Nicholls Worth sports writer Clyde Verdin Jr., mass communication junior from Morgan City, won the 2006 Nicholls Worth Sports Picks with an overall record of 53-27. With no money on the line, the overall winner won the prize of having an article written about him or her.

After jumping out to an early lead in week one, Verdin never looked back. Although he slacked off at the end of the semester, he was able to hold on for the win.

“I am very proud of myself,” Verdin said. “I did not want to let last year repeat itself.”

Last year, Verdin led every week until dropping to second place in the final week of Sports Picks.

Verdin said he has always been a huge fan of competition.

“It feels good knowing I can pick games and have a lot riding on them,” Verdin said. “I have always been a competitive person, and as long as everyone realizes that I am better than them, it is all good.”

On his way to victory, Verdin survived a late scare from University graphic designer Jerad David, who made a late push but still finished in second place.

“If we would have done picks for another week, I would have beaten him,” David said. “He is just lucky I did not win because it would have been tough to see a graphic designer beat a sports writer.”

After starting off 2-8 and being under .500 for the first two weeks of the season, David had a strong finish to secure second place.

David finished with an overall record of 48-32, followed by Student Publications adviser Tonya Danos (46-34), sports editor Kyle Carrier, mass communication junior from Thibodaux, and editor Crystal Robichaux, mass communication sophomore from Raceland (each 43-37), advertising manager Tyrin Fultz, health care management junior from Kentwood (42-38), and photo editor Danielle Stringer, mass communication junior from Bourg, who rounded out the pack with a record of 39-41.

Verdin started off strong, going 22-8 through the first three weeks of the picks. Verdin led by as many as six games befor week five but then struggled, going 5-5 in week six. Verdin was able to hold on to a four-game lead going into the final week.

Verdin went 6-4 the final week and was able to secure the victory.

Fultz said he gives Verdin credit but said the lack of performance by “his teams” cost him this year.

“Me and my teams were not on the same page,” Fultz said. “Next year we are all starting off with a clean slate.”

Even though Fultz did not have the result he wanted, the season was not a total wash for him.

“The only good thing about this year is even though my Steelers are having a bad year, they did not lose to the Saints.”

Men’s Sports Information Director Brandon Rizzuto, who participated in week two of the picks but was unable to participate after that, said he believes Verdin got lucky.

“I was secretly pulling for Jerad, but Clyde is very lucky,” Rizzuto said. “He is lucky I did not play this season, but I am gunning for him next season. He did a good job, but it won’t be good enough next year.”

Danos said her picks in the beginning hurt her chances.

“I wish that I would have paid better attention in the beginning because that would have helped my chances in the end,” Danos said. “Winning should humble people, but apparently it does not have that effect on everyone (Clyde).”

Even though she finished in fourth, Robichaux said she was still impressed with herself.

“I’m happy to see that Clyde won; otherwise, he would have had to take a big foot out of his mouth,” Robichaux said. “I, however, tied the sports editor for fourth place and did not watch a single game.”

Verdin said he would savor the victory and prepare to repeat his victory for the Sports Picks next year.

“I want to congratulate everyone who participated even though they did not win,” Verdin said. “I’ll start making the second place trophies for everyone next semester, though.