How Did We Get Here?

Patty V • October 11, 2022

Coming into the 2022 season, there wasn’t much talk about the Tulane Green Wave. They had come off of a largely disappointing 2021 campaign where they finished just 2-10. The media poll had them pegged to finish 7th in the AAC. Many pundits had them picked to have one of the worst defenses in the NCAA.


Fast forward to mid October, and now Tulane sits at 5-1, knocking on the door of their first Top25 ranking since 1998 (the unofficial National Championship Season), with a key victory over a power 5 school that is currently ranked #17. For context, the last time Tulane defeated a power 5 school was 2010, and that was a 4-8 Rutgers team. You’re probably wondering how on earth we got here? 


The short answer: That very same defense that was supposed to be one of the worst in the NCAA.


So what did they do? Outside of a few transfers, in Lummi Young IV and Patrick Jenkins, largely nothing is different personnel wise. One could argue that these two players, while playing well, really haven’t been major game changers either. 


However, somehow this defense, is currently ranked 15th overall in the NCAA, specifically led by their pass defense, currently ranked 4th in the nation only giving up 151 yards per game. They have managed to hold #17 ranked Kansas State to 10 points, with long shot heisman candidate Adrian Martinez under center. They also shut down ECU’s Hilton Ahlers, who came into the matchup #13th in the nation in passing yards, holding him to 1 touchdown 2 interceptions and just 5.6 yards per attempt. 


The defense has been swarming to say the least. Combine this with an offense that has always been creative enough to put points on the board, and you have a recipe for winning in New Orleans. (Someone tell the Saints)


Furthermore, the defense has had a player earn the honors of AAC defensive player of the week 4 of the 6 weeks the award has been given this season. Standouts to watch here are Macon Clark and Nick Anderson both earning the award twice so far. 


Whatever you feel the reason may be, I’m giving kudos to the coaching staff, specifically defensive coordinator Chris Hampton. For a little insight maybe we need look no further than his Twitter profile, where his bio states: “culture override’s scheme”.


Whatever your recipe is coach, keep it coming, the Green Wave fans everywhere are eating it up. 


Also, as a message to the NCAA #rankthewave you cowards.




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NOLA Gold's win over Seattle secures 3rd place in the Major League Rugby Eastern Conference standings

By Tina Howell • April 28, 2025
After a weather-delayed kickoff, loyal NOLA Gold fans were treated to a rollercoaster of a match that ended with a well-earned 44-36 victory over the Seattle Seawolves at the Shrine. This win moved NOLA Gold into 3rd place in the Major League Rugby Eastern Conference standings. Coach Danny Lee said of the team's response to the delay, “We just had to control the controllables. Once we told the boys the definitive time for kickoff, we had a plan ready to go. In terms of game plan, we had to be a little bit more direct, and we had to kick and adapt quickly.” NOLA Gold set the tone early, taking an initial 3-0 lead thanks to a steady penalty kick from Dorian Jones. Though Seattle answered quickly with a try to make it 7-3, the Gold launched into a dominant scoring stretch. Isaac Te Tamaki powered across the try line to ignite the offense, followed by back-to-back tries from the relentless Jonah Mau’u. Jones continued to add points from the tee, stretching the Gold’s lead to 27-7. Just before halftime, the Seawolves found a breakthrough and scored at the buzzer, narrowing the margin to 27-14. However, NOLA emerged from the locker room with purpose. Xavier Mignot wasted no time reestablishing momentum with a try that pushed the lead to 34-14. Seattle fought back with intensity, capitalizing on back-to-back tries to bring the score to 34-24. But NOLA responded with composure, as Jones added another penalty to keep the visitors at bay, 37-24. The closing stages of the match saw both teams exchanging blows. Seattle’s try was met by a decisive moment from Joe Taufete’e, who muscled through defenders for a critical score. Luke Campbell’s conversion extended the lead to 44-29. Though Seattle scored one final try at the buzzer, it wasn’t enough. With a final score of 44-36, NOLA Gold walked away with a crucial five-point win in front of a roaring home crowd and strengthens their postseason hopes with a firm grip on 3rd place in the East. Their next match will be on the road against the San Diego Legion on May 4th at 4:00 PM CT. For tickets and more details, please visit www.nolagoldrugby.com

10th annual Covington Antiques and Uniques Festival

By Tina Howell • April 24, 2025
The 10th annual Covington Antiques & Uniques Festival will be held this Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, at the Covington Trailhead Museum. This two-day, juried festival features over 60 vendors offering an eclectic mix of antique furnishings, period collectibles, architectural salvage, and vintage-inspired fine crafts, as well as a live auction, car show, good food, music, and more. The Covington Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to preserve the city’s culture, character and community. Founded in 2015, the festival is coordinated with the support of the City’s Department of Cultural Arts and Events. As the festival grows and evolves each year, their goal remains the same- to offer a first-class juried event that reflects the unique charm and history of the city of Covington. The festival is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. For more details, please visit https://www.covingtonheritagefoundation.com/
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