McNeese Rebuilds After Hurricane Laura’s Devastation

On August 27, 2020, Hurricane Laura left a path of destruction in Lake Charles, Louisiana, impacting McNeese State University profoundly. Heath Schroyer, who had arrived at McNeese two years prior to rejuvenate the basketball program, found himself surveying the wreckage of the Health and Human Performance Education Complex. Just a day earlier, he had been working on the finishing touches of the $41 million arena, but now, as he walked through the flooded court, the reality of the situation was overwhelming.

Schroyer faced a grim outlook as he assessed the damage. With no electricity or running water, the future of both the athletic program and the university itself seemed uncertain. He noted the extensive destruction across the town and reflected on the daunting challenges that lay ahead: a department in debt by $3 million, facilities in ruins, and athletes scattered across the country. “We were in an awful place,” Schroyer remarked, highlighting the precarious position of the program.

Fast forward less than five years, and Schroyer stood confidently in front of a crowd of Cowboys fans at the Doland Field House, announcing a transformative moment for McNeese. The university secured a historic $5 million naming rights deal with a local car dealer, marking the largest such agreement in both the school’s and the Southland Conference’s history. This announcement came just before the Cowboys were set to unveil a new $32 million press box, complete with 26 luxury suites, a significant upgrade from where the program stood after the hurricane.

Schroyer’s leadership has not only restored McNeese but elevated it to new heights. He has garnered respect within the conference, with Southland Conference Commissioner Chris Grant acknowledging the remarkable turnaround. “Heath and McNeese have shown the rest of our league what’s possible,” Grant stated, emphasizing the inspiration Schroyer’s efforts have provided to other athletic directors striving for improvement.

The renovation journey began during the darkest days following Hurricane Laura. Schroyer’s commitment to the program was clear when he initially expressed optimism about McNeese’s recovery, even when he himself had doubts. “I’m not sure I really believed it myself at that moment, but I needed to say it to get everybody else to believe,” he recalled.

Former university president Daryl Burckel recognized Schroyer’s unique skills, stating, “I needed a salesman, not an experienced administrator. I needed somebody who would fight for McNeese and believe in what he was selling.” Schroyer’s relentless approach and innovative thinking have been critical to the program’s revival.

As the Cowboys prepare to kick off a new college football season, the significance of their accomplishments becomes even clearer. The new press box stands as a testament to resilience and determination, just steps away from where the athletic department once faced devastation. The transformation from a flooded gymnasium to a state-of-the-art facility encapsulates the spirit of McNeese and its unwavering commitment to excellence.

In less than five years, McNeese State University has not just rebuilt; it has redefined what is possible in collegiate athletics, setting a new standard for success in the Southland Conference.