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Always a Billiken: Inside Saint Louis University Athletics

In this episode of “1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast,” co-hosts Tony Minor (A&S ‘03) and Meg Connolly (A&S ‘90, GRAD A&S ‘92) get insights on the Billiken and explore big moments in Billiken Athletics. 

A graphic that says 1818 a Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast. Always a Billiken Inside SLU Athletics. Laura Geiser AVP Brand Management Saint Louis University. Jordair Jett Founder of Players First. Janet Oberle deputy director of athletics Saint Louis Billikens. Three headshot photos are shown.

Listen to 1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast to learn more about Billiken Athletics and the history of the Billiken.

About Episode Three

In part one of this episode of "1818: A Saint Louis Alumni Podcast," Connolly talks with SLU alumna and associate vice president of brand management, Laura Geiser (A&S ‘90, GRAD A&S ‘92), on the origins of one of the most iconic and unusual aspects of SLU’s sporting history: the Billiken. From the origins of “the god of things as they ought to be” as a turn of the 20th-century Labubu to the best ways for a Billiken to bring you good luck, Geiser shares the history and symbolism behind SLU’s iconic mascot.

Then Connolly and Minor (A&S ‘03) welcome Janet Oberle, Ph.D., (GRAD ED '99, '18) Saint Louis University’s deputy director of athletics; and two-time alum, and former men’s basketball standout Jordair Jett (A&S ‘14) for a roundtable on Billiken Athletics.

Inside the Roundtable Discussion

From playing on SLU’s first Division I women’s soccer team to witnessing NCAA tournament milestones and the program’s steady climb, Oberle hits on the highlights of Billiken athletics, including the strong connections between student-athletes and the University.

“I tell our students this all the time: in life, we all have ups and downs. And I think that it isn’t because you aren’t working hard. It isn't because you aren’t trying your hardest or because you don't wish for everything to be going well. But you go up, and you go down,” Oberle said. “Sport can help you learn that.”

Then relive SLU’s legendary NCAA comeback over North Carolina State and the heartbreak against Michigan State with Jett, who also shares what it meant to be the first in his family to attend college and tells us about a new arrival who will carry on the name “Jordair.”

“I have a son, so I'm going to keep that name rolling. Hopefully, one day he’ll be a Billiken, and he’ll be doing the same things I did even better,” Jett said.

Stay on top of all things Billiken athletics on its website, or tune into another SLU podcast, hosted by Saint Louis University Director of Athletics Chris May, From the Stands.

Alumni Perks

At the conclusion of the episode, Minor shares a valuable alumni perk you can enjoy year-round while on campus: access to Simon Recreation Center and Pius Memorial Library. Learn more about how to enjoy these benefits.