Latest news with #McNeese
American Press
17 hours ago
- Business
- American Press
Growth spurt: Women fight to keep their chances from being stunted
First-year McNeese State women's head basketball coach Ayla Guzzardo wants to see the sport continue to make strides and protect the gains made in recent decades under Title IX in the face of an ever-changing athletic landscape that emphasizes business models. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives) Through her 35 years at McNeese State, Bridget Martin has witnessed numerous changes in the world of women's college athletics. The deputy athletic director started her McNeese career as the women's basketball coach in 1990. Back then, Title IX was just getting its feet wet. Since then, it's helped grow athletics for women and girls in high schools and colleges, eventually leading to an increase in professional leagues and opportunities. 'It has been great to see the growth of women's sports and the way it has helped give females opportunities to get their college educations,' Martin said. 'It has been an amazing growth process.' Now, however, numerous questions surround college athletics, including those related to women's sports. With the changing landscape and recent $2.8 billion House vs. NCAA settlement, along with transgender athletes' rights, the future for college sports overall and women in particular is in question. 'Yes, there is a lot of uncertainty right now and a lot of questions about the recent lawsuits and applications they will have on Title IX,' Martin said. 'I think a lot of those things will play out with future lawsuits as well. 'One thing is for sure, we have to be ready for whatever changes are coming, and I think we are.' The model of college sports, especially on the women's side, is rapidly changing. Following the June 6 settlement and the new name, image, and likeness rules, concerns have arisen that college sports are shifting toward a more business-focused model. That could hurt non-revenue sports, particularly women's programs. 'I am concerned that we are going to the business models,' Martin said. 'I'm still holding out hope this will level out.' Some schools have chosen to discontinue certain sports, as funding for them may become increasingly challenging. McNeese officials say they do not expect to do that. 'We are not looking to cut any sports but will be looking for ways to fund them differently as needed,' Athletic Director Heath Schroyer said. 'You just have to be ready to adapt to what comes next. Things are going to change, that is for sure.' One women's sport that is on the rise is basketball, thanks to gains in viewership over the last few years on both the college and pro levels. 'As far as basketball goes, our sport, we are gaining, and that's a good thing, so I'm not worried about us,' said first-year McNeese women's head basketball coach Ayla Guzzardo. 'I'm hoping that the models in place to protect women through Title IX continue to hold overall. We have seen a lot of growth thanks to them.' Martin said he hopes all the growth wasn't for nothing. 'I'm focused more on what we got right in women's sports for a long time,' Martin said. 'That's the direction I want to keep going in.'
American Press
a day ago
- American Press
Mary Richardson: Exploring the beauty of our planet
1/5 Swipe or click to see more Oslo, Norway (Mary Richardson / Special to the American Press) 2/5 Swipe or click to see more Lisbon, Portugal (Mary Richardson / Special to the American Press) 3/5 Swipe or click to see more Panajachel, Guatemala (Mary Richardson / Special to the American Press) 4/5 Swipe or click to see more Giza, Egypt (Mary Richardson / Special to the American Press) 5/5 Swipe or click to see more Kirkenes, Norway (Mary Richardson / Special to the American Press) Mary Richardson is not just a tourist. She's an explorer who seeks to immerse herself in new environments, embracing diversity and forging genuine relationships with the locals. 'I consider Lake Charles my community — my church is here, my friends are here, half of my family is here. But I also feel a broader connection with humanity,' she said. Richardson, who shares her travel experiences several times a year through her writings in the American Press , said she travels not only for the beauty she finds when she arrives at the destination but also out of sheer curiosity. 'There's a sense of awe with our planet,' she said. 'I'm a history major and Joe (her husband) has an undergraduate degree in history and it's one thing to read about a country, it's another thing to see it. In Egypt, we were climbing up the Step Pyramid near Cairo and it's 5,000 years old! It's only been 2,000 years since the beginning of Christianity and that had already been there for 3,000 years. There's this sense of timing; you're only a piece of dust in it.' When Joe and Mary were courting, Richardson said the couple never had big plans to see the world. That came later. 'We had a Pinto with a stick shift and we would pull a boat,' she said with a laugh. 'That's how we traveled. We would go camping in national parks and state parks.' He's from Kentucky, she's from Minnesota. They met and married in Florida and shortly after moved to Nevada for his work as a civil engineer. Eventually, Joe was awarded a Fulbright Professorship — a prestigious opportunity for American faculty members to teach abroad — and the program took their family to United Emirates, Sharjah, Namibia, Singapore, Indonesia, Holland and Dubai. 'We started traveling when he started working in these foreign countries,' she said. 'He went to Rwanda first, 10 years after the genocide, and that's when we started thinking about the world. Then he became a department head in Dubai, then he had a Fulbright to Namibia. That's how I got to see Africa. Very few of the trips have been planned, most came by circumstance where he happened to be. That's where we got a taste of being part of the world as opposed to being part of a small community.' The pair found themselves in Lake Charles in 1986. 'We were passing through back to Gainesville, Fla., where Joe was getting his Ph.D. in civil engineering and we stopped and I had the blackened catfish and I told Joe, 'I'd like to stay here.' That's the truth,' she said. Both found work at McNeese State University — he as an engineering professor and she as the director of the Banners Cultural Series. 'We don't appreciate what we have,' she said. 'This country is a miracle. One of the miracles is our founding fathers. At one time, they were all there together, forming our democracy, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights. Nothing like that has ever happened in Haiti. Haiti has not had good government not one day in its life.' She said travel has given her a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the gifts she's been given. 'It's not due to you; it's chance that you were born here and had these opportunities,' she said. 'In Guatemala, I developed an appreciation for gratitude. You can look at them and say, 'Oh, poor thing. You don't have enough electricity. You don't have carpets on the floors.' They don't care. They're just grateful for what they do have.' She said traveling has deeply changed her view of the world. 'We went by a refugee camp on the border of Ethiopia. People have been there for years and they weren't going to get out. It was a hopeless situation. If I hadn't seen that I would have known about it in my mind, but not know about it in my heart. It hurts. The tragedy at the border has a face. 'Travel broadens you as a person,' she continued. 'I do see myself as a piece of dust in the world as opposed to a little piece of sand in Lake Charles.' When Joe retired she said that's when the travel bug really hit the pair — and, as Johnny Cash sings, the Richardsons have 'been everywhere man.' They've been to five of the seven continents. They haven't been to Australia or Antartica. Joe has been to 48 states, Mary said she's still catching up. Istanbul is top on her bucket list of sites to see. 'Joe has been to Istanbul but I have not,' she said. 'And I've been to Morocco but Joe has not. I want to see Istanbul, that's the kind of architecture that feeds my soul. I'd also like to see Nepal.' Before retirement, the couple planned two trips a year. Now they take about four. 'We're in a travel period of our life,' she said. 'I feel like time is chasing us. We're both healthy right now but he's 80 and I just turned 78. If we're going to do something, we've got to do it now. Age makes you feel vulnerable to chance.' Mary is an adventurous eater, but Joe 'not so much.' 'I've had some really bad meals, though, especially if I can't read a menu,' she said. 'In Singapore, I had my first tuna pizza. I will never forget that because it was not a match made of heaven. That was not a good idea.' Also not a good idea? Shark. 'I tried the shark in Iceland, though I was warned against it,' she said. 'That was doubly unfortunate. First of all, it's something you never want to put in your mouth but second of all, a friend asked us to bring some home and I put some frozen shark in my backpack but the pressure during the flight opened it up and oh boy.' During the pandemic, the couple realized they needed to see more of the United States. 'We went out west and back to the Grand Canyon,' she said. 'Joe had been there many times a nd I had been only once as a child and I think everyone who has been to the Grand Canyon remembers that sense of awe. That gasp. Some of the most beautiful sights in the world are right here in the United States.' Their fall trip this year will cover six national parks. 'We're going to stay at the historic lodges that we looked at in when we were staying in tents,' she said. 'And just because we're staying in these historic lodges, doesn't mean we're staying in luxury.' Traveling is incredibly important for personal growth, cultural understanding and global awareness. It also broadens perspectives, fosters empathy and provides opportunities for learning, skill development and lasting memories, Richardson said. 'I don't know if you become a better person, necessarily. I don't know if you become smarter or wiser. I'm not sure about that. I don't think you can help but become more appreciative and more grateful — not to feel sorry for other people; it's a different kind of gratitude. I don't know how to define it. It's a valuable experience.'
American Press
2 days ago
- General
- American Press
McNeese announces spring semester honor roll
(Photo courtesy of McNeese State University) The McNeese State University Honor Roll for the 2025 spring semester has been announced. The honor roll lists undergraduate students earning at least a 3.0 or B average while carrying 12 or more semester hours. McNeese students on the Honor Roll are as follows: LOUISIANA Abbeville: Arlie Grace Devenport, Britlynn Claire Durke, Porsha Fontenot, Lane Craig Frederick, Emma R. Griffin, Latalia Brailey Landry, Olivia Ann Romero, Bailey Addision Stelly, Emma Nicole Stelly Abita Springs: Joanna C. Hernandez Alexandria: Amie Claire Cochran, Sebastian Jeansonne Anacoco: Bailey Claire Davis, Alexis Lyn Shapkoff Arnaudville: Savanna Ita Dore, Ella C. Eades Vondenstein, Taylor R. Lewis, Garrett S. Williamson Basile: Aydah Lane Douget, Gabriel B. Duplechin, Hunter Brent Langley, Armiley Lynn Stutes Lejeune Baton Rouge: Janet Acevedo, Anna L. Beavers, Lexington Cole Crosser, Howard A. Gaskins, Ellis DeShea Hosch, Ashley Johnson, Jordan Lyles, Lauren Elizabeth Mancuso, Miesha Danielle Palatucci, Armani A. Robinson, Carlee Tanner Sammis, Katheleen Shoptaugh, Kamrin L. Thibodeaux, Deatrice B. Toney Bell City: Abigail Grace Guillory, Macie Joyce Labove, Katherine A. Leonards Bogalusa: Matthew Drake Stewart Bossier City: Ta'Mya Marie Davis, Leah Raine Sorkey, Katelynn Stephens Breaux Bridge: Ebony M. Alexander, Shanara Renee' Batiste, Kaylin J. Gary, Masey Lewis, Cayli Noel, Jissel A. Reyes, Taylon G. Roy Broussard: Braelyn Camille Hebert, Jennifer Murray Bunkie: Kamryn Lafleur Calhoun: Kendall Raye Parker Cameron: Kortni M. Trahan, Laura K. Trahan, Lydia B. Trahan, Makenzie Cherryll Trahan Campti: Chloe Ragan Baldwin Carencro: Amarie D. Variet Church Point: Darcey Lynn Bernard, Kade Anderson Cooley, Gracie B. Cormier, Dawson J. Doucet, Keagan Kratzer, Austin B. Lagrange, Frances A. Meche, Yazmin Paddio Clinton: Nathan I. Holton Coushatta: Chloe M. Nash Creole: Amberlee Marie Saltzman Crowley: Ahnnie Elise Albro, Tia Simon Bertrand, Mckayla Dawn Corder, Melise A. Maloz, Katie L. Sarver, Blaire Elizabeth Signorelli, Kelsie Suire DeQuincy: Bianca R. Barnes, Abigail Barrow, Tanner Cadr Bartholamew, Eliana Faith Cummings, Yazmyn Decloutte, Kyra Brooke Dickerson, Michael Benjamin Fontenot, Justin Monroe Johnson, Tristian Jurgens, River Kitfield, Zachary Roc LaRocque, Ashley Graham Lee, Tracy Little, Hadlee Grace Mazilly, Andrew Mcilvain, Kamryn Taylor Mitchell, Miley Jo Moore, Avie Diane Perkins, Landon David Puerta, Loni Lanae Sanders, Austin R. Wilkinson, Bonni M. Williams DeRidder: Delphine Neck Akenji, Logan Anthony Badgley, Drew Nathaniel Brown, Kaitlyn Denise Brown, Lacy Michelle Brown, Shelby L. Bruce, Coty A. Catron, Riddick A. Colon, Heaven Leigh Rayne Cravener, Abbagayle Leann Daniels, Emily Dianne Dobbins, Paige Marie Hammontree, Mercedes Alexis Hanchey, Christian R. Heyd, Alleigh Paige Holt, Isaiah Michael Joiner, Mason Lange, Liberty Denise Lynn, Brooklynn Tiana March, Marissa McCormick, Megan Hazel Moses, Molly Scot Neidigh, Emelie Grace Price, Bailey R. Rector, Lauren L. Redler, Elliott Lee Reeves, Nelson Andres Rojas, Kaiya Scott, Mackenzie Lynn Shirley, Logan Simmons, Victoria B. Simmons, Keegan F. Smith, Sienna Lynne Stinley, Troy Striedel, Zoey Alexandra Teegardin, Gavin Richard Vallejo, Breanna Leigh Ruth Weaver, Stephen H. Wogomon, Tristan J. Wood Delcambre: Katom Q. Miguez Delhi: Ashari Chanel-Renae Jones Denham Springs: Chancellor Mitchell Guerin Duson: Sandhya Bista, Sandy Trence Lewis, Emma G. Menard, Isabelle Catherine Smith, Andrew P. Thibodeaux Edgard: Kylin Smith Egan: Taylor Lee May, Evan Mitchell Regan, Haley T. Regan, Kayla Shae Trahan Elizabeth: Kevin G. Griffin Elton: Hannah Davynn Aguillard, Allie Nokko' Johnson, Madison Paige Leonard, Halli Grace Macato, John Wright, Laura Beth Zaunbrecher Ethel: Misty Tynes Eunice: Dustin W. Boulet, Morgan E. Daigle, Brody Michael Dawson, Ethan R. Fontenot, Jayden Brooke Fontenot, Mary Elizabeth Fontenot, Kennedy A. Fruge, Jennifer Mae Fuselier, Allysa C. Ogea, Brielle Kirsten Prudhomme, Cassie R. Thomas, Bailey Nicole Vidrine, Bryanna Nicole Vidrine Evans: Garrett Briar McMahon Evergreen: Mia Beverly Hukins Fenton: Marlee Shayne Reed Florien: Brandon Alcock, Makayla Jordan, Lacy Brooke Perry Fort Polk: Arianna Emia Long Cohen, Anna Miller Franklin: Irulan J. Toussaint Franklinton: Emma Grace Moran, Julie Ann Rosa Geismar: Dagan Joseph Mire Grand Coteau: Marissa Janae Noel Grand Lake: Mia Marie Billiot Grant: Rylee E. Jinks, Bradyn S. Weldon Gretna: Lamar Wallace Gueydan: Ashley Marie Broussard, Kyndal Rae Hanks, Raegan E. Mouton Hackberry: Tanny James Beard Hathaway: Hannah E. Sonnier Hayes: Brenden K. Deshotel Hornbeck: Brady Gene Alexander Houma: Jewel M. Mason, Jaslynn Bui Mondragon, Kealon T. Sims, Jacob Thomas Voisin Iota: Ellen Anne Cormier, Caitlyn M. Faulk, Grant M. Fontenot, Miya Kaye Fontenot, Ian Jacob Hebert, Natalie Claire LeJeune, Kate Lege, Isaac Michael Manuel, Kristen Simon, Chelsea Thibodeaux, Avery Young Iowa: Melanie Dawn Barber, Diamonique Bazile, Crajaun A. Bennett, Chloe Layne Bienvenu, Addisyn A. Bonsall, Kylie B. Boudreaux, Skylar D. Boudreaux, Seth Leighton Bourgeois, Matthew Scott Boyd, Kelli Bufford, Riley Cormier, Arlee Ruth Darbonne, Halli Elizabeth Davis, Cameron Scott Derouen, Gabrielle Florence Derouen, Jolie Elizabeth Derouen, Jordan Claire Diaz, Maliech Gabriel Duplechan, Vivian R. Earl, Mary K. Flaherty, Aubrey Grace Fontenot, Ethan Tucker Fontenot, Ason James Frederick, Josef Augustus Fuller, Kerrick James Gabriel, Layah M. Gaspard, Blair Leanne Granger, Megan Claire Granger, Emma Lynne Guidry, Gabriel Paul Guidry, Jared Ryan Guillory, Grifin Hanks, Audrey Hesser, Alelin Huerta-Martinez, Kaydi E. Johnston, Maddie Michelle Jongbloed, Cade J. Klumpp, Christian Landry, Michael Scott Lang, Maggie Langley, Emmalee Ann LeBlanc, Grace Elizabeth Lindeman, Jerni J. Martin, Lauren May, Porsche Mitchell, Amanda Renee Mott, John Burton Murphy, Paige M. Priola, Andee Paige Reinsch, Brylie Rozas, Kirstyn Brooke Simmons, Kayleigh Smart, Nathan Allen Smith, Dylan Kade Soileau, Kierston W. Stevenson, Braden C. Veuleman, Zoe Waguespack, Adisyn K. Walker, Caleb P. Wilson Jeanerette: Mikayla Thompson Jennings: Emily Paige Andrepont, Jake C. Armand, Ian David Augustine, Andrew M. Benoit, Seth P. Benoit, Connor Jase Boudreaux, Tyler Breaux, Emma G. Broussard, Isabel Alexis Castro, Arissa Marie Ceballos, Zachery L. Daigle, Ella Marie Duhon, Ellen G. Duhon, Elyse A. Duhon, Marli L. Duhon, Camden C. Edwards, Raeann E. Faul, Haleigh Noel Fruge, Brynn Alisse Fullilove, Kyra J. Gary, Emmie Victoria Goodreau, Kenzee Ann Granger, Lauryn E. Gray, Bryce C. Guillotte, Kylie N. Hebert, Layla Jolie Hebert, Joshua J. Henry, Lacie P. Hobson, Randall F. Jones, Hayden Tripp Labauve, Jagger B. Lanthier, Kyle LeDay, Ellie Ann Leblanc, Emma Lecompte, Brannock Campbell Leger, Kaden D. Marshall, Olivia Frances McCann, Kylie S. Melton, Isabelle Bree Mier, Karli Jean Miller, Hannah Claire Minden, Mia Frances Monceaux, William Gabriel Monic, Katelyn Renee Mott, Savanna P. Noeske, Julia K. O'Brien, Elijah Douglas Pickle, Luke Joseph Pickle, Matthew Charles Precht, Nicholas Prejean, Jolie Richardson, Alyssa Jewel Simon, Chloe Elizabeth Sonnier, William Thomas Sonnier, Madison Ann Suire, Jailyn Blaire Underwood Jonesboro: Tyler B. Norman Kaplan: Claire Marie Broussard, Reece J. Guidry, Ellie Grayce Marceaux, Sydney Elizabeth Packard, Emily R. Terro Kenner: Zander Miguel Milton Kinder: Mya J. Bendily, Ellie E. Buller, Cassidie Noelle Carpenter, Jaili S. Cole, Gladys Sharhonda Comeaux, Halle Sage Deshotel, Curtis Deville, Allison Paige Fontenot, Sarah Alexis Johnson, Tucker Johnson, Jenna Rose Kent, Mallory Nicole Marcantel, Daniel Scott Mayes, Caitlin Dale McGee, Caleb M. Nash, Aiden Gray Nesmith, Triniti Jo Popillion, Daymon Andrew Ryder, Elizabeth Nicole Savant, Evan J. Shortridge, Jonathan Diego Wade Lacassine: Dalby A. Augustine Lafayette: Dominique Jerel Carmouche, Jaylee Emma Charles, Joseph J. Charles, Elleanor Grace Cormier, Braylon John Fuselier, Michelle Shaniece Greene, Kerri Hammer, Beth Ann Hernandez, Lauren M. Labbe, Jace Lianne Myers, Naomi E. Roberts Lake Arthur: Niyah Jade Achane, Carter Austin Bihm, Miya Logan Breaux, Cason Patrick Conner, Brooke S. Daboval, Riley Daboval, Lauren Paige Hebert, Keannon A. Johnson, Warner James Levy, Ava Brooke Monceaux, Marcus Adam Monceaux, Carlee R. Pardue, Christopher Roche, Isabel Rose Watkins, Kate A. Watkins, Sumer Kaye Weekly Lake Charles: Shine Trinity Abel, Courtney Alexis Adams, Jonisha Adams, Jordan M. Adams, Bashirat Adenike Adekanmbi, Utsab Adhikari, Emily C. Aguillard, Ian Alcantara, Matthew Paul Almaguer, Dillon Renee Anderson, Zaria Nicole Anderson, Kailyn Ashanti Andrews, Kamryn M. Andrus, Katelyn Grace Andrus, Serina Maria Arabie, Sicily Mae Arceneaux, Jacob J. Ardoin, Alana M. Arredondo, Brennan Ash, Gavin P. Ashford, Samantha Ashford, Elizabeth Asire, Lindsey L. Atwood, Jacob Aucoin, Margaret Jane Barrow, Dibyata Basnet, Karina Bastola, Amanda Batiste, Zara Batool, Nathan Matthew Bauer, Halie Marie Beeler, Landon Beier, Jade Bel, Kendall Belle, Eric Beloney, Tierra Benders, Gracelyn B. Benoit, Lexxie Michelle Benoit, Hisham Ahmed Bensaadat, Jayden Denise Bergeron, Kristin Elizabeth Bergeron, Kylie Bergeron, Kennedi Elise Berken, Ezekiel Branson Berkey, Rachel Marie Berlin, Avery Michelle Bertrand, Sneha Bhusal, Carson O. Black, Allyson Shea Blanchard, Aubree Rose Bolton, Ethan Lee Boom, Audrey Grace Borel, Carley A. Boudreaux, Annabella Sue Boullion, Ashley Marie Bourg, Macie Bourgeois, Breanna Bourque, Liam David Bowman, Reed Jason Boyd, Julia Michelle Bradley, Brianna Marie Breaux, Riley Marie Breaux, Whitney Noelle Brevelle, Aaron G. Broussard, Claire M. Broussard, Collin M. Broussard, Evan Joseph Broussard, Sydney E. Bruney, Blaire Ellen Buller, Madelyn G. Burnett, Mary-Katherine Burr, Alexander J. Busby, Ana Cabanas Llorens, Amanda Cahilog, Miguel Cahilog, Isabella Elizabeth Caldarella, Olyvia Caldarera, Tanner Seth Caldwell, Kara S. Carlson, Ethan Jude Carnahan, Jaylon B. Carrier, Alonzia Katelyn Catlon, Trinity Avery Scott Chaisson, Alannah C. Chapman, Kylin Avery Chapman, Alyssa Charles-Royster, Emely Ashley Chavez, Kayla L. Chenier, Lance Chiasson, Susanna Angel Chiruguru, Kyle William Churchman, Iva Raejean Clark, Jenna Marie Clausen, Emily Clement, Megan Elizabeth Colston, Carmen Alaysia Comeaux, Holland Guy Conner, Anthony W. Cook, Hagen Jayce Cooley, Vaterrial D. Cooper, Anna K. Corbello, Kandyn Cordova, Macey Coronado, Ryan J. Courville, Kayden J. Cradeur, Abbie R. Craven, Karson Heath Croxdale, Mia Catherine Cruickshank, Keagan Cuppens, Niruta Dahal, Brianna Dawn Daigle, Morgan E. Daigle, Zachary W. Daigle, Kinsi Camille Daley, Andrew G. Dalton, Hope Mary Dalton, Jimmy Dang, Minhthong H. Dang, Harper M. Darbonne, Liz Davidson, Genevieve Davis, Taylor Grace Davis, Tabitha N. Dawdy, Maci Ryann DeClouet, Maggie Reid DeClouet, Connick Israel DeVillier, Rieland A. DeVillier, Marc Michelson Gracia Wencess Delva, Anna G. Dennis, Sarah Elise Dentremont, Emma Renee Derouen, Joseph Bryce Deville, Diya Dhungana, Alexis Ann Dibbley, Quyen Do, Taylor Doga, Dillon Donovan, Ainsley Rae Dore, Jack Dawson Dore, James Thomas Doucet, Olivia Dowdy, Jordan Paige Doyle, Isabella B. Dronett, Anna Claire Duhon, Jaidyn Duhon, Madison Marie Duhon, Tanner R. Dupin, Jackson A. Dupuis, Ella L. Durbin, Berita Durgan, Madison Leigh Eades, Savannah Grace Eades, Gavin T. Eisen, Denise Kristine Ellison, Emma Nadine Emmons, Emma Jade English, Christian John Ertell, Alyssa Evans, Grant W. Evans, Remey P. Evans, Charles Carter Fain, Mckenzie N. Faison, Landon Michael Faulk, Sherice Salisha Felix, Kiyana Tyree Flagg, Justus Cole Folding, Blake Alexander Fontenot, Breanna P. Fontenot, Caleb B. Fontenot, Claire J. Fontenot, Tamara Lynn Manuel Fontenot, Chloe L. Foreman, Grant A. Forest, Camille Monet Fox, Omari Fa'shon Francis, Taylor Elizabeth Frederick, Jayton Phillip Fruge, Jessica Nicole Fruge, Sydney Fruge, Madelyn Grace Furman, Abigail E. Fuselier, Krysta Fusilier, Jeanne A. Gardiner, Kaya Alexa Garriet, Alanna Garza, Mia Grace Gaskin, Mackenzie Erin Geier, Caroline Olivia George, Astha Ghising, Darshana Giri, Brayden C. Glapion, Amari Jabrie Godette, Samuel Caleb Goldman, Kenneth Golla, Camila Gonzalez Chan, Haiden Blaike Goodman, Ethan Christopher Goss, Dylon B. Gradney, Aiden Granger, Arden L. Grantham, Melania Grantham, Tiffany Nekole Green, Jahmaria D. Griffin, Kyle Aaron Grissom, Kassidy Olivia- Grace Griswold, Jada Adriana Grossi, Luca Vincente Grossi, Bailey Claire Gueringer, Emily Kadence Guillory, Kenzie L. Guillory, Kristin K. Guillory, Mattie Guillory, Paris Nikole Guillory, Sydnee F. Guillory, Eunice Gurung, Punika Gurung, Kevin Guth, Khristian Paul Guynes, Jordan Hafner, Erica Kanna Hagi, Johnny Hair, Konnor J. Hambor, Colton L. Hanson, Kaelyn B. Hardwick, Wyatt Harrington, Gabrielle Elizabeth Harris, Jaylen Harris, Brandon Tyler Hart, Khyler M. Hart, Garrett Owen Hassard, John Michael Hebert, Shelby N. Hebert, Faith Gabriella Heekin, Heidi Danyelle Henry, Fayth E. Hickingbottom, Walker Todd Hightower, Nia Claire Hilliard, Laiden Chace Hinch, Jude Ray Hoffpauir, Kara Hoffrogge, Ana Fabia Hollweg Bustillos, Andrew Michael Honeycutt, Marissa N. Hornsby, Farzin Hossain, Trent William Hulshoff, Eric Humphries, Farmina Islam, Jeremiah Dontrell Jackson, Shameka Jackson, Jennie January, Amy-Joy J. Jimney, Dax M. Johns, Alexia M. Johnson, Ava Elizabeth Johnson, Nathan David Johnson, Ta'Khara Ann Johnson, Nicholas J. Jolivette, Lilly Jones, Braelyn Mykel Jordan, Kaleb Marcus Joseph, Joanna Kaluturi, Aakriti Karki, Mahrukh S. Khan, Zakariya Ali Khan, Prajwal Khanal, Conner G. Kingery, Hallie Marie Kleckley, Jenisha Koirala, Stephen Grant Kojis, Parker Joseph Koonce, Jayden James LaCombe, Kamryn Rae LaFosse, Charleigh Toy Murphy LaRocca, Andrew K. Landry, Kaylee B. Lanier, Andrew Parker Lanthier, Cade E. Lavergne, Karley J. Lavoie, Mikayla Monique Lawson, Micah Cameron LeBato, Jolie C. Leblanc, Morgan Leblanc, Korah Paige Lebleu, Rebekah C. Lechtenberg, Emma Claire Leger, Abby R. Lejune, Benjamin Grant Leleux, Victoria P. Lester, Santana Levias, Alex M. Lewis, McKenzie Noel Lightfoot, Yuni Lin, Hannah Nicole Lisemby, Brittany Lockridge, Julie Anne Loftin, Logan Thomas Loftin, Rebekah Faith Loftin, Kallie Brooke Lognion, Avery C. Louviere, Paula Jean Lovell, Whitney Rose Lovell, Aubrie Lyons, Jayla Emani Madeline Macon, Karen Magana, Brody Daniel Maggio, Amari N. Malbreau, Christian Malbreaux, Chandler C. Mallett, Khloe Jane Mallett, Ella Manning, Kaylyn Manuel, Nicholas Eldon Manuel, Emmi Faith Marceaux, Seth D. Mardis, Briley David Martin, Lance Mathew Martinez, Alexa M. Martinez Mendoza, Precious J. Maxwell, Jaidyn Elise McBride, Sylvia Marie McCammon, Kennedy Sarai McDade, Tryston Shane McDonald, Kairi Ann McFarlain, Austin Alexander McGraw, Holly McIntosh, Brittney Alysia McZeal, Knielie Kathleen Meadows, Tekta Getachew Mequanent, Connor James Miano, Lauryn Paige Miguez, Brent Miller, John W. Mills, Sierra D. Mills, Andrew Sean Mitchell, Savannah Mitten, Jordynn Mobley, Anna Olivier Montcalm, Lianne L. Montelibano, Kylie Drew Moore, Michael A. Moreno, Elizabeth K. Moriarty, Elarita M. Mormon, Jack P. Morris, Jagger C. Morvant, Gage M. Mouton, Lylah Paisley Mouton, Kyle A. Musick, Addica Raine Muth, Latavia Myers, Emily Elizabeth Naquin, Isabella G. Nauts, Leza K. Ned, Corinne Grace Newman, Alayah Faith Nguyen, Emily Nguyen, Huy Cat Phuong Nguyen, Lianna L. Nguyen, Quynh P. Nguyen, Thuytrinh Thi Nguyen, Tuyen L. Nguyen, Xuan Thao Phuoc Nguyen, Reese L. Nordan, Meghan Lanae Nunn, Emma Brooke O'Neal, Hannah Alexis Oertling, Raegan Ojoro, Mia C. Owens, Nifemi Treasure Oyeleke, Kayci J. Pabum, Pratik Paini, Diana Isela Palacios Garcia, Kritika Pandit, Pratikshya Parajuli, Sae Byot Park, Ricardo Parra, Riya Rashmikant Patel, Asia Pattum, Ashlyn Grace Pelafigue, Cristhian Perez Gomez, Cayden Renae Perkins, Shaun-Lee Peynado, Emily Nicole Pinney, Kourtney Pitre, Madison L. Plumb, Crystal Poe, Abigail Grace Poole, Drake J. Pousson, Aislinn Jade Predium, Sydney Wells Price, Ruby Pun, Haashir Q. Quadir, Zachary Z. Queenan, Taiteuna Rabb, Brooklyn Ramirez, Bibek Rana, Katie Ann Rapp, Peyton V. Redmond, Alyssa Reney, Chloe M. Richard, Loic Richard, Luke M. Richard, Maite A. Richard, Monet Clairisse Richard, Samara Joann Richard, Samea Richard, Maria Jose Rivas Hidalgo, Markeyia Faith Roberts, Stormie Robertson, Corey A. Robinson, Shayna Robinson, Evan Walker Rodericks, Marlana Marie Rodriguez, Collin Rogers, Eric Z. Rogillio, Alexis York Rose, Ashton Tylar Rousseau, Madison Deann Rowley, Jakayla Makenzie Ryan, Sarabeth Jean Ryan, Ximena Salas Chavez, Mariel F. Sanchez, Mario E. Sanchez, Kayden L. Sanders, Gracie Victoria Sarver, Christian Satchell, Ethan Paul Savage, Jaidyn Alyssa Savant, Gavin R. Savoie, Jolie Aunjelle Savoie, Matilyn Grace Schafer, Jillian Marie Schexnider, Laura K. Schindler, Avery B. Schulz, Christopher William Schumacher, Darian L. Seemion, Gracie L. Self, Clophus Semien, Ananya Sharma, Navya Sharma, Shelbie Shelton, Brandon Sias, Chloey Ema Simmons, Kendrick O'hara Simmons, Anna Elizabeth Simon, Rohitpreet Singh, Saurya Singh, Maeleen Slover-Prudhomme, Aubrey Lynn Smart, Abigail L. Smith, Alexandra Hope Smith, Sophia Ellen Snider, Ian Davis Snyder, Alvin Jack Sonnier, Ethan Zachary Sonnier, Joseph Scott Sonnier, Katherine Zoe Sonnier, Shane Thomas Sonnier, Kristian A. Sosa-Vazquez, Alexis Nicole Spain, Cameron R. Genesis R. Standing, Kade Alexander Stevens, Parker N. 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American Press
2 days ago
- Sport
- American Press
Jim Gazzolo column: FBS or bust for Schroyer
McNeese A.D. Heath Schroyer stands atop the basketball revival at his school and the league. (PJ Mitchell/McNeese Athletics) There is no question that Heath Schroyer has accomplished amazing things in his five years at the head of McNeese State athletics. He has brought the department back from the brink of collapse, restored the facilities from destruction, and transformed the program's finances from a debacle to a profitable venture. All of this was accomplished while rebuilding from hurricane devastation, addressing academic issues in football, and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. No person in the nation has done this much in such a short period of time. He's steadied a ship in rough seas. It's been said — in this column, to be exact — that nobody has done more to rebuild the community since those 2020 storms than Schroyer. The school's athletic future has never been brighter, and interest — nationally and locally — has never been greater. Both have been led by Schroyer's vision, drive and ability to persuade people to believe in and invest with him. However, this is no time for pats on the back or a victory lap. As of today, Schroyer's impact has been great but somewhat temporary. If the next athletic director doesn't follow suit — and one day there will be a next athletic director — then this might all go away. For Schroyer to have a lasting impact on McNeese, one final move remains to be made. It will be his grand finale, the big one, the pièce de résistance, and perhaps the hardest to accomplish. And now might be the perfect time for Schroyer to try and pull it off. If he is going to have a lasting impact on the university, he must elevate the athletic program to the next level, that of the Football Bowl Subdivision. That's where the money is, that's where the future must be. Schroyer has to do all he can, work all his magic, and find a way to convince an FBS league — are you listening, Conference USA? — that McNeese is a perfect fit. If not now, it might never happen. Without such a move, the rest that's taken place on and around campus is nothing but pretty window dressing and will disappear as quickly as a hurricane blew away the old press box above Cowboy Stadium. You get the feeling this is Schroyer's final big prize. Now that the $2.8 billion House vs. NCAA settlement is complete, and there is some direction as to where college sports are headed, this seems like the best time for the Cowboys to make the big move. It will be the correction of a missed opportunity from two decades ago. Cleaning up that mistake is McNeese's final and Schroyer's last piece to the puzzle. If you don't think it's a big deal, look at Monroe. The school's president and AD doubled down last week, saying, despite its financial woes, the athletic program had no intention of moving down. That came even after Louisiana-Monroe announced last week it was dropping its women's tennis program for financial reasons. ULM officials said they could not afford to revert to the Football Championship Subdivision level. The same goes for McNeese, and Schroyer is aware of it. With the future of smaller schools in greater question than ever, the Cowboy AD must do everything he can to find a path upward. As for why now? Simple: Everything is in place. The major programs are in good shape, the school president is on board and willing to move forward, and facilities have been upgraded to the point where they align with those of the larger schools. Now it's up to Schroyer to sell his vision to the right people. He's done it before. He's sold his ideas to the Southland Conference. He has garnered area business and community support for his programs. Given everything he has done, it might be harsh to say Schroyer's long-term legacy depends on this final move, but it does. It's the one that, above all others, will have lasting effects on the athletic program. It's also the hardest to accomplish. • Jim Gazzolo is a freelance writer who covers McNeese State athletics for the American Press. Email him at jimgazzolo@
American Press
20-06-2025
- Sport
- American Press
Jim Gazzolo column: McNeese keeps travel bag handy
Matt Viator will return to the McNeese Cowboys. (American Press Archives) The bosses at McNeese have made it clear: if asked, the school is ready to jump at the next opportunity toward the Football Bowl Subdivision level. Having missed one if not two chances, time might be running out. Facing the hard truth, McNeese, a Football Championship Subdivision school, wasn't ready to move up over the last five years despite what it had talked about. The facilities were a mess, the football program was in disarray and, although funding was improving, it was far from ready to compete at that level. Many of those issues have been corrected or addressed. The hurricanes of 2020 forced the fixing and modernization of all sports facilities. Most of the work has been completed, but there are still projects on the board that need to be finished. The fact that things have been fixed and improved, though, does show that any league looking at it would see that the commitment from the administration is there. There has also been significant growth in funding, and McNeese is a leader at its level in the work of the name, image, and likeness department. Credit Athletic Director Heath Schroyer and his crew for thinking ahead of the curve the past few years. That, however, doesn't mean leagues will be fighting over the Cowboys. The truth is that it's a buyer's market with numerous teams looking for invitations. And while it has greatly improved its financial situation over the last half decade, McNeese's sports budget is still well behind that of places like Tarleton State, for example. That is still an uphill climb. As for the McNeese programs, it is clear that men's basketball has demonstrated its ability to compete at higher levels. Baseball and softball have also experienced similar trends over the years. Women's basketball and football need work, with a lot of eyes on the gridiron this fall. One thing McNeese has over many schools looking to move is its football tradition. Recently, that has not been the case; however, this year the Cowboys went back in time to change the direction of their future, rehiring Matt Viator as head football coach. Still, there is a lot of politicking and positioning behind the scenes that will be done if any movement is to follow for McNeese or the rest. Schroyer is, of course, good at this. While he said this week he doesn't expect an invitation to be extended, he will make a few calls just to let people know the Cowboys are interested if there is a good fit. That is why a lot is riding on this football season. And, while those games will be played out in public, there will also be a lot of talks behind the scenes that could lead to much more for McNeese. • Jim Gazzolo is a freelance writer who covers McNeese State athletics for the American Press. Email him at jimgazzolo@
