RAN OUT OF TOWN
No. 7 LSU baseball caps off pivotal series win over No. 6 Tennessee with dominating mercy rule victory.
Read on page 2
HAVE MERCY!
Big Sunday win delivers 2-1 series victory for LSU over Tennessee
BY ISABELLE CALLAHAN & ROSS ABBOUD Staff Writers
On Sunday afternoon in Alex Box, the Tigers returned to the field with vengeance in the Game 3 rubber match against Tennessee. After a rough Saturday night, the bats and pitching staff were right on the mark, paying it off with a run rule of the Vols and securing a series win.
In the hot sun on Sunday afternoon, you could see a fire in LSU’s bats early on. The Tigers saw the ball clearly and made it known they were on the hunt for a home victory.
Derek Curiel’s 43-game onbase streak ended Saturday night, but he responded with maybe the best game of his college career. He started with a 371-foot solo homer to put LSU on the board. On the night, Curiel went 4-for-4 with five RBI and two doubles.
“I just attacked today like any other day and I think I just went back to my roots,” Curiel said. “Obviously great pitchers from the other side, but staying in control of my bats and I wanted to put on a show tonight for my family but also help my team. So it was great.”
The game’s breakthrough came in the second inning after Luis Hernandez tripled to left center. Curiel came up to bat again, hitting the double that sent Hernandez home, tying the game 2-2.
The LSU offense then kicked into the next gear with a three-run homer from Jake Brown, which broke open the score and gave the Tigers their first lead of the day.
“He’s a great athlete and such a great competitor,” Johnson said. “It was one of the at-bats of the year for our team today, and it was cool to go see him execute that.”
This series matchup against Tennessee has seen the most tension in an SEC matchup for the Tigers so far this season. The power behind each team’s bats and on the mound made it challenging to get big hits.
Effective strategy from Jay Johnson was brought to life after going through almost the whole bullpen Saturday night.
The decision to not pitch Casan Evans in the first two games of the series paid off as he recorded his longest appearance, throwing 77 pitches through 6.0 innings of work. He tallied six strikeouts in his first career start in the rubber match.
To start the Sunday final matchup, the Vols struck, tallying two runs on the board from stolen bases. They seemed to locate pitches, and it began to look like Saturday night. Evans shut that down.
Evans struggled in the first, allowing two runs on four hits, but a huge strikeout seemed to swing momentum in his favor.
Zac Cowan replaced Evans to start the seventh inning, and their combined effort helped the Tigers maintain the lead as they held Tennessee to three hits and no runs after the first inning.
Jay Johnson joked about Evans and Cowan on the LSU postgame radio show saying, “Outside of my wife Maureen Johnson, probably two of the most important people in my life.”
The Tigers desperately needed signs of life from the bullpen in this series after it allowed seven earned runs through 3.1 innings in Game 2. But the roles reversed when the Tennessee pitching couldn’t find an advantage over LSU in the third game.
Tennessee hoped the bullpen could help keep this game close, but LSU saw eight pitchers and forced each to surrender at least one hit, walk or earned run.
The scene from the fans of Alex Box was pure electricity, giving the Tigers much-needed energy to fuel off to keep the hits coming and battling the Vols off, claiming a 12-2 victory.
Game 3 followed two fiery matchups on Friday and Saturday, completing the highest attended weekend in LSU baseball history. Game 1 ended with a ninth inning Jared Jones walk-off home run, as LSU rallied for all six of its runs in the final inning. Game 2 was just as heated as Game 1, with each team receiving a warning from friends towards the end of the game. A failed relief effort was insurmountable, and Tennessee tied the series before losing it in eight innings on Sunday.
The Tigers will play on the road next week in College Station and face off against the Texas A&M Aggies starting May 2 at 6
p.m.
PAYTON PRICHARD / The Reveille
LSU baseball players visit the mound during LSU’s 12-2 win against Tennessee on April 27 at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge, La.
PAYTON PRICHARD / The Reveille
LSU baseball freshman outfielder Derek Curiel (6) celebrates after hitting a home run during LSU’s 12-2 win against Tennessee on April 27 at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge, La.
PAYTON PRICHARD / The Reveille
An LSU fan holds up a sign during LSU’s 12-2 win against Tennessee on April 27 at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge, La.
RESULTS ARE IN
Henderson Layrisson win Student Government elections
BY AIDAN ANTHAUME Staff Writer
Lavar Henderson and Abry Layrisson won the election to become LSU’s next student body president and vice president on Friday, emerging victorious after a chaotic election season marked by disqualifications, appeals and outside intervention.
The election drew 5,793 voters, one of the highest turnouts in the past three years, according to Election Commissioner Carlin Sekhani-Matthews.
“We couldn’t have done this without the hard work of every single member of our staff and our candidates. This victory belongs to the student body, not just
ORGS
us. We look forward to supporting and upholding our institution,” Henderson and Layrisson said in a joint statement.
Henderson, a political communication junior from Houma, and Layrisson, a political communication junior from Ponchatoula, centered their campaign on what they called the “Student First Agenda,” a platform focused on improving campus accessibility, expanding resources and making university operations more efficient.
Among their top priorities are expanding disability accommodations, improving campus transportation and streamlining student services.
The results, announced during a Zoom meeting, followed weeks
of uncertainty as the Foret-Tatman: Forward campaign was disqualified twice over alleged campaign violations.
Its first disqualification stemmed from accusations of bribery after the ticket allegedly offered free food at a campaign event. That decision was overturned after state senators filed a legal brief supporting their case and Dean of Students Fran’Cee Brown-McClure reinstated the ticket.
After voting closed, the ticket faced another disqualification for failing to accurately report donations, but was again reinstated following review of the dean. Foret-Tatman: Forward tallied the second-most votes.
Speech and Debate Team makes its voice heard on and off campus
BY LIV TEES Staff Writer
Public speaking is a frightinducing terror for many, but for the talkative students of LSU’s Speech and Debate Team, speaking in public is their specialty.
The Mixon Lyceum Speech and Debate Team, fondly named after its founder, Harold Mixon, competes in individual and team events in competitions nationwide. The team, led by Jonathan Bridenbaker, concluded this year’s season at the National Forensic Association Tournament in Detroit and brought home awards in every category.
This year’s travel team, made up of five students, placed third in the President’s Sweepstakes Tier 2 and 12th in the overall sweepstakes.
However, accolades and awards are not the only thing that keeps the team running. Sports administration junior and travel team member Landon Terro explained that the team was built from the ground up.
“It’s felt so rewarding to do this together and feel as though our legacy is cemented at LSU, regardless of awards or accolades,” Terro said.
In 1910, the first debate team was started at LSU, and through centuries of hard work and dedicated faculty and staff, has transformed into an intercollegiate force to be reckoned with. The team’s heart lies with its 13 permanent members and dedicated director, Bridenbaker.
“In all my years of higher edu-
RESEARCH LSU Health professor discovers new treatment for cognitive diseases
BY MADDIE PACELLI Staff Writer
LSU professor Nicolas Bazan, who has been called a “universal genius” for his work as a research scientist, an author, a movie producer, an entrepreneur and more, is leading a group of researchers studying a groundbreaking treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.
Beginning at the university in 1981, Dr. Bazan is the founding director of the Neuroscience Center of Excellence at LSU Health New Orleans’ School of Medicine. He has served as the Ernest C. and Yvette C. Villere Chair for the Study of Retinal Degeneration at the university’s Health Sciences Center since 1984, and was named a Boyd Professor, the highest aca-
demic rank in the LSU System, in 1994.
Dr. Bazan and his team of researchers have been focusing on identifying potential therapeutics for brain injuries and ischemic strokes, a stroke caused by the blockage of an artery or vein. They have also explored fundamental issues using human brain cells in culture and the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
“What we found besides novel mechanisms of brain injury is that the elovanoids – molecules that we discovered, named and patented through LSU Health New Orleans – are clearly neuroprotective, opening up therapeutic avenues to thwart consequences of traumatic brain injury,” Dr. Bazan said.
New game offers chance to balance state budget
cation, I’ve never seen a group of students who are more dedicated and passionate about their craft than I’ve seen here,” Bridenbaker said.
Bridenbaker comes from a long history of speech and debate. He joined a team 15 years ago and fell in love with it, competing for all of high school and four years of undergraduate school. With such a passion for forensics, he felt called to be a part of LSU’s team after he got a teaching job in the communications department.
Bridenbaker learned the value of good communication, public speaking skills and confidence, which he hopes to impart to his team.
As lawmakers convened at the Capitol last week to begin this year’s regular legislative session, local organizations are giving residents a chance to balance the state’s budget through a new online simulation.
The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, The Advocate and the LSU Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs have teamed up to create a game to give residents a chance to try their hand at setting the state’s billion-dollar budget.
Users will begin with the $25.3 billion of state money generated by taxes, fees and other revenue sources. As they answer the over three dozen tax and spending questions, users will see if they have created a budget surplus or deficit.
The simulation doesn’t just calculate the outcome of the user’s choices. It also offers information about taxes and spending on issues like education, healthcare and the environment.
The game takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Users can submit their decisions to compete against others to see if their choices help – or hurt – the state’s financial future.
“SolvetheBudget.com doesn’t take a position on what the best choices are, or even whether these are the right questions. But it does provide a glimpse of how tricky it can be to set priorities and make the numbers work,” the program’s press release reads.
COURTESY OF THE HENDERSON-LAYRISSON CAMPAIGN’S INSTAGRAM, @HENDERSONLAYRISSON25
CAMPUS
DEBATE, from page 4
“Speech and debate gave me the critical reasoning ability and the ability to not take what I see on the internet or social media at face value,” Bridenbaker said.
Despite its numerous awards and competitive nature, not many students are familiar with the team. Brandon Reynolds, the graduate assistant for the team, admits that he was not wellversed in the world of competitive speech and debate before taking on his position. But Reynolds quickly became enthralled with the team’s nuances and uniqueness, primarily because of the students themselves.
“It’s a testament to just how much they truly care,” Reynolds said. “Because I went from being apathetic towards this team to investing hours upon hours of extra time that I never would have done otherwise. It’s a testament to the competitors for making the
HEALTH
, from page 3
Elovanoid molecules help the brain defend itself from injury and protect its cognition and memory functions. When introduced to the brain post stroke or injury, the molecules can halt the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Bazan said the molecules and their therapeutic potential
team grow and making it a place I enjoy spending time with.”
The team comprises students full of school spirit that look forward to representing LSU at competitions both near and far. With this in mind, the team is often referred to as a school club – a term that somewhat diminishes the time and effort put into the team.
“I want people to know we are a team,” Terro said. “I know we aren’t the football team, but we compete, work hard and put in the hours.”
The Speech and Debate Team competes against 60 universities and has placed in the top quarter of these teams this year.
Sophomore sports administration major Sam Theriot, who is also a member of the competition travel team, urges LSU students to get more involved and recognize the team’s outstanding achievements. Though he is not an officer this season, he plans to take on a bigger role next season and
could move from the lab to patient care in a few years.
“There are no signs of toxicity or side effects with our elovanoids, so I believe in the upcoming years this enzyme will be used on patients,” Dr. Bazan said.
Synthetic and chemical molecules have been studied for the same purpose, but because they are “foreign molecules,” meaning
work on recruiting more students interested in competing.
“We’re here to let people know what we’ve been doing and to fuel that drive for recruitment and recognition for all the work that every one of the team members has put in,” Theriot said.
LSU supports the Speech and Debate Team by offering some funding from the College of Human Sciences and Education, but the team still struggles with recruitment and retention. Bridenbaker hopes to ease the strain with an endowment.
“Other extremely successful programs, like at the University of Alabama, can give their students scholarships and retain their topnotch program,” Bridenbaker said. “And one of the ways they were able to do that was through the acquisition of an endowment. For me, over the next five to 10 years, establishing that endowment is one of my biggest goals for the team.”
they do not occur in the brain, they have many side effects. Since elovanoids are made in the brain, they are safer. It is estimated that more than 5.6 million Americans 65 years or older are living with dementia. While the financial challenges of dementia care are significant, Dr. Bazan’s team wants to center the deeper human aspect of the dis -
ease.
“We want our focus on the emotional aspect of the family members of dementia patients,” Dr. Bazan said.
Dr. Bazan has inspired many young minds and researchers with his dedication to combating brain injuries. For his findings, he has been invited to present his team’s discoveries in a major international
meeting in Rome, Italy this week.
He will present his lecture on elovanoids’ impact on neurodegenerative diseases and is also chairing a session at the conference.
“We need to conquer these brain diseases, and the only way to do that is to provide more knowledge through research,” Dr. Bazan said. “That is where we need young minds to continue down this path.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF JONATHAN BIDENBAKER
The LSU Speech and Debate team stands at Wayne University after the NFA tournament.
ENTERTAINMENT
MENU
MADI MAY’S Everbowl
BY MADISON MARTIN Staff Writer
Classic Smoothie Bowl
Here in the heart of Louisiana, natives don’t truly understand the weight of a deliciously smooth acai bowl. We’re a southern swamp, not a tropical paradise, so when going into smoothie bowl restaurants, critique with a grain of salt. Although I prefer to make a smoothie bowl at home, as soon as I heard Everbowl was on campus, I had to see if it measured up to my standards.Everbowl, located at 3646 Nicholson Drive, was cozy when walking in. There’s plenty of space for customers to bring friends or to study. Off to the side, the acai shop offers a free coffee bar, making every college student appreciate this kind gesture. The restaurant has plenty of smoothie bowl options, making a decision hard, but be sure to try its classic everbowl if you’re scared to step out of your comfort zone. The classic everbowl has its acai base at the bottom, with granola layers, and the bowl is topped with bananas, strawberries and blueberries. The creamy and smooth acai base is a wonderful consistency, sure to melt in your mouth. The bowl costs $12.14, which can add up for a college student’s budget; however, if you are seriously craving a smoothie bowl and are on campus, Everbowl might be your best bet. The bowls can be taken to-go or you can sit down with a friend and get your studying done in one of its comfy chairs. Everbowl is open every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., waiting to satisfy your cravings.
3646 Nicholson
Drive
Campus club provides a safe space for
BY LAURA ALLEN Staff Writer
Best Buddies, a social club that fosters community between students and their peers with intellectual and developmental disabilities, hosted its monthly social at the UREC on April 23. The group enjoyed a variety of games, including air hockey, pool, e-sports and arcade games in lieu of a pool party that had to be canceled due to the weather.
“It’s kind of just a friendship club where we’re fostering friendships between students and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Paris Ally, sophomore coastal environmental science major and president of Best Buddies, said. “We’re just trying to be another outsource on campus for them.”
The club facilitates these friendships in many ways. A peer buddy can spend time with a student who has IDD one-on-one or hanging out in a group setting, forming a genuine friendship. Students can also get involved by becoming an associate buddy and spending time with other members in a group setting.
Best Buddies is an international organization dedicated to building up these friendships. This program is all over the world and has locations in all 50 states, and it has clubs in schools ranging from elementary to college level.
The club holds a social event every month, and it has been preparing for its Kickball Kickoff, a fundraiser in collaboration with Baton Rouge Citizens and Tulane University. The event
Music lovers feel at home in the Rock Club
BY LEXIE WARE Staff Writer
Interested in rock legends like Led Zepplin, Stevie Nicks and The Cure? The LSU Rock Club has you covered.
The Rock Club was founded in June 2024 after the founder of the Rock Music Collegiate Coalition (RMCC) reached out to seniors Avery Sams and Nicole Seghers. The RMCC, which hosts Rock Clubs at universities across the country, believed LSU would be the perfect fit for a new chapter.
Sams and Seghers were more than happy to take up the mantle as president and vice president. Their goal was to foster an appreciation of the rock genre at LSU, and so far, they have done so successfully.
Sams said the club serves as a community for anyone who loves rock music or just wants to learn more about it.
“A true ‘Motley Crue,’” she laughed.
Seghers has organized a wide range of events for members of the Rock Club, including field trips to different concerts around the Baton Rouge area and other music-related activities.
“My favorite event so far has been the record painting activity we did a few months back,” Seghers said. “Everyone just hung out, listened to music, painted and got to know each other.”
This sense of camaraderie is evident in club meetings. Members cheer each other on, share plenty of laughs and sometimes even pull out instruments for an impromptu jam session. A wide variety of instruments are used for these sessions, from a bass guitar to a keytar.
One member that often plays the electric and acoustic guitar at
meetings is computer science freshman Achilles Caceres, who is very passionate about rock music. His desire to learn more about his favorite genre led him to Rock Club, which he immediately fell in love with.
“I would describe the club as a place where any kind of rock you listen to is appreciated in all sorts of ways,” Caceres said. “If you’ve never heard of a certain subgenre of rock, it doesn’t matter, because you’ll learn something new every week when coming to this club.”
Helping to educate members on these different rock subgenres is freshman Grace Nash, who creates themed slideshows each week. Her presentations include activities for the whole club to enjoy, such as song trivia and live performance viewings. Members break into groups to play these rock-themed games, which often sparks plenty of friendly competition.
“We all just love rock music and just like talking about it,” Nash said. “Rock is such a huge genre that you could really spend years trying to cover everything.”
Nash, who was elected president of next year’s Rock Club, loves how tightly knit the club is. She looks forward to doing more activities to recruit new members next year.
Rock Club’s welcoming atmosphere is what keeps students coming back for more. Everyone seems to know each other, and new faces are welcomed with gusto. While playing an instrument is not a requirement for members, the jam sessions are always a highlight of each meeting.
“It’s a nice and welcoming place for anyone,” Caceres said. “I hope that more people find out about this club and have a great time as well.”
students with disabilities
will have fun activities like face painting, plus guest appearances by Saints football player Kyle Hergel and LSU football player Phillip Wright III.
“So just a way to promote Best Buddies, have a fun little game and then fundraise so people can do donations,” Ally said.
This club, like many others, took a big hit during the pandemic and is only just now recovering with its first full year back.
“So I’ve been working since my freshman year, trying to start the club back up,” Ally said. “I think a hard part of it is really getting that word out there, because LSU is such a big campus that, although you think there’s people all around you, it’s for some reason very hard to spread the word.”
The club also battles many
other challenges and misconceptions. For example, many people assume that only students with disabilities can join Best Buddies, when in reality the club is open to all. Additionally, the club runs on tight funds due to its small size, but Ally hopes to gain more members and host more fundraisers in a year’s time.
Liv Tees, a senior journalism major and vice president of Best Buddies, finds her experiences in the club to be more than rewarding despite the challenges.
“I love really just hanging out with all of the kids,” Tees said. “I mean, they’re just regular college students. They just have an intellectual disability, but they want to have fun, they want to make jokes, they want to watch sports. For me, it’s really rewarding to kind of facilitate that between
a bunch of the college students and kind of grow those friendships.”
LAURA ALLEN / The Reveille Best Buddies member plays air hockey at the monthly social held in the UREC.
CLANTON-CALNAN
CLAYTON
COATES LILY COLE
KENNEDY COMEAUX
MAYA CONTRERAS MADISON COOPER MICHAEL COOPER KEELEN COOPER BROOKS
CORLEY RAEGAN CORLEY
LAUREN ANNA COVINO
CREECH
OLIVIA CROCHET
DELANEY CROWDER
CHRISTIAN CUEVAS
OLIVIA DAIGLE
EVELYN DALTON
CAMILLE DANIELS
DANE DAUZAT
JAXON DAY
STEPHAN DE SMIDT
LOUIS DE VITA
SHELBY DEAN
SYDNEY DEAN
KLAIRE DEGGS
ANGELINA MYA DEIULIS
GABRIEL DELIBERTY
SYDNEE DESHOTEL
HANNA DEVILLIER
ELLA DIERKS
CLAIRE DIX
DAWSON DOUGLAS
MACKENZIE DOUGLAS
RORY ELIZABETH JOSETTE DRIES
JAYLIAN ALEXIS DUKE
SIERRA DUNCAN
BROCK DUPRE JR.
SARAH DUROCHER
AMBER DURRANT
BRANDON DUVALL
AARON JOHN ECHOLS
IRENE EDESO
KAMYAH ELIAS
ISABEL ELLEFSON
MADISYN NICOLE MORGAN ELLIS
HANNAH EPPERLEY
MADELINE GRACE ERICKSON
ALEX ERPELDING
ALEXANDRA ESPINOSA
BRYCE FAIREY
CARLIE FAJARDO
ETHAN FARKOS
LAILA FERNANDEZ
JESSICA FINN
NATALIE FISCHETTI
FAITH FITZPATRICK
HAYLEY FLEMING
SKYLUR FLEMING
JULIA FLOOD
SADIE GRACE FLORES
JAVONTREL FRANCIS
PILAR FRANKLIN
KOPILA FREITAG
BENJAMIN GARCIA
AIDEN GARDNER
CONNOR GARDNER
CARTER GAUTREAU
SYDNEY GEORGE
WADE GILBERT
CAMI GIORGI
MADISON NOEL GONDRELLA
LILIAN ARLETH GONZALEZ
LUIS GOOD
ALAINA GRAFF
CHLOE GRAHAM
KENNEDY GRANADOS
MARY GRANT
ISABEL GRASSLEY HEATHER GREEN
LAUREN ELIZABETH GROS
MORGAN GUIDRY
EMMA ELIZABETH GUILLORY
OLIVIA GUTHRIE
GRIFFIN GUTIERREZ
SOPHIA GUTIERREZ
ALANNA HADDOW
KATELYN HALL
BRADLEY HARDEMAN
KIMORA SHAUNTAE HARDWELL
KYLER HARGROVE
TRISTAN HARPER
KATELYN HARRISON
JORDAN MATTHEW HARROLD
GIA HARTDEGEN
HAVEN HARTWELL
BELAN HARVEY
CIERRA HAYES
KELSEY HAYNES
JACKSON HEAP
KAYLA HENDRIX
SAMANTHA HERNANDEZ
STEPHANIE ELAINE HEROMAN
SHELBY HICE
ALYSSA MARIE HIGHTOWER
SHAMANDA HILLS
KAITLYN HOANG
RACHEL HOBBS
GRACE ELIZABETH HOERNER
KAITLYN HOLDEN
MEGAN HOLLISTER
JONATHAN CAMERON HOLLOWAY
ROBERT HOLMES
ABIGAIL CHRISTINE HOMROCK
TIARA GRA’SHAUN HOOKER
JOEL HORTON III
TIMOTHY KEITH HOWARD
AALIYAH LANITA HUDSON
ANGEL HUDSON
KAYA HUDSON
DANIELLE HUGHES
LEA HUGHES
BENJAMIN HUNN
DESTENY HUNT
DON HUNTER
ELLIENA MARIE INGRAHAM
ALANA JACKSON
ALLYSIA JAMES
SOLANII ANAFEY JASSO
MCKENZIE JEFFREY
AMIYAH JOASSAINT
ALAINA EVA JOHNSON
CODY JOHNSON
JESSICA JOHNSON
MIA JOHNSON
MIRACLE JOHNSON, PHD, MBA
DELANEY ROSE JONES
ADA FAITH KENNON-GILBERT
JOSHUA KAMARA
MILES KEHOE
ASHLYNN B. KELLY
CARIN KELLY
MADALYN KEMPTON
ADRIANA KHAN
YASMIN KHAN
CHLOE KING MORGAN KING
MASON KINGSTON
ASHLEY KONOPADA
SHELBY KYLA
CAMERON ELIZABETH KYLE
MADELYN LABORDE
GRACE LACOMBE
MATTHEW MICHAEL LACOUR
TRESSA ANN LAGIGLIO
EMMA OLIVIA LANCLOS
GRACE LANDRY
ISABELLA LANDRY
LANDON LATIOLAIS
SAMARA LEE LEGER
KAITLYN NICOLE LENLEY
MIA LEVERMANN
ERIC LEVERT
MADISON LEWIS
SKYLER LEWIS
LAUREN ALICE LINDSAY
FAITH LIVINGSTON
DANIA NIA LOCKETT
AZIA LOFTIN
TRINITY LOMAX
AMIRAH LOMELI-BARRON
DOMINIC LONG
ISABELLE LOUIS
ELIANA LOVE
MAKENNA SHEREEN LUBA
TESS BRADY MACHUGH
MORGAN TAYLOR MARSHALL
NOAH MARTIN
RAYMOND MARTIN
BRANDON MARTINEZ
MICHAEL MARTINEZ
MICHAELA MARTINEZ
SCARLET MARTINEZ
ZOE MASTROMATTEO
HEATHER BROOKE MAXWELL
CAMILLE MARIE MAY
EMERY MAYER
DELANIE MAYEUX
FRANKIE MCARTHUR
SUMMER MCCULLOUGH
ELISE ANGELLE MCELROY
CLAIRE MCGARRAH
KARINGTON MCGENSEY
SOPHIA OLIVIA MCKEAN
KAITLYN MCKEEGAN
AMAREY MCKINNEY
BRIN MCLEVEY
ELIZABETH ASHTON MEDEL
LIZETTE MEDRANO
MICAH MEKHITARIAN
NAYMARIS MERETTE MARRERO
AARON JAMES MERRITT
SARA ELINOR MEYER
PAIGE ELIZABETH MEYERS
OLIVIA CREIGHTON MIDDLETON MYA MILES
VICTORIA MIRE
ROBERT MITCHELL II
KENNEDI MONCREARY
YOOJIN MOON
TRINITY MORELAND
MARLEIGH MORMAN
BRIANNA MOSELEY
PAIGE MOSES
NICHOLAS MOUGEL
AUBRY NATION
GABRIELLA NAVAS
NELSON
NEUMEYER KADEN NEWMAN JADYN NICHOLSON MARY NODECKER VICTORIA NOON CARLEIGH CAMILLE O’DELL ADRIANNA LEA PAYNE DUNCAN PENDLETON MELODY PENNINGTON SAVANAH PETERSEN EMILY ALEJANDRINA PETIT MADISON PIGOTT AMANI S PITTMAN BAYLEE NICOLE PLAISANCE NATHAN PLANTINGA
LAUREN POLK ROBYN POLK ANDREW PORTHOUSE BRANDON POSADAS MOISES POSADAS JORDAN PRATHER
PRINCE CAILIN CAROLINA PROCTOR
RHANDA PUTMAN WILLIAM QUARLES
JENNIFER QUINTERO DOMINIK QUIROZ
ERIK RAMIREZ
SUNELLA ABBIGAIL RAMNATH
ESMERALDA RANSOM
KATARINA RICE
KRISTEN ELIZABETH RICHARD
MARTHA RAFFAELA RIGNEY
ALYNCIA RINEY
EDWIN RIVERS
ISABELLE GRACE ROBERTS
GANNON ROBIN
BROOKLYN RENE ROBINSON
PUR’JOY NICOLE ROBINSON
PAOLA RODRIGUEZ
KARLY ROJAS
MALLORY ROMANO
VALERIA ROMERO
KATHERINE ROTH
NOLAN ROUNTREE
EMMA GRACE ROYAL
MARY KATHERINE RUDDY
TYLER RUSSELL
JACOB RYAN
MACKENZIE RYAN
JACQUELINE SABA
MIA LYNN SANCHEZ
ANDREW SANDERS
ZION SADÉ SANDERS
JOSE ORLANDO SANTAMARIA VALLE
HEATHER SAVOIE
ANDREW SCHROEDER
AICHLYN SCHULTZ
MORGAN N. SCHULZ
GIORGIANNA GRACE SCOLA
BRODIE SCOTT
TRISTAN SELF
ADELE NICOLE SHERLOCK
NINA SAVANNAH SIBERT
ASHLYNN SIMMONS
CLAIRE ELIZABETH SIMMONS DAVID
SMITH
SONGY
ANTHONY SORINA
RENEE
SPORTS
WHO’S TAKING THE REINS?
BY AINSLEY FLOOD Staff Writer
Now that the 2025 postseason has ended, LSU gymnastics will focus on filling the massive hole left in the team’s roster by their departing seniors.
The Tigers’ championship run was halted at the national semifinals, where they placed behind Utah and UCLA and excluded them from the final round of competition.
The meet marked the conclusion of 10 seniors’ collegiate careers: Haleigh Bryant, Olivia Dunne, Aleah Finnegan, Sierra Ballard, KJ Johnson, Chase Brock, Alexis Jeffrey, Alyona Shchennikova, Tori Tatum and Kathryn Weilbacher.
After an Achilles injury took her out of competition early in the season, Brock is technically eligible to return for a sixth year but has yet to announce a decision.
LSU entered this season ranked No. 2 and the postseason ranked
No. 1, but it fell to fifth in the final standings after the semifinal loss. No longer national champions, is a comeback in the cards for the Tigers?
With an entire half of the squad possibly gone, how far back could LSU be set for the 2026 season? Tigers head coach Jay Clark is optimistic about their chances.
“The cupboard is not going to be empty,” Clark said after the semifinal loss. “We’ve got to get some people healthy – Zoe Miller, who didn’t get to compete this year as a freshman, Kaliya Lincoln and we have got to keep Konnor [McClain] in a good place, but we’re going to be in a good spot.”
Since there will be a shortage of upperclassmen, keeping experienced gymnasts injury-free would be ideal for team leadership.
“I think the future is bright for us,” Clark said.
So, who will step up? Who will emerge as the new leader of this comeback team?
Some fingers may point to the
incoming seniors: Ashley Cowan and Bryce Wilson.
Cowan is an all-around gymnast who has been a regular on bars since her freshman debut. She put up some of the highest scores of her career this season, including a 9.950.
Wilson competed on vault and beam in her freshman season but was left out of the lineups for the past two seasons.
LSU will need others to produce to win another national championship.
The juniors, Kylie Coen, Konnor McClain and Amari Drayton, were rising stars in their first two years on the collegiate stage and could be top candidates experience-wise.
In 2024, Coen went from only doing exhibitions to being a regular addition to the beam and floor lineups. She handled the pressure gracefully and will likely take on more responsibility in the upcoming season.
McClain and Drayton had stel-
lar debuts in 2024 that earned them multiple event titles throughout the regular and postseason.
After McClain tore her Achilles the following May while preparing for the Olympics, she had to recover quickly for her sophomore year. She returned and made a big impression on this season’s bars and beam lineup, even joining the floor squad in the postseason. Her junior year could be her best yet.
Drayton competed on vault, beam and floor throughout the season and notched some career highs.
While high scores aren’t necessarily required for outstanding leadership, Kailin Chio would be the first pick if they were.
In the most remarkable debut season LSU has ever seen, Chio outscored both her all-around teammates Bryant and Finnegan in the regular season and landed a 10 on vault as a freshman.
On senior night, Clark advised Chio about her future with the program.
Gymnastics will need new leaders to emerge next season
“I wanted her to take note of the way that these seniors are regarded and to make sure that she understands why they’re regarded the way that they are,” Clark said. “It has very little to do with their scores. It has more to do with the quality of people they have been and the character they have exhibited.”
Next year, each event lineup will have multiple vacancies. By taking the seniors out of the national semifinal roster, LSU is missing three on vault, two on bars, four on beam and three on floor.
The team will need a new anchor for all four events and a leadoff for three.
That anchor spot is notoriously the hardest to fill, and early in the season, a great deal of experimentation can be expected to determine who will fit best in each event.
The team needs someone unshakeable for the job, and that person will undoubtedly be one of the faces of LSU gymnastics in 2026.
LSU baseball players in the running for postseason awards
BY BRETT KEMPER Staff Writer
LSU baseball has long been known for producing elite talent, and the 2025 season is proving no different. As the Tigers continue their push through SEC play, several of Jay Johnson’s squad standouts are gaining national attention.
Five LSU players have earned recognition on midseason award watch lists, and one freshman was named a midseason All-American by Perfect Game.
Sophomore left-hander Kade Anderson leads the charge, earning the Golden Spikes Award and National Pitcher of the Year Award midseason watch lists.
The Golden Spikes Award, presented by USA Baseball, is the most prestigious individual honor in amateur baseball, while the Pitcher of the Year award, presented by the College Baseball
Foundation, recognizes the top pitcher in the country.
Anderson’s numbers speak for themselves. Through 57.1 innings pitched, he’s racked up 91 strikeouts, second-most in the SEC, while issuing only 13 walks.
He owns a 6-1 record with a 3.92 ERA and has consistently delivered as LSU’s Friday night starter.
His durability and strikeout efficiency have made him a pillar of LSU’s rotation and one of the nation’s most reliable arms.
Joining him on the National Pitcher of the Year watch list is freshman right-hander Casan Evans, whose poise and presence on the mound have turned heads early in his college career.
Evans has shown maturity beyond his years, routinely delivering high-leverage innings in big moments. His inclusion on the midseason list speaks not only to his talent but also to his impact on LSU’s pitching staff from day
one.
Another name landing on the Golden Spikes Award watch list is junior slugger Jared Jones, a 6-foot-4 first baseman known for his power and presence in the heart of the LSU lineup.
Jones has helped fuel the Tigers’ offense all season, producing clutch hits.
His selection underscores his standing as one of the most feared hitters in the SEC and a significant component of LSU’s offensive identity.
In the field, sophomore shortstop Steven Milam has earned a place on the Brooks Wallace Award watch list, recognizing the top shortstop in college baseball.
Milam anchors the LSU infield because he is known for his smooth glove, elite range and ability to make tough plays look routine.
His defensive performance has been paired with consistent
offensive production, giving LSU a legitimate two-way threat at a premium position.
Adding to LSU’s list of midseason honors, Derek Curiel was named a Perfect Game Midseason All-American, one of just five freshmen in the nation to earn the distinction.
Curiel has been a spark plug for LSU since arriving on campus, quickly becoming a staple in the outfield and the top half of the lineup.
His bat-to-ball skills, speed on the bases, and mature approach at the plate have made him a standout among his fellow freshmen and in NCAA baseball as a whole.
Curiel was also named to Perfect Game’s Midseason Freshman All-American Team, further highlighting his impact.
His presence has helped fill the void left by departing outfield talent, and his ability to contrib -
ute in all phases of the game has made him one of the top freshman performers in the country.
With postseason play approaching and Omaha aspirations very much intact, LSU’s top performers are leading their team to victories and proving why this roster was built to contend.
The next few weeks will determine how LSU finishes in the SEC standings, but one thing is clear: the Tigers’ top players are among the best in the country.
The Golden Spikes Award semifinalists will be announced in May, with the other major award finalists following shortly after. If current trends persist, LSU could be well-represented in the future.
For a program used to setting the bar, 2025’s midseason honors offer another reminder that LSU Baseball isn’t just in the conversation –it’s leading it.
PAYTON PRICHARD / The Reveille
LSU gymnastics all-around freshman Kailin Chio jumps on beam during LSU’s 198.050-197.675 win against Oklahoma on Feb. 14 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, La.
TIGERS IN THE
BY GORDON CRAWFORD Staff Writer
Will Campbell’s selection at No. 4 had been predicted in the days prior to the draft, but it still proved initially polarizing for many New England fans who wished that the team had picked up a major offensive weapon like a star receiver or even Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. However, Campbell quickly earned respect with his post-draft interview, stating that he would “fight and die” to protect quarterback Drake Maye.
Campbell joins a Patriots in the process of rebuilding after years of decline following the exit of long-time franchise star Tom Brady in 2019. In 2024, the Patriots came last in their division for the second year in a row, though Drake Maye performed admirably despite their poor offensive line. This pairing has strong potential. Drake Maye and backup Jacoby Brissett were sacked 52 times during the 2024 season, and in Campbell’s 2,553 snaps as a Tiger he allowed just five. In Campbell, the Pats see a long-term foundational player who can both protect their franchise star and energize the line with his leadership skills.
Mason Taylor’s draft stock steadily began to rise after his impressive performance at LSU’s pro day, where his 4.65 second 40-yard dash and 28 reps in bench press placed him in the upper tier of this year’s tight end class. He had already established himself as the most productive tight end in LSU history, with 129 receptions for 1,308 yards over his college career, though he only got six touchdowns in his three seasons with the Tigers.
Taylor joins a Jets team desperately looking for a reliable player to fill the spot left by Tyler Conklin, who moved to the Chargers in free agency after three years of solid production. The Jets hope Taylor can be an immediate starter whose prototypical build and reliability will outweigh his rawness as a route runner, and that he can be a primary target for new QB Justin Fields.
Emery Jones Jr. was at one time projected to be a first-round pick, with a massive build and years of starting experience in the SEC, but his stock fell after scouts found issues with his footwork and mobility. The Ravens picked him up with the 91st pick, seeking to build up an offensive line damaged by retirements and free agency.
Jones is an interesting prospect for the Ravens, as his raw size and strength along with his physicality fits the Ravens’ typical lineman mold well, though he will require significant development to be a starting-caliber tackle. The Ravens could also move him to guard, a fitting position that utilizes his natural strengths while hiding his issues with mobility.
Sai’vion Jones was drafted by a Broncos team on the trajectory of success, with the team beating expectations with a playoff appearance last year. His long arms and demonstrated skill as a run defender means he is a solid developmental prospect. The Broncos will most need to work on Jones’ accuracy with his hands and his reaction time. Jones can provide the Broncos with much-needed depth on their line, a relief for teammate Zach Allen who rarely had the opportunity to rest without a reliable backup behind him.
Bradyn Swinson joins teammate Will Campbell in New England under a coach who was a powerful force at the same position. Swinson had a surprising dip in his draft stock, with many projections placing him in the top 100 despite ultimately being picked 146th. During his 2024 season, Swinson emerged as a crucial part of LSU’s steadily improving defense, getting 8.5 sacks and showing great skill as a pass rusher. His explosiveness as an athlete means that a defensiveminded coach like Vrabel could turn Swinson into one of the top steals of the draft.
MILES
In his college career Miles Frazier established himself as a versatile lineman with an NFLready build, both qualities which line up well with Dan Campbell’s vision for the Detroit Lions. With experience at every offensive line position except center, Frazier fits nicely into a creative offense that places particular emphasis on building the line. Though considered a top-100 talent by many analysts, the Lions ultimately nabbed him at 171. While limited in his movement, his strong hands and satisfactory speed means he has real developmental potential and could become
GARRET DELLINGER // Offensive Guard // Baltimore Ravens
Some initial projections had Garrett Dellinger falling out of the draft entirely, so it was certainly a win for the LSU guard when he got drafted 243rd by the Baltimore Ravens. Dellinger is sturdy and strong, and had a few flashes of greatness during his time at LSU as part of an offensive line which nearly won a Joe Moore Award. However, he struggled with injuries throughout his LSU career. In Dellinger, the Ravens have a solid, athletic backup-quality player with experience at multiple positions in the trenches.
WILL CAMPBELL // Offensive Tackle // New England Patriots
MASON TAYLOR // Tight End // New York Jets
EMERY JONES JR. // Offensive Tackle // Baltimore Ravens
SAI’VION JONES // Defensive End // Denver Broncos
BRADYN SWINSON
LSU Student Government hosts the annual Groovin’ concert, featuring performances by Ha Sizzle, VickeeLo and Rob49 on Thursday, April 24 at the PMAC.
Fans throw their hands up and sing.
Rob49 raps and dances with a fan.
LSU student Jacob Nyankojo points at the camera.
VickeeLo performs on stage.
Fans in the crowd hold up an L.
Mike the Tiger dances with Ha Sizzle.
A fan poses for a picture.
Photos by Alexis Persicke | Design by Jayden Slaughter
OPINION
Louisiana is a dead end and offers nothing for the state’s natives
TANTAWI’S TABLOID
TANTAWI’S TABLOID
MOHAMMAD TANTAWI Columnist
MOHAMMAD TANTAWI @mowinator
I thought I was preaching the obvious, but when I introduced the idea of abandoning Louisiana, I was first met with hesitation and then eventual confessions from most but not quite all those who listened.
People genuinely see this state as a treasure, and I haven’t the slightest idea why.
Unlike anything I’ve ever written, I will state my opinion unfashionably: you should leave Louisiana.
I’m not exactly breaking new ground here. In 2024, The Center Square reported on the concerning number of high school graduates opting for out-of-state education.
Furthermore, from 2005 to 2020, Louisiana’s nine largest metropolitan areas lost 317,500 residents to other states. Many people are not settling for good food and culture, which is good for them.
It’s shocking how families have generationally put up with issues ranging from potholes to political corruption.
It only takes one vacation to realize the obvious; however, nearly 900,000 people in Louisiana live below the federal poverty line, leaving them unable to afford a vacation.
Ask anyone why they love Louisiana, and, no shocker here, you’ll hear about the amazing culture and food — spare me.
When I moved to Baton Rouge, I was urged to attend my first Mardi Gras “experience.” Everyone I talked to guaranteed a good time, yet I was welcomed by my own disappointment at watching floats drive past me, throwing cheap beads I had no use for.
The event is just standing there and catching beads, and if you’re sober, it’s a beyond lackluster experience.
When it comes to issues, the problems in Louisiana are the type that present themselves without asking. Anyone can see that the infrastructure needs help, desired jobs lead people out of the state and poverty is widespread.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Even a great event like the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival was stained by the reminder of Louisiana’s crime problem as shots were fired in two locations within 10 minutes of one another.
The state’s pros don’t outweigh the cons of living here. People treat this state like a child who misbehaves but has a cute enough face to compel some mercy.
I’m sure you can figure out where I’m going with this, but I’ll present you with a sickening statistic anyway. Louisiana ranks 26th in population among U.S states, yet has the second highest global incarceration rate per 100,000 people.
Experience tells you all you need to know. For example, if I told you that Louisiana ranked first in political convictions from 1997 to 2006, would you be surprised?
A statewide audit in February even revealed tens of millions of questionable government spending and tracking.
I know every state has its issues, but what is Louisiana offering you as a taxpayer? It’s not safety, a good economy or accessible health care. U.S. News has ranked Louisiana as the 50th best state since 2023 — at least we’re consistent.
I understand if your people are here and moving isn’t worth losing proximity to your family but someone’s gotta break the mold. Especially if you come from a low income family, you’re better off leaving.
Louisiana is a state that is toxically controlled by its upper class. From the Krewes hosting exclusive balls that alienate the poor, to the normalization of private schools, Louisiana is the epitome of the socioeconomic divide.
Racial issues stretch nationwide, but if you’re wondering how Louisiana fares, research found that the median net worth of Black households in New Orleans was $14,000 compared to $185,000 for white households.
Families in great financial positions have a good case to stay. Reminiscent of the John Milton quote, “Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven,” Louisianian elites act as royalty in a state driven by lower income earners.
While I was hunting for an internship, I spoke to the owner of
a Baton Rouge based issues firm and asked, “Why is Louisiana so far behind?” The answer was because politicians and elites alike are more concerned with receiving credit for success than doing what’s best for everyone.
It’s a matter of if the pros outweigh the cons. Louisiana doesn’t have enough going for it to warrant dedicating your future to the state.
You can find good food and culture anywhere. There are so many alarming statistics concerning Louisiana that I encourage you to dig for yourself.
The state is lacking across a multitude of factors and it’s a disservice to yourself to not propose the possibility of finding a new home.
Letter to the Editor: Academic freedom is under attack, and LSU isn’t fighting it
BY ASHLYN BARCLAY
President Tate and every other SEC university president continue to fail their students and faculty by disregarding the assault on academic freedom.
On April 22, hundreds of universities signed a public letter condemning the “unprecedented government overreach and political interference” of the Trump administration’s assault on academic freedom.
From private universities to technical schools and community colleges, presidents of these institutions defended their communities’ pursuit of knowledge and exchange of ideas. Meanwhile, LSU remains deafeningly silent.
LSU, like other state universities, relies on federal funding, conducting research to better the lives of those in the Southeast and around the world.
LSU leads agricultural studies to boost crop production for farmers throughout the region, provides coastal communities with the research needed to mitigate the impact of catastrophic hurricanes and coastal erosion, and investigates how petrochemicals affect the environment and people’s health in areas such as Cancer Alley.
President Tate detailed some of this groundbreaking research in opinion columns for Busi-
The Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, The Reveille or the university. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to editor@lsu.edu or delivered to B-39 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must provide a contact phone number for verification purposes, which will not be printed. The Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration while preserving the original intent. The Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Reveille’s editor in chief, hired every semester by the LSU Student Media Board, has
ness Report and Industry Report. However, this is not enough in the face of President Trump’s continued assault and Gov. Jeff Landry’s senselessness.
Trump has signed over a hundred executive orders since January. Many of which target higher education. He has sought to end “illegal discrimination and end merit-based opportunity” by banning DEI policies.
He has taken aim at Title IX and gender-related policies through an executive order aimed at transgender people. He has targeted international students and faculty by restricting visas. He has ordered cuts to funding and an overhaul of the university accreditation process.
These directives have consequences: sixteen international students across the state could face deportation with their visas already revoked; LSU removed references to DEI on its website and will likely change scholarship programs that support diversity; and Louisiana universities could lose millions of dollars with academic freedom and safeguarding higher education, a cornerstone of American progress.
Ashlyn Barclay is a PhD student at the Columbia Journalism School and an alumna of the Manship School of Mass Communication.
decisions. Editorial Policies and Procedures Quote of the Week “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
on all
Mohammad Tantawi is a 24-yearold mass communication senior from Smyrna, Tenn.
MATTHEW PERSCHALL / The Reveille LSU President William F. Tate IV makes opening remarks Feb. 27, 2024, at the LSU Foundation building.
MATTHEW PERSCHALL / The Reveille LSU’s Memorial Tower displays the time on March 20, 2023, on Tower Drive.