Only a year ago McNeese State had a hard time getting anybody to come for a visit let alone sign.

When it came to both talent and numbers, the Cowboys’ two biggest programs — football and basketball — were left taking what they could get.

That’s not a way to build championship teams.

And often, when they got and developed a few players, they were off the next recruiting cycle by way of the famous transfer portal.

That’s a major reason why the basketball team lost 45 games over the last two seasons and the football team suffered through its third consecutive losing campaign.

Those numbers don’t look good on a the résumé of a school looking to jump into its own version of the portal and transfer up to the Football Bowl Subdivision where financial riches await.

“The better players you have, the more successful you will be and the better you can showcase your institution,” said McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer. “That can only help you when the next round of league realignment comes.”

And McNeese wants to be deep in the conversation when that time does come.

While money is the most central issue when conferences look to add certain teams, success on the playing surfaces are also a factor. And more importantly, winning always leads to more money.

Businesses love to sponsor winners. That will never change.

What has changed for McNeese is the players coming to town and those who are staying.

Gary Goff added to his impressive recruiting class with a star wide receiver transferring in from a Power Five conference just this week. Marcus Peterson committed to the Cowboys despite offers from much larger programs.

The former Cincinnati Bearcat is the latest in a successful recruiting week for McNeese’s two highest profile programs.

Christian Shumate’s decision to return to the Cowboy basketball team was a boost for new head coach Will Wade but overshadowed the announcement that Texas Christian transfer guard Shahada Wells was headed to Lake Charles.

While you never know how players will turn out, the fact that Wells is the sixth newcomer headed to McNeese since Wade took over is a plus. And more have planned visits.

Getting Shumate back also shows the Cowboys are learning how to retain players better. Schroyer credits his two coaches, Goff, who is in his second season, and Wade, who is in his second month on campus.

“You are only as good as (the people) you surround yourself with,” Schroyer said. “We have two coaches who are tireless recruiters and workers. They believe in Lake Charles and the direction of our programs. They set the bar.”

They also aren’t above doing everything they can to seal the deal.

During Peterson’s visit, Goff was seen pushing a baby carriage with the receiver’s child in it as the group toured campus facilities.

Whether he changed any diapers remains a mystery.

What can’t be questioned is how much the way McNeese is doing business has changed. The athletic department has grown up and acting like professionals should.

Even if that means pushing a baby around campus.

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Jim Gazzolo is a freelance writer who covers McNeese State athletics for the American Press. Email him at jimgazzolo@yahoo.com