Feed The Lions

Written by Bethany Beougher | Photos by Johnny Chauvin

COACH CALLS ON COMMUNITY TO FEED THE LIONS!

Frank Scelfo is one of the pillars that connects the community with Southeastern Louisiana University.  Where some see a divide between the two, Frank sees the necessity of us operating as one.

For those who aren’t familiar with him, Frank Scelfo is SLU’s Head Football Coach, and so much more.

He’s a husband, a dad, a mentor, and a leader. Just as importantly, he has a passion that drives him to keep Southeastern on the map in the world of sports. To keep our local college relevant in conversations while recruiting the future of our community.

“College sports are more than kids getting a free ride through college, said Scelfo, “It’s the future of our community, the next generation of the workforce. It’s young adults learning what it’s like to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”

A full-ride scholarship for a collegiate athlete covers expenses for: on-campus room and board, books, tuition, and school fees.

What’s not paid for?  Basically, everything else.

Essentially, these young athletes juggle two fulltime jobs: school and football. Additionally, they need to work to be able to cover daily expenses such as feeding themselves. Coach Scelfo recognizes this and is taking steps to make a change.

The coach has taken matters into his own hands by hitting the streets of Hammond, asking our local restaurant owners to help FEED THE LIONS. Much to his surprise, every owner he asked has said YES!

To date, he has received 18 yeses, which allows 18 of his 105 players to be provided with nutritious and diverse food options. In turn, it gives players a reason to stay here at Southeastern, where NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) sponsorships are lagging behind every other school within our conference.

Why is NIL a conversation we need to have? Because, as Scelfo explains, “Our community isn’t losing players over hundreds of thousands of dollars, we’re losing good athletes over as little as $10,000.”

“Unfortunately, we’ve lost five athletes to schools in our same conference for a promise to be paid,” continued Scelfo. “A promise to have a little less stress while they are providing a service that creates income for the school. Ultimately, this results in a tilted playing field.”

Meanwhile, Coach Scelfo is asking local business owners to sign up as a “Feed the Lions” sponsor. Committing to providing an athlete with a $250 gift card each month for a duration of six months. The program creates an incentive for the athletes to choose to stay/come and play for SLU.

This benefit isn’t given to every player; it is a privilege with stipulations. A reward for those who bleed green and gold. Those who are loyal, maintain their grades, and uphold the program's culture. Coach Scelfo is aware that most of his athletes do not come from a home life that allows them to ask for extra support every month.

“We don’t need someone to donate a million dollars to our sport for NIL,” explained Scelfo, “if we get 1,000 people donating $25 a month for just six months, then we can be a part of the conversation.”

Coach Scelfo reminds us that Southeastern would not be what it is today without the support of the local community, just as the community wouldn’t be the same without the University.

Feed the Lions is a prime example of how SLU is continuously clearing hurdles to ensure students stay here, knowing it is these students who will step up to lead our community in the future.

As far as NIL goes, Coach Selfo summed it up by saying, “It’s time to get in and play the game, or get out and accept defeat.”

On July 1, 2025, NCAA schools began a new model called revenue sharing, which allows athletic departments to directly share a portion of their revenue with student-athletes. It’s the most significant shift in decades, and it will define which programs rise and which ones fall. As we enter a new era of college athletics, the Lion Athletics Association is proud to announce the integration of the Lion Up Collective under its umbrella.

Lion Up Collective

The Lion Up Collective is committed to excellence in the classroom, in the community, and competition. Grounded in the core values of discipline, honesty, integrity, respect, accountability, and loyalty, we strive to empower Southeastern student-athletes to reach their full potential—on and off the field. Through collective support, we are building a championship culture that reflects the true spirit of Lion Nation. Be a part of the purpose and success by contributing today!