I am writing in response to Mr. Atkinson’s letter to the Editor. This former executive editor of The Reflector stated that Mississippi State football is a waste of time and money and has been for the past 40 to 50 years. I have to wonder if he was feeling the same way when the Bulldogs played in the SEC Championship game against the soon to be National Champion Tennessee Volunteers (a game in which we lost by some questionable pass-interference calls). We are all aware of the benefits the SEC would lose out on had Mississippi State won that game. What about the entire 1999 season, dubbed “The Year of the Comebacks,” when in several games it seemed the Bulldogs were down and out, yet still found a way to win in the final minutes? Included in that season was a dramatic final second win over much-hated Ole Miss. The following season we trampled Florida, #3 in the nation at the time, in our home opener. The “Snow Bowl” in Shreveport, La is a great memory for many Bulldog fans. These are a few out of very many highlights of Mississippi State’s football program. As a fan since at least 1965 I am sure there are more memories that you can count on that I was not alive to witness.
Now, this is just a hunch, but Mr. Atkinson, if you were a fan during these times of triumph and rang your cowbell as loudly and ardently as I did then you should be just as devoted when the proverbial “crap” hits the fan. I know during the past couple of years each one of us has felt like we personally were the individual fan that it was hitting. However, if any fan wants to tuck tail and run, then I say we don’t need you anyway. Fair-weather fans have no place in our University’s deep line of tradition and support for our Bulldogs no matter how many wins they rack up or what the scoreboard shows at the end of the game. Whether the sport may be track and field, women’s soccer, tennis, golf, baseball, basketball or the intramural cricket club it has all of this fan’s loyal support because of the Maroon and White the athletes wear.
Mr. Atkinson stated that he was embarrassed to admit that he was an MSU alum. With an attitude like that, as a current student, and life-long Bulldog supporter, I am ashamed to admit your alum status as well.
I would also like to address Coach Croom. Coach, I would like to apologize as a student, fan, and life long supporter on behalf of this disgruntled alum. I cannot speak for the entire student body, or our proud alumni that span the globe. However, I am behind you 100% and I know that you will silence your critics. You have stated several times that you will coach a team that the university can be proud of. You have already accomplished this goal. Whether we are ecstatic about the tally in the “W” column matters not. We are very proud of our team and they way they handle themselves when set upon by adversity. This is one fan that shall handle himself just as well, in good times and bad.
Chris Phillips is an undeclared sophomore.