Kent Broussard's journey is a beautiful reminder that dreams can flourish at any stage of life. After dedicating decades to his career as an accountant and cherishing moments with his wife and daughters, Kent found that the spark of his childhood ambition still glowed within him.
At 66, he fondly recalled the magic of attending his first Louisiana State University football game in 1968, where “The Golden Band from Tigerland” captivated him with their lively music and vibrant performances. From that moment on, Kent held onto a dream: to one day march with the band.
As he neared retirement, Kent decided it was time to pursue this long-held aspiration. With enthusiasm, he shared his plans with his family: he was going back to school at LSU and trying out for the band.
The first step involved dusting off the tuba, an instrument he hadn’t played regularly in about fifty years. Undeterred, Kent committed to hours of practice, filling his neighborhood with the joyful sounds of his instrument as he prepared for the challenge ahead. He also embraced a fitness regimen, incorporating strength training and running to ensure he was ready for the demands of marching band life.
Soon, Kent enrolled at LSU, embarking on a new chapter alongside students who were nearly five decades his junior. When the time for marching band tryouts arrived in early August, he gave it his all, eagerly awaiting the results to see if he could step onto the legendary football field.
As the list was unveiled, Kent felt the excitement build. “There was a countdown in the Tuba room… 30 seconds, 15 seconds, 10 seconds, and right at 7 pm, the marching band list came out,” he recalled. The joy was palpable as he learned he had made the band, becoming the oldest member by an impressive 41 years.
Last Saturday, Kent proudly took the field in his royal purple and gold uniform, tuba in hand. The stadium buzzed with music and cheers, including the voices of his loving wife and daughters, who were there to support him.
Amid the lively atmosphere that captivated him as a child, Kent’s story serves as an inspiration for others. “People can use this as an example — your only failure is not trying,” he encourages. “If you don’t try, you won’t get there.”
Kent Broussard’s journey is a heartwarming testament to the power of dreams and the joy of pursuing them at any age. Let his story inspire you to chase your own dreams and share this positivity with others!