Monday, Northwestern State director of athletics Greg Burke was among those eulogizing Carroll Long, who was laid to rest after passing away Friday at age 72 after a battle with cancer. Carroll Long was one of the tri-captains of the Demons' unbeaten 1966 team, and was deeply involved with the football program for decades, serving as team chaplain since 1999 through the summer. Following is the text of Burke's remarks at Monday's funeral service:

I want to start by saying to the Long Family – (twin brother) Gerald, (widow) Susan, (daughters) Kimberly, Melinda, and Rebecca – that it is an extreme honor to offer perspective on my good friend and one of the most true blue – well, make that true purple – NSU Demons ever. I always enjoyed interacting with Carroll, whether it was at a ball game, social function, a visit to my office, or just a phone call to check in.  He was always so gracious and complimentary, and would tell me that I was "the best AD."  Come to think of it, I could have used a little bit of that praise Saturday nite at my roast.
 
To most people, college athletics is about scoreboards and trophies.  While that may be true to an extent, the real – and figurative – goal line for those involved with college athletes is all about the impact we have on those young people over the course of a four to five year period.  NSU President, Dr. Jim Henderson, constantly emphasizes the importance of the "student experience" and for years, the NCAA has stressed the importance of the "student-athlete experience." To that end, the individuals around those young people – who come from various backgrounds and environments – often determine the quality of that experience.
 
Coaches, staff, and administrators get paid to mold, shape, influence, and, in some cases, provide a level of support that some young people may not have had ever before coming to NSU.  On the other hand, Carroll Long wanted to do what we did and didn't want anything in return.
 
Since 1999, he has served for most seasons as the team chaplain for the Demons and the influence he has had on countless young men through the years has been immeasurable. 

Lyn Clark, a New Orleans native who transferred to NSU from Louisville two years ago, told me that Carroll was very instrumental in helping him make the transition from one school to another…..from an ACC program to NSU.  Lyn told me, "This is a big loss for all of us.  Chaplain Long was a big support system for the guys."

Shakeir Ryan, now in his fourth season, has even more perspective about Carroll.  "He'd rub us on the back and sometimes you never even knew he was there before he did that" – a literal and figurative demonstration of his support for the players.  And then there was his "Old Blue" story – about the dog that found a way to beat the lion – which Carroll told to the team before the Southeastern game every year, which Shakeir said never got old.

Carroll was an outstanding football player who was one of three captains on NSU's undefeated 1966 conference championship team and his passion – along with his twin and teammate Gerald - for Demon football only increased after his playing days.  BTW, Carroll often reminded me that he was the "good twin" – and Gerald, you know what that made you – but together the Long Twins have been two of the biggest Demon fans for as long as I can remember and my time at NSU dates back to 1985.  Appropriately, there is a permanent athletic endowed scholarship named the "Long Twins Scholarship."

When Carroll and Susan still lived in Longview, he thought nothing of driving to Natchitoches to watch a practice or attend a luncheon.  Carroll and Susan have been generous benefactors to the Demons Unlimited Foundation for many years and when they moved to Natchitoches, Carroll often attended many other athletic events, too.
 
Anyone who knew Carroll knew how strong he was in his faith so there is little doubt that on Friday night when his Lord and Savior called him home that he had earned a spot in the "express lane" to heaven.  Perhaps the only glitch could have been when the Good Lord asked him why he ended every team prayer with "Amen"…….followed by "Go, Demons!" 

On a serious note, the way he lived his life and the way he carried himself was exactly the type of person that one would want as an influence for their child.  As Shakier Ryan said, "Everything with him was positive."  The health struggles he had in recent years have been lessons in perseverance for all of us. One of our football coaches told me last night at Carroll's wake that the resilience he had as he dealt with his illness was an inspiration to everyone about how to overcome adversity and keep on going.
 
It is part and parcel for any team to replace departed and/or graduated players.  It's just what you do.  In this case, however, there is a hole in the Demon football roster – and, in fact, in the lives and hearts of many - which is irreplaceable.  We are fortunate, however, to have the memory of how a true Godly man named Carroll Long lived his life every day as an example by which to live our lives.
 
In closing, I will say this – Carroll Long….the Good Twin….was so good for us…..he ran a good race…..he fought the good fight…..and now he is in a good place.  Actually he is in the "best place."  Amen…..and, Go, Demons!