Coach Dale Brown's Journey At LSU by Andre Moreau

Photo By: theadvertiser.com

Da Boot Sports
​1/23/2023
By: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - I want to thank Coach Dale Brown for sharing this wonderful article written by Mr. Andre Moreau with me.. Now I'm honored to share it with all of you. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did..  


   

            Coach Dale Browns Journey At LSU by Andre Moreau


   I attended the first basketball game Dale Brown coached at LSU (a 94-81 upset of nationally ranked Memphis St.) and knew in that moment things would be different for LSU basketball.  At the time, I was an 8th grader at U-High.  By my freshman year at LSU, fortunes were rising rapidly which meant on occasion, our Mike the Tiger mascot was descending from the PMAC ceiling.  It also meant invincible Kentucky had met its match. Brown’s teams beat Kentucky 18 times. No other coach accomplished that.

In his 25 years, Coach Brown led LSU to heights never imagined and put his name in the SEC and LSU record books too many times to mention.  A big mention though, Brown became second only to the great Adolph Rupp of Kentucky in all-time SEC victories.  In addition, he remains only the second SEC coach to appear in 15 straight national tournaments. Brown and Rupp are only SEC coaches in history to have 17 consecutive non-losing seasons.

Brown's teams won 4 SEC titles, finished second 4 times, and won the only SEC tournament title in LSU history..  His Tigers went to the Final Four in 1981 and 1986.

Dale's impact at LSU made the Tigers relevant year in, year out and sellouts were the norm. He orchestrated special event record Superdome crowds in wins over Georgetown and Notre Dame with crowds of 54,321 and 68,112.

I had the privilege of covering LSU basketball as a sports anchor at WAFB-TV (1987-94).  I came to know Coach for his fair treatment of media and as a friend.  As I moved to Top 10 markets nationwide, we remained in contact. When I returned to Baton Rouge and WAFB, a close, trusted friendship developed.

I also knew and was crazy about Sue Gunter.  Both she and Brown were approachable which is quite a rarity. Sue Gunter was a fine woman and a good coach, but, in no way did she achieve what Dale achieved. In every way,  Dale brought LSU basketball into the modern era, making the Tigers a household name.  He recruited and built relationships with African American players, white American players, players black and white from countries all over the world and forged teams that loved one another and played for one another.  His players loved him because he loved them and went the distance for them.  He developed them not just as players, but as men, and to this day, remains in contact with all of those still living.

I am the youngest of 10 children raised by my parents, Al and Lilla May Moreau.  My father was the captain of LSU's famed five-man NCAA champion track team, then twice world record holder in the high hurdles and captain of the American track team and later ultra-successful track coach at LSU, winning 8 SEC titles in 15 years as coach.  He's a member of the LSU and Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.  Joe Alleva, some years ago, wanted to put my father's name on the track.  Al Moreau Track at Bernie Moore Stadium was the pitch he made to our family during a meeting he orchestrated.  But he attached a $2.5 million dollar price tag to the deal, and we kindly said, no thanks.  My Dad, like Dale Brown, deserves better.  You also know my brother Doug.  LSU All-American, Miami Dolphins star, EBR District Attorney and for 51 years, a fixture offering his expertise on the LSU football radio network.  I ran track and earned a letter at LSU. My sisters went to LSU. As you see, our LSU bloodlines run very deep.

My connection to LSU has allowed me to have a front row seat at some decisions LSU officials regrettably made over the years.  Many were likely for good reasons, but some clearly had personal agendas attached.  Such seems to be the case trying to put Sue Gunter's name on the court that only last year was most deservedly named for Coach Brown.  Currently, President Tate, Verge Ausberry, D.D. Breaux (in her ambassador capacity) and some Board members are pushing for something they say is in the name of political correctness and fairness.  However, I am among many who believe other motives are involved.  Your champion for diversity, equal rights and fairness is Dale Brown.  He's always been that voice for LSU. It's part of his DNA, instilled by his loving mother.  It's why he's always been at the forefront of what's right and what's fair.  He was fighting for equality long before it was popular, so HE is your ideal role model.  He is the ultimate teacher on the subject.

I am enclosing a video piece I did last year on Coach and Collis Temple when it was announced that Dale Brown Court would finally happen.  I encourage you to watch and listen.  I encourage you to do what is right.  Thank you.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rOywFwcvSY&t=108s

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*John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

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