Olan Babin has been custodian of the athletic buildings since 1977. For about 29 years, he has watched the changes in the athletic department.

Q: How have you changed since you have been at Nicholls?

A: When I first got here I was shy, now after being around a lot of people I am not.

Q: How has the athletics department changed over the years?

A: I’ve seen new coaches and athletes come and go. I have met new people. Nothing has really changed, just new faces. They are all friendly people.

Q: What other places do you work other than the athletic department?

A: I did field work over the years. I cleaned the football and baseball fields. I put the announcements on the marquee before we got the electric one. While I was doing it people would stop and talk to me and tell me what a good job I was doing.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: I like working with the athletes and coaches. The secretaries are all nice. We joke around all day in the athletic building.

Q: What is the worst thing about your job?

A: After a game, the building gets really messy, especially if it is a loss.

Q: How has the University changed since you have been here?

A: There are a lot more new buildings now than when I started. A few years back the enrollment number was at seven or eight thousand. The enrollment has dropped a lot.

Q: Why did you decide to work at Nicholls?

A: I came here because of the benefits. We get holidays off, health insurance and it is close to my home.

Q: What years were the best for you?

A: The 70s and 80s were because there was more money in the budget. We also got more raises.

Q: What was the most exciting time in the athletic building?

A: When we won the Southland Conference, it was very exciting.

Q: What year was the least exciting year?

A: This year because of the hurricanes. I had to work in the gym with the people who lost everything in the storm.

Q: What is your favorite sport?

A: I like watching football, baseball and basketball in person.

Q: What year do you remember the most?

A: About four years ago, I went with the football team to Orlando, Fla. It was my first time flying with the team, and we flew over Hurricane Irene.