McNeese Fans Watching LSU

By Jim Gazzolo

The late Huey Long would be proud.

High drama at LSU has left more than a few McNeese sports fans on pins and needles.

Between Brian Kelly’s firing as head football coach and Scott Woodward’s exit from the Athletic Director’s chair, chaos has filled the halls of the LSU sports department.

Meanwhile, the university’s presidency is being turned over to Dr. Wade Rousse, who had held the same position at McNeese for a little more than a year.

Rousse is a huge sports fan, not just a watcher.

He is a president who gets involved in athletics like few others. Rousse not only attends games but also understands the importance of an athletic program to a university and its enrollment growth.

While it would be nice if academics ruled a school, the reality is they don’t. You want to get the base fired up, get eyes on your school, raise your brand, and then win some football and basketball games. 

That opens eyes — and, more importantly, wallets — to your school. 

In fact, he has helped prove that over the last year, as McNeese has gained national attention through its men’s basketball program. That has led to increased applications and enrollment.

It’s not just a coincidence. 

Rousse was part of this build from almost the start. He was in charge of the McNeese Athletic Foundation (MAF) when it began and turned it into the athletic department’s cash cow.

Now, as he prepares to head to Baton Rouge to take over a mess there, some in Lake Charles are concerned not only about what is next, but also who might go with him and when. And, of course, what does that mean for McNeese’s future?

Cowboy Athletic Director Heath Schroyer said it’s all going to be fine.

“Dr. Rousse will be an exceptional president for LSU, and Baton Rouge is fortunate to gain his leadership,” said Schroyer. “The foundation he built here will continue to shape Southwest Louisiana for years to come. 

“His vision, energy, and commitment have elevated this institution, and McNeese State University is better because of his time here. Dr. Rousse has consistently focused on making the greatest possible impact on higher education in Louisiana.

“LSU is instrumental in shaping the state’s higher education landscape, and his vision and leadership are well aligned with that responsibility.”

As for the rumors he may be going with Rousse to Baton Rouge, well, not so fast.

“My focus at this time remains on our programs and our student-athletes,” Schroyer said. “My responsibility is to the job currently in front of me, and that’s where my energy is.”

McNeese will survive the loss of Rousse or, when it happens, Schroyer. How it survives depends on the people who follow in those roles.

The pieces are in place for a good run at McNeese, but we will all be watching.

Jim Gazzolo is a freelance writer who covers sports in Southwest Louisiana. He is also the host of Poke Nation, which airs weekly on CBS Lake Charles.