A season to remember – Up Front
As we go to press with this issue, and as surely as you’re reading this edition, the LSU Tigers football team is busy with final preparations for the BCS National Championship Game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome Jan. 9. I love the LSU Tigers and believe we’re going to win. But win or lose, this football team has given us a season that none of us will forget any time soon.
As we all know, the Tigers finished the season undefeated at 13-0. Along the way, they have beaten eight Top 25 teams. LSU’s success has been the result of countless talented players and coaches who stepped up and performed when counted on, none more so than backup quarterback Jarrett Lee (right). The fifth-year senior became the starting quarterback after Jordan Jefferson’s ordeal at Shady’s Bar, and all Lee did was win. Then, after Jefferson’s return and a pair of interceptions against Alabama, Lee was benched. He accepted his backup role with grace and professionalism, traits that will help him long after he’s finished playing football.
LSU’s arsenal of running backs were simply outstanding: Spencer Ware, Alfred Blue, Michael Ford and Kenny Hilliard, along with the fullbacks, punished tacklers all season long. The special teams as a unit were second to none thanks to punter Brad Wing, kicker Drew Alleman, punt returner Tyrann “the Honey Badger” Mathieu, and kick returner Mo Claiborne.
Coaches are already receiving recognition, all of it deserving. Defensive Coordinator John Chavis won the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach. Les Miles won SEC Coach of the Year and was named Home Depot National Coach of the Year.
But what’s truly special about this team is its defense. It’s been said offenses score points and defenses win championships. This year, defense has carried LSU to the championship game. Every time the offense sputtered, the defense stepped up big time. Yes, we have college football’s defensive player of the year and Heisman Trophy finalist in Mathieu, but the fact is, there were so many other outstanding players on this team—and defining plays— that there is just not enough room in this column to list them all. But no matter how you measure it, this year’s defense is one of the best college football has ever seen. Let’s hope by the time the game is played Jan. 9 we won’t just be talking about a season to remember, but the greatest LSU football season ever!
Will you be worth watching?
What better way to start the New Year than by spotlighting the People to Watch in 2012, which shines a light on Baton Rougeans poised to make an impact on life. This year’s class is made up of leaders, artists, performers, educators, administrators and up-and-comers in a variety of disciplines. Through hard work and dedication, they have put themselves in a position to affect Baton Rouge’s future. Check out their stories and photos in this issue.
But don’t stop with simply reading their stories. Look into their eyes, then search your heart and commit yourself to making Baton Rouge better in 2012. Engage. Get involved. Volunteer. Challenge the status quo. Don’t settle for lip service; step up!
It was Mahatma Gandhi who said, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” So, what will your cause be in 2012 to make Baton Rouge better?
At 225, change is in the air
We are beginning our seventh year publishing 225 magazine, and we’re excited about several new initiatives this year. Besides enhancements to the magazine, we’re going to redisign and launch a brand new 225 website in the coming months. It will be more user friendly and easier to navigate. We’ll also be redesigning our e-newsletters to help you stay on top of things going on in our city.
At the same time, it’s with mixed emotions that we say farewell to our editor, Tom Guarisco, who—after helping us launch and build the magazine—now embarks on a new chapter of his career. But after six years, he leaves his mark. Tom is one of the most passionate, creative and gifted writers I have ever worked with. We thank him for all of his contributions and wish him the best.
At his side for those six years was Jeff Roedel, our entertainment editor and a gifted writer. Jeff has taken over the helm as editor, and we’re excited about the future!
