NATCHITOCHES – New Northwestern State football coach Brad Laird, the Demons' career passing leader, has designed the 29^th Annual Joe Delaney Bowl weekend to engage former players and supporters.
 
Along with the spring game, which kicks off at noon Saturday in Turpin Stadium with no admission charge, Laird is hosting the Demon Football Dinner and Auction downtown Saturday evening at the Chateau Saint Denis hotel and the Natchitoches Events Center.
 
"First and foremost, this weekend honors Joe Delaney, who left an incredible legacy as a student-athlete here, what he did with the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL, and with how he lived his life," said Laird, whose late father Billy was the Demons' offensive coordinator when Delaney became a two-time All-America running back in 1979-80. "We will take time during the game and during our evening to pay tribute to Joe and remember him."
 
Delaney was also part of NSU's 1981 NCAA champion 4x100 meter relay team after becoming a second-round NFL Draft pick. He won AFC Rookie of the Year honors that fall for the Chiefs. Two years later, he drowned in an heroic effort to rescue three young boys, one who survived.
 
The Demons' spring game was named in his honor in 1989, and since then has been held along with different events including dinners and outings.
 
Laird is holding an online auction to allow two people the opportunity to serve as head coaches of the Purple or White teams in the Delaney Bowl. Bidding is open through 11 a.m. Wednesday at NSUDemons.com/auctions/ and includes team gear and an overnight hotel stay.
 
"We'll have some interesting head coaches, and we look forward to that," said Laird. "It's going to be a fun experience for them and for our players and coaches."
 
Online purchases for tickets to Saturday's VIP cocktail party at 5 p.m. and the dinner at 6, along with sponsorship packages, are available through the NSUDemons.com website on the "2018 Football Auction" link on the "Fan Central" button atop the home page, or through the football page on the website.
 
A full schedule of events is also available through those links. Tickets to the dinner and auction are $40 per person with drawdown tickets on sale for $50 each.
 
"This is a chance for parents of our players, former players, supporters from all around, our coaching staff and really anyone who loves the Demons to celebrate our first spring practice, and enhance this football program in a lot of different ways," said Laird.
 
"We'll have a silent auction and a live auction with some great items and experiences available. We've worked very hard at lining up very attractive items that will have a broad appeal, and of course, some opportunities for special access with our program, other NSU Athletics programs and events in our community and around the area, and beyond," he said.
 
For more information, call the Demon football office at 318-357-5252.