Geaux 2 Legends

Former LSU All-American gymnast Ashley Clare-Kearney Thigpen joins Eddie Kennison for the latest edition of the Geaux2Legends Podcast.Ashley Clare-Kearny Thigpen is a two-time national champion and former five-time First Team All-American gymnast for the LSU Tigers.Clare-Kearney received her bachelor’s degree from LSU in 2008, earned her master’s at LSU in 2010 and earned her law degree from Southern University in 2013.In 2013, Clare-Kearney’s efforts were widely recognized as LSU volunteer assistant coach. The Tigers were credited with having one of the most exciting floor lineups in the country with dazzling choreography and fantastic performances. The Tigers finished the season ranked No. 5 nationally in the event.Clare-Kearney captured the 2009 NCAA Vault and Floor national titles as well as the 2009 Southeastern Conference Floor title during her senior season. As a junior in 2008, Clare-Kearney became the second LSU gymnast to be crowned the SEC All-Around Champion, and she also took home 2008 SEC Gymnast of the Year honors after winning the all-around and floor titles.Clare-Kearney holds the school record for the most individual titles – winning 114 titles in her career, including 37 on vault, 27 on floor and 22 in the all-around.Clare-Kearney demonstrated excellence and leadership in academics as well as competition as she was recognized as a Scholastic All-American in both 2008 and 2009, and the Manchester, Connecticut native was also a two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member.An active member in the local community, Clare-Kearney was twice recognized as a member of the SEC Community Service Team, and she also received the 2008 Huel D. Perkins Leadership Award at LSU.Because of her prowess in the gym, in the classroom and in the community Clare-Kearney became the first LSU student-athlete to earn the distinction as an NCAA Woman of the Year Finalist in 2009.The daughter of Craig Kearney and Diane Clare-Kearney, Ashleigh married DaJuan Thigpen on July 30, 2016 in downtown Baton Rouge.

Former LSU guard and current assistant coach for the Tigers, Seimone Augustus joins Eddie Kennison for the latest edition of the Geaux2Legends Podcast.Seimone Augustus is without a doubt the most accomplished and recognized female basketball player to come through LSU and the state of Louisiana. Before her freshman year in high school, Augustus was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated for Women, with a headline that asked, "Is She the Next Michael Jordan?" Augustus played for Capitol High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she was named a WBCA All-American. She participated in the 2002 WBCA High School All-America Game where she scored fourteen points, and earned MVP honorsDuring her collegiate career with the LSU Tigers, the two-time All-American won the Naismith College Player of the Year, Wooden Award and Wade Trophy in 2005 and 2006 while leading the LSU to three straight Final Four appearances. She averaged 19.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2 assists per game in her collegiate career. During her final year, she won the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, recognizing her as the nation's top senior women's basketball player. Augustus graduated from Louisiana State University in 2006. Her uniform number (33) was retired by LSU on January 9, 2010, making her the first female athlete in school history to receive that honor In January 2023, she became the first female athlete in school history to have a statue of her on the school campus; that statue is in front of the school’s basketball training center next to statues of Bob Pettit, Shaquille O'Neal, and Pete Maravich, who also played for LSU.Augustus also played with future WNBA teammate Sylvia Fowles during her collegiate career at LSU.Augustus was drafted No. 1 overall in 2006 WNBA draft by the Minnesota Lynx. In 2011, Augustus led the team in scoring and served as the team's lead defender as the Lynx rolled to a league best 27–7 record. Augustus also made her first all-star game since 2007. She finished eighth in MVP voting, and was named Second Team All-WNBA for the third time in her career, and the first since 2007.Augustus elevated her game in the playoffs. She led the Lynx in scoring in five of their eight games, and scored the second-highest number of points in WNBA Finals history – 36 – in game two of the 2011 WNBA Finals. The Lynx swept the Atlanta Dream in the title round, with Augustus being unanimously named Finals MVP.The Lynx would return to the finals the next two seasons, losing to the Indiana Fever in 2012, and defeating Atlanta again in 2013. Augustus continued to earn accolades during this time. She was named first-team all-WNBA in 2012, and voted an all-star-game starter in 2013.During the 2015 season, Augustus was named a WNBA All-Star for the sixth time in her career while averaging 13.8 points per game. The Lynx had remained dominant; making a trade for star center Sylvia Fowles, strengthening their starting lineup as they finished first place in the Western Conference with a 22–12 record. Augustus returned in time for the playoffs and the Lynx returned to the finals for a rematch against the Indiana Fever, this time with the Lynx beating Indiana in a hard-fought series, 3–2, with the newly acquired Sylvia Fowles winning Finals MVP, as the Lynx won their third WNBA championship in five years.In 2017, the Lynx won their fourth championship in seven seasons by defeating the Sparks in five games, tying the now-defunct Houston Comets for most championships wins.On May 13, 2021, she announced her retirement from play, and joined the Los Angeles Sparks coaching staff. Augustus was an assistant coach for the Sparks in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, Augustus was taking a break from coaching but expressed interest in returning to it at some level in the future. She served as a facilitator for the 2023 season of Athletes Unlimited Basketball.On May 20, 2024, Louisiana State University announced that Augustus returned to her alma mater as an assistant coach for women's basketball under coach Kim Mulkey.In 2024, Seimone Augustus was inducted in the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, East Baton Rouge Parish Hall of Fame, and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Former LSU softball outfielder and current strength and conditioning coach Katie Guillory joins Eddie Kennison for the latest edition of the Geaux2Legends Podcast. Katie Guillory was a four-year letter winner for Mary Eldridge at Carencro High School. She batted .425 and slugged .600 with 11 stolen bases and 15 RBIs en route to Daily Advertiser’s All-Acadiana and LSWA All-State honors in 2008. She played for the West squad at the 2008 School Coaches Association All-Star Doubleheader and notched a pair of All-District selections during 2007 and 2008 seasons. At LSU, Guillory played outfield for both Yvette Girouard and Beth Torina. During her senior season, Guillory registered 19 appearances which included 11 starts in right field. LSU won all 11 games when Guillory started. She checked in with a .235 batting average (8-for-34) to go along with one home run and four RBIs. Guillory was LSU’s opening day starter at right field. She connected for a two-run homer, the first of her career, during the third inning of a 9-0 victory over North Dakota State (Feb. 15). Guillory made a Senior Day start versus No. 4 Alabama (April 27). Her infield single with two outs sparked LSU’s two-run fifth inning which enabled the Tigers to earn a 4-3 comeback win and clinch a share of the SEC Western Division title. She made a pinch-hitting appearance against Central Connecticut State (May 18) at the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional. Post playing career, Guillory is now a strength and conditioning coach at LSU.

Former LSU quarterback Jesse Daigle joins Eddie Kennison for the latest edition of the Geaux2Legends Podcast. The guys look back at their youth football days and time at the high school ranks. Jesse Daigle takes us through his recruiting process at Catholic High and his decision to play at LSU. Daigle shares stories from his LSU career and playing quarterback in the SEC. The guys discuss their favorite moments, favorite plays, and best games of their careers. Jesse Daigle also shares what he is up to now and shares a few personal stories about family life.

Former LSU running back Justin Vincent joins Eddie Kennison for the latest edition of the Geaux2Legends Podcast. Justin Vincent was one of the nation’s top running back prospects coming out of Barbe High School. Vincent was named a Parade and Prep Star All-American after rushing for 2,050 yards and 30 touchdowns as a senior. He was named first-team 5A all-state and was recognized as Louisiana’s Gatorade Player of the Year. He was rated as the nation’s No. 3 running back prospect by Rivals.com and No. 14 by Super Prep. Vincent was a member of the Baton Rouge Advocate Super Dozen, the New Orleans Times-Picayune Blue-Chip Top 15, the Atlanta-Journal Constitution Super Southern 100 and the Dallas Morning News Top 100. He was MVP of District 3-5A for the second-straight year and recipient of the Gridiron Great All-Star award. He was also named All-Southwest Louisiana and to the U.S. Army All-America team. Vincent left Barbe as the school’s all-time leading rusher with 5,464 yards on a school-record 904 carries and set school records for touchdowns in a career (75), rushing touchdowns in a career (68), points in a career (462), and career 100-yard games (28). He tied the school records for rushing touchdowns in a game (5 vs. New Iberia on Sept. 27, 2001) and touchdowns in a season (30 in 2001). He is the only player in school history to rush for 1,000 yards or more in three seasons. Vincent is a three-time first-team all-district and twice named first-team all-state. He also ran on the state champion 4×200-meter relay team as a junior. He was coached in high school by Jimmy Shaver.In 2003, Justin Vincent put together the finest season for a freshman in LSU history, rushing for a freshman school record of 1,001 yards in leading the Tigers to a 13-1 overall mark and the national title. He answered the call when injuries forced Joseph Addai and Shyrone Carey to the sidelines in consecutive games midway through the season. Vincent started for the first time against South Carolina and responded with 77 yards and 2 TDs. He never relinquished the starting position as he followed his first start with 127 yards in a 31-7 win over Auburn in a game in which he out rushed Carnell Williams by 67 yards. Vincent capped the season with four straight 100-yard games, including an SEC Championship game record of 201 yards and 2 TDs in the 34-13 win over Georgia, and 117 yards and 1 TD vs. Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl. In all, rushed for 100-plus yards five times. Vincent was named MVP of SEC title game as well as the Sugar Bowl. He ran for an 87-yard TD vs. Georgia, the longest rush in SEC Championship Game history and also had a 62-yard run vs. Georgia. Vincent opened the Nokia Sugar Bowl with a 64-yard run on the first play of the game against Oklahoma. Vincent broke Dalton Hilliard’s LSU freshmen rushing record, bettering the previous mark of 901, which was set in 1982. He rushed for 10 TDs, the second-highest total by a freshman in school history.Justin Vincent capped his career as one of the most productive runners in school history with 2,021 yards and 17 touchdowns in 51 games as an LSU Tiger. He ranks eighth in LSU history in 100-yard games with six to his credit. He played in 51 games with 18 starts during his career. Vincent was named MVP of the 2003 SEC Championship Game as well as the 2003 BCS National Championship Game (Sugar Bowl). Vincent also earned the reputation as being a special teams standout during his LSU days, playing on the Tigers’ kickoff coverage unit. He had 28 special teams tackles during his four years with the Tigers.Vincent signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons following the 2007 NFL Draft and later joined to Pittsburgh Steelers where he win Super Bowl XLIII. Following football, Vincent returned to LSU and now currently works for the Tiger Athletic Foundation.

Former LSU quarterback Herb Tyler joins Eddie Kennison for the latest edition of the Geaux2Legends Podcast. Herb Tyler is one of the most successful quarterbacks in LSU history, finishing his career with a record of 27-11, giving him the second most victories by an LSU starting quarterback. Tyler finished his career as the school’s all-time fifth-leading passer with 5,876 yards. He is one of only five quarterbacks in LSU history with more than 5,000 career passing yards. He rushed for 23 touchdowns in his career, which is tops in LSU history among quarterbacks. Herb Tyler took over the role as starting quarterback midway through his freshman season and never relinquished his position. He led LSU to victory in four games in 1995, 10 games his sophomore season, nine his junior year and four his senior year. He ranked 3rd in SEC passing efficiency behind Florida’s Danny Wuerffel and Tennessee’s Peyton Manning as a sophomore and 3rd his junior year behind Kentucky’s Tim Couch and Tennessee’s Tee Martin. When senior quarterback Jamie Howard suffered a shoulder injury midseason of 1995, Tyler was called upon to lead the Tigers offense and led LSU to wins in all four of his starts. Tyler earned a place on the Freshman All-SEC Team and played in 1998 Blue-Gray Classic following his senior season.

Mark King was one of the staples along the LSU offensive line in the early 90's. King attended Terrebonne High School, where he achieved All-District, All-Regionals, and All-State Honors. He played and served as the co-captain in the Louisiana High School All-Star game. King was also inducted into the Terrebonne High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009. King was a four-year letterman at LSU. He was a big part of the 1995 "Bringing back the Magic" season where LSU went on to win the Independence Bowl. Mark King shares stories of his recruitment out of high school and how he ultimately decided to choose LSU. King shares memories of his LSU career and key games in which he played and accounts memories of former players and coaches from his playing career. King also shares stories from his personal life after his playing career ended and how he ended up in coaching. King also updates his life now with his family, friends, career, and what's next.

Cecil Collins may be one of the biggest "what if" stories in LSU football history. Collins attended Leesville High School in Leesville, Louisiana. There, he amassed 99 touchdowns and 7,833 yards over his high school football career including 3,079 yards during his senior season. Leesville was the 4A state runner-up that year and Collins was selected as Louisiana's very first "Mr. Football". Collins enrolled at LSU, where he would redshirt his freshman season. Collins only played in only four games for the Tigers in 1997, yet many LSU fans consider him one of the best running backs in program history nearly 30 years later. After one season at McNeese and one season in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins, the former LSU standout ran into a series of poor decisions off the field, which eventually landed him in prison for 13 years. Now, the man once known as “Cecil The Diesel‘’ is a changed man who has devoted his life to God looking for a second chance.

Danyel Mitchell was an integral part of the Tigers’ Track & Field team from 1991 to 1994, and she competed as one of the nation’s top shot put and discus throwers. During her time at LSU, she won nine SEC Championships, ranking her sixth in LSU’s history for most individual conference titles. She won three NCAA titles in the discus and indoor shot put during her collegiate career and later went on to represent the United States at the Outdoor World Championships in Gothenburg Sweden in 1995. In 1994, her hometown of Vallejo, California, awarded her with her first Hall of Fame induction into the city’s Sports Hall of Fame. the lasting impact she left on LSU’s track and field program earned her an induction into the university’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023. Thirty years after her collegiate career was completed, her legacy still reigns, as she continues to hold the LSU women’s discus record of 194’ 4” she set in 1994. She also remains ranked No. 2 in the Tigers’ record book in the shot put, both indoors and outdoors.

Host Eddie Kennison is joined by former LSU and Super Bowl champion RB Kevin Faulk to talk about his playing career and life after football.