Culture, Coaches & Twin Sets......

I heard it the last time LSU was looking for a new football coach, but it didn't really sink in at the time. And for the last month or so, as we have been hunting for a new baseball coach, I've been hearing the same words again. This time around I found myself thinking about what was being said -- which was: There is a different culture down here and we need to find someone who'll not freak out fit in. This is a laid back place -- a very laid back place. Living down here is....different. ....comments of that sort were common.

This time around I found myself listening, reading between the lines, and I knew immediately what they were talking about. They wanted to avoid past fiascos the likes of: The time the prospective coaching candidate arrived (in June) for a look-see and brought his wife along......who was wearing a sweater twin set. A lovely twin set, but....hello! It was June! That twin set was not a pretty sight after an hour or so. The local news sensed the story as she stepped off the plane in the morning and made sure to photograph her alllllllllll day long. To be fair, she had changed clothes by lunchtime, but....the photos spoke for themselves that night on TV. Even tho all the talk was about her husband the coach, all the visuals were of her and her poor self slowly m-e-l-t-i-n-g away. ....Needless to say, he didn't join the coaching staff.

And then there was the poor coach-to-be who almost fainted during the press conference. He had just come inside from inspecting the sports facilities that were outside. They admitted they should have let him cool off a bit longer before putting him before the mikes. ....He didn't come here either.

So, maybe this place has its own uniqueness -- as does every place. You just have to know what you're getting into. So if you're ever offered a job down this way, just remember: go-cups, drive-thru daiquri shops, beads hanging from trees shining in the sun all year round......all normal here. There's even talk of Wal*Mart stores selling daiquris (could that be true! it would be a dangerous combination for me).

But, also remember to stay out of the sun as much as possible, drink plenty of water, and never wear a sweater set before January (or maybe Feburary).