Record Winning Cowboys

By Jim Gazzolo

The softball season is just two weeks old, and James Landreneau has already reached a pair of career milestones.

First, the McNeese head coach won his 300th career game, all with the Cowgirls. That came in the opening weekend.

Then, last Saturday, his team won the first of two games when it beat Missouri State 17-9, making Landreneau the winningest coach in his program’s history. He enters this weekend with 305 wins and is growing.

"First, I have to acknowledge Scott Eastman," said Landreneau. "It's an honor to be in this situation. Scott did it the hard way. He was able to do it with different facilities, and this is really the fruit of his hard labor. I just want to acknowledge him. He did a lot for this program and our university. 

"With that being said, this is a testament to the players I've coached. I've been blessed by great players and a great coaching staff. And, of course, our administration that has allowed me to be in this position. I get to share that moment in name, but it's because of so many people and great things that put me in that situation. Many other people earned it, and I just want to acknowledge that."

What is strange about the situation at McNeese is that Landreneau has become the third coach at McNeese, who holds the all-time win record for their sport.

Justin Hill, the baseball skipper, and head football coach Matt Viator join him. Viator is tied for the top win total in football but is sure to stand alone atop his sport.

“It is really rare to have three at the school at the same time,” said McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer. “I think it says much about what we are doing here and our investment in athletics. It shows that these guys are willing to stay.”

Viator will be returning to the McNeese sidelines after a nine-year absence. 

When Landreneau reached his first milestone this year, winning No. 300, one of those he got a text from was Hill.

“I just wanted to congratulate James on his accomplishment,” said Hill. “For all three of us to be here at the same time doesn’t happen very often. It is unique.”

All three have led teams to the postseason and won championships, yet former players' talk and actions matter most. Many from each sport have stayed close to their McNeese coaches. 

Before this season began, the baseball team held an alumni game with players from several different eras coming back for a swing or two or to make one last pitch from the mound.

Football is no different. Several players have openly expressed their happiness that Viator is back at McNeese. A few have even come back to coach with him, saying he is the only reason they are here.

To do that on the level of a smaller athletic program is a big deal. Usually, good coaches don’t stick around long enough to earn record victories before they bolt for greener pastures. 

Even rarer is when they come back. 

That’s what makes this accomplishment so unique.

Jim Gazzolo is a freelance writer who covers McNeese athletics. He is the host of Poke Nation on CBS-Lake Charles.