NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State football and time on Cane River are a pair of Natchitoches traditions.
 
Those will meld together this afternoon when NSU athletics staffers and members of the community hit the 35-mile lake to pepper the banks with "Stand United" signs promoting the Demons' 2017 home opener (Sept. 16 vs. Lamar). The "Stand United" boat run takes the place of "Watch Out 4 Whiteout," serving as the kickoff for NSU's 2017-18 athletic seasons. The theme will continue throughout the athletic calendar year.
 
Boat captains for the 2017 Cane River tour are Demons Unlimited Foundation members Jack Brittain, Ron McBride and Glenn and Julie Sers.
 
"This year we are asking fans and friends of NSU to 'Stand United' with us as we enter the 2017-18 academic year," NSU Associate Director of Athletics for External Affairs Dr. Haley Taitano said. "This has become a yearly tradition that allows us to interact with Demons athletics supporters and stands as the start of our countdown to the kickoff of football season. We always look forward to seeing the rabid Demons fans along scenic Cane River."
 
The Demon crew will begin their run down the river at 3:30 p.m.
 
Homeowners who find a sign in their yards can post a picture of the sign on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #StandUnited. Visitors to the water can do the same.
 
Fans and supporters can find NSU Athletics at facebook.com/nsudemons and can follow the Demons on Twitter (@NSUDemons).
 
To purchase NSU football season tickets, visit www.NSUtickets.com or call 318-357-4268. The Demons will play five games at home this season – Sept. 16 vs. Lamar; Sept. 30 vs. Southeastern Louisiana; Oct. 21 vs. Central Arkansas (homecoming); Nov. 4 vs. Abilene Christian and Nov. 18 vs. Stephen F. Austin.