McClelland named athletic director at McNeese

LAKE CHARLES - Eunice native and Basile High graduate Thomas McClelland II will be the athletics director for McNeese State University, Dr. Robert Hebert, McNeese president, announced on Wednesday. The appointment is pending approval by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.

McClelland, 26, is the youngest athletics director in the Southland Conference and is probably the youngest athletics director for any NCAA division university.

McCelland has been serving as interim athletics director since June 30, 2007, upon the retirement of former Director of Athletics Sonny Watkins.

Prior to his selection as interim athletics director, he was McNeese’s coordinator of athletic events, sales and marketing.

“Tommy has demonstrated that he is a leader,” Hebert said. “He is enthusiastic, diligent and possesses a tremendous work ethic. During his time at McNeese he has brought new ideas for marketing athletics, building corporate sponsorships and endowed scholarships, and increasing attendance for all sports. Tommy also understands that communication is key to building effective relationships.”

“I am honored to be selected as the new director of athletics. I believe that I have the right balance of inside knowledge and outside perspective to lead McNeese State University to the next level of success,” said McClelland.

McClelland holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in sports administration from Northwestern State University. He previously worked in the NSU athletics department and as an administrative intern at the Southland Conference office in Plano, Texas.

McClelland’s annual salary will be $110,000.

“Tommy McClelland represents a promising future in the field of athletics administration,” said Thomas Burnett II, commissioner of the Southland Conference. “As a former Division I student-athlete in multiple sports, Tommy understands the issues related to today’s student-athletes and has proven to be a passionate advocate for their best interests, both academically and athletically.”

McClelland told the search committee that he places a high priority on student-athletes succeeding in the classroom as well as on the playing field.

“I received two degrees in five years, played two sports and was married for two of those years. I have a personal standard for academic success,” McClelland said.

Winning championships is important, McClelland told the committee, “I recognize championships in three areas, in the classroom, on the playing surface and in the character and integrity of the individual student-athlete.”