After an amazing turnout of this past athletic season, Lion Nation had a chance to catch a glimpse of what the future would hold for athletics in the fall. Lions athletics hosted Super Lion Saturday on this previous Saturday and a day of jam-packed fun for alumnus, current students, athletes and community members around the Hammond area.

Super Lion Saturday kicked off with the Green and Gold 5K and one mile fun run, sponsored by Perfectly Fit. Lion football fans also had a chance to purchase season tickets and pick seats for the beginning of the season. Afterwards, the spring football game began with team members were divided into two teams: defensive (green) and offensive (gold) while the fans were given a glimpse of what they had been working on during the spring practices. Alumni Day happened a few hours after the game and later on, fans had a chance to watch the Lion baseball team play against Incarnate Word. “Super Lion Saturday” came to an end with a spring bash providing everyone dinner, a cash bar and a live band.

Fans enjoyed themselves after the spring game for a small lunch as the live band performed. This was held between the area of the Dugas Center for Athletics and the alumni field.

“The turnout was great and I really enjoyed the day as a whole. I didn’t get to catch the majority of the baseball game like I wanted, but my favorite part about Super Lion Saturday had to be when everyone had a chance to watch our football players enjoy themselves and work hard during the spring game,” said freshman accounting major Audrey Williams. “The turnout was amazing and by watching the game on Saturday, I know the football team will eventually be as great as they were last season.”

Past alumnus members and current university students have exiled and waited for this day to come about. With football being on the back-burner, Lion Nation had a chance to catch a glimpse of what’s to come and they are excited for what the Lions have in store for next football season.

“Super Lion Saturday was a great kick-start for all of us as students here at Southeastern. Aside from football, I think the athletics association used this specific day to just allow families and past members of the university to enjoy themselves and have fun,” said freshman criminal justice major Latifah Jackson. “I’m excited for everything the athletics has to offer this year and I’m really looking forward to supporting my Lions with everything they do this semester.”

Assistant director for Athletic Development, Cody Gougler gave sort of a background on the bringing up of Super Lion Saturday.

“When we started, myself and Jay Artigues, we noticed a major need for special events surrounding Lions Athletics,” said Gougler. “Our goal for the first years was to establish an annual spring event and an annual fall event.”

With Super Lion Saturday standing out amazingly, Gougler had thoughts on Super Lion Saturday.

“Super Lion Saturday was very successful the first year,” said Gougler. “We hope to build on the event next year and to find a much better way to include Southeastern students.”

Gougler also went into depth on his thoughts and expressions for the student body for the support they held when going to vote on athletic fees.

“I would like to personally go on record and thank the student body for passing the increased student athletic fee,” said Gougler. “And because of that, we will continue to be successful at everything we do. Thank you students.”

Overall, Super Lion Saturday was a success for students and everyone who came out to enjoy themselves. With the Lions Athletic Association behind the wheel, Lion nation is sure to be on the edge of their seats this year with future projects and ways to support their fellow Lion athletes with everything they do.