LSU coaches traded in the playbook for the cookbook Tuesday night at a Walk-On’s celebrity waiting event hosted by the Baton Rouge Children’s Advocacy Center. Julie Alligood, center director, said approximately 250 tickets were sold at $75 a piece. The center’s goal is to provide support for child victims during the abuse investigation process. “It’s really encouraging,” Alligood said. “Walk-On’s closed down for us and [gave up] the profit they would have made. It’s tremendous.” The event featured a silent and live auction and a buffet with complimentary beer and wine. Activity stations also provided fans the opportunity to take photos, challenge coaches to a free throw shooting contest and sell offensive or defensive plays to the LSU football coaching staff. Fans were encouraged to tip their favorite waiters, and all proceeds benefited the center. LSU football coach Les Miles may have been the “head waiter,” but Miles admitted gymnastics coach D-D Breaux was leading the pack in the tip contest. “Even around the house I’m not good,” Miles said of his table-waiting techniques. “I’m way behind in tips.” Gymnastics coach D-D Breaux, who wore tennis shoes and was ready to run from table to table, said she relied on her family experience of waiting tables. “I grew up with eight children,” Breaux said. “This is fun. It’s great. I’m so kicking [Miles’] butt.” Volleyball coach Fran Flory said she had “zero” experience with waiting tables. “I’m having a great time,” Flory said. “I have a new appreciation for people in the service industry. I had to get four or five drinks in a row, and I can’t keep track.” New women’s basketball coach Van Chancellor said he had previous experience with celebrity waiting events and enjoyed meeting members of the LSU fan community. “The support has been amazingly overwhelming,” Chancellor said. Chancellor said he has three potential candidates to fill the assistant coaching job that opened when Carla Berry announced her resignation Friday. “We’re going to take it slow and easy,” Chancellor said of the search for Berry’s replacement. “Time does not worry me.” He said he will focus on quality and find someone who “knows how to relate to the players.” Chancellor also said he is counting on his players to finish the year with strong academic performances and said he is looking forward to the first team workouts, which will be held today.
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