LAKE CHARLES – Wednesday was a great day for McNeese Football.
 
The Cowboys hit the practice field for the first time in what seems like eons ago, as they prepare for the 2021 spring season.
 
McNeese practiced in helmets, shorts and shirts and will do so again on Thursday before slipping on the shoulder pads later in the week.
 
"Extremely thankful to be able to come out on our field," said first-year head coach Frank Wilson. "We've had an opportunity to go to other places, whether it was Burton Coliseum or Barbe High School. We're so thankful for those people for allowing us to use their facility.
 
"But to be on this practice field, to watch Bonnette Field being laid out, to be a part of home, it's a big deal."
 
The Cowboys worked out for a couple of hours in the afternoon, trotting off the field as darkness began to settle in and the lights of the FEMA work stations, that are positioned in the east side parking lot, brightening up the area.
 
"These guys are chomping at the bit," said Wilson about the energy and excitement on day one. "We're ready to develop as a team. We certainly have a long way to go but we took a step in the right direction."
 
There's no lack of competition for the Pokes in the preseason either, with every spot up for grabs.
 
"Our program is built on competition. We tell the kids that the depth chart is etched in sand so every time you come out here you have to earn your way. I think our kids have embraced that mentality to come out here and compete and to play within a culture that breeds that."
 
Game times have been set for all but one game for the Cowboys.
 
McNeese's three home games will carry a noon kick-off – Feb. 27 vs. Incarnate Word, March 13 vs. Lamar, and April 3 vs. Nicholls. Cowboy Stadium will be without lights this spring due to the damage caused by Hurricane Laura and reinforced by Hurricane Delta just six weeks later.
 
The Cowboys' season opener at Tarleton State will carry a 6 p.m. start time while the Mar. 6 game at Southeastern Louisiana will begin at 6. March 20 at Northwestern State has yet to set a time but the April 10 finale at Sam Houston State will carry a 4 o'clock kick-off.