update (July 25, 2012): Southland Conference creates Louis Bonnette Sports Media Award, names Bonnette as first recipient
release and photos courtesy of www.mcneesesports.com
LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana -- Louis Bonnette, the legendary McNeese sports information director who currently serves as Senior Associate AD/Sports Information Director, has announced his retirement after 46 years at the university. An event to celebrate Bonnette's career will be held on July 24. [Retirement is effective as of July 1.]
“Louis is the only sports information director that has served McNeese athletics,” Tommy McClelland, McNeese athletics director said. “It is appropriate that we honor him as he closes this chapter of his life.”
The evening event will be held after the conclusion of the Southland Conference Media Days at L'auberge Casino Resort. Proceeds from the event will support a scholarship in Bonnette's name, McClelland said.
Bonnette, a native of Pineville and graduate of Louisiana Tech, has received numerous professional honors in his career. Twice he served as president of the Louisiana Sports Writers Association and the LSWA presented him with its highest honor, the Mac Russo Award. He was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in the sports journalism division and in 2009; he was inducted into the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Hall of Fame.
Bonnette has worked with every McNeese president except the first, Lether Frazar, and he has seen many outstanding athletes and coaches. “I have enjoyed my career at McNeese and am looking forward to retirement and spending more time with my family,” Bonnette said.
Finding family time is a challenge with sons Michael serving as LSU's associate athletics director and SID and Matthew an associate SID at Northwestern State. “My daughter, Anne, chose nursing,” Bonnette quipped, “and my wife, Willene, is a teacher.”
Bonnette worked his 500th consecutive football game on October 24, 2009 and holds the CoSIDA record for most consecutive football games worked. The football field is named in his honor.
More information on the retirement celebration, including ticket prices and sponsorship opportunities will be announced soon, McClelland said.