Lamar University football boosted by Conns Inc. gift
1/12/2010
Lamar University’s football program will soon have a first-class facility for viewing and editing game and practice video thanks to a generous gift from Conn’s Inc.
Made possible by a $150,000 gift from the company, the Conn’s Video Room will be included in the new athletic complex under construction to support Cardinals football. The gift is part of the university’s Investing in the Future comprehensive campaign.
“Being able to scout your opponents is one of the real critical points in coaching and winning,” said LU Athletic Director Billy Tubbs. “We feel like this will help us present a first-class program to our players and our recruits. We really appreciate this gift.”
A publicly traded company headquartered in Beaumont, Conn’s sells appliances and electronics at more than 70 stores in three states. The company wanted to show its support for Lamar, and a video room seemed an appropriate gift, said Bill Nylin, chairman of the board. CEO Tim Frank reiterated Conn's support for Lamar, citing the long and close relationship between the company and the university.
“We feel like reinstating the football program under (President) Jimmy Simmons’ leadership and getting the marching band going again will really help the university attract more students and improve enrollment and the university’s position both regionally and at the state and national level,” said Nylin, a 1965 Lamar graduate and a former Lamar executive vice president and deputy chancellor. “We’re excited about the opportunity, and we wanted to be a part of this.”
Lamar University will play its first football season in more than 20 years this fall, beginning with a Sept. 4 game at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La.
