In April, Southern University in Baton Rouge named a new athletic director.

Dr. William Broussard, 33 years old, was selected to take over an athletic department that has a long list of issues and challenges. I have interviewed Dr. Broussard on our Tigers Roar TV Show (yes, it is 90 percent LSU but we do talk about other sports items in Baton Rouge, Lafayette and New Orleans) and was instantly impressed.

I first met Dr. Broussard at a "Celebrity Softball" game in Baton Rouge. He is very energetic as you would expect a "new" athletic director to be. However, my impression goes far beyond the initial energy. Dr. Broussard also met with me at the Pelican offices last week. He has a "vision" which is so important. Southern Jaguar athletics has a rich and decorated history. Professional athletes, Hall of Famers, Olympic Gold Medals, conference honors, and national titles and more are part of the history of Jaguar athletics.

A national alumni base and national following of the athletic programs are in place. With all due respect to previous administrators in the athletic department let me make this observation.

I have been in Baton Rouge for almost 20 years now covering sports. I have seen many administrators and coaches come and go at Southern. I have a lot of confidence in Dr. Broussard to get Southern back to the prominent level locally, regionally and nationally that the alumni desire. He has hit the ground running full speed, focusing on academic performance (APR numbers have to improve for the NCAA), fundraising (much needed), and of course education of all staff on NCAA compliance.

Dr. Broussard has worked at Northwestern State (his alma mater where he was a football lettermen as a center), Arizona and Centenary College in Shreveport. He has wide ranging experience in all aspects of athletic administration which will serve him well and help him reach his goals for Jaguar athletics. He will take control with a "hands on" approach across the board for the department.

A message to all Jaguar fans – your athletic department is in good hands with Dr. Broussard. He will reach out to one and all; his campaign of "stand united" will be splashed all over the media outlets in Baton Rouge and Louisiana. The future is very bright but he will need the support of all Jaguar fans young and old. Be sure to watch the many positive things that will be happening for Southern Jaguar Athletics.

Tommy Krysan is the host of "Tigers Roar" a live TV show each Wednesday night at 8:00 pm on Pelican Sports TV in Baton Rouge, Lafayette and New Orleans. He also hosts Pelican Sports Radio, Monday – Friday, 3:00-4:00 pm in Baton Rouge on KKAY 1590 AM. Online at; kkay1590.com or globalradiokkay.com

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