THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University Department of Athletics is pleased to announce a significant gift commitment recently made by Neal Swanner and the Norman Swanner Foundation, which will be used for major improvements to the Colonel Softball Complex before the 2018 season.
The renovations will include an all-new Geo Surfaces synthetic turf infield and brand new lights, dugouts, and bleachers, as well as other aesthetic improvements around the park. In recognition of this leadership gift, the playing surface will be renamed Swanner Softball Field.
"The sense of gratitude we feel for Mr. Swanner's generosity and support cannot be overstated,” said Matt Roan, Nicholls Director of Athletics. “Ever since we arrived on campus, we have worked tirelessly to be able to address our softball complex. The coaches and student-athletes deserve this and we are excited to be able to support their championship pursuits, as well as provide a much-improved fan experience.”
“Neal's gift is a perfect example of matching the person with the purpose, as he has been a tremendous supporter of this program over the years,” Roan continued. “It's our pleasure to recognize him and his family in this way and we appreciate him believing in our plan and vision. We are excited to announce other improvements and special projects in the near future with the support of University administration, the Nicholls State University Foundation, and the community. "
Neal Swanner is a local community leader and the owner of Bubba's II PoBoys. The Swanners have been supporters of not only Nicholls Athletics and the University, but also the entire city of Thibodaux. For more about the Swanners and their generosity, please visit their site here.
"Norman and I always said that if we were successful, we wanted to give back to our community,” said Neal Swanner. “How awesome is it for the legacy of my brother Norman and to honor the Swanner Family with naming the field ‘Swanner Softball Field’. Thank you, Nicholls."
"I have spent many hours in home and away dugouts with the Colonel Softball team,” said Nicholls President Dr. Bruce Murphy. “Their talent, hard work, and genuine love of the game have been a constant inspiration to me. Now, through the generosity of a true friend of Nicholls – Neal Swanner – these student-athletes will get a much richer total intercollegiate athletics experience."
The enhancement for softball is just one of several recent major facility renovations for Nicholls athletic facilities. A new playing surface was installed at the Colonel Tennis Complex; a new press tower, new grandstands, an elevator, a pedestrian bridge, and a synthetic turf infield were installed at Ben Meyer Diamond at Didier Field; and Manning Field at Guidry Stadium received significant upgrades in the form of a new turf playing surface, as well as an all-new video board.
"Mr. Neal Swanner, his family, his great friends and the famous Bubba's crew have been some of the most supportive people in the community to Nicholls. We appreciate their gift of kindness,” said Nicholls Softball head coach Angel Santiago, who is entering his seventh year at the helm. “This makeover of the softball facility is a necessary step to elevate this program’s ability to continue to attract the most serious student-athletes. Colonel Softball enjoys special student-athletes who really love showcasing their skills and with these new facility upgrades, this women's program will appreciate that feeling of being an enhanced Division I program."