Contact: Maridith Geuder
When the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the University of Mississippi Rebels square off Nov. 22 at MSU's Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field, they will engage in a fierce competition whose history dates back to 1927.
Before the annual Egg Bowl contest, however, a group of students and administrators will gather to highlight off-the-field teamwork between the two athletic rivals.
Athletic directors Larry Templeton of MSU and John W. Shafer of Mississippi will join student leaders and administrators for a Nov. 14 dinner reinforcing the institutions' collegial relationship, said Edwin M. Keith Jr., MSU director of student life.
The 6:30 p.m. gathering at the Ramada Inn in Tupelo is the second in as many years, and this year is hosted by MSU as the home team.
"Our student association presidents, student newspaper editors, and representatives of the cheerleading squads and bands will meet for our second 'goodwill' dinner," Keith explained. "We know that there's a keen competition on the football field, but this meeting is a chance to remind ourselves and our fans that we're friends otherwise."
MSU Student Association President Sebron Harrison of Prentiss echoed Keith's belief that the gathering highlights what the two universities share in common.
"Both Mississippi State and Ole Miss are helping make our state strong," he said. "Both are recognized for the outstanding education they provide the students of Mississippi."
In addition to Keith and the athletic directors, school officials attending are Roy H. Ruby, MSU student affairs vice president, and Thomas D. Wallace, UM vice chancellor for student life; Thomas J. "Sparky" Reardon, UM dean of students; Thomas C. Johnson, MSU chief of police, and Randall D. Corban, UM director of university police and campus safety.