By Paul Letlow, ULMWarhawks.com Online Columnist
WEST MONROE, La. – ULM football enjoyed a warm welcome in West Monroe Saturday at the Warhawk Rally at Antique Alley.
The event took place on the patio of Miss Kay's Sweets & Eats and the matriarch of the "Duck Dynasty" family was there to play host for the juniors and seniors on the team.
After meeting head coach
Matt Viator and the players, Kay Robertson said, "I loved him and his wife. I just love them to death, and all the players are so sweet. I'm coming out to support the team."
Robertson said she's a big college football fan and was ecstatic with the turnout.
"I am so honored that this team came to my place," Robertson said. "I feel like it's just a regular place for regular people. They've honored me. We've never had this big a crowd."
Roughly 350 ULM supporters filed through the autograph line with schedule posters and assorted memorabilia. The ULM cheerleaders and Hawkline added to the festive scene while the Athletics Department Ticket Office had a remote location open for season-ticket and single-game sales.
"They've been looking good," ULM fan Billy Myers said as he waited to get a football signed. "The recruiting has been really good the last few years. I think we'll have a great season."
Fans of all ages took part. Children colored alongside the cheerleaders and had the opportunity to try on the official helmet and jersey (with shoulder pads). Ace and All-American return specialist/receiver
Marcus Green were popular targets for selfies.
"It's definitely fun to come out and see the community is behind us," said ULM quarterback
Caleb Evans, who held a baby for one fan's photo. "We put in a lot of hard work but when the community is behind you, it drives you to become great."
Defensive lineman
Derion Ford shook hands with a toddler wearing a No. 1 Warhawks jersey and thanked the family for coming. The players all gathered together at the end for a team picture with Robertson.
"It's great and nice to see people appreciate us," ULM offensive lineman
Eastwood Thomas said. "It's nice to return the favor for them. I signed a lot of autographs and got to meet a lot of people."
Viator enjoyed a nice bonus too as Robertson's nephew Jon Gimber whipped up one of Miss Kay's famous cheeseburgers to go.
"That's my nephew and he can go in there and cook just like me," Robertson said.
ULM opens the 2018 season at home against Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. For ticket information, call 318-342-HAWK (4295).
