Bayou Jamb 20th Anniversary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONROE, LA — August 2026 — As Bayou Jamb celebrates its 20th Anniversary, the organization is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the Bayou Jamb Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes two individuals who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to athletics, student-athletes, coaches, and the communities they serve. Honorees are selected by Bayou Jamb coaches, making this recognition a meaningful honor from their peers. This year’s honorees are Aaron Dietrich, KNOE Sports Director, and Coach Joe Raymond Peace, former Louisiana Tech head football coach.
Aaron Dietrich — Friday, August 28
Aaron Dietrich will be recognized during halftime of the West Monroe vs. Neville game on Friday, August 28, at approximately 8:30 p.m. at ULM’s FMOL Health | St. Francis Stadium.
As KNOE’s Sports Director, Dietrich has become one of Louisiana’s most respected sports journalists. His work has earned numerous state and regional honors, including three regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, multiple Louisiana Association of Broadcasters and Louisiana Associated Press awards, and 12 Emmy nominations from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Mid-America.
The Louisiana Sportswriters Association has named Dietrich’s television sportscasts the best in the state across all markets multiple times, including in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024. His “What’s Your Story” franchise was recognized as the state’s best in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Beyond his work in television, Dietrich co-hosts the daily Morning Drive on KMLB with Ouachita Citizen sports editor Jake Martin. The program has received numerous statewide honors, including being named Louisiana’s Best Radio Show in 2025.
For the past 27 seasons, Dietrich has also celebrated Northeast Louisiana’s top high school athletes through the Ace Awards, recognizing nearly 3,000 student-athletes as Aaron’s Aces.
Coach Joe Raymond Peace — Saturday, August 29
Coach Joe Raymond Peace will be recognized during halftime of the Evangel Christian Academy vs. Ruston game on Saturday, August 29, at approximately 7:30 p.m. at ULM’s FMOL Health | St. Francis Stadium.
Coach Peace began his coaching career at Woodlawn High School in Shreveport before coaching at Northwestern State University. In 1983, he joined Louisiana Tech as the offensive line coach and was named head football coach in December 1987.
Peace led the Bulldogs during Louisiana Tech’s transition to Division I-A, competing against some of the nation’s most prominent programs, including Tennessee, Texas A&M, Florida, Florida State, Alabama, Auburn, and Baylor.
During the 1989 season, Louisiana Tech went undefeated at home, beginning a four-year home winning streak of 16 consecutive victories. In 1990, the Bulldogs earned an invitation to the Independence Bowl, where they played Maryland to a 34-34 tie. That season, Peace was named Coach of the Year by the Louisiana Sportswriters Association.
His contributions to college football have continued to be recognized, including the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Award in 2018 and induction into the Louisiana Tech Hall of Fame in 2019.
Peace retired from coaching in 1995 and went on to a successful career in real estate with Lincoln Realty in Ruston. He often compares the two careers, saying, “Real estate is like coaching—it’s a people business.”
Today, Peace remains active in his career and enjoys spending time with his wife, Carolyn Ferguson Peace, their children and grandchildren.
The 2026 Bayou Jamb marks 20 years of bringing high school football, athletes, coaches, families, and communities together to celebrate the beginning of another football season. The Lifetime Achievement Award is sponsored by Senator Stewart Cathey Jr. and is one of several ways Bayou Jamb recognizes the people who have helped shape high school and college athletics across Louisiana.
Friday, August 28: Aaron Dietrich — Halftime of West Monroe vs. Neville, approximately 8:30 p.m. at ULM’s FMOL Health | St. Francis Stadium.
Saturday, August 29: Coach Joe Raymond Peace - Halftime of the Evangel Christian Academy vs. Ruston, approximately 7:30 p.m. at ULM’s FMOL Health | St. Francis Stadium.
The Road to the Dome Starts Here — at THE Bayou Jamb.
Special thanks to all our Bayou Jamb 2026 sponsors that make this event possible. We could not do this without you!
Acadian Ambulance, Adam Cossey, Ashley Storage, AT&T, Azure Pools and Spas, Bagby Rental, Bayou Bowl, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Brookshires + Super 1 Foods, Building Futures Pediatric Therapy, Centric Credit Union, Chris Lewis for Monroe City Marshal, City of Monroe, City of West Monroe, Coca-Cola, Courtesy Automotive, Crafts Galore the Rebel Store, D-BAT, David’s Mobile Detailing, Digital People, F.D. Thompson, Post 521, Fleet Feet, Frank Nettles Automotive, Gene's Caring Hands, Gregory Crop Consultants, Holton Flooring, Holy Dippers, Hooks Marina, Huck Productions, James Machine Works, Johnny's Pizza, Shield of Shelter Agents Jonathan Washam and Colton Anderson, KNOE TV-8, Louisiana National Guard, Lamar Advertising, Marion State Bank, Martinez Chiropractic, Medlin’s Metal Roofing, Mennon Campbell for District Attorney, Mid South Extrusion, Monroe Chamber of Commerce, NAPA of Rayville, Northeast Suspension and Performance, Origin Bank, Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union, Raising Cane's, Rimcor Inc., Ruston Glass and Mirror, Sevenfold Federal Credit Union, Signs Now, Sir Speedy, Smoothie King, State Senator Glen Womack, State Farm - Josh Fuselier, Senator Stewart Cathey, Tarver Braddock Foundation, The Ouachita Citizen, The Radio People, Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant, Unitech Training Academy, Vertex Volleyball League, VOLT Powered by NELPCO, Williamson Flooring, Woodmen’s Flag, and Zaxby's.
For game match-ups and event information visit bayoujamb.com, like us on Facebook, Instagram, or App.
