It is amazing the people you can meet while dining out in Baton Rouge. A few weeks ago my close friends and I went to dinner, and my more observant friend noticed a gentleman sitting at the next table dressed in a Capital One Bowl polo shirt and a Sugar Bowl jacket — the look of importance. As he commented on one of my friend’s meatball dish, we began talking. To make a long story short, he told me about his job with the football team — escort for the coach.
Captain Mike Edmonson has been with the LSU team since the 1980s and is filled with stories of coaches, leading up to present coach Les Miles.
After finally tracking him down, I decided to use Captain Edmonson as this week’s Q & A in hopes of shifting the focus from athletes and coaches to the people who protect and serve not just them but all Tigers every day.
 
Tabby Soignier: What is your exact title for the LSU football team?
 
Mike Edmonson: I am a Captain with the Louisiana State Police and have 24 years of experience. I, along with Maj. Ricky Adams of the LSU Police, handle team security and escort for the head coach. We travel with the team to all games and provide security. We are both considered to be off duty from our permanent jobs while we are with LSU. If it is during working hours, we have to take leave. We are not paid while traveling with the team. Our time is donated.
 
TS: How many years have you served in that position?
 
ME: LSU approached State Police in the summer of 1982 requesting Troopers to escort the team. This was similar to other Southeastern Conference teams. Alabama State Troopers had been escorting coach “Bear” Bryant since the early 70’s.
 
TS: What is one of your biggest honors in holding this position?
 
ME: As a graduate of LSU (1976) it allows me to give back to the University in a way much more valuable than money — my time.
 
TS: Could you list all the coaches you have worked with and something unique about them?
 
ME: I have worked with each coach since coach Stovall. Each have been unique in their own way. Going through nine coaches it is hard to pinpoint each of their unique qualities. I’ve gotten so close to all of them.
 
TS: After working close to Nick Saban for five years, how can you sum up the type of person and coach he is?
 
ME: Extremely gifted individual. Quiet personality and ability to match up with people on any level. Very intelligent and good organizer. Away from football, I got to see someone that “touched” many lives; a very giving person. He had so many similar attributes to coach Stovall. I went to a recruit’s home with Stovall and after speaking to the family not only did the son want to go to school at LSU but so did the parents. Saban knew how to adapt like that. He could speak on a kid’s level as well as the parents’ level.
 
TS: How was the goodbye between you two?
 
ME: It was a whirlwind. Everything was caught up in the moment. He is very dedicated to work and began immediately with the Dolphins. We visited at length during the Christmas holidays and a shorter period just before he left. I am close to his family and talk with Mrs. Terry [Saban] frequently. They will always be remembered in my heart.
 
TS: In the first few months, what is your perception of coach Miles so far?
 
ME: Wow! Incredible outward personality. Very people-oriented and family. I was impressed with our first meeting as he was interested in all facets of my work with LSU over the years. He doesn’t just ask questions, he is interested in your answers. Very charismatic. I really believe that he is a perfect fit for the team, University and the community. I was really impressed meeting him and his family. He seems to be a good husband and a good father.