Designated Contributor Doug Ireland, pictured here in all his Doug E. Fresh glory, has retired as the SID (Stud/Sports Information Director) after 30 years of faithful, beyond-the-call-of-duty service to Northwestern State in Natchitoches, the university and town he loves. He is deeply loved in return.
Today is, in theory, the final day to get a spot for the Diggin’ Dougie Retirement Roast & Toast in honor of our friend.
Seats for the Friday event can be reserved online at nsudemons.com/diggindougie. You can also go to this address to learn more. https://www.facebook.com/events/626627184504702/
The roast is 6-9 p.m. at Friedman Student Union on the NSU campus. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
At 6, everyone will go through the line for BBQ, then the fun starts.
This from Designated Contributing Newspaper The Natchitoches Times:
The cost is $25, which will help send the Western Pennsylvania native on a trip to see his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers and to start an endowed scholarship in his name.
Ireland’s fashion sense suggests NSU/Dougie casual (T-shirts/polos with shorts) as a Dickey’s Barbeque buffet will be served.
A pair of NSU VIP football season box tickets will be auctioned courtesy of Jack Brittain. The proceeds will go toward the Doug Ireland Scholarship Fund. To make a bid, visit nsudemons.com/auctions.
Brittain will be part of an all-star roaster lineup that includes emcee Teddy Allen, former NSU baseball coach and current Mississippi State athletics director John Cohen, LSU sports information director Kent Lowe, NSU football coach Brad Laird, former Lady Demon tennis stud Vicky Simms Newsom, voice of the Demons Patrick Netherton, childhood friend and State Farm representative Tag Rome and NSU supporter and fellow State Farm agent Buddy Wood.
A “post roast” celebration will take place at Cane River Brewing (108 Mill Street) immediately after the event.
People who have personal or professional connections with Ireland are encouraged to write notes, record short video messages and/or send photos of the SID in action (work or play) to be shared at the event. Photos can be sent to Matt Vines at vinesm@nsula.edu.
Those unable to attend the event are also welcome to donate toward Ireland’s retirement trip and endowed scholarship.
In his esteemed career, Ireland took home 33 Louisiana Sports Writers Associations honors just since 2000, including the 2017 LSWA Story of the Year.
The majority of those honors came from telling the stories of Northwestern State athletes, coaches and support staff members.
Ireland’s career has had many branches and a vast impact, including his volunteer role as chairman of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
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