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LC alumnus’ life savings equals record donation

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LC students hear Dr. Luter during Spring Revival

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LC Baseball players among latest class of graduates

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LC athletes learn dangers of PEDs

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Dr. Guilbert's joy for ministry shows through

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tlc set to perform “one-act” plays this weekend

Cultural credit for students Friday and Saturday

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LC Football takes another step forward in 2009

by Al Quartemont

Another 7-3 record, but more progress made in the process

The Louisiana College Wildcats finished 2009 with the same record they had in 2008: 7 wins, 3 losses.

On the surface, one might look at that record and think LC did little else than stand pat. Hardly.

With a milestone win over Hardin Simmons and a 6-2 record in the American Southwest Conference (Mary Hardin Baylor and Mississippi College tied for first at 7-1), what the Cats did do this season is let everyone in the conference know. LC football is still on the way up.

As I did my traditional eavesdropping on the post-game huddle, I heard LC coach Dennis Dunn congratulate his seniors for bringing the program to this point. A high point, no doubt. But he also challenged his juniors and underclassmen to take what the 13 seniors did and build on it just that much more for next season.



And there's every reason to think that can and will happen. While the Cats will lose some key personnel, especially on defense, what they'll return next year is an arsenal load of talent on offense. Juniors Ben McLaughlin and Jordan Rideaux are now a record-setting combination at quarterback and wide receiver. Where holes will be left, there are many younger, talented players who walked the LC sidelines this season just waiting for their chance. Next year, many of them will get that chance.

But I hope the greater LC community won't measure success in this program just on wins and losses. It's so much more than that.

With an on-campus stadium, a gorgeous new turf, a new marching band, a new spirit among the fans, LC football is now an experience. One well worth having.



More than all of that, however, is how this program is being built. A right foundation. Much more than off-season workouts and recruiting trips.

I've heard Coach Dunn this season tell his players after each game this season to make "good character decisions." I believe many are listening. We hope they all are.

I believe we saw some of that in the McMurry game. When things started to get a little "chippy", Dunn was quick to get his players back in line. They held themselves back enough to get several unsportsmanlike penalties their way. Good decisions leading to good results.



For Dunn, football is his ministry. He makes no pretense about that. His goal is to have a great football teams, but if you ask him, he'll tell you - his greater goal is to build great men. It's something he knows, ultimately, only God can do, and that's where he points them to - for life, for inspiration, for guidance.

For the 13 seniors, football is in all likelihood a new part of their past. But what Coach Dunn has given them is something that can always be part of their future.

As for those who remain, there's at least one more step to take - the Division III playoffs, an ASC Championship, perhaps one day a National Championship.

It's a climb I hope we all enjoy getting the chance to see.

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