NATCHITOCHES, La. (KALB) – Northwestern State Athletics is a key driver of Natchitoches’ economic impact. With the sport now starting up again, local businesses are ready including Mama’s Oyster House and Papa’s Bar and Grill.
“We have a lot of students graduating from St. Mary’s and Natchitoches Central here, and a lot from around the area graduating there,” said manager Rebecca Veach. “I think it’s having a big impact on our community.”
“We have a lot of local Natchitoches folks here who visit Northwestern and they’re big fans and we’re televising it here and it’s bringing in a lot of customers,” said James Coutee, executive chef.
Last season, NSU tied for fourth place in the Southland Conference Commissioner’s Cup, which the school has not seen since the 2014-2015 season. Higher performing NSU student athletes attract more students to sporting events, resulting in a larger customer base for NSU games.
“I like where we’re going and I hope that the people who come to our sporting events will spend some money in the community,” said NSU athletics director Kevin Bostian.
Bostian said athletics is an important economic engine for an institution and for the community, but that means more than just athletics.
“We want every student-athlete to graduate in their chosen program,” Bostian said. “We want them to have a chance to win a championship in the sport they play and we want to develop them into leaders. So when they leave Natchitoches and NSU, they become leaders in the communities they serve.”
Northwestern State will open its regular football season on September 2nd in Lafayette against UL Lafayette.
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