NATCHITOCHES -- A new meaning can be associated with the term "foul" at Northwestern State's Brown-Stroud Field.
 
New "fowl" pole signage from the newly opened Chicken Express on South St. is the most visible part of a new corporate partnership between the chicken restaurant and NSU.
 
NSU associate athletics director Haley Taitano said the university and Chicken Express share the desire to promote a family-friendly environment.

"(Owners) Robert and Roy Harris expressed to me over and over that being family-oriented and embracing community values are central to what they do, which is something NSU athletics embraces whole-heartedly," Taitano said. "We appreciate their willingness to jump right in to a new town and a new environment and invest in the university in this way.

"We're looking forward to working with Chicken Express to enhance our game day atmosphere and provide an added value for our fans."
 
Brothers Robert and Roy Harris own and operate the restaurant chain after learning the poultry industry on their father's farm in Texas.
 
"We're a family-owned business, and we started with family roots," Robert Harris said. "We want to have a great relationship with the student body and the people.
 
"With all of our kids who have gone to college, we know how wonderful it is for the kids to have a place to eat that's family-friendly."
 
Added Roy, "We love the town of Natchitoches, love NSU and love everything they've done for us. We just wanted to give back."
 
Other promotions include free sweet tea if the Demons or Lady Demons steal a base.
 
NSU students, faculty and staff can get a $5 NSU meal deal with a valid ID.
 
For more information on corporate sponsorships, contact Taitano at blounth@nsula.edu or by phone at 318-357-4278.
 
Sponsorships help support the Demons Unlimited Foundation, an NSU athletics 501c3 organization which raises money for student-athletes' scholarships, equipment, team travel and facility upgrades among other operations costs.