After moving to Baton Rouge in 1953, I quickly became a passionate and fanatical LSU football fan. Although I love all LSU sports, my favorite is football. I wear purple and gold every Friday and again on Monday regardless of the outcome of the Saturday game, and of course, always to the Bengal Belle luncheons. From 1953 until 2005, I missed only three home games – once when my son was born, once to attend a wedding (poor planning there) and lastly, when I attended a high school reunion in Michigan. 

 

I was in the stadium through all those awful losing years but I was also there for all the great and memorable moments. I have walked down the hill with the band, have cried “Tiger Bait” and “Go To Hell Ole Miss,” have felt betrayed when a coach left but then was 100% behind the new coach and I have spent all day Saturday tailgating, regardless of the weather, which is considered standard procedure for a true fan. I was beginning to think I would never see LSU win another National Championship, but now my two crystal footballs have the top spot among my many precious tiger treasures.

 

I have a brick at the new tiger cage, I own a number of LSU prints, my favorite being one personally signed by Jack Jaubert, my Christmas tree is decorated purple and gold, my license plate says “LSU by 6”, and I have a tiger tattoo on my leg. I have worked for the attorney who was Homecoming Queen in 1996. An LSU flag hangs on my porch and a 6 foot inflatable Tiger greets passers by on game day. I have attended the Spring Bash where I once deliberately outbid a youngster on an item I really wanted. I participated in the first Bengal Belle Football 101, which was a fabulous experience. Yes, I am obsessive. Yes, I bleed purple and gold!! I am happy; my dreams have all come true, and I am 73 years old!!!! While I am not an alumni, I am TRUE TIGER FAN!!!

 

–Anne S. Strahan