McNeese cancels Southern Utah game; football and baseball facilities damaged

The Southland Conference had a teleconference Tuesday to sort out the future of the storm-stricken McNeese State University and Lamar State University sports schedules.
SLC spokesman Bruce Ludlow said representatives of both schools reported severe damage at a Wednesday teleconference. However, McNeese athletic director Sonny Watkins and head coach Tommy Tate did not take part in the discussion. Watkins was on his way to McNeese to assess the damage.

"In the next couple of days, the schools have a chance to get a better idea of conditions before we have another teleconference Friday," Ludlow said.
McNeese has canceled Saturday's home game against Southern Utah. It is the third canceled home game for McNeese, which is yet to play a home game this season.
Though some games in past years have been postponed, McNeese has never had a football game canceled until this year.

The idea of Southern Utah hosting McNeese on Oct. 8, an open date for both teams, has been discussed.

Northwestern State officials are considering hosting housing McNeese athletes. Louisiana Tech is currently hosting the Tulane football team.

McNeese's football and baseball facilities are both damaged. Cowboy Stadium has several damaged light standards, including one that hangs dangerously over the field, said Matthew Bonnette, who was on Lake Charles to inspect damage to the home of his father, McNeese Sports Information Directpor Louis Bonnette. There is also damage to the press box.

The outfield wall is down at Cowboy Diamond, and the third base dugout is destroyed, according to assistant baseball coach Chris Fackler.

Gary Laney
Staff Writer