A Lifelong Dream Realized
Saturday Night Lights look a little different for Kent Broussard. At 66, he traded retirement for rehearsals. The retired accountant became the oldest member ever of the LSU Tiger Marching Band. His story proves that dreams don’t have an expiration date.
Broussard was just 9 years old when he started admiring the Golden Band from Tigerland. He imagined himself marching with them but never had the chance. After retiring in 2023, he chose to make it happen. He enrolled at LSU as a student and prepared for the demanding audition process.
Training Like a Student Half His Age
Joining the marching band was not easy. The group accepts only 325 members each season. Every candidate must pass a rigorous audition. Age offers no shortcuts.
Broussard trained for months—running 25 miles a week and lifting weights. He practiced music daily and even managed a full class load to qualify for membership.
His dedication worked. He secured a spot and proudly joined the ranks of the Tiger Band.
First Steps Onto the Field
His debut came during LSU’s football home opener. The halftime show featured music from The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked. Broussard marched in perfect time, weaving through complex formations. (MORE NEWS: Diet Soda Speeds Brain Aging, RFK Jr. Targets Additives)
The crowd noticed. Fans cheered as he performed. Cameras zoomed in, and his smile lit up the Jumbotron. For Broussard, it was a moment years in the making.
LSU band member Kent Broussard shows it’s never too late to make your dreams come true 🥹💜 pic.twitter.com/nEcenBaAZb
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 7, 2025
The Tradition of Victory Hill
Perhaps the most emotional moment came before kickoff. LSU’s Victory Hill is one of the school’s most beloved traditions. The band, football team, coaches, and Golden Girls parade into the stadium while fans line the street.
Broussard walked that hill for the first time, tuba in hand. He described it as one of the most joyful experiences of his life. After decades of dreaming, he finally lived the march he had only watched from the sidelines.
Family Reaction and Support
Speaking to CBS, Broussard remembered how his wife Cheryl, laughed when he revealed his dream of marching with the band. She recalled:
“At first I was like, ‘Do they have like a senior band? I mean, I wasn’t sure what he was exactly talking about. And it was the real band.”
Once she saw his determination, she supported him fully. Her laughter turned into pride as she watched him perform. For his family, his achievement is more than music. It is a lesson in perseverance and courage.
66 year old LSU freshman “Tiger Tuba Kent” gets a standing ovation from the crowd 👏 pic.twitter.com/9So93dJ3Ci
— Baton Rouge BKM (@BatonRougeBKM) September 7, 2025
Meeting the Standard
The LSU Tiger Band holds all members to the same expectations. Director Simon Holoweiko made it clear: no breaks and no special treatment. Every marcher must meet the high standard of the Golden Band.
Broussard embraced that challenge. He kept up with rehearsals, drills, and long hours in the Louisiana heat. His success came not from exceptions but from effort.
Words to Live By
Asked about his journey, Broussard offered wisdom in two simple phrases. “People retire. Dreams don’t.” And, “Your only failure is not trying.”
These words resonate beyond the stadium. They serve as motivation for anyone hesitating to pursue a long-held goal.
A Legacy of Music and Dedication
The Golden Band from Tigerland is more than halftime entertainment. It is a living tradition, founded in 1893. The band plays at every home game, bowl game appearances, and one away game each year. Its marches and music are etched into LSU culture.
By joining at age 66, Broussard added a unique note to that history. He became proof that the band’s spirit welcomes all who meet the challenge.
Lessons for Everyone
Broussard’s story carries lessons far beyond Baton Rouge. It shows that age cannot silence ambition. It proves the value of discipline, preparation, and passion. And it reminds us that the first step—no matter how late—is always worth taking. (MORE NEWS: Insurance Drones: Hidden Home Inspections Spark Backlash)
Many people retire and wonder what comes next. Broussard answered that question with a Tuba and a dream. His journey encourages others to think bigger, to try harder, and to believe it’s never too late.
Marching Into the Future
Now a student once more, Broussard balances classes with rehearsals. He attends lectures, studies for exams, and performs on game days. His journey continues every week as he steps onto the field with his fellow band members.
For him, retirement didn’t mean slowing down. It meant starting fresh. It meant proving that determination can rewrite the script at any age.
Kent Broussard’s story is not just about music. It is about courage. It is about resilience. And most of all, it is about holding on to a dream until the day you can finally make it real.
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