McNeese State Cowboys Logo PNG
Westerns inspire the McNeese State Cowboys logo, representing the riders’ bravery, skill, and fearlessness. The team’s players possess qualities that allow them to defeat their opponents, and no matter how strong the storm is on the field, the Cowboys athletes are always in the saddle.
McNeese State Cowboys: Brand overview
The history of the McNeese State Cowboys dates back to 1939 when Lake Charles Junior College was founded. Just a year later, the first football team was formed. In 1941, the teams received the name “Cowboys,” a reference to the local ranching traditions and culture.
In 1951, the college became a full-fledged university and joined the Gulf States Conference. In 1963, the football team won its first conference title. In 1972, the university joined the Southland Conference, offering opportunities to compete against more challenging opponents.
The 1980s were particularly successful, as the Cowboys first qualified for the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs. In 1995, the team won the conference championship for the second consecutive year. In 2002, the football team reached the semifinals of the FCS playoffs.
In 2021, the university announced its move to the Western Athletic Conference, beginning a new chapter in its athletic history. The Cowboys are renowned for their achievements in football and baseball, remaining a significant symbol of athletic spirit in Louisiana.
Meaning and History
What is McNeese State Cowboys?
These are teams from Lake Charles, Louisiana, playing in the Southland Conference. They play games at Cowboy Stadium, where “The Hole” creates an intense atmosphere in college football. Rowdy’s mascot and royal blue and gold colors reflect their connection to the community and their desire to succeed in sports.
1990 – 2002
The team emblem embodies its nickname and key concept. The central element is a skilled rider holding onto an unbroken horse, symbolizing mastery and strength. The composition conveys the idea of maintaining stability even in challenging conditions, highlighting the athletes’ determination to win.
The cowboy with his hat raised greets the audience, expressing gratitude for their support. The figure of the rider and horse is done in shades of blue, resembling a scene from a shadow play.
The foreground features a large letter “M,” representing the first letter of the team’s name. The team’s nickname immortalizes the memory of John McNeese, an outstanding professor and one of the college’s first leaders.
2002 – 2011
The logo composition has changed while retaining the key motif. The image shows a pair in profile. The horse rearing up emphasizes movement and energy, while the rider confidently controls it, demonstrating mastery and control. The cowboy is depicted with a hat and neckerchief, highlighting his distinctive appearance.
The letter “M,” which is the central part of the emblem, is done in a light shade, adding airiness and visual stability. The white and blue border frames the symbol, highlighting its strength and harmonious integration with the other elements.
2011 – today
The emblem has retained its previous composition, but the letter “M” has been redesigned. The new font matches the cowboy era style, creating a unified concept with the rider’s image. The letter “M” has been slightly enlarged in height, emphasizing the athletes’ strength, determination, and confidence in achieving their goals.