WHAT HE SAID…
December 2, 2015
Councilman forgives man who killed his dad
December 2, 2015
One of the most prestigious football camps in the world will remain in Thibodaux for another several seasons.
Nicholls State University announced this past week that a contract has been signed that will keep the Manning Passing Academy on the Colonels campus for six more years – a contract that runs through the summer of 2021.
University officials said the deal is a huge plus for both Nicholls and the city of Thibodaux, touting that having the Manning family around for the long haul will pump millions of dollars into the community, while giving continued credibility to Nicholls – a “win-win” for everyone involved.
“We are very excited to enter into a long-term agreement with Nicholls State University,” MPA founder and executive director Archie Manning said. “The past 10 years have been terrific. Our staff, the campers and their families get to experience the true Southern hospitality that Louisiana and Lafourche Parish are famous for. We feel that Thibodaux is the home of the Manning Passing Academy.”
“Nicholls, along with our community partners, are committed to delivering the best experience possible,” Nicholls President Dr. Bruce Murphy added. “We are grateful to the Mannings for choosing our university to help educate and inspire young athletes each summer.”
The move is a big one for Nicholls – a testament to how far along the university’s facilities have come in the past few years.
The Manning Passing Academy is a huge deal. Each year, it attracts more than 1,000 high school athletes into Thibodaux, as well as hundreds more parents and coaches. The passing academy started more than 20 years ago, and has had a couple homes since its inception. It was once at Southeastern Louisiana University and then also in New Orleans.
It’s been at Nicholls since 2005. In that decade-plus span, some of the best college football players in the country have come through Thibodaux, a list that includes Johnny Manziel, Andrew Luck, Zach Mettenberger, Matt Barkley and many others.
With that group has also come hotels booked to capacity, restaurants so busy that they can hardly keep up with the demand and Thibodaux stores booming with business.
Thibodaux Mayor Tommy Eschete said it’s impossible to overstate how big the annual four-day summer camp is for the city. He said he’s so grateful that a long-term deal is in place. Estimates show that $2 million in business comes to Thibodaux annually because of the camp.
“This commitment from the Mannings to Nicholls State University ensures that our local economy will continue to reap the benefits of having such a fine organization like the Manning Passing Academy hosted right here in Thibodaux,” Eschete said. “It also means our city will continue to share in the
tremendous publicity and notoriety.”
“The camp brings in countless visitors from across the country and adds a significant economic impact to our local economy,” said Timothy Bush, the Bayou Lafourche Area Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director. “It’s also a big boost to our local tourism because people who may have never been here before have a chance to experience our food, culture and attractions.”
Throughout the Manning family’s time in Thibodaux, they’ve expressed a love for Nicholls – so much so that the family donated money to lay down a field turf surface in John L. Guidry Stadium. The Colonels now play on Manning Field – a name given out of respect to the family for its donation.
“We love it here,” Peyton Manning said at this past year’s camp. “The people treat us right and they welcome us and give us anything we need.”
But as the prestigious camp continues to grow, there was some concern and speculation that the football family would move the camp to a bigger facility in the future.
Those talks were eased two years ago when Governor Bobby Jindal announced with Senator Norby Chabert that money was in place to improve drainage at 20-acres worth of fields behind John L. Guidry Stadium on campus – the grass lots where most of the camp takes place each year.
The South Louisiana Economic Council also was a huge part of the renovations, which used both private and state money to get it done, but was a game-changer in a long-term deal being reached.
“The improvements to the facilities, along with the outstanding support from the community have been important factors in developing such a positive relationship with the Manning Passing Academy,” SLEC President and CEO Vic LaFont said.
“We feel that the green space and practice fields that Nicholls has makes the campus the perfect location for the Manning Passing Academy,” Co-Camp Director Buddy Teevens added.
The 2016 version of the passing camp will take place earlier than ever before because of new NCAA regulations.
The camp will be held from June 23-26 – about three weeks before its normal time, thanks to a new recruiting rule that limits the access that players can have with future prospects.
Camp officials said that the 2016 registration is going smoothly and it’s expected to be one of the biggest camps the Mannings have had in their history.
‘We are grateful to the Manning’s for choosing our university to help educate and inspire young athletes each summer.’
Dr. Bruce Murphy
Nicholls State University President
Manning brothers Peyton (left) and Eli shout instructions to campers during the 2015 Manning Passing Academy at Nicholls State University. The Manning family and Nicholls reached an agreement this past week which will keep the camp in Thibodaux until 2021. The move is a big one for the Thibodaux economy, because estimates show that the popular football affair generates millions of dollars annually to the City of Thibodaux.
