Nicholls State University Football: A History of the Colonels
The Nicholls Colonels football program represents Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana. As a member of the Southland Conference, the Colonels compete in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Since their inaugural season in 1972, the team has built a history marked by periods of success, challenges, and unwavering dedication.
Early Years and Program Establishment
Nicholls State University established its football program in 1972, marking the beginning of intercollegiate competition in the sport. This initial step was crucial in developing the university's athletic identity and fostering community spirit.
Home Field Advantage: Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium
The Nicholls Colonels play their home games at Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium, a 10,500-seat multi-purpose stadium in Thibodaux, Louisiana. The stadium's name honors former state representative John L. Guidry, who played a vital role in establishing Francis T. Nicholls Junior College. The stadium boasts a three-level press box on the west side, complete with a photo deck on the roof. The third level features the president's suite and a 30-seat club level, while the second level houses areas for game management staff, television, radio, coaches' booths, and a working press area. The Colonels Club Room is located on the ground level. In 2017, GeoGreen artificial turf was installed on the field.
Enhancing Facilities: Football Operations Center and Barker Hall Expansion
Nicholls State University is committed to providing its football program with top-notch facilities. On June 12, 2019, the university announced a $6.5 million project to construct a 20,000-square-foot football operations center in the south end zone, along with an expansion and renovation of the Frank L. Barker Athletic Building, also known as Barker Hall, is located adjacent to Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium. The Nicholls Colonels Strength and Conditioning facility is located in the Leonard C. Chabert Strength and Conditioning Facility or Leonard C. Chabert Hall, equipped with multi-purpose power stations, weight machines, dumbbell stations, elliptical machines, and stationary bikes. The Nicholls Colonels also have access to three natural grass football practice fields across Acadia Drive from Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium, the Frank L. Barker Athletic Building, and the Leonard C. Chabert Strength and Conditioning Facility. Two of the fields are oriented in a north-south configuration, similar to Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium.
Rivalries: The River Bell, NSU Trophy, and Battle for the Paddle
Rivalry games are an integral part of college football, and Nicholls State is no exception. The Colonels have cultivated several intense rivalries over the years, creating memorable moments and fostering a competitive spirit.
Read also: A Look at Nicholls Football
Southeastern Louisiana University: Nicholls and Southeastern Louisiana are geographically the closest football-playing schools in the Southland Conference, separated by only 94 miles. The annual game between these rivals determines the winner of the River Bell Trophy, which features a river bell, the teams' athletic logos, and details of past victors. The rivalry began in 1972 and continued annually until 1985, when Southeastern Louisiana temporarily suspended its football program.
Northwestern State University: The annual football game against Northwestern State is another significant rivalry for Nicholls. The winner of this contest is awarded the NSU Trophy. Both universities are located in Louisiana and are members of the Southland Conference.
Texas State Bobcats: In the fall of 1998, a scheduled game against Texas State was postponed due to heavy rains and flooding in San Marcos, Texas. The athletic directors and coaches from both schools jokingly dubbed the annual contest the "Battle for the Paddle," suggesting that fans and athletes would need boats and paddles to reach the game. The game was eventually played on November 28, 1998, with Texas State winning 28-27 to claim the first "Battle for the Paddle."
Recent Season Highlights
- 2025 Season: Tommy Rybacki is the head coach.
- Recent Games: In a recent game, Stephen F. Austin defeated Nicholls 28-12. Sam Vidlak of Stephen F. Austin threw for 262 yards and four touchdowns. Nicholls rallied to beat McNeese 24-19, with Pat McQuaide throwing for the go-ahead touchdown and a fourth-quarter score. Nicholls also defeated Northwestern State 20-0, with Pat McQuaide passing for 186 yards and two touchdowns, and Collin Guggenheim rushing for 129 yards. Incarnate Word defeated Nicholls 55-10 in a Southland Conference opener, with Zach Calzada throwing five touchdown passes for Incarnate Word.
All-Time Record and Playoff Appearances
The Nicholls Colonels football team has an all-time record of 231-317-4 (.422). They have made 7 playoff appearances with a playoff record of 3-7.
Seasons
This is a list of seasons completed by the Nicholls Colonels football team of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), representing Nicholls State University in the Southland Conference. Nicholls plays their home games at Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Manning Field at John L.
Read also: Navigating Knowledge at Nicholls
Read also: History of Nicholls Football
tags: #nicholls #state #university #football #history
