29 January 2012

remember avoyelles parish, la. sports figure richard joseph "moon" ducote

A photo of Richard "Moon" Ducote (1897-1937) during his first coaching stint at Springhill College.
Courtesy of Springhill College ~ via gannett/the alexandria daily town talk

today's town talk has an interesting report about a nearly forgotten avoyelles parish, louisiana, sporting legend.

excerpt:
COTTONPORT -- In the cemetery behind St. Mary's Assumption Church on Front Street in Cottonport lies the body of a Louisiana legend.

He was an individual whose prowess on the football field was so great that it drew comparisons to Jim Thorpe.

In one muddy memorable game, he forever changed the way the collegiate game is played with one swift kick of the leg.

In addition to his playing days, his legendary sports career included being a respected coach, athletics director and collegiate official.

Yet despite those accomplishments, this legendary sports figure is on the verge of disappearing from memory.

This is the story of "Moon" Ducote.

Richard Joseph "Moon" Ducote was born on Aug. 28, 1897, in Cottonport.

He was the oldest child of prominent Cottonport doctor, Joseph Richard Ducote, and Norma Lemoine Ducote.

His mother died when Ducote was 9. His father later would remarry and have two more children. ~ read more

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Posted by wst... at 08:24