When I first encountered Northwestern State University and the greater Natchitoches area, I did not initially realize the impact my experiences there would have on my personal and professional life trajectory. See, I was a 19-year-old kid transferring from the University of Mississippi to play football for the NSU Demons. Upon my arrival, I was a bit regretful due to the fact I was giving up the bright lights of SEC competition and everything that came with it. However, through many experiences, I discovered the beauty hidden inside Natchitoches, LA, and Demon Football.

 

It is my belief that there is a learning opportunity available in everyday life. Although true, a person must possess an open mind to the experience in order to obtain a valuable lesson from it. Well, I obtained a very humbling lesson during my first day of practice. I arrived at the fieldhouse and went to my locker. As I put on my cleats and strapped my shoulder pads, I said to myself, "These boys ain't got nothing on me!" A bit cocky for me to have had this thought? Sure it was. I was convinced that my skill-set was greater due to the level of competition I was coming from. Let me tell you, this thought did not last very long.

 

Shortly after team stretch and warm-ups, I heard the words "SUDDEN CHANGE" rip through the air. I turned my head and saw head coach Scott Stoker run to the middle of the field and say, "It's on boys! Time to strap it up!" To provide a brief description, sudden change occurs when there has been an immediate change in a game such as a fumble or interception and the defense or offense must be prepared to take the field. Coach Stoker practiced this to keep us prepared for any scenario during a game. This meant sudden change could occur at any time during practice.

 

The linebackers coach yelled, "Get in there, Loche!," and without hesitation, I buckled my chinstrap and charged onto the field. I remember the play vividly. The quarterback went through his cadence, and subsequently, the ball snapped. I quickly went through my progressions and took off like a missile! My eyes widened as I quickly approached the tailback. My adrenaline skyrocketed as I knew I was about to make an everlasting impression. At full speed, I was prepared to make a form tackle and then… "BOOM!" I was pancaked by an offensive tackle. When I rolled over, I saw this huge shadow and the person said, "Welcome to the Southland Conference!" It was Demetress Bell, who at the end of that season, went in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft to the Buffalo Bills.

 

I called this a "rude-awakening experience" and I said to myself, "These boys can ball!" I quickly became aware of the tradition, passion, and culture that encompasses Demon Football. I learned about the courage of Joe Delaney, the athletic ability of Bobby Hebert, and the love of the game Chris Waddell demonstrated before he took his last breath in Turpin Stadium. These values were present daily during practices, workouts, and games. The culture of the unwavering work ethic passed down from former NSU greats was the platform I used to tackle not only football, but my personal and professional life as well.

 

Work ethic! What exactly is work ethic? What does it really mean? People may have many interpretations of this concept. Well, I was able to construct my meaning of work ethic during my senior football season. That year, we went 0-11. There are many rationalizations I can offer as to why this losing record occurred; however, that is irrelevant. What is most important is the way my brothers and I approached every single day. Sure, there was adversity, fatigue, and even a little doubt. Although true, we were always accountable for one another and did not feel sorry for ourselves. We approached every practice, every workout, and every game like it was our last. We had a losing record, but we were champions because this journey molded us into men who could go on and lead great lives.

 

For me personally, these experiences led me down a path I never thought I would be able to journey on, and in nine months, my name will change from Mr. to Dr. Rogers W. Loche III. Many athletes come to Natchitoches to play ball not knowing where their life will lead. One thing is for sure, if you are open to the opportunity; the quaint, but vibrant town of Natchitoches and NSU Football will catapult you into becoming a GREAT person destined for GREAT success. For this reason, I call Demon Football and Natchitoches, LA "A Place like No Other!"