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A graduate of Richwood High School in Monroe, Profit was a trailblazer in 1967, becoming the first black to play football at a predominantly white Louisiana college as well as the first black football player to compete in the Gulf States Conference. He led the team in rushing and all-purpose yards for three seasons in a row from 1968-70. Profit, who still ranks among ULM’s all-time Top 10 in rushing (2,818 career yards) and all-purpose yards (3,661 combined), was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round (No. 7 overall) of the 1971 National Football League Draft. Profit is a candidate for Georgia’s 7th U.S. Congressional District.
The Pursuit takes its name from the “P” in the Curtiss P(ursuit)-40 Warhawk fighter plane, best remembered as the aircraft flown during WWII by the “Flying Tigers,” or American Volunteer Group (AVG), led by General Claire Lee Chennault.
The P-40 Warhawk, identified by its shark teeth nose art, was no match for enemy aircraft. But Chennault trained his pilots with innovative air combat tactics. As a result of Chennault’s determination and aviation expertise, the P-40 Warhawk’s victories in the sky were many. In fact, the volunteer pilots never lost a single battle. The legend of the Flying Tigers was born, and General Chennault became a hero in China and around the world.
It was the P-40 Warhawk and the heroism of General Chennault that served as the inspiration behind the selection of the Warhawk mascot ten years ago. The Warhawk is more than a name, however. It is a symbol of ULM’s overall vision and mission.
Through its name, The Pursuit is meant to reflect our tradition and our commitment to pursue excellence. In the words of General Chennault himself, “When an old, well-known road is blocked, a new path must be opened.”
As a new event that brings us together, The Pursuit symbolizes a new path our institution has adopted; a path that marks the beginning of an academic and athletic year; a path that guides us through the year and prepares us for what’s coming; a path that orients us toward a successful and sustainable future.
There is power in individuals, but the power is even greater in individuals coming together as one. The P-40 Warhawk might not have been the best aircraft of its era, but the pilots who flew them understood the necessity of coming together for their mission. United, these fighters were unbeatable.
When struck by natural disasters in the recent past, our community became united. We showed our true strength, potential and capabilities. We showed solidarity with our comrades. We moved fast, and we moved forward in the pursuit of our moral obligations.
Now, it’s time to stand together once again and celebrate the excellence through our own mission and vision.
For all ticket inquiries, event information, customer service, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Warhawk Club at
318-342-5360
All media requests, please contact:
Hope Young
Office of Marketing & Communications
(318) 342-5440