MONROE, La. - The ULM Athletic Hall of Fame
induction ceremonies are set for Saturday on the campus of ULM. The festivities
will take place on the seventh floor of the ULM Library beginning at 10 a.m.
In part two of a three part series,
ulmwarhawks.com will feature the three inductees - Maria Lindström, James
Folston and Mike Vining - of this year's Athletic Hall of Fame class.
Folston (1990-93) is a key example of what
hard work on the field will do to advance a career. When he came to ULM as an
unassuming 6-foot-3, 230-pound freshman, nobody could have expected the type of
four-year career he would have. In 1993, when Folston graduated from the
program, he was the school's all-time leader in sacks.
"My
induction into the ULM Hall of Fame speaks volumes to what type of standards I
set on the football field," Folston said. "This is something I can always look
forward to seeing in my future visits to ULM. I am a big believer that one
should never worry about anything they can't control. My play on the football
field, in practice or a game was something I had total control of. There was no
way I would let the opposition watch film or eat dinner with a smile on their
face due to my lack of effort."
During his freshman season as a defensive
end, Folston was able to get to the quarterback just once for an eight-yard
loss. As he continued to work in the weight and film room, his sack total
continued to increase as each season passed. In his sophomore season he was
able to take down the quarterback on seven different occasions.
It was his junior season that pro scouts and
collegiate All-America voters began to take notice of Folston's abilities on
the field. During his third year in a ULM uniform he recorded 12 sacks. In 1993
he ended his career with 27 sacks, which ranks first on the all-time sacks
list.
"ULM gave me the tools to become a better person
spiritually," Folston said. "The classroom atmosphere was energetic, with each
professor giving 110% during their lectures. Leaving the state of Florida to
attend ULM was a major stepping stone for me. I had to quickly self-evaluate my
strengths and weaknesses as a person, physically and mentally. My parents, coaches
and professors inspired me to not judge others quickly. All walks of life have
tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses. It's our responsibility as a person to correct
them, use them, or strengthen them."
Following his senior season he was selected
as an All-American by the Associated Press, the Walter Camp Foundation and
Football Gazette. Playing for head coach Dave Roberts, Folston earned ULM's
Iron Man Award and was chosen to play in the East-West Shrine Game and the Hula
Bowl.
"It's
really hard to pick out one great memory at ULM," Folston said. "I do know that
I'm blessed to cross paths with so many genuine players, coaches,
administrations and the people of Monroe. Attaining my degree is at the top of
the list, but I miss the camaraderie with the guys, the smile of the cafeteria
workers, the workmanship of the grounds people, the attention to detail by the
professors, the tape jobs by the trainers, running the Malone Stadium steps at 1
a.m., why Coach Roberts never broke a sweat in the 109 degree heat or caught a
cold, The "Gene Ponti Show", the footbridge or crawfish boils. I
could go on and on for days."
Following his illustrious career at ULM, he
was selected in the second round, 52nd overall, of the NFL Draft by the Oakland
Raiders. His selection in the draft was the second-highest in school history.
Folston went on to play 11 seasons in the NFL, eight with Oakland and three
with the Arizona Cardinals, before hanging up the cleats.
Those wishing to attend the ULM Hall of Fame
banquet should contact Nancy Davis at the ULM Alumni Center - 1-866-WARHAWK 1-866-WARHAWK (927-4295).
Cost of the event is $20 per person and tables can be reserved for groups of
eight at $160. In addition, if you would like to be a sponsor of the event
please contact Robert Williamson, Executive Director of the L-Club at (318) 342-1316 or (318) 381-2366.
