The McNeese State Cowboys are a powerhouse in college athletics, known for their excellence in both McNeese State Cowboys football and McNeese State Cowboys basketball. Competing in the Southland Conference, the Cowboys have a rich tradition of athletic success, passionate fans, and a deep commitment to sportsmanship and community pride.
College Sports Established
1939
Location
Lake Charles, Louisiana
College Name
McNeese State University
Collegiate History
1972 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1972 - Present / Southland Conference
Nickname
Cowboys - The McNeese Cowboys have been a staple of the NCAA for decades, and their name has become synonymous with excellence in college sports. But where did the name come from? The answer is rooted in history and tradition.
McNeese State Cowboys Origin
1934 McNeese State College was founded as a two-year school in Lake Charles, Louisiana. At that time, it was known simply as "McNeese," but its athletic teams needed an identity to represent them on the field of play. That's when they adopted the nickname "Cowboys."
The choice made sense given that many students at McNeese were from rural areas around southwestern Louisiana who had grown up working on ranches or farms—and thus were familiar with cowboy culture and lifestyle. The moniker also fits well with other local schools, such as Northwestern State University (the Demons) and LSU (the Tigers).
In addition to being appropriate for its student body’s background, “Cowboys” provided an opportunity for clever wordplay: fans could cheer “Go Pokes!” which sounded similar enough to “Go, Cowboys!” Plus, it gave rise to plenty of creative team logos depicting cowboys riding horses or bulls while wearing ten-gallon hats—all designed to give fans something fun yet distinctive by which they could identify their favorite team.
More than eight decades later, after first adopting their mascot name back in 1934, McNeese still proudly uses it today. Whether you're cheering them on during football season or watching one of their other varsity sports teams compete throughout the year, you can always count on hearing those exact words shouted out loud — Go Pokes!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1940
- 1956
- 1982
- 2019
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McNeese’s first football team was fielded
McNeese’s first football team was fielded in 1940. The team plays its home games at the 17,410 seat Cowboy Stadium in Lake Charles, Louisiana. -
NAIA Tournament Champions
The Cowboys Basketball team has appeared in one NAIA Tournament. Their record is 5–0. They were national champions in 1956, their only appearance in the tournament. -
Hubert Boales – head football coach at the McNeese
Hubert Boales (born c. 1931) is a former American football, baseball, and golf coach. He served as the head football coach at the McNeese State University in 1982, compiling a record of 4–6–1. Boales was also the head baseball coach at McNeese State from 1968 to 1977 and the school’s head golf coach from 1978 to 1981 and again from ... -
McNeese State wins Southland baseball tournament
McNeese State came into the 2019 Southland Conference Baseball Tournament as the No. 5 seed. Don’t sell the Cowboys short. McNeese outplayed the other seven teams over a four-day period at Constellation Field, culminating in a 4-2 victory over Central Arkansas in Saturday’s championship game and receiving the conference’s automatic spot in the NCAA Tournament.
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* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
McNeese State Cowboys History
The McNeese State Cowboys have built a powerful legacy in NCAA Division I athletics, especially known for their fierce rivalry with the Houston Christian Huskies. Since the program’s founding in 1949, the McNeese State Cowboys football team has remained a dominant force, earning several championships and national recognition for its consistent performance.
The Cowboys began as an independent team before joining the Southland Conference in 1977, marking the start of their rise to prominence. Under the guidance of legendary coach Jack Doland, the program captured three straight conference titles from 1985 to 1987. Doland’s impact was so significant that he was later inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, cementing his place in college sports history.
Over the decades, the McNeese State Cowboys football program has continued to thrive under skilled leadership. Head coach Matt Viator, who led the team from 2007 to 2017, delivered an impressive 87–39 record, two Southland Conference Championships, and multiple playoff appearances. The Cowboys reached the FCS semifinals twice during his tenure, reinforcing their reputation as a top-tier football program.
Cowboys Achievements
In recent years, under head coach Sterlin Gilbert, the McNeese State Cowboys have remained competitive, finishing with strong records and earning media praise. The team’s 8–4 season with a 5–3 conference record brought Gilbert Southland Coach of the Year honors, signaling a bright future for the Cowboys.
Beyond football, the McNeese State Cowboys basketball program has also achieved success, competing fiercely in the Southland Conference and producing standout athletes who’ve earned national recognition. The basketball team’s consistent improvement reflects the university’s dedication to excellence across all sports.
Overall, the McNeese State Cowboys continue to represent determination, skill, and pride in every game they play. With deep traditions, strong coaching, and talented athletes, McNeese State remains one of the most respected programs in collegiate athletics — inspiring generations of fans and future champions alike.
