Headlines
Ole Miss Band to No Longer Perform ‘Dixie’
Friday HottyToddy.com learned that the Ole Miss band, known as The Pride of the South, will no longer perform ‘Dixie’ in any of its performances.
“The newly expanded and renovated Vaught-Hemingway Stadium will further highlight our best traditions and create new ones that give the Ole Miss Rebels the best home field advantage in college football,” Ole Miss Athletic Director Ross Bjork said in a statement. “Because the Pride of the South is such a large part of our overall experience and tradition, the Athletics Department asked them to create a new and modern pregame show that does not include Dixie and is more inclusive for all fans.”
The first performance the Ole Miss Band deferred playing the historic song was during the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 2016. According to David Sansing, Ole Miss historian and retired professor, the Ole Miss band first performed the song around 1948.
The song “Dixie” was written by Northerner Daniel Decatur Emmett of Mount Vernon, Ohio.
First played in 1859 in New York, some say the song was adopted as the official song of the Confederacy during the Civil War while others connect the anthem with the Underground Railroad. The lyric “Dixie’s Land” could reference the region known as a safe haven.
Dixie Lyrics
I wish I was in the land of cotton,
old times there are not forgotten,
Look away, look away, look away, Dixie Land.
In Dixie Land where I was born in,
early on a frosty mornin’,
Look away, look away, look away, Dixie Land.
Then I wish I was in Dixie, hooray! hooray!
In Dixie Land I’ll take my stand to live and die in Dixie,
Away, away, away down South in Dixie,
Away, away, away down South in Dixie.
Please let us know your thoughts by posting your comments below.
Russ Jones is the Editor-In-Chief for HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at russ.jones@hottytoddy.com.
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e
August 19, 2016 at 5:15 pm
go back to kansas bjork
e
August 19, 2016 at 5:15 pm
go back to kansas bjork
Danny Toma
August 19, 2016 at 5:31 pm
One of the things that really moved me before each football game was the playing of “Dixie” in the Grove. It is something I enjoyed as a student, and that my children have enjoyed as well. I have two currently at the university, with another planning to go next year (I am also a season football ticket holder, if I need to show further bona fides). Whether “Dixie” began to be played in the ’20s or the ’40s, it has been part of Ole Miss for a long time, and there are people (like myself) for whom it has been a favorite part of their home game experience. Certain pieces of music can stir the soul like no other, and while I can understand that not everyone likes “Dixie,” (de gustibus non disputandum est), many do. Being inclusive should be about, well, including. That means that we share in our traditions and try to understand them, rather than ruling some as unworthy. Just like the Rebel name itself, or the name, Ole Miss, we can continue with a certain identity while adapting to present conditions. Being an Ole Miss Rebel may not mean the same thing to a football player in 2016 as it did in 1950, but the common nomenclature ties them together even if certain values have evolved over time. It is as if we are all part of the same tribe or family, despite coming to the University from different backgrounds. Thus could it be with “Dixie,” if we wished to truly respect each other’s traditions, rather than merely eliminate those with which we may disagree. But, I am perhaps being naive when I assume we all really do want to understand each other and get along. Maybe it is just really about power.
Danny Toma
August 19, 2016 at 5:31 pm
One of the things that really moved me before each football game was the playing of “Dixie” in the Grove. It is something I enjoyed as a student, and that my children have enjoyed as well. I have two currently at the university, with another planning to go next year (I am also a season football ticket holder, if I need to show further bona fides). Whether “Dixie” began to be played in the ’20s or the ’40s, it has been part of Ole Miss for a long time, and there are people (like myself) for whom it has been a favorite part of their home game experience. Certain pieces of music can stir the soul like no other, and while I can understand that not everyone likes “Dixie,” (de gustibus non disputandum est), many do. Being inclusive should be about, well, including. That means that we share in our traditions and try to understand them, rather than ruling some as unworthy. Just like the Rebel name itself, or the name, Ole Miss, we can continue with a certain identity while adapting to present conditions. Being an Ole Miss Rebel may not mean the same thing to a football player in 2016 as it did in 1950, but the common nomenclature ties them together even if certain values have evolved over time. It is as if we are all part of the same tribe or family, despite coming to the University from different backgrounds. Thus could it be with “Dixie,” if we wished to truly respect each other’s traditions, rather than merely eliminate those with which we may disagree. But, I am perhaps being naive when I assume we all really do want to understand each other and get along. Maybe it is just really about power.
e
August 19, 2016 at 5:37 pm
bjork is from kansas and determined to remake ole miss…..he was a leading supporter of the previous chancellor and his pc crusade he then ran his mouth in support of removing the state flag from a STATE university and he is behind this he says he wants to be inclusive…well I guess that does not include my family or our donations
ross bjork should go back to kansas or better yet, go to h—-
e
August 19, 2016 at 5:37 pm
bjork is from kansas and determined to remake ole miss…..he was a leading supporter of the previous chancellor and his pc crusade he then ran his mouth in support of removing the state flag from a STATE university and he is behind this he says he wants to be inclusive…well I guess that does not include my family or our donations
ross bjork should go back to kansas or better yet, go to h—-
Ham Moore
August 19, 2016 at 5:45 pm
Hey, Rebels, enjoy names Ole Miss and Rebels while we can. Political correctness, liberalism, diversity, etc. are now the rule and many more things we love about OUR UNIVERSITY are on the way out.
Dixie is one of most beautiful songs in the world. Glad that a former Rebel sent me a disc a few years ago with several versions.
Have not been on campus in several years, but certainly will not be the same if I am able to get there for a game.
Ham Moore
August 19, 2016 at 5:45 pm
Hey, Rebels, enjoy names Ole Miss and Rebels while we can. Political correctness, liberalism, diversity, etc. are now the rule and many more things we love about OUR UNIVERSITY are on the way out.
Dixie is one of most beautiful songs in the world. Glad that a former Rebel sent me a disc a few years ago with several versions.
Have not been on campus in several years, but certainly will not be the same if I am able to get there for a game.
Jimmy Hopper
August 19, 2016 at 5:50 pm
The next thing to go will be Ole Miss !
Jimmy Hopper
August 19, 2016 at 5:50 pm
The next thing to go will be Ole Miss !
HG
August 19, 2016 at 5:52 pm
Why support Bjork, it is his Athletic Dept. that has violated NCAA rules, and damaged the reputation of Ole Miss. He should go!
HG
August 19, 2016 at 5:52 pm
Why support Bjork, it is his Athletic Dept. that has violated NCAA rules, and damaged the reputation of Ole Miss. He should go!
Tim Heaton
August 19, 2016 at 5:58 pm
Dixie was President Lincoln’s favorite song.
Tim Heaton
August 19, 2016 at 5:58 pm
Dixie was President Lincoln’s favorite song.
Diane Hollingsworth
August 19, 2016 at 6:04 pm
I have loved Ole Miss for over 70 years and remember Saturdays at the Vaught at least since I was 2. I loved From Dixie with Love, but I welcome the decision to retire traditions that no longer represent the soul of this great, inclusive University. Thanks, Chancellor and Ross!
Unfortunately, some will continue to love those things more than they love what is best for the University.
Diane Hollingsworth
August 19, 2016 at 6:04 pm
I have loved Ole Miss for over 70 years and remember Saturdays at the Vaught at least since I was 2. I loved From Dixie with Love, but I welcome the decision to retire traditions that no longer represent the soul of this great, inclusive University. Thanks, Chancellor and Ross!
Unfortunately, some will continue to love those things more than they love what is best for the University.
Brooke Moody
August 19, 2016 at 6:39 pm
I’m all for new traditions, but saying goodbye to “Dixie” breaks my heart. Game day will not be the same.
Brooke Moody
August 19, 2016 at 6:39 pm
I’m all for new traditions, but saying goodbye to “Dixie” breaks my heart. Game day will not be the same.
R T
August 19, 2016 at 6:41 pm
Mr Bjork, regardless of whether Dixie is played or not, someone will be offended. I have been a supporter of and fan of Ole Miss all of my life. I am highly offended by people who think that by being “politically correct ” no one else matters. This seems to be the case with this decision. Until now I have been proud of my A. D. Not so much anymore.
R T
August 19, 2016 at 6:41 pm
Mr Bjork, regardless of whether Dixie is played or not, someone will be offended. I have been a supporter of and fan of Ole Miss all of my life. I am highly offended by people who think that by being “politically correct ” no one else matters. This seems to be the case with this decision. Until now I have been proud of my A. D. Not so much anymore.
Harold Williams
August 19, 2016 at 7:00 pm
I always thought that FDWL was inclusive (that some call “slow Dixie”). There has never been a more moving song that created sentiment and good feelings regardless of game outcome. After a game, I used to be in the stands waving my arms back and forth while the band played it. However, some students and some fans corrupted the song by adopting the KKK version of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” by changing the lyrics to “the South will rise again.” This is what the Klan sang every day for a year right into the face of a six-year-old black girl when she left her school room in Louisiana. Their lyrics were: “Segregation segregation, segregation segregation, segregation segregation; the South will rise again.” The chancellor therefore forbad it, but made it clear that the song could return provided the students and fans would stop corrupting it. Evidently, some students and some fans continued to prefer the Klan version. Obviously, such obstinance cannot be tolerated when the university seeks to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Harold Williams
August 19, 2016 at 7:00 pm
I always thought that FDWL was inclusive (that some call “slow Dixie”). There has never been a more moving song that created sentiment and good feelings regardless of game outcome. After a game, I used to be in the stands waving my arms back and forth while the band played it. However, some students and some fans corrupted the song by adopting the KKK version of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” by changing the lyrics to “the South will rise again.” This is what the Klan sang every day for a year right into the face of a six-year-old black girl when she left her school room in Louisiana. Their lyrics were: “Segregation segregation, segregation segregation, segregation segregation; the South will rise again.” The chancellor therefore forbad it, but made it clear that the song could return provided the students and fans would stop corrupting it. Evidently, some students and some fans continued to prefer the Klan version. Obviously, such obstinance cannot be tolerated when the university seeks to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Butch
August 19, 2016 at 7:04 pm
Boosters need to hold back money till the flag, the song Dixie, and the real mascot,not no bear
Butch
August 19, 2016 at 7:04 pm
Boosters need to hold back money till the flag, the song Dixie, and the real mascot,not no bear
Waite Ligon
August 19, 2016 at 7:38 pm
Hear, hear Danny Toma. So well said and from the heart. Very eloquently put. Political correctness always seems to result in depriving the many for the satisfaction of the few. We are also season ticket holders. The highlight of the Grove experience has always been the Pride of the South sending everyone to the Vaught with their beautiful rendition of Slow Dixie. What will be the next takeaway?
Waite Ligon
August 19, 2016 at 7:38 pm
Hear, hear Danny Toma. So well said and from the heart. Very eloquently put. Political correctness always seems to result in depriving the many for the satisfaction of the few. We are also season ticket holders. The highlight of the Grove experience has always been the Pride of the South sending everyone to the Vaught with their beautiful rendition of Slow Dixie. What will be the next takeaway?
Debbie Powers
August 19, 2016 at 7:41 pm
This absolutely breaks my heart. Other SEC schools play Dixie . Why are we taking away one of the last traditions that alumni appreciate so much when we return to campus
Debbie Powers
August 19, 2016 at 7:41 pm
This absolutely breaks my heart. Other SEC schools play Dixie . Why are we taking away one of the last traditions that alumni appreciate so much when we return to campus
ingrid
August 19, 2016 at 7:48 pm
Unbelievable, what next are you going to change Ole Miss to New Miss. I’m not from the south but to me dropping Dixie by the wayside like it never meant anything Is so sad.Sometimes you need to keep the old to enjoy the new.Sounds a lot like PC is coming to Ole Miss.
ingrid
August 19, 2016 at 7:48 pm
Unbelievable, what next are you going to change Ole Miss to New Miss. I’m not from the south but to me dropping Dixie by the wayside like it never meant anything Is so sad.Sometimes you need to keep the old to enjoy the new.Sounds a lot like PC is coming to Ole Miss.
Anonymous
August 19, 2016 at 7:56 pm
Really? Stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.
Anonymous
August 19, 2016 at 7:56 pm
Really? Stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.
Beverly Cole
August 19, 2016 at 8:24 pm
I sincerely hope that all fans will realize that the band directors and band students had nothing to do with this decision. They must follow the direction of the chancellor. Even if you do not approve of this decision, please continue to appreciate and support our great Prode of The South. They work very hard to always give their best performances and support our university. This is totally out of their control. Please share this with your friends.
Beverly Cole
August 19, 2016 at 8:24 pm
I sincerely hope that all fans will realize that the band directors and band students had nothing to do with this decision. They must follow the direction of the chancellor. Even if you do not approve of this decision, please continue to appreciate and support our great Prode of The South. They work very hard to always give their best performances and support our university. This is totally out of their control. Please share this with your friends.
MaryWhitworth
August 19, 2016 at 8:27 pm
Well, you still hear Dixie played by mixed-race Jazz bands in
The streets of New Orleans and everyone loves it.
MaryWhitworth
August 19, 2016 at 8:27 pm
Well, you still hear Dixie played by mixed-race Jazz bands in
The streets of New Orleans and everyone loves it.
Beverly Cole
August 19, 2016 at 8:28 pm
I hope that all fans will understand that the Ole Mss Band, Staff, band members and alumni had nothing to do with this decision. If you are opposed to this, please do not let it reflect on the band. They work too hard and need our continued support.
Beverly Cole
August 19, 2016 at 8:28 pm
I hope that all fans will understand that the Ole Mss Band, Staff, band members and alumni had nothing to do with this decision. If you are opposed to this, please do not let it reflect on the band. They work too hard and need our continued support.
Sylvia Williams
August 19, 2016 at 8:50 pm
Apparently, inclusive is used to validate the transformation and destruction of all that is Ole Miss. If the definition of inclusiveness is comprehensive or includes all, then inclusive is not the correct word. Elimination is the appropriate word to the acts that have taken place on campus. Inclusive only to far left political correctness by eliminating any tradition that defines Ole Miss as Ole Miss. The Alumni support UM and proud to do so but Ole Miss is becoming unrecognizable and will suffer for it. How much more guilt and apologizing are Mississippians suppose to do for history? History has been amended, changed, corrected, improved and justifiably so but where does it stop? Are the colors offensive, is Ole Miss name change next? Oxford is amazing and the only city I would return to live in Mississippi. Ole Miss is one of the main reasons Oxford is the place people want to call home. Hotty Toddy…who the hell are we? Hell l if we know anymore!!
Sylvia Williams
August 19, 2016 at 8:50 pm
Apparently, inclusive is used to validate the transformation and destruction of all that is Ole Miss. If the definition of inclusiveness is comprehensive or includes all, then inclusive is not the correct word. Elimination is the appropriate word to the acts that have taken place on campus. Inclusive only to far left political correctness by eliminating any tradition that defines Ole Miss as Ole Miss. The Alumni support UM and proud to do so but Ole Miss is becoming unrecognizable and will suffer for it. How much more guilt and apologizing are Mississippians suppose to do for history? History has been amended, changed, corrected, improved and justifiably so but where does it stop? Are the colors offensive, is Ole Miss name change next? Oxford is amazing and the only city I would return to live in Mississippi. Ole Miss is one of the main reasons Oxford is the place people want to call home. Hotty Toddy…who the hell are we? Hell l if we know anymore!!
Betty Ann Rea
August 19, 2016 at 8:56 pm
VERY disappointed in this announcement. And I agree totally with David Toma’s comment.
Why do we always drop a bombshell right before the season starts and provide so much negative atmosphere??
How about “they” tell “us” exactly “who” is offended? All the recruits here that song when they come to games and guess what, they still come. And if we miss out on a few could it possibly be because they just wanted to go somewhere else and conveniently used Dixie, or the flag, or Colonel Reb as an EXCUSE????
Betty Ann Rea
August 19, 2016 at 8:56 pm
VERY disappointed in this announcement. And I agree totally with David Toma’s comment.
Why do we always drop a bombshell right before the season starts and provide so much negative atmosphere??
How about “they” tell “us” exactly “who” is offended? All the recruits here that song when they come to games and guess what, they still come. And if we miss out on a few could it possibly be because they just wanted to go somewhere else and conveniently used Dixie, or the flag, or Colonel Reb as an EXCUSE????
Annonymou
August 19, 2016 at 9:04 pm
So very sad to hear this. I am sorry that the Pride of the South will not be allowed to play Dixie. This song was one of President Lincoln’s favorite songs. It is beautiful and meaningful to so many. I am afraid Ole Miss is going to become a fine but very generic university.
Annonymou
August 19, 2016 at 9:04 pm
So very sad to hear this. I am sorry that the Pride of the South will not be allowed to play Dixie. This song was one of President Lincoln’s favorite songs. It is beautiful and meaningful to so many. I am afraid Ole Miss is going to become a fine but very generic university.
Anonymous
August 19, 2016 at 9:17 pm
Proud of The University of Mississippi!
I am an Ole Miss Rebel
Anonymous
August 19, 2016 at 9:17 pm
Proud of The University of Mississippi!
I am an Ole Miss Rebel
Anonymous
August 19, 2016 at 9:32 pm
We are not defined by traditions that hurt our university. Letting go of these traditions shows the country that we love Ole Miss enough to change for the better. We are not set on going back to a flag, a mascot or a song that allows Ole Miss to be the butt of the joke. We have come too far for that. We are forging new traditions and I for one want to see a championship team on the field this year. I love Ole Miss not only because of who we were but more so because of who we can become. We Are Ole Miss!
Anonymous
August 19, 2016 at 9:32 pm
We are not defined by traditions that hurt our university. Letting go of these traditions shows the country that we love Ole Miss enough to change for the better. We are not set on going back to a flag, a mascot or a song that allows Ole Miss to be the butt of the joke. We have come too far for that. We are forging new traditions and I for one want to see a championship team on the field this year. I love Ole Miss not only because of who we were but more so because of who we can become. We Are Ole Miss!
Anonymous
August 19, 2016 at 9:58 pm
Change can be controversial and hard. I’m willing to be part of the change that lifts us ALL.
Anonymous
August 19, 2016 at 9:58 pm
Change can be controversial and hard. I’m willing to be part of the change that lifts us ALL.
Anonymous
August 19, 2016 at 10:23 pm
Bjork. Is behind all this stuff and has led the athletic department into big trouble with the NCAA. He has to go
Anonymous
August 19, 2016 at 10:23 pm
Bjork. Is behind all this stuff and has led the athletic department into big trouble with the NCAA. He has to go
Anonymous
August 19, 2016 at 10:34 pm
Please look at all of the good this man has done for Ole Miss. Proud to have Bjork at The University of Mississippi.
Anonymous
August 19, 2016 at 10:34 pm
Please look at all of the good this man has done for Ole Miss. Proud to have Bjork at The University of Mississippi.
Molly Jackson
August 19, 2016 at 11:02 pm
So sad to hear such a tradition leaving Ole Miss!!!
Molly Jackson
August 19, 2016 at 11:02 pm
So sad to hear such a tradition leaving Ole Miss!!!
merl scott
August 20, 2016 at 1:09 am
I have nothing against change but it seems that only one group has to make the change.there is no middle of the road where people meet in the middle.
merl scott
August 20, 2016 at 1:09 am
I have nothing against change but it seems that only one group has to make the change.there is no middle of the road where people meet in the middle.
Glenda G
August 20, 2016 at 4:18 am
Inclusive doesn’t mean exclusive. You’re not in Kansas anymore, but you shouldn’t be here. It’s a beautiful song and a tradition, and you’re probably doing this just for the publicity and surely some money.
Glenda G
August 20, 2016 at 4:18 am
Inclusive doesn’t mean exclusive. You’re not in Kansas anymore, but you shouldn’t be here. It’s a beautiful song and a tradition, and you’re probably doing this just for the publicity and surely some money.
Anonymous
August 20, 2016 at 8:23 am
he loves to see his name in the paper and on the net….really self absorbed…..he would sell out his mother if it got him some cred with the p c crowd……….he has to go
Anonymous
August 20, 2016 at 8:23 am
he loves to see his name in the paper and on the net….really self absorbed…..he would sell out his mother if it got him some cred with the p c crowd……….he has to go
Anonymous
August 20, 2016 at 9:17 am
I love to see growth on the campus because people are excited about the team on the field and they want to pack out the Vaught. Bjork has helped make that happen. Hotty Toddy!!!
Anonymous
August 20, 2016 at 9:17 am
I love to see growth on the campus because people are excited about the team on the field and they want to pack out the Vaught. Bjork has helped make that happen. Hotty Toddy!!!
B
August 20, 2016 at 10:44 am
It makes me sad to see the tradition go. I am offended by the politically correctness. This truth is it should be called popular correctness. Right now it is popular to be super sensitive to those who can not be subject to someone’s beliefs, upbringing or traditions that are different than their own. Why can’t we be a culture of truely diverse? Instead we are being forced to all be the same.
B
August 20, 2016 at 10:44 am
It makes me sad to see the tradition go. I am offended by the politically correctness. This truth is it should be called popular correctness. Right now it is popular to be super sensitive to those who can not be subject to someone’s beliefs, upbringing or traditions that are different than their own. Why can’t we be a culture of truely diverse? Instead we are being forced to all be the same.
Bill
August 20, 2016 at 10:59 am
Another sad day for my Alma Mater and hometown. Don’t guess they’ll miss my alumni dues
Bill
August 20, 2016 at 10:59 am
Another sad day for my Alma Mater and hometown. Don’t guess they’ll miss my alumni dues
Sherri
August 20, 2016 at 12:38 pm
Bring it back!!!!!!!!!!!
Sherri
August 20, 2016 at 12:38 pm
Bring it back!!!!!!!!!!!
Anonymous
August 20, 2016 at 12:43 pm
Forward Rebels!
We Are Ole Miss even without the flag, the mascot or the song.
Forward Rebels!
Anonymous
August 20, 2016 at 12:43 pm
Forward Rebels!
We Are Ole Miss even without the flag, the mascot or the song.
Forward Rebels!
David Holmes
August 20, 2016 at 2:17 pm
My suggestion is that the fans, VERY RESPECTFULLY, sing one verse of Dixie as soon as the band finishes their Grove Show and again as soon as the National Anthem has finished.
David Holmes
August 20, 2016 at 2:17 pm
My suggestion is that the fans, VERY RESPECTFULLY, sing one verse of Dixie as soon as the band finishes their Grove Show and again as soon as the National Anthem has finished.
Jim Lee
August 20, 2016 at 3:23 pm
This is as bad as asking Tennessee to give up Rocky Top. Don’t do it. This PC crap is out of hand.
Jim Lee
August 20, 2016 at 3:23 pm
This is as bad as asking Tennessee to give up Rocky Top. Don’t do it. This PC crap is out of hand.
E
August 20, 2016 at 4:14 pm
Money talks. I will end my donations, but there are enough people who will continue to give, enabling the p c crowd to win again. I am sure I won’t be missed, but I find solace in knowing that I stood up for what I believe is right.
E
August 20, 2016 at 4:14 pm
Money talks. I will end my donations, but there are enough people who will continue to give, enabling the p c crowd to win again. I am sure I won’t be missed, but I find solace in knowing that I stood up for what I believe is right.
Patty Jo Bobe
August 21, 2016 at 12:28 pm
P.c. People are trying to change the world, but instead are destroying it! My husband graduated from Ole Miss, and I hope I can talk him into with-holding his donation he makes all the time! We just attended the M-Club reuion and loved being back at Ole Miss!
HG
August 22, 2016 at 7:38 am
We have lost all our traditions! Bjork and Vitter should go! This PC over the top administration needs to find somewhere else to work. They do not represent the people of Ole Miss, they have excluded and marginalized all of us!
Anna
August 22, 2016 at 11:28 pm
Our university is losing everything that made it special. One cannot change history. We must move on and get past trying to change it. Ole Miss has had our traditions for many years and no one has been offended before all of this stirring. All were aware of these traditions before coming to the University and it didn’t stop them from coming, so it must have been acceptable. Let’s quit trying to change everything and creating chaos by doing so.
JERRY
August 24, 2016 at 1:26 pm
Ross Bjork is a good man, I know this decision is not his decision, I would presume that he had no choice in the matter. The decision is a HUGE mistake for many reasons. As we all know for several years now Ole Miss has been slowing removing it’s confederate traditions. I would look for the statues to come down next and eventually the name “Rebels” will be replaced as well. With each passing move, Ole Miss is slowing deluding and eroding it’s Brand in the SEC. What made Ole Miss beloved and special is now slowly disappearing. I believe the University is making a business decision that will ultimately backfire on them. Thanks in part mostly to Hugh Freeze, Ole Miss has regained it’s prominence in college football. Because of this, the University has seen increased enrollment despite many colleges around the country beginning to see drops in enrollment due to U.S. demographics. Many colleges have aggressively sought foreign students to counter act their own states new shortage of college age students. In Ole Miss case, they have been courting the out of state student( 50% now). Ole Miss has taken a play from Alabama’s play book( No Pun here). Alabama has seen a 55% increase in enrollment over the past decade thanks in part to all the national championships. Their athletic department nets 33 million dollars a year and merchandising is at a record all time high. Ole Miss knows their future is tied to the success of the football team and driving in out of state students. Therefore, Ole miss must court the very best football prospects, many that are African American.( Confederate symbols or traditions are not something they want to witness) In addition, Ole miss must court students in Northern states( May have a negative image of history or have no respect for confederate history/traditions.
This is a very big bet they are making…..So goes the football team…so goes the school. If the football team stays on track and can keep pace with Alabama this will not matter. If the football team cannot sustain its force, A Rebel that doesn’t play Dixie will be no fun at all. In the end, you are left with a pretty campus, with pretty buildings, located in Mississippi, that will only attract people in Mississippi. No BRAND whatsoever. NO BRAND in the SEC is a death sentence. The SEC is nationally know because of the individual brands of each school. Ole Miss will be the school without an identity. In the end, you are choosing Ole Miss because you want to be a REBEL. That includes EVERYTHING: The history, the pride, the past, the future…..Now lets show it!
Lillian Loggans
August 30, 2016 at 1:38 am
Ole Miss will surely be on probation soon and I promise you, the students athletes will be looking for a school to play before a national TV audience to further their career. They will be going to schools that do not have players telling the world they got money from the coaches and that are on probation. Probation was the reason we lost a player about 13 years ago. Players that want to go pro will do anything to play and could care less about Ole MS when they are sitting in their big homes making a lot of money. One day the players and people of the 60’s, 70’s that have been helping this school will be gone and you will find out what an Ole MS Family was then and what they did for this school.