Lafayette, Louisiana is no stranger to controversy. The first known inhabitants were the Attakapas Indians, a fierce and powerful tribe who ate their prisoner's and were not loved by any of their neighbors. Their enemy's were the Opelousas, Alabamons and Choctaws. During the 1700 's the three opposing tribes united and conquered the Attakapas. Legend has it that the last battle for domination of the region was a massive and bloody slaughter involving many thousands of warriors.

The earliest Europeans were Fur traders, trappers and a few ranchers. A 1769 census by then Spanish Governor O'Reilly indicated a population of 409 in that part of his district. Later on in its history a group of French known as Arcadians, who had been banished from Nova Scotia by the British Governor Charles Lawrence for not accepting the Anglican Church, moved to what became known as Lafayette. This group of French speaking Catholics was later allowed to settle permanently in the area by the Spanish after they took possession in 1766. The Louisiana purchase of 1803 saw a migration including the Frenchman Lafayette who eventually became the areas largest cities namesake.

Augustus Blanco and his brothers were the gracious hosts of this February’s NBL/SKIL sanctioned event. The Comeaux Center was once again the venue for this years Pro-Am tournament. As usual some of the NBL’s finest were on hand to elevate the level of competition and officiating. Competitors came from as far away as New York to participate in the tournament. Top teams were in attendance vying for the Bayou conference seeding it is the only tournament in this conference this year.

Big winners with multiple victories in the junior divisions were Sage and Colby Northcutt, Brittan Kabela, Chris Glandon, Amanda Duhon, Dela Jakus-Woods, Nick Cain, Megan Stitzlein, Charlie Davidson and Kyle Gray. Adult multiple winners were Jimmy Steger, Antonio Anderson and Johnnie Murphy. One of the most memorable showdowns of the forms competition was between Kyle Gray, Brittan Kabela and Joseph Pruiett. All went head to head in a all out show of supremacy. These guys were at it in several divisions and ended up putting on a show for everyone.

Sage Northcutt beat out a large group of junior black belt champions for his victory in the junior forms grand championship. As the event finalized, Tony Mosley, Jason Holmes, Jecobie Gilder, David Weimken, Antonio Anderson, Johnnie Johnson, Norman Roberts, Johnny Johnson and Johnnie Murphy all lined up for a chance at the prize money and men's sparring grand championship. After a series of memorable preliminary fights Jason Holmes emerged as the winner and this years Louisiana Pro-Am champion.