Is the Green Wave getting ready to roll?

We know this is a bad time to boost the expectations of Tulane athletics with the LSU Tigers about to win the national football championship. But it doesn’t take away any of such glory by contemplating the good that could evolve.

The Green Wave has had a history of prominence in the athletic field, from playing in the Rose Bowl to winning conference championships. But in recent years, that success has diminished, at least on the field of football.

Now, after finishing a gridiron season with only two wins and firing the head coach, there is a bright light in the future. The school has hired New Orleans Saints receivers coach Curtis Johnson to run the team.

His credentials are significant. Though this is his first head coaching job, he has had remarkable success with the Saint’s and elsewhere. As an assistant at University of Miami, he helped the team go to nine bowl games and win the 2001 national championship. He had a successful stay at San Diego State where he coached several all-conference wide receivers.

He also is an outstanding recruiter. As a native of New Orleans, he should get the attention of Louisiana high school grads who want to get into college football.

Despite its current weakness on the gridiron, Tulane has had many successful years on the baseball diamond, even playing in the world series in Omaha. This year, so far, it’s men’s basketball team is undefeated, 9-0, and its women’s basketball teams have had great success in the past.

One of the problems the school has faced recently in football is lack of a campus playing field where school spirit can thrive. That may be corrected soon, however, with plans and promises of donations for a stadium and football field underway.

By the way, Tulane is the closest major division college campus to St. Charles Parish, only 30 minutes away from some areas. That could make it our home team though it would bring a lot of growls from Tiger fans.

At any rate, roll on Green Wave and let our rivals wonder from where the breakers came.