HAMMOND, La. – When the Southeastern Louisiana University football team enters the visitors' locker room at Joe Aillet Stadium for Saturday's 6:30 p.m. season opener, current SLU assistant coaches and former Louisiana Tech standouts Antonio Baker and Ross Jenkins will be in very familiar surroundings.
 
Both Baker and Jenkins will be making their second return to their alma mater, where Baker (2006-09) starred at safety, while Jenkins (2007-10) finished his collegiate quarterbacking career as one of the program's career passing leaders. Back in 2021, Southeastern closed out an 11-day road trip after evacuating Hammond following Hurricane Ida in Ruston, dropping a 45-42 decision in a wild shootout.
 
"When we were at Louisiana Tech as players, the current visitor's locker room was the home locker room," Jenkins commented. "When we went back in '21 and we were getting ready to head out, I remember looking around and seeing where my old locker was. It was surreal."
 
Baker was a three-time All-WAC selection and was named Louisiana Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. The Amite, Louisiana native accumulated 352 tackles and 10 interceptions during his time with the Bulldogs.
 
"I'm excited to get back up to Ruston," Baker said. "There will be a lot of emotions for me, but it will be a great atmosphere and opportunity for our players. I know that place like the back of my hand."
 
Jenkins took over as the starting quarterback for the Bulldogs early in the 2008 season and threw for 5,036 yards and 36 touchdowns versus just 14 interceptions. The Houston native was named the 2010 Terry Bradshaw Offensive Player of the Year as a senior.
 
Jenkins' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach was current SLU head coach Frank Scelfo for his first three seasons in Ruston. His senior season saw Jenkins coached by Tony Franklin, whose second stint as Louisiana Tech offensive coordinator begins Saturday.
 
"I love Ruston and Tech," Jenkins commented. "I made the best friends and had some of the best times of my life during my time there. Coach Franklin coached me my final season and was the one who got me into the coaching profession. I have a great deal of respect for Coach Franklin and it will be great to catch up with him."
 
Both Jenkins and Baker had the same favorite on-field memory from their Louisiana Tech careers, citing the 2008 Independence Bowl victory over Northern Illinois. The Bulldogs defeated the Huskies, 17-10, to give Louisiana Tech its first bowl victory in 31 years.
 
"It was an awesome time and allowed us to leave our mark at Louisiana Tech," Baker said. "I think Ross and I both are just eager to get back up there, coach our players and compete."
 
Saturday's game will be the 38^th meeting between Southeastern and Louisiana Tech. The 6:30 p.m. contest will be broadcast on ESPN+ and can be heard live on the Southeastern Sports Radio Network (Kajun 107.1 FM, The Highway 104.7 FM, The Boss 103.7 FM/WFPR 1400 AM).
 
TICKETS
For ticket information, contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or visit www.LionSports.net. Southeastern will continue offering mobile ticketing as the primary source for securing tickets. All tickets will be available via e-mail or text message in a PDF format for fans to download on their phone or print at home. Tickets can also be downloaded to Apple Wallet.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Football, follow @LionUpFootball and @Coach_Scelfo on X, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and follow lionupfootball on Instagram.
 
TOUCHDOWN CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the football program are encouraged to join the Touchdown Club. Lion football alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners.
 
All membership fees and donations to both the Touchdown Club and S Club (football) are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern football program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
CLEAR BAG POLICY
Southeastern Athletics observes a clear bag policy for all ticketed events. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit www.LionSports.net/clear.