| After almost 35 years as a sportwriter, I try to pride myself on not being surprised by very much. But I have to admitt, the news Friday that running back John Emery is returning for a sixth season at LSU was a bit of a stunner. OK, a lot of a stunner. All of us on the LSU beat assumed, quite wrongly as it turned out, that Emery was long gone after entering the transfer portal in April. Apparently not. And suddenly an LSU running back room that was looking a bit thin on talent, especially experienced talent, takes on a different dimension going into the 2024 season. On to the WNBA where one Tiger, Angel Reese, definitely is a former Tiger. Her former coach, Kim Mulkey, came to see her play Thursday night for the Chicago Sky against the Washington Mysticks and the two clearly enjoyed the reunion. Finally, the last LSU teams still in action for the 2023-24 academic year, LSU's track and field teams, are in the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon. The LSU men finished well down the line in 16th place Friday night. The women's team, ranked No. 1 most of the season, may also come up short of a national title because of some disappointing performances in the NCAA semifinals. Their meet concludes Saturday night in Eugene. One last bit of housekeeping before we go. Our sports editor, Perryn Keys, is leaving The Advocate to take the sports editor's job with the Buffalo News. Perryn has not only been a great editor but a great friend and he's an excellent writer to boot. We wish him the best of luck, especially when he's up to his beard in lake effect snow in January. We've made him promise to come back for a visit if the Buffalo Bills are in the Super Bowl in February in the Caesars Superdome. Meanwhile, we wish all of you a happy sports weekend. Scott Rabalais | 