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Rebels Bond Over Major Signing Day Wins
Rebel friends Ed Lee(left) and Ray Lewand (right). Photo by Bracey Harris.
By Bracey Harris, junior journalism major, Meek School of Journalism and New Media
braceyh@gmail.com
Ed Lee, 69, and Ray Lewand, 71, sit side-by-side on a couch in The Oxford Convention Center. The two Oxford residents have taken a break from the main room filled with over 2,000 people at The Ole Miss Quarterback Club Watch Party.
But don’t get the idea that leaving the hubbub for awhile means they don’t love all things Rebel sports. Lee graduated from Ole Miss in 1966, and while Lewan attended Millsaps, he has strong connections to the University of Mississippi.
“My children and money went here [Ole Miss],” Lewan said.
Whether it’s their sports fellowship group that meets every Thursday for lunch or sitting in The Batting Club watching Ole Miss baseball, the two say Ole Miss Athletics plays an enriching role in their friendship. On National Signing Day, they’re seeing that they’re not alone.
“Everyone’s happy. Winning makes a big difference. I’ve even seen a few hugs,” Lee said.
Both expressed delight when told that Lebron James had given The Ole Miss Signing Class of 2013 a shout out on Twitter.
“It deserves attention,” Lee said. “We’re just starting. A lot of people are taking notes. You have to remember we came from nothing.”
Lee and Lewand credit Head Coach Hugh Freeze and Athletic Director Ross Bjork with turning the program around. Although the two hope to see more high profile names join the roster, what truly has made today special is another opportunity to be together.
