Bears the game's first 15 points. The Lady Demons could have started packing early, but they didn't--and that says a lot. Head Coach Jennifer Graf's focus--as she stated in her post-game radio interview--is to get her team playing with that same heart, effort, and intensity, the entire game. Their next chance to do just that will be Tuesday, in the friendly confines of Prather Coliseum. The women and men will host Centenary College in a doubleheader. The Lady Demons' game will tip at 5:45. After that, their next three games will be on the road (Alcorn State, Texas Tech and Jackson State). So Tuesday is the time to show your support for both the Lady Demons and Demons. Of course, if for some reason you just can't make it, be sure and tune in to 100.7 KZBL-FM, and nsudemons.com, for all the action. See you on the radio!

Tony Taglavore

Voice of the Lady Demons

It's Windy (Surprise) and Cold in the Windy City!

Greetings from Chicago, where yes, it is windy, but it's also downright cold!

The Lady Demons have been here since Wednesday for the Maggie Dixon Classic, hosted by DePaul University. Friday, NSU played what Head Coach Jennifer Graf called their best game of the year (and I agree), despite losing to the Blue Demons 93-56. Had the Lady Demons not given it everything they had against a much-taller DePaul squad (6'3, 6'2, 6'2) it could have been a repeat of the Texas game. But NSU put together some nice runs, had some open looks, and deserve an "A" for effort. This afternoon (Saturday), the Lady Demons will take on Morgan State for third-place in the tournament. You can listen to all the action beginning with the pre-game show at 4:45 on 100.7 KZBL in Natchitoches, and around the world at nsudemons.com.

I interrupt this post to ask a question. How did I end up on the last row from Alexandria to Houston, AND Houston to Chicago? I thought Coach Bob Austin (who coordinates travel) was my friend???

For some players, like Ronikka Drake and Jordan James, a trip to Chicago is nothing new. They are both from the Midwest. Ronikka has been our tour guide, and has a large group of family and friends here cheering her on. How large? When we pulled up to the arena Friday, there was a bus out front. One of the other teams? No, it was full of Ronikka's family and friends! Jordan's parents are here as well, and let me just say this--her mom can cook! Meredith Graf's family flew up from Natchitoches to spend the Thanksgiving holiday watching Meredith play. It's nice to see the players receiving so much support. It must pay off--Ronikka led the team with 13 points Friday!

For others, this is their first trip to Chi-town. It was neat to see the look on their faces as they starred at the skyscrapers and squealed over the shopping possibilities. For those of us who have been blessed to travel over the years, we are tempted to take for granted just how fortunate we are.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, it's tough for everyone to be away from home. However, Head Coach Jennifer Graf and her staff do all they can to make it as pleasant as possible. She came through big time, hooking us up with Thanksgiving Dinner at Ditka's in downtown Chicago, named for legendary (at least in this town) Bears head coach Mike Ditka, now an ESPN analyst. With 21 in our group, we had a room and waitstaff all to ourselves, complete with a HD, big-screen TV showing the Cowboys-Saints game! It was neat to walk around and look at all of the Ditka memorabilia.

It's been a nice trip (despite the single digit wind chills). Just one more thing, and it will have been a really nice trip. Let's get a win Saturday and come back home! See you on the radio!

Tony Taglavore

Voice of the Lady Demons

Savona checks in from Cancun

NSU freshman soccer player Ashlee Savona checks in from the Gold Cup in Cancun, Mexico

Hey Demon fans!

I heard about the loss today (NSU's 3-0 loss to Southeastern Louisiana) and I am really sorry that I wasn't able to help the team get to the tournament this year. I can't imagine how Sara (Sadler) and (Heather) Burt are taking it right now but please give them my regards and congratulations on a great senior season.

The last time I updated you was the day before our first game against Mexico. If you didn't hear already, we lost that game 7-2. Walking out into that full stadium of 9,980 Mexican fans and the 20 Guyanese fans (our families) was an un-real experience. You could tell that they were a very strong team tactically, and they kept possession of the ball extremely well.

We put up a fight against them and did what we could with a week of practice and playing together in this new system of 4-2-3-1 and we managed to score 2 goals out of it. Our coaches were extremely proud on how well we did and considering we were not expected to score a goal, they couldn't be happier.

The next day after the game, we watched the game at the hotel and it showed our constant mistakes that we would need to fix before playing Canada. That day we didn't have a practice, however we were able to go shopping for a couple hours and go into downtown Cancun as well.

Today (Sunday) was the day I have been looking forward to since I joined this program, the day we play Canada. I was extremely nervous to be honest but I was also full of excitement. Walking on to the field with a much smaller crowed, I looked at the Canadian team on the other side of the field and I saw players I used to look up to when I was a kid It was a huge shock to me when I realized I was going to play against them.

Lining up to appreciate the national anthems, it was hard not to sing the Canadian anthem but then again, it was a great honor to hear it in a FIFA Qualifing game.

As the game started, I quickly lost the nerves I had coming into the game and played my heart out. In the end we lost 8-0 but I was extremely happy after the game. Not very many people get to have this chance to play at the highest level possible and I have learned so much from it. We are preparing for our next game on Tuesday against Trinidad. I will update you soon.

Ashlee

Greetings from The Gold Cup in Cancun

This is a day-by-day blog from Ashlee Savona, NSU freshman soccer player, who is currently participating in the Gold Cup as part of the Guyana National Soccer Team

I'm sorry I haven't been able to post as frequently as I've liked to, but the internet here is limited and I need to use that time to do my school work online.

The past few days have been hectic but we have found some time to relax. We lost to a boys U17 team 12-7 in florida the day before we left but it was a much needed game to pick up the intensity and speed of our game.

We arrived in Cancun on the 26th and our coaches gave us the day off to go to the beach right outside of our hotel. We have had a practice everyday in the morning following with an ice bath back at the hotel and a pool recovery session as well. We have also played a game of beach soccer as well.

It is really hot down here but it is expected to start raining throughout the upcoming week. We went to walk around the stadium this morning and it is a really well kept field, almost as good as ours, but the stadium itself isn't that big.

We are going to watch the U.S. play Haiti tonight (Thursday) and we are all really excited to get a feel of the environment. Our first game is tomorrow (Friday) at 7. I want to wish the girls (NSU) good luck and I know they can bring home two wins this weekend and make the tournament.

I will update you soon.

"Paint the Town Purple" and "Wear Purple Days" issued by City of Natchitoches Proclamation

On Monday, October 25th, at the Natchitoches City Council Meeting, Mayor Wayne McCullen and the Natchitoches City Council issued a proclamation declaring Tuesday “Paint the Town Purple Day” and Friday and Saturday “Wear Purple Day” in honor of the Homecoming Festivities at Northwestern State University. Pictured are Natchitoches City Council member Sylvia Morrow and NSU Associate Director of Athletics Dr. William Broussard.

Must be seen to be believed

John Kulakowski was a rough-and-tumble defensive end for the Demon football team from 1984-87, famous for his fiery play and for doing a "Nubian Roll" after making a quarterback sack. He had 22 sacks and led the team in his final three seasons, including a school record 15 as an All-America senior in 1987.

A couple of years later, while standing on the NSU sideline for the 1989 home game vs. SFA, "Kul" drew an unsportsmanlike conduct flag in the final two minutes that was costly, moving NSU backwards on a potential game-winning field goal. Each team missed two FG attempts in the final minutes in a 17-17 tie -- and that SFA team played for the national championship. It is laughing matter now, and Coach Sam Goodwin long since has forgiven one of his favorite Demons for that gaffe.

Now "Kul" is doing something to get attention once again. Checking the website "The Dead Pelican" today to track state political news, we came across the following link.

http://www.nola.com/education/index.ssf/2010/10/bonnabel_principal_is_dressed.html

Friends of "Kul" can't really be surprised - first, that he would do something outrageous, because that's our hero; and second, that he would be leading kids to higher achievement, because that's who he is, too.

Quiet few days for home events

Even though football, volleyball and soccer will be on the road for the next few days, there's still a couple of things going on around campus that the sports enthusiasts can take in.

The Lady Demons softball team will kickoff their fall schedule on Saturday with a noon doubleheader against Bossier Parish Community College. And the Demon baseball team continues their fall practice schedule and will play three intrasquad scrimmages over the next three days.

The Demons will also hold their annual Demon World Series on Oct. 28-30 to close out fall practice and will conduct their Scout Day on Oct. 22 for the draft eligible players.

The next home fall sport in season event will be on Oct. 20 when the Lady Demon volleyball team hosts Centenary.

Torn between two schools

Okay… not really, but it is always a special time for me when Northwestern State and McNeese State hook it up in any sporting event.

I grew up a McNeese Cowboy. My dad has been the sports information director there for 45 years now. McNeese sports is all I ever knew.

I started working for dad as a young kid selling game programs at football and basketball games, earning a quarter for each program I sold. Then moved up to press box duty as I got older helping out with stats and such.

I eventually “graduated” to traveling with the men’s basketball team my first couple of years in college before I decided to take a new career direction for a while before coming back to my true calling.

Being a kid growing up around McNeese sports… I wouldn’t want it any other way.

I can remember lining the baseline of the basketball court with 50 other kids waiting for the game to end as we all rushed onto the court to swipe the wrist bands off of the players. Occasionally you would hit the jackpot and get a knee pad. My favorite player was John Rudd.

Then there was the time I made an overnight trip with dad and the basketball team to Arkansas State. I was 12 at the time and remember waiting to board the bus, I was overlooking the construction of the area that is now the recreation swimming pool on the McNeese campus, when a young freshman came up to me and started talking to me like we were best friends. It was Joe Dumars.

There were times at baseball games when I’d get to go down onto the field and into the dugout. That’s a huge thrill for kids. I called my favorite player on the team back then “The Incredible Hulk” but his real name was Jim Young. He always did the Hulk flex and growl when he saw me.

Football games were always special.

From hauling up fluid operated, hand cranked copiers to getting stuck in the press box elevator… those are events that you would think don’t mean much, but those minute memories will last forever.

I remember getting to meet the San Diego Chicken when McNeese lost to Syracuse at the Independence Bowl but was also there when it played in its first-ever FCS Championship game in 1997 against a Jim Tressel-led Youngstown State team.

Never would I have thought I’d end up at archrival Northwestern State. But I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.

Now, in my eighth year at NSU, I still get excited when McNeese comes to town, but it’s more than getting to watch the team I grew up with or see my alma mater, it’s more because I get to see my family.

I bleed purple and white with a little bit of orange these days.

And those great memories I had growing up around McNeese athletics, I’m hoping 30 years from now my daughters can say the same about growing up around NSU athletics.


Matthew Bonnette
NSU Associate Sports Information Director

Birthday wishes

New Lady Demon cross country coach Heather McDaniel got a birthday surprise Monday when her team worked out at the Demon Hills Golf Course, site of next Monday's NSU Invitational.

Pretty sweet - although not as sweet as the brownies that she had to cook for Coach Black after she bet him that her alma mater and home state flag-bearer, West Virginia, would win last Saturday night at LSU.

Heather was able to attend the game since the NSU cross country teams competed that morning at the LSU Invitational - a happy coincidence.

Good pub for NSU on a popular state site

Louisiana Football Magazine publisher Lee Brecheen, whose printed magazines are hot sellers around the state each summer and early fall, has ramped up his website offerings in 2010.

There's a bustling daily audience, which today is good for NSU. Lee, based in Baton Rouge, circulates e-mail notices about his daily features to a large list of media and avid followers. Today's notice:

Check out today’s story on the Northwestern State University’s Adrian Reese at this link: http://tinyurl.com/26tcwks

"A" for Academics

The annual "Academic Achievement Banquet" for the NSU Athletic Department was held last evening and I have to say that this is one of my favorite functions of the year to attend because it places emphasis on what is paramount not only for the athletic program but for our university.....academic success!

Kent Gresham and The Landing Restaurant once again donated a wonderful meal for all student-athletes whose GPA last year exceeded 3.0 either or both semesters. Dr. Randy Webb in a brief address lauded the student-athletes for their achievements and told them how well-prepared they will be for the future. A nice touch to this evening is having endowed scholarship donors in attendance and sitting with the student-athlete who is the designee of their scholarship. As a sidenote, the number of endowed athletic scholarships is now up to 58 through the hard work of someone who himself once sat at the Academic Banquet - Associate Athletic Director William Broussard. And finally, I would be remiss for not recognizing the hard work of our academic support staff - Jodie Heinicka, Carrie Crowell, and Cary Bruno - in planning the banquet but more importantly, for what they do throughout the year to help and encourage the academic success of nearly 400 student-athletes.

One final note - among the scholarship donors in attendance were Roddy and Ashley Rodriguez, parents of the late Kurt Rodriguez (#58) who was a four-year starter at linebacker for NSU and passed away unexpectedly a year or so after graduating. Kurt's parents established the scholarship in his memory and to this day continue to raise money for it. They are two very special people and it meant so much to me that they made the trip from New Orleans to Natchitoches for the banquet.

Greg Burke
Athletic Director

NSU leaps into the FTP world

The Northwestern State athletic department, in conjunction with JumpTV and Davey Antilly of NSU 22, has recently implemented a new video file sharing system to better promote not only Demon athletics, but also University news in general.

JumpTV, the website provider for NSU athletics, has created a separate FTP account that allows video to be downloaded. Television stations from around the world are able to log onto the site and pull the video clips or soundbites to run on their newscasts.

With the help of Antilley, this project is not only beneficial and helpful for stations in Shreveport and Alexandria who can not make it to Natchitoches but once a week, it's also extremely positive for the University in showing our dedication and willingness to continue a great professional relationship with the media while promoting our school.

Only one other school in Louisiana is currently doing this type of thing, and that's LSU.

Huge props needs to go out to Antilley for his time in shooting and editing the pieces.

Saturday night guests

1994 Demon All-America pitcher Reggie Gatewood and wife Tamara, and Lady Demon tennis great Vicky Simms Newsom and hubby Dr. Tommy Newsom, had their broods in tow Saturday night as they cheered on the Demons.

Tommy was our first assistant SID in 1991-92, right out of a football career at Austin College, and fell for his future bride while here. Tommy and Vicky moved to Waco, where he worked in the Sports Info office at Baylor, and he briefly was the media relations contact for the Southland Conference before entering the private sector as publisher/editor/janitor at the Little Elm (Texas) Journal.

He's come a long way. He's now president of the Art Institute of Dallas and vice chancellor of South University.

The Newsoms and the Gatewoods live near each other in McKinney, Texas. It is a small world! Joining Tommy and Vicky at Turpin were his parents, Don and Carol Newsom. Dad was a high school and college football coach who turned down a chance to join Jim Wacker's staff at North Dakota State for five reasons: Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska, he said, the states above Texas on the way to Fargo. He wanted no part of that climate.

The photo above is Team Newsom plus the Gatewood's blonde-headed boy, Tyler, the grandson of NSU president Dr. Randy and first lady Brenda Webb.

Reggie and Tommy made the trip to Colorado Springs two weeks earlier to enjoy watching the Demons at Air Force. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Tamara and Vicky enjoyed a man-free weekend with the kids!

We're baaaaaack

With apologies and a renewed commitment to revitalize the Daily Demon blog!

Inexcusable lapse in posting - yes, it seems technology has added work, not simplified it - but our bottom line is the Daily Demon Blog allows us a chance to recognize people, events and news which may not be able to reach you otherwise.

And it's fun.

So pardon the stall - and know that we'll aim for at least a blog post a day, but at least 3-4-5 each week.