Southwestern Louisiana sustained heavy damage from the recent arrival of Hurricane Laura. Lake Charles, Lousiana is home to McNeese State University, and its athletics facilities took the brunt of the winds and rain, as well.

Taylor Verrico shared images and reporting from the campus, including an interview with athletics director Heath Schroyer.

“The great thing about this community is the people,” he said. “To see our community come together, to see McNeese family, Poke Nation, rise to the occasion, and continue to rise to the occasion on a daily basis, it just made me fall in love with this community all over again.”

Much of the community is without power and water, but Schroyer said a game plan and rebuild are coming.

“We’re going to build this university back, we’re going to build this athletic department back, and we’re going to end up being bigger and better and a lot tougher than we ever were before,” he said. “Our community is tough, they’re resilient, they’re hard-working, they are connected right now more than I’ve ever seen before. It’s an unbelievable sight to see.”