For many Mississippi State fans, the upcoming Ole Miss game on Nov. 22 is the peak of this year’s football season. Who could imagine long time rivals coming together before the big game in harmony and friendship? Well, that is precisely the occasion that took place on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at the Ramada Inn in Tupelo. Athletic directors Larry Templeton of MSU and John Shafer of Ole Miss joined student leaders and administrators from both universities in the “goodwill dinnner.”
It all began last year when Ole Miss was the hosting home team and invited MSU and be a part of a gathering to celebrate the two schools.
“This is a way for us to get to know each other and look at ways that we can work together in the future,” said Edwin M. Keith Jr., MSU director of student life.
Keith attended the dinner along with MSU’s Jim Abraham, UM’s Vice Chancellor Thomas Wallace, MSU student affairs vice president Roy H. Ruby, UM Dean of Students “Sparky” Reardon, Templeton, Shafer, and the police chiefs, Tom Johnson of Starkville, and Randy Corban of Oxford.
Each school also had their student body presidents present, along with the newspaper editors, representatives of the cheerleading squads and bands, and Ole Miss’s ASB (Associated Student Body) and MSU’s SA.
MSU Student Association President Sebron Harrison welcomed and shared Keith’s beliefs in celebrating the two universities.
“Both Mississippi State and Ole Miss are helping make our state stronger,” Harrison said. “Both are recognized for the outstanding education they provide the students of Mississippi.”
The representatives from the two Mississippi schools discussed the management of game day, when the two opposing teams will meet.
“Symbolically, it’s a useful gesture in saying that the rivalry on the field is intense, but we hope it’s left on the playing field when it’s over,” Keith said.
According to Keith, many rival schools are attempting this feat of coming together in friendship. Auburn with Florida and Florida with Tennessee have accomplished what Ole Miss and MSU are trying to do.