NATCHITOCHES -- New Northwestern State football coach Jay Thomas recognized four special contributors to the Demon program and the players and staff members who have been in preseason camp during the annual Link Ceremony held at the Collins Family Pavilion following the final preseason scrimmage of 2013 camp on Saturday.

Vance Howe of Sodexo Catering, who oversees meals for the football team, became the first person outside the athletic program to receive a link in appreciation for the "above and beyond the call of duty" approach he and his staff have taken with the Demons during preseason camp.

Former Demon running back Gil Gilson and former athletic equipment manager Chuck Bourg, both university administrators, were also presented links for their assistance with cooking for the team and for the Graduate N Club activities. New athletic facilities director Jeremy Vitt received a link for his hard work to accomodate preseason camp just a few weeks into his arrival.

All 95 players in preseason camp, along with the football staff, were presented links by Thomas.