Most fans only watch from the sidelines and cheer during games while their favorite team controls the outcome. The money they spend for merchandise and the games they attend are their contributions to the teams they adore.
But there are those who go beyond the average call of duty — fans like Wayne Leader and his wife Diane.
“We just enjoy sports more than anything,” Wayne said. “It’s a way to get away from other things in life, and we can just enjoy ourselves. We feel it’s an obligation to demonstrate that passion.”
The Leaders are members of Lady Tiger Elite, a group that provides operating funds to promote and support the LSU women’s basketball program. The couple joined the group in 2003 to better show their affection for the team.
For the Leaders, however, the passion for the purple and gold travels far beyond the hard court.
The Leaders began their fixation with sports as an outlet from work, spending weekends at any football game they could attend. They became hooked, and the two have now gone 38 consecutive years without missing a single LSU football game — home or away.
Around 2000, the couple began to branch out to other sports, joining Lady Tiger Elite and similar programs for football, men’s basketball, softball and baseball. Although their attendance is not perfect, they find it essential to go to any postseason tournament.
“Once the postseason rolls around, you can forget about it,” Wayne said. “We are going to be there. It does not matter what the location, we’ll make the trip.”
Diane still has fond memories of 2006, when the men and women’s basketball teams made the Final Four, and their fandom was put to the ultimate test. Despite both events coming on the same weekend, the two were prepared to travel between
Boston and Indianapolis, the sites of each tournament, as many times as possible.
Wayne said it was “unfortunately” easier than expected, with the Tigers and Lady Tigers going down in their semifinal matchups.
The Leaders’ donations have led to improved facilities and locker rooms for the Lady Tigers.
Wayne said he is fortunate to have the money to make these donations, and he takes pride in having the chance to support a program that has been so central to his life.
Through the years, the couple have made friends with Lady Tiger alumnae, including Nikki Caldwell, Seimone Augustus and Sylvia Fowles. Wayne said the team has always welcomed Lady Tiger Elite members with open arms.
The best thing about their sports-filled lives, however, has been getting to know fans just like them within Lady Tiger Elite.
“We have met many fans only through basketball, football or through LSU sports period,” Wayne said. “The relationships we’ve made with these people can’t be put to words. I cherish every game with them.”