NEAL SWANNER SOFTBALL BATTING CAGES

The one-year anniversary of Neal Swanner’s passing is quickly approaching. In honoring all that he has done Nicholls Athletics and the Swanner Foundation believe there is no better time than now to celebrate him and the things that he was most passionate about. Neal was a prominent supporter of education and Nicholls Athletics, contributing to scholarships for high school seniors and Nicholls students, and providing the food for the annual Nicholls Athletics Seafood Extravaganza. 

Neal began his thirty-plus years of softball with his first women’s team in the spring of 1971. Swanner coached women’s teams through the fall of 1988.  In 1993, Neal opted to devote his softball time to the operation of Heroes Park in Thibodaux and his USSSA directorship. Neal has served as TD of countless USSSA Qualifiers, State Championships, Divisional Championships, and National Championships. Swanner has also served as TD for the largest, single weekend tournament, where 250+ teams gather. Neal served as Area Director for 15 years and was selected Louisiana USSSA “Director of the Year” four times, in the years of 1992, 1995, 1996, and 1997. Neal was recognized with the Mel Buttrum Award of Merit in 1994, and the Dwight Hall “Sparkplug” Award of Merit in 1995. Neal also served as the voting delegate during USSSA National Conventions since 1993.

In 2018, the Swanner Foundation assisted Nicholls softball with renovations that included new Geo Surfaces synthetic turf infield, brand new lights, dugouts, and bleachers, as well as other aesthetic improvements around the park. In recognition of this leadership gift, the playing surface was renamed Swanner Softball Field.

In continuing his legacy, I ask for your financial support to be able to permanently affix his name to something that he loved. Join Nicholls in supporting the construction of the Neal Swanner Softball Batting Cages. The total cost of the project is $205, 049.00 and will consist of a covered batting cage area with storage for the Nicholls softball team. 

I thank you in advance for honoring a great man and friend of Nicholls State University. If you are interested in making a gift in his honor you may do so below or contact Hillary Charpentier, Director of Colonel Athletic Association, at 985-448-4234 or hillary.charpentier@nicholls.edu 

With Colonel Pride, 
Jonathan E. Terrell (JT)
Director of Athletics