LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) - McNeese State senior wide receiver Ernest Celestie has been granted another year of eligibility by the NCAA.
The university’s athletic department learned Friday that the NCAA approved its waiver seeking a sixth year for Celestie, of Lake Charles.
Celestie signed with Texas Tech in 2009 but missed two seasons due to a heart condition and shoulder injury. McNeese provided the NCAA with documents proving Celestie missed the opportunity to compete due to medical conditions and the NCAA granted him the extra season.
Celestie transferred to McNeese prior to the 2011 season and, in three seasons, has become one of the top receivers in school history. Entering the 2014 season, Celestie ranks in the top 20 on the school’s all-time career receptions list with 77 catches and 1,172 receiving yards.
He ranked second on the team last season with 565 receiving yards and was third with 31 catches despite playing the entire season with a fractured foot.
Celestie had foot surgery after the season and is ahead of schedule with his recovery. He will not practice any during this spring but is expected to be 100 percent for the fall.
Earlier this spring, McNeese also received medical hardships for senior wide receiver Wes Briscoe and freshman defensive lineman Anthony Yruegas.
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