Billy Bob Hebert, a marketing senior from Cut Off and a football player, was named the first Nicholls homecoming king in 1988.Being homecoming king was not the highlight of Hebert’s years at Nicholls, but it was one of his memorable moments.

“It didn’t make my college experience,” Hebert said. “But it enhanced it.’

Hebert served with homecoming Queen Jennifer Amedee, now Jennifer Amedee Fields.

Hebert is now working in oil field sales, doing outside skills work also.

He has been located in Houston for the past few years but still looks back fondly at his reign as Nicholls’ 1988 homecoming king.

“From what I can recall, it was a unique situation for me to be in at the time,” Hebert said.

A month prior to the homecoming week, Hebert had broken his ankle. He was unable to practice or play in the homecoming game.

Since he didn’t have to participate in football practice, Hebert was able to enjoy the week’s festivities. He attended the bonfire and rode in the parade.

Hebert had a lot of things going on outside of school, and he was about to graduate. “Being king just made it even better,” Hebert said.

Hebert was unaware that he was the first student to receive the title Homecoming king.

In the years before, the male was called an escort.

Before Hebert became the first homecoming king, the male was called an escort. For the first few homecomings, athletes from the N-Club (Colonel Club) would escort the female court members. In years in between the first few homecomings and when Hebert became king, there were no escorts.Therefore in 1988, the term king became used as the standard.

“It was definitely an honorable experience,” Hebert said. “It put the icing on the cake.”

Hebert’s wife was also on the 1988 homecoming court, allowing them to share the experience together.

Hebert wishes that he can attend this year’s homecoming game and festivities, but now that he is living in Houston it is difficult to attend Nicholls events.

“I wish I could make it, but I’m in Houston,” Hebert said. “I have four little girls, so it’s hard to pack them up and head that way.