By KEVIN ALLEN

Staff Writer

Members of the Student Government Association are organizing a new program to help boost student spirit and involvement in campus activities.

The Spirit of '88, set to begin in the 2004 football season, is an incentive program aimed directly at the students.

Kimberly Ludwig, SGA president and a senior business management and entrepreneurship major, said she initiated the idea and is working to build enthusiasm for it.

"I really believe that we have a rich tradition here on campus, and I want students to know that," Ludwig said. "The number one goal of the Spirit of '88 is to instill determination and loyalty in students."

Before each home game, football players touch the bronze bulldog statue, named the "Spirit of '88," guarding the south end of Joe Aillet Stadium. This statue commemorates the 1988 team, which confronted top-ranked teams so the university could be considered for acceptance into Division I-A.

Ludwig said this is the kind of spirit she wants to promote among students.

She said cards will be given to students when they attend athletic events or drama productions, where the cards will be punched or swiped.

As points are accumulated, prizes such as DVD players, food and T-shirts will be awarded.

Ludwig said a few select members of the Bulldawg Corps will run the program. The Bulldawg Corps, a group of about 60 students, was formed by SGA last year and attends athletic events.

Shawn Yates, SGA assistant director of public relations and a senior marketing major, said he hopes this program will also encourage students to spend more time on campus.

"One goal for the Spirit of '88 is to try to keep students on campus during the weekends," Yates said. "We want them to stay here and get involved instead of going home."

One student said the program has great potential.

Mark Risinger, a junior biology major, said it could increase the morale of students who frequent campus activities already, but he does not know if it is enough to draw larger crowds.

"I think [the Spirit of '88] is a good idea for people who are already going to go to the games," Risinger said. "But I do not think it will increase ticket sales at all."

Ludwig admits there are some kinks to work out, but she is optimistic.

"A lot of things are still in the works," Ludwig said. "Other activities might be planned as the year goes on."

Yates said the SGA hopes to get all of the details finalized by the end of the summer in preparation for the first football game of the season.

The game will be played Sept. 6 in Ruston against the University of Nevada, located in Reno.

"We're going to promote, promote, promote," Yates said. "We want to have everything set in stone for football season."