As the Nicholls Colonels approach the end of the first season under Head Coach Tommy Rybacki, they find themselves balancing hard-earned lessons with a motivation to finish strong.

  The Nicholls Colonels have two games remaining in a season that has had its fair share of ups and downs. The team started the season with a bang, with a win over then-ranked No. 4 UIW Cardinals, with several players highlighting this game as a defining moment for them this season.

Standout Game

Redshirt-Freshman Camare Hampton said the game stood out to him because it was the first nationally televised game, and Rybacki’s first win as a head coach. Hampton continued, “It was just a special moment for everybody in the program.”

Cornerback Anthony Rogers III, who had a breakout season with three interceptions, highlighted this game for giving him so many moments that stood out to him. “It was my first college game and I came away with my first interception, on national television,” Rogers said.

Obstacles

However, the season was not without challenges. A six-game losing streak ensued after the big win that took a toll on members of the program. 

Coach Assistant Corey Cotton said, “I was shocked at the way the team prepared and expected to beat West Georgia, but we made so many mistakes and it ended up going the complete opposite direction.” 

Defensive back Tasmin Showers described the season in one word: “Trials.” But Showers went on to say, “The team faced a lot of doubt and adversity, but I feel like we are really finding ourselves toward the end of the year.

The Colonels gained victories in two of their last three games, beating the McNeese Cowboys and HCU Huskies 31-7, before narrowly losing 28-21 to the UTRGV Vaqueros Saturday in Texas.

Perseverance

Football is a game that teaches a person to adapt, grow and learn, especially when faced with adversity. The Colonels have embodied that sense of resilience the entire season, dealing with injuries, doubt and four straight games on the road early in the season. Teamwork, brotherhood and having each other’s back were the main motivators to push through.

“I feel like the four games away took a toll on us mentally and physically, along with school and traveling on planes, it was tough for all of us,” Rogers III continued, “but we just kept fighting and pushing each other.

Noah Onyia spoke about the severity of the injury situation, saying that he has switched positions from offense to defense. “The hardest thing has been learning a new position, but I spend more time watching film. My time management is something football has really helped me improve,” said Onyia.

Rogers III said that the personal bond between each player on the team is what makes them strong. “I don’t think we reached the big goal, but we were so close as a team,” he continued, “I could name everyone on the team with it being 140 of us, and that’s wow in today’s college football.”

A Message from the Colonels

The Colonels want their fans to know that this season was not a failure but a learning experience, and for a first-year head coach in Rybacki, a great foundation to build on. The Colonels look to finish the season strong against their final two Southland Conference opponents, Northwestern State Demons and Southeastern Lions and build on the momentum in the off-season.

“‘Learned’ would be the word I would use to describe the season,” said Rogers III, “we learned so much this season that we will be prepared for whatever comes next season.”

Showers echoed the sentiment, stating, “This is a great first season for Head Coach Rybacki, and there is a lot to build on.”

Hampton and Onyia gave one message to fans, teammates and the program, “GEAUX Colonels!”