THIBODAUX - The Colonel Athletic Association, the official fundraising and booster arm of the Nicholls State University Athletics Department announced new leadership for the start of the 2010-11 year as Mr. Glenn Diedrich was elected President of the CAA and Mr. Jeremy Becker was named Vice President.

The new officers were sworn in at the last CAA board meeting on July 6.  Diedrich takes the reins from Mr. Lester Bimah, who served as President from 2008-2010 and remains a member of the CAA Board of Directors.

Other CAA board members for the 2010-11 season include: Mitch Thompson, Brandon Ruttley, Craig Naquin, Leo Hebert, David LeBouef, Jack Barton, Jason Degate, Greg Reynolds, Ben Harang, Matt Gresham and Greg Torres.

"I am very excited about being able to serve the organization as its President," Diedrich said.  "Nicholls and Nicholls athletics has been a  huge part of my life since I was a little boy.  I grew up just 2 blocks from campus."

Diedrich begins his term as president looking to help the Colonels expand awareness for Nicholls athletics in the community, reengage with former Colonel student athletes in the area, and increase the Colonels fundraising efforts.

"Naturally, every incoming president wants to increase membership, and I certainly want to do that, but at the same time our board wants to increase the awareness of the impact of Nicholls athletics on our surrounding communities.  Our mission is very basic - raise money for Nicholls athletic programs to help fill the gap left by state budget cuts," Diedrich, a former Nicholls athlete said.  "We are focused on contacting former Nicholls athletes and bringing them back on to the campus and getting them involved with the current programs, if possible, but at the very least remind them of what benefits being a Nicholls athlete and a Nicholls student met to them while they were here getting an education to prepare them for their careers and their family lives.   How many Nicholls athletes met their wives on our campus...many came from not only other cities, but other states and wound up staying in this area?  Nicholls State University has had an impact and we would like to reconnect with many of those individuals. "

Diedrich's term as president begins immediately.

To support Nicholls athletics by joining the Colonel Athletic Association's mission, please print and fill out this form, and return to the indicated address.