News release Public Information Office  SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu summer 05 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Christina Chapple Date: 10/28/05   COACH KEN CARTER’S FANFARE LECTURE RESCHEDULED FOR NOV. 3        HAMMOND – A Southeastern Louisiana University Fanfare lecture by Coach Ken Carter, the high school basketball coach who made headlines for insisting that his students be both academic and athletic winners, has been rescheduled for Thursday, Nov. 3.        Carter, who was forced to cancel an earlier appearance because of illness, will present “Average Is Just Not Good Enough” at 7:30 p.m. at Southeastern’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 220 E. Thomas St. in downtown Hammond.        In 1997, Carter, a successful businessman for years, returned to his California alma mater, Richmond High School, as basketball coach. He immediately required his players to sign contracts to keep their grades above a “C” average.         During the 1999 season, Carter made headlines by locking out his undefeated varsity team for poor performance in the classroom. His players responded to the coach’s bold action, improving their performance both on the court and in the classroom.        Today, Carter is still coaching as leader of SlamBall’s The Rumble. He is also the owner and operator of Prime Time Sports and Prime Time Publishing under which he has published three books. His controversial coaching move and principled stand on academics caught Hollywood's attention, resulting in the production of “Coach Carter,” a movie starring Samuel L. Jackson. Carter’s honest, straight forward delivery makes him a highly sought-after speaker in academic, business and sports worlds.        Tickets are $18, adults; $15, senior citizens, Southeastern faculty, staff, alumni; $12, group rate; and $8, non-SLU students. Southeastern students are admitted free with their university I.D. Tickets are available online at www.columbiatheatre.org or at the Columbia Theatre box office, 985-543-4371, from noon-5 p.m., weekdays, and one hour prior to the event. Online tickets should be purchased 24 hours in advance.