Latest news with #McNeeseAthletics
American Press
22-07-2025
- Sport
- American Press
Back in the game
From left, Masey Lewis, Matt Viator and Will Bressi talk at Southland Media Day Monday in San Antonio. (Matthew Bonnette/McNeese Athletics) SAN ANTONIO – A decade has passed since Matt Viator sat in front of the Southland Conference media and answered questions about an upcoming season. A lot has changed since then. No longer are the Cowboys the top dog in the league, and Viator is no longer part of the old guard. Now, he's again the head coach at McNeese State, but he's trying to lead the Cowboys back up the SLC mountain, not stay on top of it. 'This has been exciting,' Viator said Monday at the Southland Conference Media Day in the San Antonio Convention Center. 'I'm highly motivated not to relive the past but for the future.' Viator returns to McNeese after nine seasons away from the program he built. His 78 wins are tied for the most in program history. In his first 10 years as the Cowboy head coach, Viator won four Southland titles, made the playoffs five times, and was named the league's Coach of the Year on three occasions. None of that matters now. 'This is a great opportunity for me,' said Viator. 'The McNeese program means a lot to me. The transition back has been good.' The program has not made the playoffs since Viator left and went 0-11 just two years ago. Last year, the Cowboys bounced back to go 6-6, but they haven't had a winning season since 2019. Viator wants that to change. 'I want to see McNeese get back to the standard it once had,' said Viator. The fans are excited for sure. Season ticket sales are up 70 percent from a year ago ,and the buzz is all over town. 'It is really exciting to see the fans getting involved,' said Viator. 'We have a great fanbase and want to reward them.' Viator also wanted to reward the players who elected to stay with the program. 'I wanted to give them a chance if they wanted to stay with us,' Viator said. 'I'm glad the ones that stayed are with us.' Viator brought two of his returning players with him to San Antonio, offensive lineman Will Bressi and defensive end Masey Lewis. Both have seen the difference with Viator's return. 'We are focused much more on the details every day at work,' said Bressi. 'We work on the small things to get better each practice.' Lewis pointed out how much the defense has been through over the years and what this season means to them. 'We have been together and have been through a lot,' Lewis said. 'We are a close group that can go through anything now.' This isn't a rewind for the coach. It is a start of an entirely new era. 'I still park in the same spot I did before, still take the same elevator up to my office, and see some of the same people,' said Viator. 'But a lot has changed since I was last here and I think for the better. That's what makes this exciting.' For him and McNeese fans.
American Press
26-06-2025
- 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
23-05-2025
- Sport
- American Press
Put-ting in the work
McNeese senior Marcus Francis has had a record-setting career for the Cowboys. (McNeese Athletics) M arcus Francis left Lake Charles to chase his football dream. When he returned, he started on a different athletic path, leading to a record career in his hometown. Last weekend, Francis fulfilled his chase of greatness when he became the first McNeese State athlete to win the gold medal in both the discus and shot put at the Southland Conference Track and Field Championships. The Southland Thursday named him the Men's Outdoor Field Performer of the Year. 'It was a great feeling,' Francis said. 'It was a great meet. I've been working very hard for this.' But Francis's short journey from Lake Charles College Prep to McNeese's history books wasn't simple. Francis won the discus title last Saturday in Houston with a throw of 176 feet, two inches to win by nearly 20 feet over second-place Anthony Oliver of Lamar (158-10). His work the day before was even more impressive. On Friday, the senior thrower broke a 34-year-old McNeese record in the shot put with a toss of 61-9¾, breaking the mark of All-American and Olympian Kevin Toth (61-7¾) set in 1991. Francis is the first conference winner from McNeese in the shot put since Toth won the title in 1990 and 1991. 'That was something I was after from the first day I got to McNeese,' said Francis. 'I finally got it. It was a big thing for me. I put a lot of work into it.' And that work over the years has made a difference. Francis admitted that when he was in high school, football came first. He was more of a power guy who could throw a long way. After high school, Francis went off to play football at Highland Community College in Kansas, but that didn't work out. 'It just wasn't for me,' said Francis. 'I had a new perspective, a different perspective on football then.' He remembered that during his senior season in high school, McNeese head track coach Bredon Gilroy had left the door open for Francis if football didn't work out. 'Coach Gilroy made sure I knew McNeese had a place for me if I wanted it,' Francis said. 'He gave me a shot to come here and come home. It's been great.' The move worked out because Francis embraced his new number-one sport. 'When he picked football, we just kept talking, and I told him that he would have a spot here if he ever wanted it,' said Gilroy. 'He's worked so hard and progressed each year and grown as a person as well. It's been great to see.' Francis' improvement has impressed his throw coach, Janell Fullerton, who used to be his teammate. 'Marcus has worked on his techniques over his career,' said Fullerton. 'Before, in high school, he used his strength mainly. He had some learning to do. 'Now he has the technique down and is more than just a power thrower. You saw him work even harder when he started seeing the results.' Francis' double gold medal wins nearly earned him recognition as the meet's most valuable player. He finished with 24 points, one behind the winner, Ibrahim Fuseini of East Texas A&M. Francis placed fifth in the hammer throw earlier in the meet. He now owns the school record for the indoor and outdoor shot put, the outdoor discus and the indoor weight throw. That's a long way from his days as an offensive lineman. Francis says he loves the difference. 'You take less hits; that's nice. I think you have to be more mentally tough in track because you work independently. I just had to learn to stay focused because you don't have team drills.' He also started at McNeese just after the 2020 hurricanes, so the facilities were damaged, which was another hurdle to clear. 'It was definitely hard at the start,' Francis said. 'You had to share a lot of space and wouldn't get home until late. A lot of things were still broken. Now it's great with everything new.' What really fits his style, he said, is the fact that not everyone follows his sport. 'I'm not a big deal at wanting attention,' Francis said. 'I stick to myself a lot. Not everyone knows who I am. I like that.' Francis has a chance in a week to make an even bigger name for himself at the East Regionals in Jacksonville, Fla., where he'll try to earn a spot in the national championships. Cowboy hurdler Jaden Powell will join him at the first round meet May 28-31. 'I believe I can be even better,' Francis said. 'I believe I can throw it way further.' Maybe he can throw all the way to Oregon's NCAA Championships? That would finish his college track and field journey perfectly.
American Press
15-05-2025
- Sport
- American Press
Landreneau staying put
James Landreneau looking forward to next season. (McNeese Athletics) James Landreneau will be back next season as the head coach of the McNeese State softball team. McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer said Landreneau's contract was rolled over for the fourth year, as officially agreed upon on Wednesday. Landreneau signed a three-year deal after the 2022 season, which included a fourth-year rollover. The news comes as no surprise to anyone familiar with the program. 'Everything is going as planned,' said Landreneau. 'This is what we had expected.' Schroyer and Landreau met on Wednesday as part of the annual season-ending review. 'We are just moving forward, that is the best way to get over the tough loss,' said Landreneau. 'We are disappointed in how it finished, but I'm proud of the way our team fought back this year.' McNeese was an extremely young team that ended strong after a 17-16 start. The Cowgirls rallied to finish 41-20, their fourth straight 40-plus win season. They also won their fourth straight Southland Conference regular-season title, becoming the first program in league history to do that. They were one out of winning a fourth trip to the NCAA Tournament in five seasons. McNeese lost a controversial 6-5 decision to rival Southeastern last Saturday night when the umpires reversed a late call after the Cowgirls had actually celebrated getting the final out. 'Coach Landreneau did an exceptional job, maybe his best year coaching yet,' Schroyer said. 'We're excited to have him back next year. 'We had a very young roster this year, and the team came together and grew as the season progressed. I'm looking forward to watching this team continue to grow next year.' In his nine seasons at McNeese, Landreneau has posted a 339-181 record, winning five tournament and five regular-season crowns. He was named the league's Coach of the Year for the fourth time earlier this month after becoming the winningest skipper in program history early in the season. Landreneau and his pitching staff will return at least seven starters next season. The only everyday player who will definitely not be back will be all-conference shortstop Reese Reyna, who is out of eligibility. 'We have a young team and we learned a lot this year,' said Landreneau. 'We have gone through great exit interviews this week and have gotten a lot of positive feedback on where we are headed. I'm excited about getting back at it in the fall.' On Thursday, the organization announced that junior third baseman Jada Muñoz was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association's All-Region team . Muñoz was selected to the Gulf Region third team. Muñoz led McNeese with 15 home runs, 19 doubles, 56 RBI, 26 walks, 126 total bases, 52 runs scored, .720 slugging percent, and was third on the team with a .343 batting average. Ironically, despite finishing second in the league in homers and leading in RBIs, Muñoz was not named to the all-Southland team.
American Press
13-05-2025
- Sport
- American Press
Worth the wait
Conner Westenburg waited two years to become McNeese's big weapon. (McNeese Athletics) F or two seasons, Conner Westenburg waited and wondered if he would ever get his big chance. He had played in just 29 games, serving mainly as a pinch runner or defensive replacement. Westenburg had just one start and one hit, though he did score 13 runs and drove in a couple. 'I got a couple of chances, but I didn't do much with them,' said Westenburg. 'I didn't really earn more time. I was hoping to get my shot. 'That was tough. Everybody wants to play. Waiting and not playing is hard, but I'm glad I did it.' And he never considered going elsewhere to get it. 'Loyalty is a big deal to me and my family,' said Westenburg. 'From the moment I came to McNeese, I was all about the blue and gold. This is where I wanted to be and wanted to play. Never a doubt.' Westenburg, an outfielder from Porter, Texas, earned his spot in the lineup during fall workouts before the 2024 campaign. 'I just kept working and making things happen when he was out there,' said McNeese head coach Justin Hill. 'It is a tribute to his work ethic and willingness to continue to work and make himself better, and always thinking of the team first.' Hill also understands Westenburg could have left at any time in the world of the transfer portal. 'He is kind of the ultimate kid in that he stayed and benefited,' said Hill. 'I can't say enough good things about Conner Westenburg. He kept working and he turned himself into an all-conference player.' Westenburg started all 59 games a year ago, hitting .296 with 17 doubles, three triples and six home runs. He scored 46 runs and drove in 41 while stealing 20 bases in 23 attempts. This year, the centerfielder has been even better. He is tied for the league lead in triples with nine and was a legitimate Southland Conference Player of the Year candidate late into the season. Westenburg leads the Cowboys with 64 hits, one more than Easton Dowell, as McNeese gets set to open postseason play in Hammond Thursday against Northwestern State. He is second in the league in runs scored at 60. Westenburg leads the conference in stolen bases with 25 in 30 attempts and has a .330 average, up 34 points from last season. He has also hit seven home runs and plays the type of center field that earned him defensive league honors last year. According to one set of metrics, Westenburg leads the nation in runs saved at 18.61, ahead of UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky's second-best 16.44. His nine outfield assists are believed to be a McNeese record. 'Conner is an electric player,' said Hill. 'He gets us going and keeps our energy up, especially how he plays the outfield. He gets to everything out there.' However, Westenburg isn't just a baseball player. With a 3.87 individual grade point average, he won the Rowdy Award for the highest individual grade point average among athletes. Westenburg graduated Monday, earning his degree in general studies. When asked which he was more proud of, the batting average or his GPA, Westenburg wasn't sure if he wanted to be honest. 'I guess the batting average because it leads to wins,' he said. 'But I think they both show how hard I worked, and I'm proud of that. 'I always knew what I was capable of doing; I just had to wait and make the most of my chances when I got them. I think I have done that.' Both on the field and in the classroom, Westenburg has done just that.
