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History

LAUNCHING THE CLUB 

Tiger Gridiron devotees have former LSU football mentor Gerry DiNardo to thank for their club.  The year was 1995, and coach DiNardo, recent of Vanderbilt success, had just taken the reins from Curley Hallman in Tiger Town.  With anticipation mounting in Baton Rouge for the new season, president Bill “Chico” Moore invited coach DiNardo to address eager fans at the Capitol Area Tigers’ August meeting.  Chatting informally before speaking to the crowd, the Coach asked Chico his thoughts on initiating a new fundraising club.  At that point, the only booster organization at LSU was the Coaches Committee, a brainchild of then baseball coach, Skip Bertman.  Chico knew the proposed club would gain instant popularity and acceptance, so he asked the attendees that evening to stay for a special meeting and shared coach DiNardo’s idea with them.  The excitement and enthusiasm over such an opportunity was so immense that the group remained until the cleaning crew kicked them out of the old Purple Section in the West Side of Tiger Stadium.  Unfazed, the group continued meeting in the parking lot to discuss this possible venture.  The group set a meeting date at the Chinese Inn.

 That evening 50 fans declared their undying support of Tiger football by contributing $200 each to the new club.  Johnny Schittone offered the name, The Tiger Gridiron Club, which was selected.  Coach DiNardo attended the meeting and asked Chico, Vince DeSalvo, Ray Scimeca, Marvin “Ragoo” Dugas, and Oliver Cassard to organize the fall events. 

 Auburn, ranked #5, was the first home opponent that year.  The Tiger Gridiron Club gathered on Friday, September 15, for lunch in one of Lod Cook’s smaller rooms, and presented coach DiNardo with a check for $10,000.  LSU footballers won the Saturday night fray, and the club became a Tiger tradition.