By: by Matthew Bonnette, Senior Associate AD/Sports Communications
LAKE CHARLES – McNeese's football season opener on Saturday against Tarleton State will also begin the second year of the partnership between McNeese Athletics and the Calcasieu Parish School Board with the "Building Cowboys for the Future" initiative.
All CPSB students in kindergarten through the sixth grade will be issued a special "Building Cowboys for the Future Guest Pass" that will admit them for free to all McNeese home sporting events for the season.
"I'm beyond excited about our continued partnership with Calcasieu Parish School Board," said McNeese Director of Athletics Heath Schroyer. "This is year two (of the program) and we are continuing to build on this relationship. (CPSB Superintendent) Shannon (LaFargue) and I have met numerous times about what we can do together and how we can help educate and serve the young people and their families throughout our community."
LaFargue says more than 15,000 students will receive the special pass.
"CPSB is excited to partner again with MSU for another great year of 'Building Cowboys For the Future'," said LaFargue. "We have great events planned throughout the year for students and teachers. The first event scheduled for the campaign is all CPSB students Kindergarten through sixth grade will receive a lanyard and official Special Guest Pass allowing students FREE entrance to any McNeese athletic event. We encourage as many of our 15,000+ K-6 students to attend Saturday's game."
Manuel Builders is sponsoring the partnership.
"Manuel Builders is a fantastic company who is committed to continuing to invest and grow our community," said Schroyer. "I'm extremely happy to have them on board with this partnership."
Schroyer added: "I'd like to thank Shannon for his continued support and investment into this community and this partnership. He's an amazing leader and a man I have the utmost respect for. Working with him on this has been nothing short of a tremendous opportunity for me!
"I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love SWLA and this community. The opportunity to welcome and encourage all our young students throughout our community to come onto campus, and be a part of our university experience is something I'm 100 percent committed to. Young people are the future. As long as I'm in this chair (AD), McNeese Athletics will continue to invest in the future, and that's our kids!"
