It was just after 11 p.m. when two fan buses from the Lamar game rolled back onto the McNeese campus.

The Cowboys had just claimed a share of their first Southland Conference title in 13 years with a thrilling win over their rival Cardinals.

As the tired and emotionally drained fans exited their buses to head home, Will Wade greeted each one of them, shaking their hands and letting them know how grateful he was they had been there with him in Beaumont.

“He is real, he is genuine,” said Cowboy Club President Allen Abshire. “He wanted us all to know how glad he was for our support.

“To have a coach of Will Wade’s caliber do that is amazing.”

The feeling is mutual.

“I just can’t believe how welcome the community has made me, my staff, my players and my family feel,” said Wade. “They have embraced us and made us feel at home from the very first day.”

It is a love affair made out of necessity in some ways. Wade was in need of finding a fresh start after his stormy ending at LSU and Southwest Louisiana needed something to feel good about.

“(Wade) has brought us a lot of excitement and encouragement for the town,” said Abshire. “He gave us back community pride and pride in McNeese and McNeese athletics.”

Wade has also brought attention back to an area that has seen its struggles forgotten after the twin hurricanes of 2020.

“I don’t think Coach Wade has any idea how important he is to this community,” said McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer. “This area was looking for something to rally around and they found it in him and this team.”

To Wade, the relationship between him and the fans is a two-way street.

“I needed them as much as they needed me,” said Wade. “I am so appreciative of all the support our fans have given us this year. They have been with us from the start.”

Wade has been everywhere selling his program since he came to McNeese a year ago. He has been out in the community, hung out with fans, and been a true leader in the school and town’s resurgence.

It has been a financial boom for both as well. Sponsors of McNeese Athletics
are at an all-time high to go along with a record attendance season in the Legacy Center as well. Even the Cowboy Club has experienced a surge in activity.

“There is a lot more at our meetings even when Wade isn’t speaking,” said Abshire. “We have seen a lot more interest in our club and in Cowboy athletics.”

Abshire said attendance for winter meetings is up about 20 percent in general and 40 to 50 percent on nights Wade is in attendance.

It’s not just the coach either. His players are in demand thanks to a 28-3 regular season and exciting brand of basketball.

Before games Wade and his players are often seen taking pictures with fans and signing autographs. Supporters old and new take their turn to meet the Cowboys where before few even took notice.

“It is an amazing turnaround,” said forward Christian Shumate, who is the only starter and just one of three players, back from last season’s 23-loss club.

“We feel the same about them. It is great to have this kind of support and to play in front of these fans. They give us a huge boost.”

The Cowboys are hoping to use that boost over the next two days while hosting the Southland Conference Tournament. Sellout crowds are expected when McNeese tries to win its way back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2002.

If they do that, Wade will likely be ready to shake every hand that wants to be a piece of history.