McNeese Homecoming Festivities Scheduled
McNeese Homecoming Festivities Scheduled
The 2011 Homecoming theme is “The Cowboy Brand.” The parade is scheduled to roll down Ryan Street at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, with McNeese women and men’s head basketball coaches Brooks Donald Williams and Dave Simmons as this year’s parade marshals.
Last season, Williams led the Cowgirls to a 26-7 overall record and 15-1 Southland Conference record. The Cowgirls tied the 2002 Valparaiso team for the NCAA’s best turnaround from the previous season. The team advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history, won the Southland Conference regular season title and won the team’s first Southland Conference Tournament. The team has been invited to take part in the 2011-12 Preseason Women’s National Invitation Tournament in November, playing UCLA in its opening game. Williams was named SLC Coach of the Year and Louisiana Coach of the Year.
Also last season, Simmons led the Cowboys to a 21-12 overall record, to the SLC championship and into the NIT post-season tournament. His team compiled a 15-2 home record, one of the best in school history and at one time won 14 straight home outings. Simmons was named the SLC Coach of the Year, the Louisiana Coach of the Year and the National Association of Basketball Coaches district coach of the year. Simmons was also named winner of the Tommy Joe Eagles 2011 Louisiana Major College Coach of the Year award by the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches.
The pep rally takes place immediately after the parade inside Cowboy Stadium followed by the fireworks display sponsored by the McNeese Alumni Association and its corporate sponsor Christus St. Patrick Hospital.
On Friday, Oct. 21, Cowboy fans can glimpse a sneak peek at their 2011 Southland Conference Champion Cowboy and Cowgirl basketball teams at 6 p.m. in Memorial Gym. The Cowgirls tip off at 6 p.m while the Cowboys follow at 6:30 p.m. Food and drinks will be provided as well as Sneak Peek T-shirts to the first 100 fans.
The McNeese Cowboys are playing the Bearkats of Sam Houston State University at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, in Cowboy Stadium. The 2011 Homecoming Court will be introduced during halftime ceremonies.
Homecoming activities include:
Saturday, Oct. 15
32nd Annual Ladies Champagne Bingo/Alumni Association
Sunday, Oct. 16
Bowling Half-Nighter/SUB9 p.m.-midnight—Petro Bowl
Free bowling for McNeese students with an ID
Monday, Oct. 17
Dash for Dollars/SUB
10 a.m.-1 p.m.—Quad amphitheater
Tuesday, Oct. 18
Fantasy Casino Night
7-10 p.m.—Parra Ballroom
Alumni Past Presidents' Reception at McNeese President's Home
Hosted by Alumni Association
Wednesday, Oct. 19
Annual Oozeball Tournament/SUB
3-7 p.m.—Housing Courtyard
Thursday, Oct. 20
Homecoming Parade, Pep Rally and Fireworks
7 p.m. - Ryan Street to Cowboy Stadium parking lot
Pep rally in Cowboy Stadium; fireworks display to follow
Friday, Oct. 21
Alumni and Friends Homecoming Golf Tournament
Four-man scramble at Mallard Cove Golf Course
Contact Alumni Center for details: 475-5943
Sneak Peek at Cowgirl and Cowboy Basketball
6 p.m.—Memorial Gym
Louisiana Culture Night/Multicultural Office
6-8 p.m.—Student Union/Old Ranch
Food and Zydeco Band
Step Show/National Pan-Hellenic Council
7 p.m.—F.G. Bulber Auditorium
For ticket prices, call 475-5609
Saturday, Oct. 22
Student Tailgate
2 p.m. in Lot E at Cowboy Stadium
Alumni Pre-Game Party
4:30 p.m. in the Alumni Grove
McNeese Cowboys vs. Sam Houston Bearkats
7 p.m.—Cowboy Stadium
Halftime presentation of 2011 Homecoming Court
Events are sponsored by the Student Union Board (475-5644), Student Government Association (475-5605) and the McNeese Alumni Association (475-5232).