When Hurricane Katrina slammed New Orleans in August 2005, the University of New Orleans (UNO) baseball program faced an existential crisis. Flooded campuses, displaced families and a closed fall semester left the Privateers without a place to live, study or practice. Coach Tom Walter turned to his network, hoping to find a temporary home for his players.
Las Cruces answered the call
Walter’s outreach reached former Aggies coach Rocky Ward, who was then serving as an assistant at New Mexico State University (NMSU) in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Despite a past disagreement over a sign‑stealing allegation, Ward set aside personal differences after seeing the devastation on television. Within hours, NMSU’s athletic director McKinley Boston and President Michael V. Martin approved a plan to host the Privateers.
NMSU cleared a dorm slated for renovation, waived tuition and opened unlimited class spots for the UNO players. The only costs the team incurred were books and a modest meal‑plan fee of $38,000 for the entire group. Faculty, staff and volunteers worked through the night to arrange schedules, match credits and ensure the athletes received the same services as any NMSU student.
From disaster to sanctuary
Thirty players made the trek from the Gulf Coast to Las Cruces, traveling by commercial flights, private charters and a bus that gathered the team in El Paso, Texas. Upon arrival, academic coordinator Stacey Willmott had every player’s class schedule ready, allowing a seamless transition to campus on Monday.
Local professors, administrators and community members rallied around the newcomers. The American Red Cross supplied breakfast, blankets and bedding; companies such as Adidas and Wilson donated baseball gear; and generous donors funded fundraisers that covered additional needs. Even a spontaneous Walmart stop provided essential supplies and, humorously, a few televisions for the players.
Academic and personal resilience
Despite the upheaval, the Privateers thrived academically. One player earned a 3.0 GPA for the first time that semester, and none became academically ineligible. Faculty members stayed up late to resolve credit transfers and ensure the team could return to UNO without losing progress.
Coach Walter reflected on the experience, saying, “I’ll never be able to thank the folks at New Mexico State enough for what they did for our program.” The partnership stands as a lasting testament to the power of Christian compassion, family‑like community support and the freedom to help those in need.
Legacy of compassion
More than two decades later, the story of NMSU’s hospitality remains a cherished chapter of post‑Katrina recovery. It reminds us that when disaster strips away material security, the human spirit—guided by faith, family values and a commitment to liberty—can rebuild lives and restore hope.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
