Tech Family Celebrates Bradshaw Gift

RUSTON - An estimated 500 people were in attendance Tuesday afternoon at the Charles Wyly Athletic Center as former Bulldog great Terry Bradshaw returned to his alma mater for the unveiling of his incredible gift to the university. The celebration surrounded Bradshaw`s donation of his four Super Bowl rings, his NFL Hall of Fame ring, his College Football Hall of Fame ring, his Pro Football Hall of Fame bust, four miniature Super Bowl trophies and a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey and helmet, which will forever be housed in the memorabilia area of the Thomas Wyly Athletic Center. During the ceremony Bradshaw, one of only two four-time Super Bowl winning starting quarterbacks in NFL history, was honored by Louisiana Tech President Dr. Dan Reneau, Athletic Director Jim Oakes and head football coach Jack Bicknell. Reneau, who came to Tech as an assistant professor in 1967 - Bradshaw`s sophomore season -, praised Bradshaw for his dedication and deep connection to Louisiana Tech. "There is an author named Thomas Wolfe who wrote a book called, You Can`t Go Home," Reneau said. "Terry, you`ve proven that`s wrong, and you`ve done it in an incredible manner. You have come home again and in such fine style." Bradshaw, whose parents Bill and Novis were also in attendance at the ceremony, thanked everyone in attendance for making him feel at home. "This is just a great day," Bradshaw said. "I am so proud that you are proud of me. I know I can come back here, and I`m welcome. That means a lot for a guy from Shreveport." During Bicknell`s time at the microphone, the eighth-year Bulldog Boss talked about his younger days and his memories of Bradshaw. "I`m just honored to be on the same stage with Terry Bradshaw right now," Bicknell quipped. "Seriously. As a little boy, the Pittsburgh Steelers were my team because my dad coached Mike Kruczek, who spent his career as the backup to Terry in Pittsburgh. Those are great memories." Bicknell also spoke of what Bradshaw`s donation means to his program. "When we bring recruits through here, they will be able to see Terry Bradshaw`s Super Bowl rings," Bicknell said. "They will see how close he still is to this university. That`s proof of what it means to be a part of the Louisiana Tech family." On Tuesday afternoon, over 500 members of that family were on hand to honor and thank one of Louisiana Tech`s favorite sons.