I have been employed at The Commercial Dispatch for approximately 15 years (maybe you can check with Teri for specific dates) and have had the title of assistant sports editor for a good portion of those years. My primary responsibility has been to cover Mississippi State sports, but I have also had experience in page layout and have provided sports coverage for local high schools. I have lived in Starkville all my life. I graduated from Starkville High School in 1984 and Mississippi State in 1991. I am married to the former Rena (McClain) of Vardaman and have two daughters, Anna (11) and Lisa (5) and they both attend Starkville Christian School. I am a member of the Starkville Church of God.
Danny P Smith Assistant Sports Editor News & Sports Department dannyp@cdispatch.com
Recent Stories & Articles Arkansas game homecoming for MSU's Hutchins11/20/2009 8:45:00 AM Heath Hutchins usually visits Arkansas each winter for a time of fun and fellowship with friends.
Saturday’s trip to Arkansas will be about business for the Mississippi State junior punter.
Mississippi State (4-6, 2-4 Southeastern Conference) needs a victory against the University of Arkansas (11:21 a.m., WCBI) to keep its bowl hopes alive.
Benock helps MSU men's basketball team off bench11/20/2009 8:42:00 AM STARKVILLE — Two points, two rebounds, two steals, and one assist doesn’t look impressive in a boxscore.
But that production is more than enough for Mississippi State basketball coach Rick Stansbury when it comes from junior guard Riley Benock.
Benock made those “tremendous” contributions Thursday night in 15 minutes off the bench on a sore foot in an 82-67 victory against the University of Southeastern Louisiana at Humphrey Coliseum.
Change doesn't enable Sidney to get off bench for MSU11/20/2009 8:40:00 AM The status of Mississippi State freshman forward Renardo Sidney changed Thursday, but it wasn’t good enough to get him off the bench against the University of Southeastern Louisiana.
The NCAA Eligibility Center issued a statement saying the Sidney case went from Not Certified due to Non-Response to Under Review. This change allowed the Eligibility Center staff to restart the process of determining whether Sidney meets NCAA requirements for initial eligibility.
Sidney’s attorney Donald Jackson has called the change “insignificant.” He continues to insist this process drags on unnecessarily and the NCAA has failed to come up with a violation.
MSU could be shorthanded vs. SE Louisiana11/20/2009 8:01:00 AM STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State men’s basketball could have more players in street clothes tonight than dressed out in basketball jerseys.
Dee Bost, Elgin Bailey, Shaun Smith, Twany Beckham, and Riley Benock are out or doubtful because of injuries for MSU’s game against Southeastern Louisiana at 7 tonight at Humphrey Coliseum. Patterson, East Webster have matured to make playoff run11/20/2009 8:00:00 AM MABEN — Ledrick Patterson knew it wasn’t going to be easy taking over for Johnthan Banks at quarterback for the East Webster High School football team.
What made it especially tough for Patterson was he had never played the position. He wasn’t even listed as a quarterback on the preseason roster. Smith hopes UFL will help lead to shot at NFL11/20/2009 7:59:00 AM Jamayel Smith’s situation in the United Football League is unique.
Sure, the former Mississippi State wide receiver believes he belongs there, but as a player with the New York Sentinels in the first-year league, he feels a little out of place. Starkville shuts out New Hope in soccer11/18/2009 10:40:00 AM STARKVILLE -- Raevonne Shoemaker takes her role as goalkeeper seriously.
The Starkville High School junior knows she has to be focused on a match at all times and has to know what her teammates are doing on the field.
“(Goalkeepers) have to be the strong foundation,” Shoemaker said.
Shoemaker has only allowed one goal this season for the Lady Yellow Jackets and has recorded three shutouts, including Tuesday’s 2-0 home victory against New Hope High School.
MSU's Augustus apologizes after being suspended11/18/2009 10:36:00 AM STARKVILLE -- Mississippi State junior forward Kodi Augustus made a public apology Tuesday afternoon for comments he made following Saturday’s season-opening 88-74 loss to Rider University.
After the game, Augustus voiced his displeasure about lack of playing time and criticized MSU coach Rick Stansbury by saying, “I talked to my dad. He said we got out-coached. I don’t know.”
Augustus said that statement was made out of frustration and was sorry for his choice of words.
MSU still has time to earn bowl bid11/17/2009 11:24:00 AM STARKVILLE — Linebacker Jamar Chaney and wide receiver Brian McRae wanted the same thing for their senior season at Mississippi State.
After seeing their junior seasons end due to injuries, they returned hoping to win a Southeastern Conference championship.
It didn’t happen. Curry's interception ignites Pickens County to playoff win11/15/2009 12:23:00 AM REFORM, Ala. — Pickens County High School’s Jematric Curry was looking to make a play.
When that didn’t come as the quarterback early against Goshen High in Friday’s second round game of the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 2A playoffs, he turned to the other side of the football.
Curry’s second-quarter interception of running back Reginald Foster on a halfback pass attempt sparked the Tornadoes.
Once Pickens County got rolling, it recorded a 48-14 victory against the Eagles.
Starkville's Perkins signs to play basketball at Southern Miss11/15/2009 12:13:00 AM STARKVILLE — Starkville High School senior basketball player Rashad Perkins can get back to business.
After signing a national letter of intent Friday to attend the University of Southern Mississippi, Perkins is ready to concentrate on the rest of his high school season.
“It feels good to get it out of the way,” Perkins said. “It takes a lot of pressure off of me because I don’t have to worry about people asking me where I’m going. I can focus on what I need to be doing.”
Alabama opens up offense to beat MSU11/15/2009 12:09:00 AM STARKVILLE — The University of Alabama offense chose to change its approach during an open date earlier this season.
Coach Nick Saban thought his offense showed balance, but was looking forward to the day when it could open things up.
That time came Saturday night in a 31-3 victory against Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium.
Wide receiver Darius Hanks started it for the Crimson Tide with a 45-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Greg McElroy in the second quarter.
MSU has to win final games to become bowl eligible11/15/2009 12:07:00 AM STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State football team endured its most lopsided loss of the season Saturday night in a 31-3 loss to No. 3 Alabama.
The Bulldogs (4-6) will need to put that disappointment out of their minds quickly if they want to qualify for a postseason bowl.
To do that, MSU must win its final two games. MSU coach Dan Mullen wants to get that accomplished for the seniors.
MSU's Dizon, Hanrahan develop bond11/13/2009 9:14:00 AM STARKVILLE –– Mississippi State tailback Anthony Dixon might want to consider wearing extra padding Saturday.
It’s not because he will face the University of Alabama defense, but it’s because of teammate Patrick Hanrahan.
Dixon could find running against the No. 3 Crimson Tide to be tough at 6 p.m. Saturday (ESPN) when the teams meet in a Southeastern Conference Western Division game. He also better be ready to face a pumped up Hanrahan during the game.
MSU's Augustus earns start in season opener11/13/2009 9:12:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State men’s basketball coach Rick Stansbury hopes junior forward Kodi Augustus stays hungry.
Augustus started the first nine games last season before hitting a stretch where he didn’t play in 11 games due to a coaching decision.
During that time, Stansbury was trying to get Augustus to understand the importance of defense.
Augustus started to grasp what Stansbury wanted and his playing time increased late in the season. He averaged 9.8 points and three rebounds per game and hit 6 of 12 3-pointers to help the Bulldogs win the Southeastern Conference tournament. He then had nine points and eight rebounds in a loss to the University of Washington in the opening round of the NCAA tournament.
Starkville builds momentum going into playoffs11/13/2009 9:09:00 AM STARKVILLE — Offensive lineman Jarrod Atterberry likes the future of Starkville High School football.
That doesn’t mean he’s ready for this season to end.
Atterberry believes the Yellow Jackets have momentum going into the Class 6A playoffs after defeating Columbus High 29-28 this past Friday.
MSU's Smith will miss men's opener11/12/2009 9:03:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State freshman guard Shaun Smith continues to have problems with a sore hip and won’t be available when the men’s basketball team opens its season at 8 p.m. Friday against Rider University. O'Briant leads East Webster football team into playoffs11/11/2009 9:06:00 AM MABEN -- Coach Jimmy Carden has had the privilege of coaching several O’Briants at East Webster High School, but said Demetrius might be the toughest.
Carden said all of them have brought something extra to the table while playing for the Wolverines, but Demetrius, a junior running back, doesn’t let his size (5-foot-11, 150 pounds) bother him.
“He’s not a big guy, but has a lot of heart,” Carden said. “He’s pretty much fearless and doesn’t mind sticking his nose in there and getting after it.”
Determination key to win for West Lowndes11/11/2009 9:04:00 AM West Lowndes High School boys basketball coach Herman Peters saw a determined look in the eyes of his players on Tuesday.
Peters knew it would be a tall task for Class 2A West Lowndes to knock off Class 6A Columbus on its court, but in this matchup size didn’t matter.
Peters said the Panthers may not have much height, but they have plenty of heart and that led to a 58-51 victory.
MSU in must-win situation11/10/2009 11:05:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State senior linebacker Jamar Chaney has a “must-win” mentality entering the final month of the regular season.
The Bulldogs (4-5, 2-3 Southeastern Conference) will play host to Alabama at 6 p.m. Saturday, travel to the University of Arkansas on Nov. 21, and play host to the University of Mississippi on Nov. 28. MSU's Broomfield likes potential of secondary11/8/2009 12:20:00 AM STARKVILLE — Corey Broomfield is ready to make history.
As the Mississippi State freshman defensive back walks through the team room, he observes the photos on the wall of former Bulldog greats Walt Harris, Pig Prather, and Fred Smoot.
Broomfield believes the current secondary that includes freshman Johnthan Banks, of East Webster High School in Maben, and sophomore Charles Mitchell can make names for themselves before their careers are done at MSU.
Football recruits excited about Mississippi State11/8/2009 12:17:00 AM Just the mention of “Mississippi State” causes Brandon Hill to smile.
Hill, a linebacker and defensive lineman on the West Lowndes High School football team, is as sure as he ever has been about his commitment to play football for the Bulldogs.
Even though the possibility exists MSU (4-5, 2-3 Southeastern Conference) won’t have a winning season or play in a bowl game this season, Hill believes the Bulldogs have what it takes to reach the postseason.
Columbus, Starkville meet with playoff spot on line11/6/2009 9:19:00 AM Bubba Davis and Bill Lee have playoffs on their minds.
Unfortunately, only one man’s team could get to realize those dreams.
That will be the storyline at 7 tonight when Davis’ Columbus High football team plays host to Lee’s Starkville Yellow Jackets.
Starkville and Columbus enter the game at 3-7, but the Yellow Jackets are 3-3 in Class 6A, Region 1, District 2 and the Falcons are 2-4.
All Starkville has to do is win and it’s in the playoffs.
Sidney's attorney notices progress11/4/2009 8:16:00 AM Attorney Donald Jackson has noticed progress in the case of his client, Renardo Sidney, a Mississippi State freshman basketball player.
Jackson held a meeting in his Montgomery, Ala., office Friday with MSU and NCAA representatives, and believes it could be an important step in getting Sidney eligible for the Bulldogs very soon.
The NCAA has been investigating Sidney’s status as an amateur athlete since MSU signed him in April.
Bazzell hired as Starkville Academy baseball coach11/3/2009 4:03:00 PM Starkville Academy hopes Shane Bazzell can bring some of his state championship magic to its baseball program.
Bazzell, who played baseball at New Hope High School from 1993-98 and helped the Trojans win state titles in 1996 and ’98, was named Monday the new head baseball coach at Starkville Academy.
“He played at one of the best high school programs in the state and has obviously learned the game,” Starkville Academy Athletic Director Glenn Schmidt said. “He has a passion for baseball.”
MSU's Dixon earns SEC honor11/3/2009 3:50:00 PM STARKVILLE — Anthony Dixon still has some unfinished business.
Even after the Mississippi State senior running back had become the school’s all-time leading rusher and then rushed for a new single-game record 252 yards Saturday in a 31-24 victory against the University of Kentucky, there’s more on his mind.
Dixon, who has 3,604 rushing yards, wants to help the Bulldogs make it to a postseason bowl.
To do that, MSU (4-5, 2-3 Southeastern Conference) has to win two of its last three regular-season games, and Dixon wants to win all three.
Victory worth the wait for Winston Academy's Moffitt11/1/2009 12:30:00 AM WEST POINT — It was worth the wait for Winston Academy football team and Rob Moffitt.
Poor weather postponed the Patriots’ matchup against Oak Hill Academy from Friday night to Saturday afternoon.
When the game was finally played, Moffitt had to wait nearly three quarters before he touched the football.
But Winston Academy coach Wyatt Rogers decided to give Moffitt a carry with 26.9 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
Brewer resigns as Starkville Academy baseball coach11/1/2009 12:22:00 AM STARKVILLE — Justin Brewer thought about the opportunity and decided it was too good to pass up.
After putting off Copiah-Lincoln Community College at first when a job as assistant baseball coach came open, Brewer decided to take the job after one season as the head baseball coach at Starkville Academy.
Brewer was also an assistant football coach for the Volunteers. He wrapped up his responsibilities Friday in a 31-14 loss to Pillow Academy.
Washington looks to help MSU beat Kentucky again10/30/2009 9:24:00 AM STARKVILLE — Marcus Washington has pleasant memories of Mississippi State’s game at the University of Kentucky two years ago.
The defensive back had an interception to help the Bulldogs defeat the Wildcats 31-14. The victory helped carry them to a winning season (8-5) and Liberty Bowl berth.
“It’s something I always think about,” Washington said. “I remember that game like it was yesterday. They were a ranked team and had a high-powered offense. We just came in with a mind-set to get the win.”
Bost stronger as MSU set to begin season10/30/2009 9:20:00 AM STARKVILLE — Dee Bost has noticed a change.
As a freshman, Bost averaged more than 31 minutes a game and started all 36 games for the Mississippi State men’s basketball team.
And while he was fourth on the team in scoring at 10.9 points per game, Bost didn’t always like how he felt on the court.
“I used to get pushed around,” Bost said. “(Opponents would) give me a little nudge and throw me off track.”
Opponents will see a different Dee Bost this season thanks to strength and conditioning coach Richard Akins.
MSU basketball team ranked in both polls10/30/2009 9:15:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State’s men’s basketball players and coaches say their focus is between the white lines.
The program has received a lot of attention in the preseason for things that have happened outside those lines.
The Bulldogs learned Thursday they are ranked in the top 20 of both preseason polls (18th by The Associated Press, 19th by the ESPN/USA Today Coaches).
Starkville's Johnson seeks improvement10/30/2009 9:09:00 AM STARKVILLE — Jaquez Johnson understands what he must do to move forward.
The Starkville High School junior quarterback wants to settle down and rely on his teammates more to make plays.
That’s something Johnson doesn’t think he’s done well enough in the past two weeks with five interceptions.
Johnson believes he’s making the right reads, but says he has tried to force some things.
Injuries will affect Kentucky vs. MSU10/29/2009 8:15:00 AM University of Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks knows sophomore Ronnie Sneed can play linebacker.
He just didn’t know he’d have to ask him to prove it this quickly.
With the potential of not having senior All-Southeastern Conference linebacker Micah Johnson available at 6 p.m. Saturday for his team’s game against Mississippi State (Fox SportsNet South), Brooks might turn to Sneed. MSU's Turner returns to Kentucky for game10/28/2009 9:27:00 AM STARKVILLE — David Turner has benefited from relationships established during his coaching career.
One of those relationships helped him earn his first NCAA Division I job as a defensive ends coach at Kentucky in 1993.
The bonds continue to help him as the defensive line coach at Mississippi State.
Turner will return to Lexington, Ky., at 6 p.m. Saturday when Mississippi State plays at the Kentucky Wildcats (FOX SportsNet South).
MSU's Banks honored for efforts10/27/2009 10:42:00 AM STARKVILLE — Johnthan Banks had two teeth removed last week ago, one for each of the interceptions he returned for touchdowns Saturday night in a 29-19 loss to the University of Florida. Turner will add more experience for MSU men10/27/2009 10:41:00 AM STARKVILLE — Junior guard Phil Turner has a reason to feel like one of the elder statesmen of the Mississippi State basketball team.
Turner, who turns 22 today, is considered one of the veterans on the 2009-10 squad. MSU's Mullen criticizes replay official10/26/2009 8:39:00 AM STARKVILLE -- Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen enjoyed watching freshman defensive back Johnthan Banks return two interceptions for touchdowns against the University of Florida Saturday night.
But Mullen didn’t like seeing Florida’s Dustin Doe return an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of Mississippi State’s 29-19 loss at Scott Field.
Mullen said Doe’s touchdown should have never been allowed to stand.
Ole Miss' Kennedy has nice problem at guard position10/26/2009 8:37:00 AM BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — University of Mississippi men’s basketball coach Andy Kennedy has a nice problem.
He has to find places for guards Terrico White, Chris Warren, Eniel Polynice, and Trevor Gaskins to play this season.
Kennedy didn’t have that dilemma last year when Warren, Polynice, and Gaskins all went down with knee injuries and White was the only point guard left.
Alabama men's basketball team turns up the tempo10/26/2009 8:35:00 AM BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The tempo is about to be turned up a notch on the basketball court in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
With Anthony Grant as the new men’s basketball coach at the University of Alabama, the team will play a different style from past years.
Grant developed a reputation for an up-tempo style of play in three seasons as coach at Virginia Commonwealth.
He plans to use the same approach at Alabama, but he knows there will be a transition.
MSU nearly picks off Florida10/25/2009 12:02:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State freshman safety Johnthan Banks wasn’t going to be intimidated Saturday night by the University of Florida.
Even though the Bulldogs lost a 29-19 decision to the No. 2 Gators, Banks showed he belonged on the field.
The former East Webster High School standout intercepted senior quarterback Tim Tebow twice and returned both for touchdowns. He returned the first one 100 yards with 27 seconds remaining in the second quarter to pull MSU (3-5, 1-3 Southeastern Conference) within 13-10 at halftime.
Fans show support of MSU10/24/2009 11:12:00 PM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen asked for it and he got it Saturday night.
Mullen wanted fans to fill Davis Wade Stadium and make it a tough environment when No. 2 University of Florida came to town.
The largest crowd in MSU history of 57,178 looked on as the Bulldogs lost to the Gators 29-19. Varnado poised to set NCAA record for blocks10/24/2009 10:22:00 PM BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Mississippi State men’s basketball coach Rick Stansbury preaches defending and rebounding to his team.
But he has yet to run a shot-blocking drill in practice.
Stansbury discovered early Jarvis Varnado didn’t need it. He already had that skill. SEC excited for another basketball season10/24/2009 10:21:00 PM BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Two things excite Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive about the upcoming basketball season. MSU's Dixon faces challenge against Florida10/23/2009 8:25:00 AM STARKVILLE –– Anthony Dixon doesn’t shy away from a challenge.
That’s just what Mississippi State’s new all-time leading rusher will get against the University of Florida.
Something will have to give at 6:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPN) when one of the nation’s top defenses takes on one of the country’s top rushing attacks.
Dixon expects a “grind it out game,” and that’s the type he likes.
Starkville bids to make up for missed opportunity10/23/2009 8:16:00 AM STARKVILLE — Starkville High School football coach Bill Lee believed his team missed a great opportunity this past Friday.
Lee said all the Yellow Jackets had to do was beat Southaven to make the Class 6A state playoffs.
That didn’t happen as Starkville lost 27-16.
A victory would have made things a lot easier on the Yellow Jackets, but now the playoff picture in Class 6A, Region 1 is clouded.
Mississippi State assistant Hevesy faces former team10/22/2009 8:49:00 AM STARKVILLE -- Mississippi State offensive line coach John Hevesy said going against the University of Florida will be different for him.
When Hevesy left Florida to join Dan Mullen’s staff at Mississippi State he knew it meant one day having to see the players he helped recruit at Florida.
That’s something he has never experienced.
MSU plays host to Florida at 6:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPN) and Hevesy admits it will be a little strange.
Florida's goal is to stay among nation's elite10/22/2009 8:46:00 AM University of Florida head football coach Urban Meyer can tell when his players, assistant coaches and support staff are feeling the pressure.
When a program has won two out of the last three national championships and has been highly ranked over that span, it’s only natural to have an overwhelming desire to hold on to that standing.
That’s the challenge No. 2 Florida (6-0, 4-0 Southeastern Conference) has once again as the Gators travel to play Mississippi State at 6:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPN).
EMCC's Cox, Shelton thrive as teammates10/22/2009 8:44:00 AM Quartney Cox and Avis Shelton are inseparable.
The two offensive linemen have been side by side during their football careers at West Point High School and East Mississippi Community College in Scooba.
They are even roommates at EMCC.
“Everyone thinks we follow each other around,” Shelton said.
With Scooba only being a 40-minute drive from West Point, Shelton and Cox have been able to enjoy their junior college careers and stay close to home.
Mullen, Tebow share special bond10/21/2009 9:18:00 AM Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen and University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow share a special bond.
What began as a relationship between a quarterback and his position coach has become a valued friendship. MSU's Lee respects Florida's Tebow10/21/2009 9:17:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State senior quarterback Tyson Lee, of Columbus, said it will be “an extreme honor” to step onto the same field as University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. Florida might have edge in talent on Mississippi10/20/2009 11:16:00 AM STARKVILLE — It has made for interesting talk around the football locker room at Mississippi State.
There has been a running debate among the Bulldogs about which state, Mississippi or Florida, has the better high school talent. MSU, Varnado get top billing in SEC10/20/2009 11:14:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State men’s basketball coach Rick Stansbury likes his team better now than he did at this time last year.
With the return of five starters from a team that reached the NCAA tournament for the second season in a row, Stansbury is more comfortable this preseason. Hamilton edges East Webster in district matchup10/20/2009 9:46:00 AM MABEN — The mud that collected on the back of Hamilton High School senior receiver Kevin McCartney might have obscured the jersey number so it couldn’t be seen.
That didn’t keep sophomore quarterback Austin Welch from finding McCartney at a critical part of Friday night’s 12-6 victory against East Webster. EMCC quarterback Henderson makes most of start against ICC10/18/2009 12:24:00 AM FULTON — Former Starkville High School quarterback Brad Henderson wondered when he would get another chance to start for the East Mississippi Community College football team.
After getting the nod in the first game of the season against Copiah-Lincoln C.C., Henderson spent the next six games backing up sophomore Randall Mackey.
Mackey hurt a knee and an ankle last week in a victory against Northeast Mississippi C.C., so Henderson knew the chances were pretty good he would get another opportunity.
Shed leads EMCC football team in rushing against ICC10/18/2009 12:22:00 AM FULTON — Former Starkville High School running back Pat Shed is never satisfied.
The East Mississippi Community College sophomore was the leading rusher Saturday with 83 yards on 16 carries in the Lions’ 28-6 victory against Itawamba C.C.
The effort helped Shed increase his season totals to 590 yards on 102 carries, but he believes there’s room for improvement.
EMCC football team has nothing to hide about Footman10/18/2009 12:20:00 AM FULTON — The East Mississippi Community College football team has nothing to hide concerning eligibility issues surrounding punt returner and backup wide receiver British Footman.
As far as the Lions are concerned, questions about Footman never were an issue.
“Not for us,” EMCC coach Buddy Stephens said. “We understood the rules, and if there ever was a question, I promise you we would never risk a season to play one kid.”
Footman played Saturday for the Lions in a 28-6 victory against Itawamba C.C.
Former MSU coach Williams joins staff at Louisiana Tech10/16/2009 9:15:00 AM Louisiana Tech University announced the addition of former Mississippi State men’s basketball coach Richard Williams to its men’s basketball staff.
Williams will be the director of basketball administration and program coordinator on a volunteer basis at Louisiana Tech. He served as the director of basketball operations at UAB in 2008.
During his tenure (1986-98) at MSU, Williams helped coach the Bulldogs to the NCAA Final Four in 1996 and he was chosen Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year twice.
Williams is the second-winningest coach in MSU history with a mark of 191-163.
Starkville's Armstead changes attitude to become better player10/16/2009 9:00:00 AM STARKVILLE — No one can convince Starkville High School senior linebacker Craig Armstead the offseason doesn’t make a difference.
It wasn’t always that way.
Starkville High’s coaches pushed Armstead to get better, but he wasn’t always open to their suggestions.
Frustrated he wasn’t getting the playing time he wanted, Armstead decided to do something about it. He dedicated himself to football in January and he has become the strong arm of the Starkville High defense.
Availability of MSU's Relf remains uncertain for Middle Tennessee game10/16/2009 8:53:00 AM STARKVILLE — The football programs at Mississippi State and Middle Tennessee State have had their share of adversity.
MSU coach Dan Mullen suspended sophomore quarterback Chris Relf for last Saturday’s game against Houston due to an unspecified violation of team policy.
As of Thursday, Relf’s availability for the teams’ game at 11:30 a.m. Saturday (ESPNU) in Murfreesboro, Tenn., remained uncertain.
MSU's Stansbury eager to get practice started10/15/2009 8:10:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State men’s basketball coach Rick Stansbury will return to his comfort zone Friday.
Stansbury, who will begin his 12th season with the Bulldogs, has the most fun when the players and coaches get together for the start of practice. MTSU eager to face SEC foe10/15/2009 8:09:00 AM Middle Tennessee State coach Rick Stockstill likes what his team has accomplished.
Although Stockstill was disappointed MTSU didn’t play better in a 31-7 loss at Troy on Oct. 6, he likes to brag about the Blue Raiders’ 3-2 record. MSU sophomore tight end Marcus Green shows his potential10/14/2009 8:31:00 AM STARKVILLE -- Jamie Jones knows how difficult a matchup sophomore tight end Marcus Green can be for opposing teams.
As a sophomore linebacker at Mississippi State, it’s often Jones’ responsibility in practice to keep an eye on what Green is doing.
Green’s ability to block and go out for a pass keeps Jones and the rest of the Bulldogs on their toes.
Greenan excited to be new women's tennis coach at MSU10/14/2009 8:28:00 AM STARKVILLE -- Radka Ferancova was happy to learn that Mississippi State was bringing women’s tennis coach Daryl Greenan back to the Golden Triangle.
Ferancova believes Greenan has the experience necessary to lead the Lady Bulldogs in the Southeastern Conference and looks forward to playing for him as a senior.
Greenan, who got his first head coaching job at the Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, was an assistant at the University of Alabama for three years (2002-04).
Mullen won't rush MSU's freshmen10/13/2009 10:46:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen isn’t going to play a freshman until he’s ready.
Bulldogs like safety Johnthan Banks, of East Webster High School in Maben, and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox have been good enough to play, and in Banks’ case, start this season.
Quarterback Tyler Russell isn’t ready. Stansbury to get extension10/13/2009 10:44:00 AM STARKVILLE — It appears Mississippi State Athletic Director Greg Byrne will get what he wanted this week for men’s basketball coach Rick Stansbury. MSU's Mullen regrets not challenging penalty10/12/2009 9:43:00 AM STARKVILLE -- Upon further review, Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen admits he made a mistake.
After looking at the film of MSU’s 31-24 loss to Houston on Saturday, Mullen wishes he would have challenged a penalty involving senior quarterback Tyson Lee of Columbus.
Lee was called for an illegal forward pass after officials believed he crossed the line of scrimmage in the third quarter.
The play came on fourth down at a pivotal part of the game as the Bulldogs led 17-14.
Growing pains continue for MSU10/10/2009 11:37:00 PM STARKVILLE — Quarterback Tyson Lee, tailback Anthony Dixon, and linebacker Jamar Chaney don’t have time for growing pains.
At this point of the football season, the Mississippi State seniors don’t have a choice. Freshman Banks gets first start for MSU10/10/2009 11:36:00 PM STARKVILLE — Johnthan Banks doesn’t just want to be a boy among men.
The Mississippi State freshman safety from East Webster High School in Maben wants his play to continue to earn respect from his coaches and teammates. Starkville High's Perkins commits to So. Miss10/10/2009 11:30:00 PM STARKVILLE — Rashad Perkins has worked on every part of his game in the offseason to become a better basketball player for Starkville High School.
He hopes those improvements also will help him at the next level.
On Thursday, Perkins gave a verbal commitment to play basketball at the University of Southern Mississippi. Starkville Academy shows fight against MRA10/10/2009 11:26:00 PM STARKVILLE — Kyle Henson had to make a decision at halftime.
Trailing 34-0 to Madison-Ridgeland Academy at the intermission, the Starkville Academy junior quarterback and his teammates had to find a source of motivation. Rogers goes the extra mile for Starkville football team10/9/2009 9:24:00 AM STARKVILLE — Justin Rogers never knows where he might line up.
Whether at defensive back on defense, or at wide receiver, running back or quarterback on offense, the Starkville High School senior is ready to contribute.
With a roster of only 58 players, Rogers knows he has to go the extra mile for the Yellow Jackets.
Brooks emotional to see Caledonia volleyball team's season end10/9/2009 9:16:00 AM CALEDONIA — Caledonia High School volleyball coach Samantha Brooks came to the school three years ago and got attached to a group of sophomores.
When the Lady Confederates saw their season come to an end Thursday night in the second round of the Mississippi High School Association Class I State tournament, Brooks had a right to be a little emotional.
Brooks hated to see the careers of seniors Shaina Cruse, Kori Hankins, Stephanie Hopper, Whitney Pounders, Sunnie Rushing, and Kara Von Kanel end in a 3-1 loss to Lafayette, but Brooks was proud they went out after a run deep into the playoffs.
MSU's Cooper has chip on shoulder for Houston game10/9/2009 9:04:00 AM STARKVILLE –– Brandon Cooper can’t help but think back to his high school days when he visited Mississippi State strength coach Matt Balis.
While at Fort Bend Marshall High School in Missouri City, Texas, Cooper participated at the University of Houston combine and bench pressed 275 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.8 seconds.
Cooper, a junior defensive lineman at MSU, is anxious to show the University of Houston what it missed by not seriously recruiting him when the teams meet at 11:30 a.m. Saturday (ESPNU).
Keenum directs Houston's passing attack10/8/2009 10:25:00 AM It’s not the passing attempts, pass completions, yards, or touchdowns passes that mean the most to University of Houston quarterback Case Keenum.
When the game is over, the only numbers that concern Keenum are the ones on the scoreboard. Mississippi State's Dixon overcome adversity10/7/2009 11:15:00 AM STARKVILLE — Anthony Dixon is about to become Mississippi State’s all-time leading rusher.
The journey to that top spot has been bumpy.
In the offseason, the senior tailback was arrested for DUI. He fulfilled unspecified punishment from the team and served a one-game suspension in the season opener against Jackson State.
Now, Dixon has to bounce back from a game where he fumbled twice in a 42-31 loss to Georgia Tech.
Mullen wants offense to find rhythm early10/6/2009 11:21:00 AM STARKVILLE — The rhythm of the Famous Maroon Band’s drum section doesn’t catch the attention of Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen most on game day.
When Mullen talks about rhythm he’s referring to the offense, especially early in games. MSU lineman Smith sees first game of career10/5/2009 3:59:00 PM Amory beats Caledonia for first victory10/5/2009 2:56:00 PM AMORY — Forest Williams used something Friday night he didn’t know he had.
When the Amory High School sophomore quarterback broke through the line of scrimmage in the third quarter, he outran the Caledonia High School defense on his way to a 55-yard touchdown. Passing defense concerns Mississippi State's Mullen10/5/2009 9:12:00 AM STARKVILLE -- Georgia Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt isn’t known for his passing ability.
Yet Nesbitt torched the Mississippi State secondary for 266 yards in leading the Yellow Jackets to a 42-31 victory Saturday night.
Case Keenum, the signal caller at the University of Houston, does have a reputation for throwing the football with success.
On Saturday, Keenum was 51 of 76 for 536 yards and five touchdowns in Houston’s 58-41 loss to Texas-El Paso.
MSU baseball team postpones fall practice for a week10/5/2009 9:10:00 AM STARKVILLE -- Mississippi State was supposed to begin fall baseball practice Friday.
The mounds of dirt and the absence of sod at Dudy Noble Field altered those plans.
As of Thursday, the work to cover the new and improved drainage and irrigation system at the home field of the Bulldogs hadn’t been completed.
Rain motivates Starkville High School football team10/2/2009 7:50:00 AM STARKVILLE — Some high school football teams hate to practice in the rain.
But the poor weather last week motivated the Starkville High School football team.
Junior linebacker D.J. Jordan said it was hard to explain, but when it started raining the Yellow Jackets worked harder.
“It hyped us up,” Jordan said. “We knew it was going to be wet on Friday, so we just went out and got the job done.”
MSU's Chaney hopes to make a difference against Georgia Tech10/2/2009 7:41:00 AM Mississippi State linebacker Jamar Chaney watched helplessly in Starkville last season as Georgia Tech’s triple-option offense dominated the Bulldogs.
Chaney was recovering from a broken leg and didn’t make the trip to Atlanta for MSU’s 38-7 loss.
Things got so bad for the Bulldogs, who surrendered 438 yards rushing, that Chaney turned off the television at halftime.
Mullen incorporated option lessons from Ga. Tech10/1/2009 10:01:00 AM Georgia Tech doesn’t have a monopoly on the option offense.
There are times when Mississippi State uses the scheme in its spread offense. Nesbitt leads Georgia tech with toughness, courage10/1/2009 10:00:00 AM It’s not all about the option game for Georgia Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt.
Although he’s a key in what the Yellow Jackets try to do running the triple option primarily out of the wishbone, opponents also know Nesbitt can throw the football. MSU's Berry is a hit on and off the field9/30/2009 8:06:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State senior quarterback Tyson Lee is glad junior wide receiver Leon Berry joined the Bulldogs.
On the field, Berry is a go-to player in coach Dan Mullen’s spread offense.
Berry is equally valuable off the field because he can grill a pretty good steak.
Lee has dined at Berry’s house and said his steaks are the best he has had in a while.
Sidney's attorney takes fight to Capitol Hill9/30/2009 7:53:00 AM Donald Jackson, the attorney for Mississippi State men’s basketball signee Renardo Sidney, has taken his fight to Capitol Hill.
In an attempt to get his client eligible to play for the Bulldogs, Jackson has requested intervention from the United State’s House of Representatives and Senate to investigate a pattern of racially selective conduct by the NCAA Enforcement Staff and Eligibility Center.
Those concerns have been raised as Jackson attempts to clear up Sidney’s status as an amateur athlete.
MSU still trying to find its passing rhythm9/29/2009 10:51:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen is still trying to get his team’s passing game where it needs to be after four games.
Through spring practice, offseason workouts, preseason drills and four regular-season games in Mullen’s spread offense, the Bulldogs have yet to click on all cylinders. Close isn't good enough for Mississippi State's Mullen9/28/2009 7:50:00 AM STARKVILLE -- There’s no silver-lining in a loss for Dan Mullen.
Mississippi State’s football coach didn’t see anything as a positive coming out of Saturday’s 30-26 loss to seventh-ranked LSU.
“We didn’t win the game and the most important thing is to win the game for us in the end,” Mullen said on his Sunday teleconference. “We’ve preached competition since the first day, but there’s a winner and a loser. There’s really good things that happen to winners and nothing good happens when you don’t win.”
LSU denies MSU9/26/2009 10:12:00 PM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State was six inches away from scoring a go-ahead touchdown against the No. 7 team in the country.
With 1 minute, 8 seconds left in Saturday’s game against the LSU Tigers, the Bulldogs were turned away. Dixon moving up rushing lists9/26/2009 10:11:00 PM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State senior tailback Anthony Dixon continues to add records to his resume.
Dixon scored 12 points on a pair of touchdown runs Saturday in a 30-26 loss to No. 7 LSU to become the school’s all-time scoring leader with 222 points. He also extended his school record with 33 career touchdowns. Presbyterian Christian defeats Heritage Academy9/26/2009 10:08:00 PM Presbyterian Christian quarterback David Roberts likes to throw the football.
But Roberts knew Friday night that the field conditions at Heritage Academy’s C.L. Mitchell Field in Columbus would make that difficult.
Roberts completed only 4 of 10 attempts, but he made up for it with his legs, rushing 13 times for 69 yards to help the Bobcats earn a 20-7 victory on the Patriots’ homecoming. Starkville football team begins district play without Tillery9/25/2009 8:00:00 AM STARKVILLE — It still could be a couple of weeks or more before wide receiver Chuck Tillery returns from a broken leg to help Starkville High School football tam’s offense.
Until then, the Yellow Jackets will enter the Class 6A, Region 1, District 2 schedule without him.
Starkville High coach Bill Lee said players like Dennis Thompson, Justin Rogers, Perez Young, and Martavius Foster will have to emerge for tonight’s home game against Desoto Central (7).
Despite an 0-4 start, Lee still sees hope as division play begins.
MSU focuses on stopping LSU's running game9/25/2009 7:44:00 AM The numbers say LSU’s running game is 10th in the Southeastern Conference.
Mississippi State’s defensive players see something different on film.
The Bulldogs are preparing like they are about to face one of the conference’s best running teams. One of their goals is to hold the Tigers below their 163.7 yards per game average when the teams meet at 11:21 a.m. Saturday (WCBI-TV) in a Southeastern Conference game in Starkville.
Mississippi State schedules Southern Miss in football9/25/2009 7:43:00 AM Mississippi State stresses the importance of scheduling in-state schools in football.
MSU took a huge step in that direction Thursday morning by signing a contract to play Southern Miss.
The schools held a press conference at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in Jackson to announce plans to play each other to kick off the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
USM, MSU expected to renew football rivalry9/24/2009 11:10:00 AM STARKVILLE — A press conference to announce details of a football series between Mississippi State and Southern Miss was scheduled for noon today at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in Jackson
MSU President Dr. Mark Keenum and Athletic Director Greg Byrne were expected to be joined by USM President Martha Saunders and Athletic Director Richard Giannini. Former Amory High standout Johnson working hard at LSU9/24/2009 11:05:00 AM Dennis Johnson is out a dream.
The former Amory High School defensive lineman could have remained at Itawamba Community College to complete his two years of eligibility, but he saw the opportunity to be a part of the LSU football program. McPhee, Hutchins play key roles for Bulldogs9/22/2009 9:19:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen had one priority when he was hired.
Not long after Mullen took the MSU job on Dec. 10, 2008, he visited defensive lineman Pernell McPhee and punter Heath Hutchins at Itawamba Community College. Brauchle finds range as MSU's placekicker9/21/2009 8:48:00 AM STARKVILLE –– Sean Brauchle is finding his range at Mississippi State.
The confidence for the placekicker is rising as he makes field goals for the Bulldogs.
In Saturday’s 15-3 victory against Vanderbilt, Brauchle made three field goals and he’s starting to make them from long distances..
Brauchle, a transfer from Itawamba Community College, made field goals from 44 and 27 yards in the second quarter and a season-long of 49 yards in the third to give MSU a 9-3 lead.
Defense rebounds to help MSU beat Vanderbilt9/19/2009 11:40:00 PM NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Mississippi State football team’s defense wasn’t going to let the play of the offense and special teams go to waste Saturday night against Vanderbilt University.
After not taking advantage of a blocked punt return for a touchdown by Robert Elliott last week in a loss to Auburn, the Bulldogs were again put in a position to win with solid special teams play and timely offense. Lee's touchdown provides needed cushion9/19/2009 11:35:00 PM NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tyson Lee picked a good time to score the second rushing touchdown of his Mississippi State career.
With the Bulldogs clinging to a 9-3 lead late in the fourth quarter, the senior quarterback from Columbus broke loose on a keeper and scored from 22 yards.
The run on fourth-and-1 provided the finishing touches on MSU’s 15-3 victory against Vanderbilt on Saturday night. Noxubee County to be tested again by larger school9/19/2009 9:52:00 PM The defending Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A state champions have survived every test this season against teamss that are in higher classifications.
The Noxubee County High School football team will get another chance to extend that streak at 7:30 tonight against Class 5A West Point High School.
The Tigers (4-0) have swept Class 6A schools Starkville, Columbus, Jackson Murrah, and Greenville-Weston.
MSU's Smith well aware of Vanderbilt's Smith9/18/2009 7:38:00 AM Zach Smith knows about the potential of Vanderbilt quarterback Larry Smith.
The Mississippi State junior safety became familiar with Larry Smith during preparation for the Alabama High School Athletic Association All-Star Game in 2005. They also spent time together attending high school football camps in Alabama and became friends.
Zach played at Susan Moore High School in Altoona, Ala., while Larry Smith prepped at Prattville (Ala.) High.
Recruiting remains crucial for Bulldogs9/17/2009 11:58:00 AM Dan Mullen has a plan to build the Mississippi State football program into a winner.
The first-year coach said successful recruiting will help the Bulldogs implement that plan and help them return to postseason bowl games, something they have done once (Liberty Bowl, 2007) in the past five years. Vanderbilt has depth in backfield9/17/2009 11:53:00 AM Southeastern Conference teams know depth in the backfield is crucial.
Vanderbilt University is glad to have it.
With senior running back Jared Hawkins still unable to do very much in practice with a foot injury, freshmen Zac Stacy and Warren Norman and junior Kennard Reeves have emerged for the Commodores. Recommendation made to extend contracts of Cohen, Stansbury9/16/2009 8:21:00 AM STARKVILLE — Greg Byrne understands the importance of recruiting for his head coaches.
That’s why the Mississippi State Athletic Director believes in keeping coaches’ financial contracts at four years.
Byrne has recommended that the contracts of basketball coach Rick Stansbury and baseball coach John Cohen be extended through June 30, 2013. The item on the College Board of Education’s agenda this week still has Stansbury’s contract through June 30, 2012, but Byrne expects it to be extended.
Hollivay, Outlaw contribute at North Texas9/16/2009 8:18:00 AM University of North Texas football coach Todd Dodge doesn’t mind going after Mississippi junior college talent.
Dodge intends to do plenty of more recruiting there if it means his program will get players like senior offensive guard Gabe Hollivay, who was a standout at Hamilton High School, and junior wide receiver Michael Outlaw, of Starkville.
Hollivay transferred from Itawamba Community College, while Outlaw transferred from East Mississippi C.C.
Mullen cautious in how he uses Bonner's talents9/16/2009 8:10:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State appreciates Wade Bonner’s effort.
The Bulldogs just want to make sure the sophomore doesn’t get overworked.
Not only does Bonner back up Zach Smith at free safety, he also helps out on special teams.
Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen likes Bonner’s versatility, but doesn’t want to use him too much.
MSU says its defense will get better9/15/2009 11:39:00 AM STARKVILLE — Charles Mitchell gave a statement on behalf of the Mississippi State defense Monday.
Coming off a 49-24 loss to Auburn University on Saturday, Mitchell expects the Bulldogs to play better. Mississippi State's Benock sidelined with ankle injury9/14/2009 8:29:00 AM STARKVILLE -- The Mississippi State basketball program has had another preseason blow due to injury at the guard position.
After sophomore point guard Twany Beckham was lost for the season because of hip surgery in August, it was confirmed by MSU team spokesman Gregg Ellis last week that junior guard Riley Benock will miss up to six weeks following a procedure to repair a stress fracture in his right ankle.
Benock, who averaged 2.3 points and 11.4 minutes per game last season, may be recovered enough in time to join the Bulldogs for practice by late October.
Mississippi State football team ready to move on9/14/2009 8:26:00 AM STARKVILLE –– Mississippi State receiver Leon Berry knows he and his teammates need to have short memories.
With another road game coming up for Mississippi State on Saturday at Vanderbilt, Berry said the Bulldogs need to put a 49-24 loss to Auburn behind them quickly.
“We have to forget about this,” Berry said. “We have to get a win (at Vanderbilt).”
Loss doesn't diminish MSU's hopes for season9/12/2009 11:38:00 PM AUBURN, Ala. — One loss shouldn’t keep Mississippi State from reaching its goal, according to senior running back Anthony Dixon.
Dixon, who returned from a one-game suspension, to lead the Bulldogs with 92 yards on 20 carries, still has hopes for this season despite a 49-24 loss to Auburn University on Saturday night.
“We are still trying to get to the Southeastern Conference championship game this year,” Dixon said. “Today didn’t change that. We are going to come up with a new plan for next week.”
MSU unable to keep up with Auburn9/12/2009 11:35:00 PM AUBURN, Ala. — It didn’t matter whether it was on the ground or in the air.
Mississippi State had no answer for the Auburn University offense Saturday night.
After only allowing 194 yards to Jackson State in the season opener, the Bulldogs gave up 589 yards to Auburn in a 49-24 loss in front of 85,269 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
MSU coach Dan Mullen was bothered by an effort that resulted in the Tigers getting 199 yards passing and 390 rushing.
Morgan brothers on opposite sidelines of Starkville, West Point rivalry9/11/2009 9:01:00 AM The matchup between the Starkville and West Point High School football teams pits friend against friend, neighbor against neighbor, and brother against brother.
That will be the case at 7:30 tonight when Starkville offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Rob Morgan and West Point wide receiver coach Brett Morgan stand on opposite sidelines.
Brett, who has been on the Green Wave staff since January, anticipates a fun night and hopes to enjoy it more than his big brother.
Dixon returns to give added boost to Mississippi State backfield9/11/2009 8:46:00 AM Greg Knox has plenty of weapons at Mississippi State.
As the running backs coach, Knox has a reason to smile with three seniors and one sophomore at his position.
“We’ve got good depth at running back,” Knox said. “Our talent is good there. We try to use all of those guys because they can do different things.”
Knox, who was an assistant coach at Auburn University from 1999-2008, said production from the running backs will be key Saturday when MSU takes on Auburn at 6 p.m. (FOX Sports Net South) at Auburn.
Mullen recalls spread origins9/10/2009 11:11:00 AM STARKVILLE — Dan Mullen finds it interesting that the spread offense has caught on across the country.
The Mississippi State football coach has watched as numerous high schools, colleges, and nearly every NFL team has adopted an offense he discovered when he was a graduate assistant at Notre Dame in 1999. Chizik: Auburn needs to be crisper9/10/2009 11:09:00 AM Like Dan Mullen at Mississippi State, Auburn University football coach Gene Chizik sees room for improvement for his team from week one.
Chizik doesn’t know if the Tigers are ready to enter a Southeastern Conference game yet, but he’s anxious to find out how they play against the Bulldogs. Former Starkville High standout Macon to coach tonight vs. ICC9/10/2009 11:06:00 AM STARKVILLE — It doesn’t surprise Chuck Friend or Bracky Brett that Travis Macon went into coaching.
While Friend and Brett were coaching at Starkville High School, they got to watch Macon mature as a football player. Mississippi State's Relf getting his opportunity9/9/2009 7:48:00 AM
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State’s football program can be thankful for a high school field trip.
Otherwise, Mississippi State might not have been able to sign quarterback Chris Relf.
Relf grew up in Montgomery, Ala., a fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
He grew up 45 minutes away from Auburn, but the Tigers never recruited Relf.
MSU football team addresses issues returning to work on Labor Day9/8/2009 10:11:00 AM STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State football team went back to business on Labor Day.
Following a 45-7 victory against the Jackson State on Saturday, the Bulldogs practiced for one hour Monday morning.
Even though it was considered a light day, practicing only in helmets, the Bulldogs addressed several areas.
Mississippi State's Bumphis displays potential when healthy9/6/2009 6:19:00 PM STARKVILLE -- There were times all Mississippi State freshman wide receiver Chad Bumphis could do in preseason practice was jog.
With a sprained foot, Bumphis wasn’t able to go full speed.
But Bumphis was healthy and ready to go for the Bulldogs on Saturday.
He showed Mississippi State coaches and fans what could be in store for the future with a pair of touchdown receptions in a 45-7 victory against Jackson State.
Relf's running key in MSU's win vs. JSU9/5/2009 11:15:00 PM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen likes the dimension sophomore quarterback Chris Relf’s running ability gives the spread offense.
That’s why Mullen had no problem calling a running play for Relf at a critical moment of the first half of Saturday’s game against Jackson State. Mullen suspends Dixon for Jackson State game9/5/2009 11:14:00 PM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State played Jackson State without senior running back Anthony Dixon on Saturday.
Dixon served a one-game suspension as part of discipline for his arrest on a driving under the influence charge in July. He pled guilty in August to avoid a court date. Swedenburg, Heritage Academy beat Starkville Academy9/5/2009 11:11:00 PM Heritage Academy football coach Brad Butler trusts senior quarterback Will Swedenburg.
That trust was rewarded Friday night as Swedenburg ran an efficient offense and rushed for two touchdowns in the second quarter in a 46-23 victory against Starkville Academy at C.L. Mitchell Field. Meridian's Weems respects Starkville's history, potential9/4/2009 9:03:00 AM Meridian High School coach Larry Weems believes he could use the services of quarterback Tyler Russell and wide receiver Chris Smith in Starkville tonight.
Although that’s not possible, that’s how much respect Weems has for the Yellow Jackets.
Russell and Smith, two Mississippi State freshmen, told Weems they would be available if needed at 7:30 tonight when Meridian plays Starkville. MSU plays host to Jackson State on Saturday.
MSU's Lee, Relf develop bond in sharing quarterback role9/4/2009 8:29:00 AM STARKVILLE — There doesn’t appear to be a quarterback controversy between Mississippi State’s Tyson Lee, of Columbus, and Chris Relf.
That doesn’t mean there’s not competition.
Lee, the senior who started for the Bulldogs last season, and Relf, the sophomore, have worked in the spring and into fall camp to see who will get the most playing time in coach Dan Mullen’s spread offense.
MSU's Mullen makes debut in historic game against Jackson State9/4/2009 8:24:00 AM It will be a game of firsts at 2:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPNU) when Mississippi State plays host to Jackson State.
From a historical factor, the matchup is the first in football between teams from the Southeastern and Southwestern Athletic conferences.
It also is the beginning of the coach Dan Mullen era at Mississippi State.
Mullen said those two things add to the anticipation as kickoff nears.
MSU's Dixon's status for Jackson State game still uncertain9/2/2009 10:01:00 AM STARKVILLE -- Mississippi State senior tailback Anthony Dixon skipped out to the practice field Tuesday afternoon and yelled out “let’s go.”
The question remains, will Dixon be allowed to go for the Bulldogs on Saturday?
It appears more and more that Dixon’s status will be a gametime decision for MSU football coach Dan Mullen.
Game hits close to home for Mississippi State's Jenkins9/2/2009 9:57:00 AM STARKVILLE -- By growing up only 10-15 minutes away from the Jackson State campus, it would have been easy for Mississippi State senior offensive guard Craig Jenkins to stay home to play college football.
It was also tempting because Jenkins had two cousins and two aunts go to school at Jackson State.
On top of that, many of his friends from Pearl High School are in school at Jackson State.
Mississippi State enters season inexperienced in the secondary9/2/2009 9:53:00 AM STARKVILLE -- Mississippi State’s secondary did a decent job against the pass last season.
The unit ranked fourth in the Southeastern Conference and 17th in the country in pass defense, only allowing 176.6 yards per game.
The Bulldogs had a veteran presence in the secondary with the safety trio of Derek Pegues, Keith Fitzhugh and De’mon Glanton, and cornerback Jasper O’Quinn.
The problem for MSU is they were all seniors last season.
Senior cornerback Marcus Washington is MSU’s most experienced returning player in the secondary with 19 career starts. The rest of the unit has a grand total of two starts. Both of those belong to junior safety Zach Smith.
Offensive line will play key role in spread9/1/2009 11:54:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State sophomore offensive guard Quentin Saulsberry knows it will be important for the Bulldogs to establish a running game this season.
Even though MSU is set to run a spread offense with coach Dan Mullen, Saulsberry said that doesn’t mean there will be more pass than run. Mullen doesn't commit to a QB9/1/2009 11:53:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen isn’t releasing details on two key issues about his team as he enters his first game week.
Mullen has chosen not to discuss what, if any, suspension he plans for senior running back Anthony Dixon. Byrne says MSU will consider scheduling other state schools9/1/2009 11:52:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State has looked into the possibility of playing in-state schools more often as its athletic department looks for ways to make trips closer to home and to save money.
MSU Athletic Director Greg Byrne said Monday the school is open to playing opponents in Mississippi as long as it fits what it’s trying to do competitively and financially and the game meets its scheduling philosophy. MSU's Varnado taken to hospital9/1/2009 11:50:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State basketball team spokesman Gregg Ellis said Monday that All-Southeastern Conference forward Jarvis Varnado became ill during an individual workout and was taken to the hospital.
Varnado first went to the Oktibbeha County Hospital for evaluation. He then was sent to the Northeast Mississippi Medical Center for further tests as a precautionary measure. Mississippi State defensive line shows improvement8/31/2009 10:37:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State defensive coordinator Carl Torbush believes the defensive line is the most improved part of his unit.
The Bulldogs struggled in that area last season, especially when it came to stopping the run.
MSU’s defense allowed opponents to rush for an average of 150.9 yards per game last year, which was 11th out of the 12 programs in the Southeastern Conference.
Noxubee County Tigers run past Columbus8/29/2009 11:49:00 PM MACON — Noxubee County High School football coach M.C. Miller still has some offensive weapons to put on the field while quarterback/wide receiver/free safety Vincent Sanders recovers from a fractured jaw.
Running backs Patreon Hopkins and Jontae Skinner each scored a touchdown Friday night to help the defending Class 4A state champions beat Columbus 23-12.
The Tigers (2-0) prefer the passing game, but Miller has no problem going to the running game while sophomore quarterback Jared Johnson gets used to the system.
Webb realizes MSU is his true calling8/29/2009 11:33:00 PM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State junior tight end Thomas Webb knows about homesickness.
After graduating from Starkville High School in 2005, Webb saw an opportunity to leave home and play for coach Jeff Bower at Southern Mississippi.
Webb had an offer to attend MSU, but he didn’t think it was the right thing to do and was ready to leave town.
Sherrill's latest appearance won't affect Bulldogs8/27/2009 1:14:00 PM STARKVILLE — The presence of former Mississippi State football coach Jackie Sherrill at last Saturday’s closed scrimmage didn’t violate any of the parameters set forth in the self-imposed penalties for an incident that occurred during spring practice. Starkville Soccer Association suffers dropoff8/26/2009 9:32:00 AM STARKVILLE — Registration for the Starkville Soccer Association season has just concluded and president Richard Stubbs said participants and sponsorships are down this year.
Stubbs believes parents are feeling the pain of a struggling economy despite possible signs of improvement.
He said cutting back on physical fitness, especially with children, is the wrong thing to do.
MSU's Mullen notices areas of concern8/26/2009 9:18:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen was a little more demanding on the first practice of the week since the team’s scrimmage Saturday.
That’s because he noticed several things to work on.
“We’ve got a long way to go,” Mullen said. “We’ve got to get a lot better and clean up a lot with all of the phases the next couple of days, so everything looks cleaner for game week.”
Turnovers and allowing big plays on defense bothered Mullen the most in the scrimmage.
MSU unveils $11.2M basketball practice facility8/25/2009 12:35:00 PM STARKVILLE — Paul “Buzzy” Mize of the Henry Mize Foundation said the Humphrey Coliseum is getting a front door.
That door that door will give the Mississippi State men’s and women’s basketball teams a new opportunity to improve their programs.
The Mize Foundation has provided the lead gift of $4 million toward plans for a $11.2 million indoor basketball practice facility that were announced Monday afternoon. Students buy record number of MSU football tickets8/25/2009 12:34:00 PM STARKVILLE — The anticipation surrounding the Mississippi State football season generated a lot of positive energy Monday as students purchased a single-day record of more than 7,000 season tickets.
MSU football coach Dan Mullen, who visited several student organizations to promote the program, was pleased to hear about the response. Varnado hopes to put lessons learned to use8/25/2009 12:32:00 PM STARKVILLE — Back from helping Team USA win the bronze medal in July at the World University Games, Mississippi State senior center Jarvis Varnado is ready to focus on the upcoming season.
Varnado is excited about what the Bulldogs can accomplish, especially with high-profiled signees like Renardo Sidney and John Riek. Felker: Bulldogs will be better than people believe8/25/2009 12:31:00 PM STARKVILLE — With a new head coach and a new spread offense in the works, the Mississippi State football team this season has the potential to surprise some people, assistant coach Rockey Felker told the Starkville Rotary Club Monday afternoon. Blocked PATs help Columbus edge Aberdeen8/23/2009 12:42:00 AM Columbus High School junior defensive lineman Ian Williams was thankful to be in the right place at the right time.
Even though it took a while to determine who blocked the extra point that enabled Columbus beat Aberdeen 27-26 in double overtime Friday night, Williams was glad he could be a difference maker. Delta State coach observes talent at softball tournament8/22/2009 11:33:00 PM STARKVILLE — It wasn’t really all about winning Saturday at the Starkville Sportsplex softball fields.
Although scores were kept, the main purpose of the sixth-annual College Exposure Tournament was to showcase the talent of the 14 Mississippi Association of Independent School teams participating.
The tournament was directed by the Delta State softball team, and it gave coach Kasey Charles and her staff a front-row seat to watch potential recruits.
Mississippi State's Beckham will miss season8/22/2009 11:31:00 PM STARKVILLE -- Mississippi State basketball team spokesman Gregg Ellis confirmed Saturday morning that sophomore backup point guard Twany Beckham plans to have hip surgery and will be out for the season.
“He’s got bone spurs in both hips and will have surgery in a couple of weeks,” Ellis said.
Beckham, who was experiencing chronic pain because of the condition, will have surgery on one side, then undergo several months of rehabilitation before having the same procedure done on the other side.
Mississippi State's Roberts getting a chance8/22/2009 11:29:00 PM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State junior wide receiver Kyle Roberts likes to be in game-like situations in scrimmages.
That’s because it gives the former East Oktibbeha and East Mississippi Community College player more chances to impress his coaches.
Roberts believes he continues to make strides since walking on to the program in the spring. He said he hopes to continue to take advantage of every opportunity afforded to him.
Rain doesn't deter Bulldogs8/21/2009 9:27:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen didn’t let a little bit of rain Thursday night chase his Bulldogs inside the Palmeiro Center.
The rain didn’t become a factor.
A heavy afternoon downpour turned into a steady rain by evening an then all but ended before practice began. Public, private schools schedule games to reduce travel8/21/2009 9:25:00 AM High school football programs are looking for ways to deal with the struggling economy.
So when teams can schedule non-conference games close to home that’s what they’re going to do.
That’s the main reason Immanuel Christian of Columbus will play host to Hatley High School, while Ackerman High School will travel to Starkville Academy. Documents could impact investigation of Sidney8/21/2009 9:22:00 AM A judge’s ruling Thursday that NCAA documents in an infractions case against Florida State are public records under state law could impact the investigation into Mississippi State basketball signee Renardo Sidney. MSU football begins polishing process8/21/2009 9:10:00 AM STARKVILLE — The installation of the spread offense is complete at Mississippi State.
Now, the cleaning process begins. Varnado will give back basketball scholarship8/21/2009 9:09:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State center Jarvis Varnado and his family have agreed to pay his way for his senior season of basketball.
By giving up his scholarship, Varnado makes it easier for the Bulldogs to fit 14 players into the 13 scholarship limit mandated by the NCAA. Mississippi State students welcomed back to campus with pep rally8/18/2009 9:26:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State students were welcomed back to campus Monday afternoon with the season’s first pep rally at the drill field.
A gathering of several hundred students listened to MSU President Mark Keenum, Starkville mayor Parker Wiseman, and MSU football coach Dan Mullen speak in a steady drizzle.
The MSU cheerleaders and band also were present to help energize the crowd.
Powers to return for senior baseball season at Mississippi State8/18/2009 9:23:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State baseball coach John Cohen has been optimistic about his chances of having first baseman Connor Powers in the middle of his lineup in 2010.
On Monday, those hopes were realized as Powers announced he will return to Mississippi State for his senior season.
“I’m excited about it and think it was the right decision,” Powers said. “With all factors included, I think, without a doubt, it was the right thing to do.”
Sidney cleared to enroll in school at Mississippi State8/18/2009 9:21:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State men’s basketball signee Renardo Sidney is one step closer to being able to get on the court with the Bulldogs.
The NCAA Eligibility Center on Monday cleared Sidney academically, which allowed him to enroll in fall classes.
Although the issues with his status as an amateur remain unresolved, Sidney can participate in preseason individual and conditioning workouts with the team.
MSU's Dixon avoids court after entering guilty plea8/18/2009 9:18:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State senior running back Anthony Dixon pled guilty last week driving under the influence.
The plea was entered by his attorney Jay Perry so Dixon could avoid Monday’s court date at Starkville Municipal Court.
It remains unclear what punishment MSU coach Dan Mullen has decided to impose on Dixon, who was arrested July 18 in Starkville.
Dixon, who was fined $500, was charged with driving under the influence, careless driving, and not having proof of insurance.
Changes made to landscape at MSU's Dudy Noble Field8/15/2009 11:02:00 PM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State baseball coach John Cohen knew poor field conditions were going to prevent the Bulldogs from playing games last season.
The lack of adequate drainage at Dudy Noble Field after inclement weather led to the cancellation of the final game of the Nicholls State series March 1, the Mississippi Valley State game March 31, and the middle game of the Alabama series May 2.
Cohen believes the renovations to the baseball field will help improve the team’s chances of playing all its home games every year.
Starkville Quarterback Club gears up for its 44th season8/15/2009 11:01:00 PM STARKVILLE — Starkville Quarterback Club President Larry Graves is excited about the prospects for a good year.
The club, which promotes Mississippi State football throughout the season, begins its 44th season of meetings Sept. 3.
Meetings are held on each Thursday night during the season at the Starkville Country Club on Montgomery Street. A social hour begins at 6 p.m. The meal, announcement of door prizes, and speakers starts at 7 p.m.
MSU's Mullen hates to see two-a-days come to an end8/15/2009 10:59:00 PM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen hates to see the last week of two-a-day practice sessions end.
Mullen liked the home-away-from-home setting at the intramural fields across campus and wished he had more time there.
“The players came out and battled,” Mullen said. “They came out with the right attitude. There were really hard practices Saturday.”
With the start of classes Monday, the Bulldogs will return to the team practice fields Tuesday. The team is scheduled to hold meetings, to have brunch, to visit the team chapel, to watch film and to lift weights today.
Starkville football team doesn't show much in scrimmage8/14/2009 9:08:00 AM STARKVILLE — The Starkville High School football team showed its fans Thursday night what it can do in a one-hour scrimmage.
The scrimmage was part of “Meet the Players Night,” and Starkville High football coach Bill Lee was careful not to show too much because Noxubee County coach M.C. Miller was one of several coaches at the game.
The Yellow Jackets will take on the defending Class 4A state champions Aug. 21 in Macon.
Mississippi State quarterbacks dead even8/14/2009 9:00:00 AM STARKVILLE — Nothing Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen saw Thursday in the team’s first full scrimmage of the season gave one quarterback an edge.
After observing the two-hour scrimmage, Mullen said senior Tyson Lee, of Columbus, and sophomore Chris Relf are “dead even.”
Mullen went on to say it probably would be a three-man race if freshman Tyler Russell had enrolled at MSU in January and would have participated in spring practice.
Positions up for grabs on Mississippi State football team8/11/2009 9:11:00 AM STARKVILLE –– Mississippi State entered the second week of preseason football practice Monday and none of the players are confident enough to say they have earned a starting position.
Senior quarterback Tyson Lee, of Columbus, said there’s competition at every position, which is just the way coach Dan Mullen wants it.
“It’s wide open on offense and defense,” Lee said. “Coach continues to stress that. Whoever wants the job, that’s who he is going to give it to.”
Haynes pitches Starkville Academy softball team to tournament title8/9/2009 12:12:00 AM STARKVILLE -- Before wrapping her arm in ice after pitching four games on Saturday, Starkville Academy’s Lyndsey Haynes got to wrap her hands on a championship trophy.
The Lady Volunteers remained in the winner’s bracket throughout and won the Starkville Invitational Tournament for the first time. The event was held at the Mississippi State Recreation Complex.
Starkville Academy (8-1) defeated Winston Academy 6-3, Central Academy 8-7 and Pillow Academy 8-0 and 5-4 in eight innings to claim the title.
Mississippi State's Humphrey Coliseum undergoes renovations8/9/2009 12:07:00 AM STARKVILLE — The Humphrey Coliseum at Mississippi State is going through some changes.
In the past few weeks, new lighting has been installed and upgraded in the arena and a new arrangement of banners has been put in place.
Renovations to the women’s basketball locker room recently were completed, and the men’s locker room is being refurbished.
The installation of a new basketball court with new MSU marks and logos is another piece of the athletic department’s $2.1 million investment to enhance all of the facilities on campus.
Mississippi State football team works out with the cows8/9/2009 12:04:00 AM STARKVILLE -- Mississippi State opened two-a-day football practices on Saturday with a two-hour session in the morning and a shorter workout in the afternoon.
The Bulldogs have changed locations from the football practice fields to the intramural field where they could be alone.
Well, almost.
“We’re in training camp now and it’s a work-oriented location,” Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen said. “We’re away from the fans and the media. When we got out there, it was just us and the cows. The cows were up on a hill in the next field over. They were out early. We might have to get up and go earlier (today) so we can beat the cows out to work.”
Sherrod, Smith cousins on Mississippi State's offensive line8/9/2009 12:02:00 AM STARKVILLE -- Derek Sherrod has always had a family member available to encourage him at Mississippi State.
He just didn’t always realize it.
One of the reasons Sherrod chose to play at Mississippi State was because his older brother, Dezmond, was already there as a tight end in Sylvester Croom’s West Coast offense.
After Dezmond graduated and signed a free agent contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Derek missed having a family member around.
That’s until Sherrod found out he had a cousin also with the Bulldogs in Tobias Smith.
Cosby takes over Starkville Academy girls soccer team8/7/2009 9:28:00 AM STARKVILLE –– The girls who make up the Starkville Academy soccer team weren’t born when Artie Cosby was a record-breaking kicker at Mississippi State.
All they know is he one day he could lead them to a championship.
Cosby takes over the reins as soccer coach at Starkville Academy, and he’s enjoyed preparing for the season.
Intensity rises at MSU on second day in pads8/7/2009 9:22:00 AM STARKVILLE — The intensity seemed to rise with the temperatures Thursday morning at the Mississippi State football practice fields.
The Bulldogs seemed to take things a little more seriously in their second day in pads.
“They came out better than (Wednesday),” Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen said. “They weren’t really used to being in pads, but this was what we expect our normal practices to look like.”
Mississippi State football team sets record for ticket sales8/5/2009 8:53:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen’s face lit up when he heard the news.
Mississippi State announced Tuesday it has set a school record in season-ticket sales, and finished the day at 38,469. That total includes 10,000 student tickets that will go on sale when classes begin on Aug. 17.
Although Mullen is pleased about the new record, he won’t be satisfied until his goal of 40,000 season tickets sold has been met. He plans to keep promoting until it happens.
MSU freshman quarterback Russell thrown into the mix8/5/2009 8:51:00 AM STARKVILLE — It’s too early to tell about Tyler Russell.
That’s the impression most people had about the Mississippi State freshman quarterback after his first practice Tuesday with the full squad.
The freshmen and varsity held separate workouts to open preseason drills Monday.
Russell seemed to hold his own with the other quarterbacks in the near three-hour session that lasted into the night.
Running backs work on technique at MSU's first practice8/4/2009 11:18:00 AM STARKVILLE — It was in with the old and the new Monday at Mississippi State as the football team opened preseason practice with two sessions.
The freshmen and newcomers worked out for an hour and a half in the morning, while the varsity team members spent nearly three hours in the afternoon brushing up on what they learned in the spring. NCAA asks Sidneys' attorney to sign confidentiality statement8/4/2009 11:15:00 AM The NCAA notified Donald Jackson, the attorney for Mississippi State basketball signee Renardo Sidney, by an e-mail Monday morning that he wouldn’t be permitted to participate in interviews of third parties unless he signed a statement of confidentiality. Mullen looking for right fit at QB8/2/2009 12:40:00 AM Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen appears to have left the door open for a quarterback controversy.
Although senior Tyson Lee, of Columbus, appears to be the front-runner Monday entering the start of preseason football practice, there are indications Mullen isn’t completely satisfied with the position. MSU nearing football season ticket record8/2/2009 12:38:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State is approaching a record for season-ticket sales.
A little more than a month before MSU faces Jackson State on Sept. 5 in Starkville, the school’s ticket office announced it has sold 37,523 season tickets. New facility will give Starkville Academy a boost8/2/2009 12:36:00 AM STARKVILLE — Starkville Academy believes it’s getting just the boost its athletic program needs to be competitive.
A $300,000 on-campus locker room and training facility is under construction and is excepted to provide something that is considered to be overdue. MSU will go with what it has at WR7/31/2009 12:26:00 PM STARKVILLE — The wide receiver position at Mississippi State has taken a hit in the past two weeks.
The departures of Terrance Davis and Delmon Robinson from the program subtracts two potential weapons from coach Dan Mullen’s spread offense. Time off serves Tate well7/31/2009 12:22:00 PM STARKVILLE — It has been a month since former Starkville High School sprinter Tavaris Tate participated at the United States Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Ore.
The time off has served him well. Coaches like what they see from Tate7/31/2009 12:21:00 PM Mississippi State men’s associate head track and field coach Steve Dudley has been an interested spectator of prize recruit Tavaris Tate.
Dudley, who works with the program’s sprinters, has followed Tate to all of his destinations this summer and hasn’t been surprised with the success of the former Starkville High School sprinter. Starkville Academy softball expects to be stronger7/30/2009 1:58:00 PM Starkville Academy softball coach Randy Haynes expects to have a stronger team on the field this season.
There were signs in the summer league at the Starkville Sportsplex that the Lady Volunteers could be better than last year’s 18-17 record. Attorney: Floyd's comments could help Sidney's case7/30/2009 1:57:00 PM Donald Jackson, the attorney for the family of Mississippi State men’s basketball signee Renardo Sidney, said the recent comments by former University of Southern California coach Tim Floyd can only help his client’s case. Tigers sign former Bulldog P Wesson7/30/2009 1:55:00 PM Former Mississippi State pitcher Jared Wesson wasn’t sure the opportunity was going to come.
After his name failed to come up one month after the Major League Baseball First-Player Draft, he began to wonder if any organization would take a chance on him. West Point's Virges commits to MSU; WRs leave program7/29/2009 2:16:00 PM WEST POINT — West Point High School offensive and defensive lineman Curtis Virges likes the direction coach Dan Mullen is taking the Mississippi State football program.
Even though the Bulldogs haven’t taken the field this season, Virges has been impressed with how Mullen prepares the team. Hall calls for Keys: Former MSU star will be inducted into state's Sports Hall of Fame7/28/2009 5:14:00 PM People will be talking this weekend about Tyrone Keys. But while the topic — football — will be the same, the memories from all of the teams Keys played on will be different. Bulldogs' Chaney named All-SEC7/25/2009 10:45:00 PM HOOVER, Ala. — Mississippi State linebacker Jamar Chaney didn’t return for his senior year to get preseason honors.
After breaking his leg in MSU’s opening game of the 2008 season at Louisiana Tech, Chaney received a medical redshirt that gave him another year of eligibility. Starkville All-Stars have trophy, picture on display at Sportsplex7/24/2009 9:04:00 AM STARKVILLE — The Starkville Baseball Association and the Park and Recreation Department wants to make sure the community shares the accomplishment of the Coach-Pitch 8-year-old Dizzy Dean All-Stars.
The Dizzy Dean South State championship trophy and a team picture of the Starkville All-Stars have been on display at the Starkville Sportsplex since Starkville won its title July 13.
Starkville coach Keith Lawrence said some parents of the players approached him about taking the trophy home, but he didn’t feel that was appropriate because the trophy belonged to the community.
Outlaw works out at Starkville Sportsplex to fine tune skills7/24/2009 9:02:00 AM STARKVILLE — Travis Outlaw looked around the Starkville Sportsplex on Wednesday afternoon and smiled.
The Starkville native and member of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers is proud the city has provided such a facility to the community.
Outlaw and Ed LeBlanc, his personal coach, took advantage of the facility to focus on specific points of Outlaw’s game to help him prepare rejoin the Trail Blazers.
Outlaw will leaves Starkville at the end of August to begin his sixth season in the NBA
MSU's Mullen will wait to decide punishment for Dizon, Green7/23/2009 9:18:00 AM HOOVER, Ala. –– The legal system may have to run its course before Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen will decide punishments for senior running back Anthony Dixon and sophomore tight end Marcus Green.
Dixon was arrested last Saturday night in Starkville for driving under the influence of alcohol, careless driving and not having proof of insurance, while Green was arrested on July 15 for possession of marijuana.
Mullen doesn’t anticipate handing out any punishment until the judicial process plays out.
MSU's Mullen handles spotlight at SEC Media Days7/23/2009 9:16:00 AM HOOVER, Ala. -- Mississippi State’s Dan Mullen seemed to handle his first experience as a head football coach at Southeastern Conference Media Days just fine.
Nothing seemed to faze Mullen on Wednesday afternoon at the Wynfrey Hotel or wipe the smile off his face.
Mississippi State junior linebacker K.J. Wright said Mullen is always smiling and what the media saw was nothing new.
MSU quarterback Lee confident in his ability7/20/2009 “Tyson Lee is serviceable, but not outstanding. His stature (5-foot-10, 200 pounds) was a clear obstacle at times (last year).”
-- 2009 Athlon Sports preseason football edition.
Statements like those in Athlon Sports preseason college football edition haven’t all been kind to incumbent Mississippi State quarterback Tyson Lee.
Even with that, the senior from Columbus remains confident in his ability.
MSU working through tough economy7/19/2009 STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State athletic department is taking the struggling economy seriously.
Even though the nationwide financial downturn haven’t created any major issues at MSU, the athletic department is watching its spending and is trying to cut back. Lott, Howard will try to hold on at Columbus Classic7/19/2009 Columbus’ Ed Lott and Barry Howard like where they stand after two rounds of the Columbus Classic, but they are looking over their shoulder a little bit.
Even after Lott and Howard shot a 5-under-par 67 Saturday to lead the Championship Flight with a two-day total of 135 at the 6,400-yard, par-72 Columbus Country Club, Brandon Garriga and Josh Martin, of Jackson, are lurking close behind in their drive for their fifth consecutive title. MSU has success with five sessions of baseball camps7/17/2009 STARKVILLE — Mississippi State’s Baseball Summer Camp returned after a year absence and finished Thursday on a successful note.
With the transition of coaching staffs and head coaches from Ron Polk to John Cohen, the MSU baseball program decided not to have the camps last year.
Camp coordinator Nick Mingione was pleased with the outcome of the program’s five sessions. MSU puts two on coaches' All-SEC teams7/17/2009 Apparently the football coaches from around the Southeastern Conference believe Mississippi State senior running back Anthony Dixon can thrive in coach Dan Mullen’s spread offense.
Dixon, of Terry, was named Thursday to the second-team offense of the Coaches All-SEC football team. Second youth basketball camp set for Starkville7/16/2009 STARKVILLE — A youth basketball camp was so successful in June at the Starkville Sportsplex that the organizers will try it again this month.
After 18 children participated in the camp last month, girls director Juliette Weaver-Reese will get the basketballs bouncing again next week after receiving positive feedback. This time she will include the boys with the help of director Richard Hill. Trainers, coaches help players beat heat7/16/2009 STARKVILLE — Athletic trainers and strength coaches at Mississippi State aren’t only concerned in the summer with managing the football players’ weightlifting and conditioning sessions.
They also plan trips to the local grocery stores.
The Bulldogs appreciate their coaches and trainers care enough not only to tell them how to take care of their bodies, but also to show them. Lawyer: NCAA prolonging investigation of MSU signee Sidney7/16/2009 The NCAA Eligibility Center has requested more documentation in the case of Mississippi State basketball signee Renardo Sidney.
Sidney’s attorney, Donald Jackson, believes the request is an attempt by the Eligibility Center to prolong the investigation into Sidney’s amateur status that would keep him from getting on the court in a timely manner to play for the Bulldogs. MSU will have 'extravaganza' in Jackson7/16/2009 Mississippi State senior running back Anthony Dixon will return home today for a few hours.
Dixon will be one of the Bulldogs who will attend the Central Mississippi Alumni Association “Summer Extravaganza” in Jackson.
Bramlett, Miller help lead U.S. to gold7/15/2009 Mississippi State softball player Chelsea Bramlett had a tough time measuring the correct temperature during her stay at the Canada Cup in Surrey, British Columbia.
Bramlett pretty much had to guess the temperature after trying to convert Canada’s Celsius readings to Fahrenheit. Caledonia's Sherrod bids to make roster of Pittsburgh Steelers7/12/2009 Dezmond Sherrod enjoyed being on the sideline watching the Pittsburgh Steelers win the Super Bowl this past February.
But the former Caledonia High School and Mississippi State tight end doesn’t want to settle for being a member of the Steelers’ practice squad this season.
Sherrod will report to the Steelers’ training camp July 31 with the intention of impressing Pittsburgh’s coaches and to make the team.
MSU volleyball team to do clinic for Starkville Boys and Girls Club7/10/2009 STARKVILLE –– Mississippi State’s athletic department has encouraged its coaches and student-athletes to be visible throughout the community of Starkville.
Many sports have followed through with that request from MSU Athletic Director Greg Byrne and the administration.
The volleyball team takes advantage of one of those opportunities today.
The Lady Bulldogs are scheduled to be at the multi-purpose facility at the Starkville Sportsplex from 1-3 p.m. and will volunteer their time to conduct a skills and drills teaching session for the Starkville Boys and Girls Club.
Mullen to teturn to work after being on vacation7/5/2009 STARKVILLE -- Dan Mullen’s idea of a vacation is being able to kick back on the beach and enjoy reading a good book.
That’s what Mississippi State’s football coach tried to do as he and his family took a week off from football for a little rest and relaxation.
It all changes when Mullen returns to Starkville later this week.
He will trade in his novel for the playbook.
Starkville claims easy win after two close games7/5/2009 EUPORA -- The Starkville Freshman 11-year-old All-Stars were happy to claim an easy win after two high-scoring one-run decisions to open the Dizzy Dean South State Tournament.
After losing 19-18 to Grenada on Friday night and beating Louisville 12-11 in the first game Saturday, Starkville had an easier time by knocking off Greenwood 13-3 in four innings.
Starkville coach Will McWhorter was happy to see pitchers Cameron Johnston and Matthew Oxford respond with good outings.
Sidney case may be delayed7/3/2009 It has already taken quite a bit of time for the case regarding Renardo Sidney’s amateur status to develop.
Donald Jackson, the attorney for the Mississippi State basketball signee, said something happened this week that could delay the process even further.
Jackson recently learned through e-mail the NCAA has transferred all amateurism cases to the eligibility center, which means a new person will handle the case.
Starkville teams bid for South State titles7/3/2009 STARKVILLE — Starkville’s Dizzy Dean All-Star baseball teams are looking to celebrate more than Independence Day this weekend.
The teams hope to add South State championships and a trip to the World Series to the holiday fun.
Jim Moorehead’s age group seeks to defend its state championship when it plays in the Freshman 12 South State in Winona at 3:30 p.m. today. Starkville received a bye and will play the winner of the Winona-Grenada game.
MSU's Looney to represent SEC on SAAC committee7/2/2009 Mississippi State sophomore center D.J. Looney has his bags packed for a trip this month, but it’s not for a vacation.
It’s for business.
Looney will travel to Denver to meet with members of the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Looney was selected in Junee to represent the Southeastern Conference as a member of the committee.
Grantham believes Starkville All-Stars prepared7/2/2009 STARKVILLE -- Shane Grantham has been given the responsibility of teaching 7-year-old All-Stars more about the game while playing in a competitive situation this weekend.
The Starkville 7 Coach-Pitch All-Stars begin the Dizzy Dean State Tournament at Grenada when it plays Water Valley at 1:30 p.m. Friday.
Starkville played two practice games and also scrimmaged against Columbus in getting ready and Grantham believes his squad is prepared for tournament action.
Area teams benefit from new league and new facility7/1/2009 STARKVILLE -- Starkville Academy believes it has an up and coming point guard in freshman Tiffany Huddleston.
Having a summer league to help develop her talents has been considered a good thing for the Lady Volunteers.
The Starkville Park and Recreation Department provided just that and concluded its June high school basketball league on Tuesday.
West Point continues to build softball program7/1/2009 The West Point High School softball program continues to build.
After taking over as West Point’s fastpitch coach last season, Libby Forrester saw the Lady Green Wave go from two wins to eight in the spring, while the junior varsity won 12 games.
Although the varsity didn’t achieve a winning season, Forrester sees progress being made.
Forrester has taken advantage of the high school summer softball league offered by the Starkville Park and Recreation Department, and it was able to get her younger players some experience.
Hebron softball team showing signs of getting better7/1/2009 Hebron Christian softball coach Cass Tapley believes he has a good team that’s getting better.
The high school summer league that was held at the Starkville Sportsplex has helped that along.
For a program that has only been in existence for six years, the Lady Eagles have fastly become competitive.
Tapley, who became the coach at Hebron last year, thinks his squad can be better than in 2008 when it was 13-7 and won the district championship with a 9-1 mark.
Dizzy Dean officials pleased with World Series results7/1/2009 Bigger doesn’t necessarily always mean better.
Take the Dizzy Dean High School World Series in the Golden Triangle this past weekend for example.
Althoough the World Series consisted of only 17 teams, Dizzy Dean Baseball officials Richard Ellis and Stacy Hester were pleased with the results.
Although the response was the lightest in the seven years the Golden Triangle has hosted the World Series, the spirit and competition remained strong.
Ridgeland defends Dizzy Dean World Series championship6/30/2009 Playing seven games in four days can be taxing on a pitching staff.
Ridgeland High School coach Brian Rea was glad he had an ace in the hole with Michael Posey.
Working on two-days rest, Posey took the mound for Ridgeland on Monday and pitched six strong innings to help the Titans beat Kosciusko 6-1 in the championship game of the Dizzy Dean High School World Series at New Hope High School.
It was a repeat for Ridgeland as it defeated New Hope to capture the title last year.
Ridgeland Titans definitely a team to remember6/30/2009 Remember the Titans?
It’s hard to forget the Ridgeland High School version.
For the second consecutive year, the Ridgeland Titans won the Dizzy Dean High School World Series.
The Titans defeated Kosciusko 6-1 on Monday at New Hope High School’s Trojan Field to repeat as champions.
The thing that seems to make Ridgeland click more than anything else is teamwork.
Stansbury waits for Sidney issue to resolve itself6/30/2009 Until the NCAA has had a chance to weigh all the facts concerning Mississippi State men’s basketball signee Renardo Sidney’s eligibilty, it will continue to be a “he said, he said” situation and MSU basketball coach Rick Stansbury appears to be staying out of it.
Ever since Sidney signed with Mississippi State, there has been a question concerning his amateur status because of dealings with Reebok representatives, first with Sonny Viccaro and later with Chris Rivers.
Ridgeland makes it back to World Series championship game6/29/2009 Jarrett Jenkins reaching and stealing bases. Stephen Joe driving in runs.
Those things have become a common sight for Ridgeland High School at the Dizzy Dean High School World Series.
After losing its first game of the World Series to Center Hill on Friday, Ridgeland has come back to win five-straight games, including beating Neshoba Central 13-2 in the semifinals Sunday.
Tate rallied to claim victory in 400-meter final6/29/2009 EUGENE, Ore. -- Starkville sprinter and Mississippi State signee Tavaris Tate rallied to take the victory in the finals of the 400-meter dash at the United State’s Track and Field Junior Championships on Sunday afternoon.
Tate’s winning time of 46.04 seconds was better than Joey Hughes at 46.26 and Clayton Parros at 46.88.
By winning the USA event, Tate has qualified to participate at the National Junior Championships in Trinidad next month.
Starkville Academy advances to Elite Eight of World Series6/28/2009 STARKVILLE –– Starkville Academy has entered unchartered waters in the Dizzy Dean High School World Series.
After winning Pool D and moving on to the championship round today at New Hope, it’s an experience the senior Volunteers seek to use in a positive way.
“We’re getting closer as a team,” Starkville Academy pitcher Will Fuller said. “Everybody is getting better at their positions and it’s coming together. We’ve improved our game a lot.”
Caledonia loses pair of games to pool winners6/28/2009 CALEDONIA -- Two of the seven pools of the Dizzy Dean High School World Series were decided in back-to-back games at Caledonia High School on Saturday afternoon.
After Center Hill defeated Caledonia 10-0 to win Pool E, Gulfport won Pool G by knocking off the Confederates 7-1.
It has been a successful return to the area so far for Gulfport coach Tim Dowdy, a former assistant baseball coach at New Hope.
After losing 12-0 to New Hope on Friday, Gulfport came back to beat Center Hill 5-3 and Caledonia on Saturday.
Umpiring helps Brown remain close to the game6/28/2009 STARKVILLE -- Michael Brown is comfortable in his role as an umpire on the baseball field.
After playing baseball at Mississippi State and in independent leagues, Brown was looking for ways to stay around the game.
Brown returned to school at Mississippi State and was looking for a way to make some extra money.
That’s when Starkville High School assistant coach Reggie Campbell stepped in.
Ridgeland returns to try to defend Dizzy Dean World Series title6/26/2009 The timing of the State Games in the Meridian and other conflicts have kept many teams away from the Dizzy Dean High School World Series with only 17 participating this year.
Even though the State Games has had an impact on Ridgeland’s team, it still realizes the importance returning to the Golden Triangle to defend its championship.
Ridgeland defeated New Hope in the championship game last year and coach Jerry Dupuy, a former Mississippi State pitcher, is excited about bringing the team back for a chance to repeat.
Starkville's Tate to compete in USA Junior Nationals6/26/2009 Don’t tell Starkville sprinter Tavaris Tate that he only has to finish in the top five of the 400-meter dash to advance to the Junior Pan-American Games in Trindad next month.
Tate won’t be satisfied unless he comes out on top when he competes in the event Saturday and Sunday at the United States Junior Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Ore.
The premliminaries will be Saturday and the finals Sunday.
Mississippi State upgrades Twitter service in past month6/24/2009 STARKVILLE — Terms like Yahoo, Google, Twitter, and Facebook are entering the vocabulary of coaches on a more regular basis.
Mississippi State has upgraded its Twitter capabilities in the past month, and its coaches have begun to realize they can use this technology to their advantage.
The MSU athletic department consolidated its Twitter offerings so coaches and administrators who maintain Twitter accounts can be found at one location: mstateathletics.com.
MSU football coach Dan Mullen instills discipline6/22/2009 STARKVILLE –– Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen is satisfied with how involved the members of his coaching staff are in the lives of the players.
Mullen realizes neither he nor his assistant coaches can watch their players 24 hours a day, and that’s when self-discipline has to kick in.
Mullen tries to instill in the Bulldogs every day the importance of being champions on and off the field.
Outlaw returns home to speak at Starkville camp6/21/2009 STARKVILLE -- It wasn’t about football or basketball to Travis Outlaw, of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers.
It was about giving back to his hometown of Starkville.
Teaching the game of football was the emphasis for Camp Complete on Friday and Saturday at Starkville High School, and Outlaw returned to his alma mater eager to meet some of his young fans.
Even though Outlaw’s sport is basketball, he tries to never miss an opportunity to be visible in his hometown.
Gillespie happy to see campers have a fun day6/21/2009 STARKVILLE –– The smiles were all the satisfaction that Camp Complete director Willie Gillespie needed.
While teaching football was the primary purpose of the camp on Friday and Saturday at Starkville High School, Gillespie hopes the participants had a good time in the process.
Gillespie, who played football at East Mississippi Community College and University of Tennessee-Chattanooga before spending three years with the NFL’s Tampa Bay Bucaneers, said the camp was all about making the children of the community feel special.
Tate, Varnado share special bonds with their dads6/21/2009 Tavaris Tate knows he wouldn’t be where he is today running track if it weren’t for the support of his father, Russell Tate.
Being close to his father and family was the main reason he chose to sign a track scholarship with Mississippi State.
For Mississippi State basketball player Jarvis Varnado, he also values the opinion of his father, West Point High School boys coach Winston Varnado.
MSU's Smith ready to play after overcoming injury6/19/2009 STARKVILLE — Former Columbus High School offensive lineman Tobias Smith is going through offseason workouts at Mississippi State.
Smith and the other Bulldogs coming back from injuries are happy about conditioning with little or no pain.
Wide receiver Brandon McRae, running back Robert Elliott, tight end Marcus Green, and wide receiver O’Neal Wilder were all smiles Thursday exiting the Holliman Athletic Training Center.
After breaking his left ankle in the first fall scrimmage of 2008 at MSU, Smith said he’s back to 100 percent. He credits the coaching staff, medical staff, and his family for helping him come back from the injury.
Women to learn game of football at MSU's Ladies Football Clinic6/19/2009 STARKVILLE — Sunday might be Father’s Day, but Saturday will be all about the women at Mississippi State.
Mississippi State will play host to the Ladies Football Clinic, which will provide a wealth of information about football.
Megan Mullen, the wife of Mississippi State head football coach Dan Mullen, believes the women who will participate will enjoy the experience.
Starkville Academy softball team aims higer for upcoming season6/19/2009 STARKVILLE — Starkville Academy had a winning fast-pitch softball season this past fall, but the players and coach Randy Haynes believe it could have been much better.
As the Lady Volunteers prepare for this season by playing in the High School Summer League at the Starkville Sportsplex, they hope to learn the little things that will help them turn close losses into wins.
Starkville Academy pitcher Lyndsey Haynes, daughter of the coach, knows a better start in games will go a long way to helping the team produce positive results.
George Evans Memorial softball tournament set for 30th year6/18/2009 STARKVILLE — The 30th annual George Evans Memorial Softball Tournament will be much about memories.
Emphasis will be placed on those who have passed away recently and who has made an impact on the tournament through the years.
The tournament, which will be June 26-27 at the Starkville Sportsplex, is named after the late George Evans, who was a member of the Deacon and Trustee Boards at Second Baptist in Starkville and was a leader in the city, county, and state. Former Bulldog Hogue eager to get professional career started6/18/2009 David Lane said former Mississippi State center fielder Grant Hogue can’t get to Greeneville, Tenn., fast enough.
Lane, the manager of the Greeneville Astros of the Appalachian League, believes Hogue’s speed on the basepaths will make him an instant weapon when his team begins competition Tuesday. 'Cool' memories for native son6/18/2009 STARKVILLE — The staff at the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum want to make sure the memory of former Negro League baseball player and Starkville native James “Cool Papa†Bell isn’t forgotten.
On the suggestion by The Greater Starkville Partnership, the museum has put together a lasting tribute to Bell. Words were appropriate at Foster's memorial service6/17/2009 There wasn’t much more one could add to what was expressed Tuesday at a memorial service for Don Foster at the Starkville Sportsplex.
Foster, the former sports editor of The Starkville Daily News, was a friend to many people, and I’m fortunate to be one of them. Don died June 8 at his West Point home.
Starkville Academy girls basketball coach Glenn Schmidt, Starkville High School baseball coach Danny Carlisle, and former Mississippi State Athletic Director Larry Templeton were the main speakers and couldn’t have done a better job in recalling memories of Don. Their words were heartfelt and sincere.
MSU has plans for facelifts at athletic facilities6/17/2009 STARKVILLE — There have been many changes to Mississippi State’s athletic landscape the past several months.
The biggest deals with technology thanks to the installation of jumbotrons at Mississippi State’s football, baseball, and soccer stadiums.
With those projects at or near completion, the focus at MSU has shifted to other needs.
Starkville, Pickens Academy split Dizzy Dean doubleheader6/17/2009 STARKVILLE — The Pickens Academy Dizzy Dean baseball team, of Carrollton, Ala., looks at any opportunity to play this summer as a learning experience.
The chance to come to Mississippi and play a Class 5A program like Starkville High School is an added bonus.
Pickens Academy bounced back from a 5-3 opening-game loss to beat Starkville 10-3 in a six-inning second game to gain a doubleheader split.
Byrne strives for MSU to be best it can be6/14/2009 STARKVILLE -- Greg Byrne paused last week to reflect on his first year as Mississippi State Athletic Director and he pointed to one specific thing that impressed him most.
Since taking over the day-to-day operations of the Mississippi State athletic department on July 11, 2008, Byrne said it has been the people he works with who have made the transition a positive one.
Byrne knew it would be difficult to replace a man like Larry Templeton, but said his approach and ideas have been well received.
Simsiriwong goes home to work on her golf game6/14/2009 STARKVILLE -- Starkville Academy golfer Korakot Simsiriwong has returned to her native Thailand for rest and relaxation before schools starts again in August.
She took her golf clubs with her.
Simsiriwong wants to keep her game sharp so she can have more success on the course when she returns to the United States.
“My dad (Pramoth) got me started playing golf and I love it,” Simsiriwong said. “I definitely want to keep playing.”
Starkville springer Tate on the run again6/12/2009 STARKVILLE — Starkville sprinter Tavaris Tate is used to living in the fast lane.
On the track, it takes Tate seconds to run the 400 meters or his leg of the 4x400 relay.
Off the track, Tate’s preparation and travel schedule keeps him on the go.
Since helping Starkville High School to its second consecutive state championship, Tate has participated in the Atlanta-DeKalb International Prep Classic in Atlanta, Ga., and the Sports Authority Great Southwest Classic at Albuquerque, N.M.
MSU's Bowen, Hogue selected in major league draft6/12/2009 STARKVILLE –– Ron Polk gave Grant Hogue an opportunity to play baseball at Mississippi State.
Hogue built on that chance this season for first-year coach John Cohen.
After transferring from Pearl River Community College and having two productive seasons at MSU, Hogue will take his talents to the next level.
The Houston Astros selected Hogue in the 35th round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Thursday.
Hamilton beats Starkville Academy in Dizzy Dean game6/12/2009 STARKVILLE — The Hamilton High School Dizzy Dean baseball team used an “Earnest” effort Thursday to get a victory at Starkville Academy.
Dylan Earnest had seven strikeouts and two hits and Ethan Earnest added two hits to help the Lions defeat the Volunteers 10-5.
The umpires stopped the second game of the doubleheader in the third inning when a bank of outfield lights wouldn’t come on.
Baseball is a family affair at Hamilton with brothers Ethan and Austin Earnest and cousin Dylan Earnest.
Camp Complete will introduce football to area youth6/11/2009 STARKVILLE — Willie Gillespie wants to educate young people of the community about the sport of football.
With the help of some of his friends, Gillespie is set to do that with Camp Complete on June 19-20 at Starkville High School. Dodgers select MSU's Powers6/11/2009 The easy part was the wait for Mississippi State junior first baseball Conner Powers.
Now comes the decision.
The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Powers in the 11th round Wednesday in the Major League Baseball’s First-Year Player Draft. MSU confident about signing Sidney6/10/2009 STARKVILLE — Mississippi State’s men’s basketball program wasn’t afraid about going after McDonald’s All-American Renardo Sidney as it appeared other schools were.
Despite an on-going process concerning Sidney’s eligibility, Mississippi State officials believe signing him was the right thing to do and are confident he will be on the court in the near future.
Mississippi State coach Rick Stansbury insists recruiting Sidney was in the best interest of the program and the player.
Rye promoted to director of Starkville Parks and Recreation6/8/2009 STARKVILLE — The love of Starkville led Matthew Rye through an open door at the Starkville Parks and Recreation department in 2005.
After four years with the department, Rye gets the opportunity to lead.
Rye assumed the position as parks and recreation director June 1 after Clark Roman retired.
MSU's Jones fine-tuning skills in summer league6/2/2009 STARKVILLE –– Mississippi State baseball coach John Cohen is excited about the future of pitcher Devin Jones.
Jones, who played at Eupora High School in Webster County, is spending his summer fine-tuning his skills in the New England Collegiate Baseball League in Danbury, Conn.. He is one of 12 Mississippi State Bulldogs that has been assigned to a college summer league by Cohen and his staff.
A broken hand kept Jones off the mound during much of the past season, but he started in the last two Southeastern Conference series against Ole Miss and LSU.
SEC presidents seek even field for all schools6/2/2009 STARKVILLE -- One of the main points of emphasis at the Southeastern Conference Meetings in Destin, Fla., this past week pertained to football recruiting and the desire for a more even playing field for all 12 schools.
The SEC presidents took an action that will move toward that goal.
Beginning with next year’s signing class, SEC programs can only sign a total of 28 players. The coaches wanted the cap at 30, but the presidents got their way at 28.
Thebauld helps Starkville Academy sweep Starkville6/2/2009 STARKVILLE -- Ben Thebaud, of the Starkville Academy Dizzy Dean baseball team, uses his speed and athletic ability to his advantage.
As a wide receiver and defensive back in football at Starkville Academy, Thebaud has been known to make something positive happen for the Volunteers.
It was his play on the baseball field that helped Starkville Academy come from behind and defeat Starkville High School 13-10 in a four-inning second game of a Dizzy Dean High School doubleheader Monday night. The Volunteers earned a sweep by also beating the Yellow Jackets 10-4 in the opener.
Byrne impressed with how Mullen showed his class5/31/2009 Greg Byrne is becoming more confident that Dan Mullen is the right man to be Mississippi State’s head football coach
Each time Byrne, Mississippi State’s athletic director, sees Mullen in a public setting or at an official gathering, he’s impressed with the way the coach handles the situation.
After spending time together last week at the Southeastern Conference Spring Meetings in Destin, Fla., Byrne felt the need to pin another rose on Mullen.
SEC seeks even recruiting field5/29/2009 Mississippi State and Ole Miss don’t play Southern Miss in football each fall.
The battles between those schools are waged in the offseason when it comes to recruiting the state’s best talent.
That’s why any perceived advantage for one of the other football programs can be an issue.
At the Southeastern Conference spring meetings in Destin, Fla., this week, discussion has included a proposal to change an SEC regulation that restricts assistant football coaches from attending coaching clinics in their home states unless the coach is a speaker.
Mullings will try to deliver for MSU track5/28/2009 STARKVILLE — Mississippi State junior sprinter Dwight Mullings knows his coaches believe in him.
Each time Mullings runs a race, associate track coach Steve Dudley tells him he can do a little bit better. Starkville's Williams picks Memphis5/28/2009 The roads between Starkville to Memphis are going to be a little more busier during the college basketball season thanks to Latavious Williams.
The former Starkville High School player announced Tuesday his commitment to play basketball at the University of Memphis. Alabama seeks 12th regional bid during Wells' tenure5/24/2009 University of Alabama baseball coach Jim Wells is set to hear that one of his teams has been invited to an NCAA Regional for the 15th time when the pairings are announced Monday.
In a 20-year coaching career that began at Northwestern State in 1990, Wells is no stranger to success by owning five regular-season SEC or Southland Conference championships and eight SEC or Southland postseason titles.
Wells is set to take the Crimson Tide to a regional for the 12th time in 15 seasons. Three of his Alabama teams have made it to the College World Series (1996, 1997, 1999).
Ole Miss selected as one of 16 regional tournament hosts5/24/2009 A disappointing showing in the Southeastern Conference Tournament this past week didn’t keep the Ole Miss Rebels from hosting an NCAA regional tournament.
Ole Miss (40-17) learned Sunday it made the NCAA Tournament by virtue of being selected as a regional tournament host.
Ole Miss was chosen as a host despite going two and out at the SEC Tournament in Hoover, Ala.
Southeastern Conference may look into baseball tournament format5/24/2009 The Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament has been known to be one of the best college tournaments in the country.
Sometimes the fans are put in tough situations to see it all.
The SEC attempts to play four games per day the first, second and fourth rounds of the tournament and sometimes the final game lasts well into the next morning.
Take Wednesday for example.
Matthes provides power for Alabama5/22/2009 The University of Alabama’s Kent Matthes wants to win a national championship.
If honors and statistics come his way in the process, that’s fine, but he has bigger plans.
That is why it was hard for the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year to accept what happened to the Crimson Tide at the SEC tournament at Regions Park in Hoover, Ala.
Matthes set the school’s single-season record for home runs in a season (28) with a blast to center field Wednesday night in a 9-5 lost to South Carolina.
Henson has been surprise for Ole Miss5/22/2009 University of Georgia baseball coach David Perno can appreciate a good catcher.
After playing the position at Georgia from 1989-91 before becoming a coach, Perno understands what it takes to be a catcher.
He calls the skills he sees in University of Mississippi senior Kyle Henson “tremendous.”
Former MSU catcher Curry back at SEC tournament5/21/2009 HOOVER, Ala. — Chris Curry has returned to the Southeastern Conference Baseball tournament after 10 years.
In 1999, Curry played in the event in Hoover, Ala., as a catcher at Mississippi State. Now he’s back as a volunteer assistant at the University of Arkansas. Alabama will look to Hyatt today vs. LSU5/21/2009 HOOVER, Ala. — University of Alabama baseball coach Jim Wells thought he got a good enough effort from pitchers Del Howell, Nathan Kilcrease, and Jimmy Nelson to pull out a win Wednesday night against South Carolina.
But Wells will need an even better effort today. Georgia makes grand statement in SEC tournament opener5/21/2009 HOOVER, Ala. — University of Mississippi’s Drew Pomeranz looked like an All-Southeastern Conference pitcher through five innings Wednesday against Georgia.
One swing of the bat in the sixth inning changed that. MSU's Routt chosen to SEC Baseball All-Freshman Team5/20/2009 Mississippi State freshman left-hander pitcher Nick Routt had a knack for going the route this season.
Southeastern Conference coaches thought enough of Routt’s efforts to vote him Tuesday to the All-SEC Freshman Team.
Routt was the only Bulldog to make the all-league teams.
MSU pitching coach Butch Thompson wasn’t surprised Routt was honored because he had four complete games, all in the SEC.
Henry leads Ole Miss baseball team into SEC Tournament5/20/2009 University of Mississippi junior outfielder Jordan Henry has found a way to steal more bases and Southeastern Conference honors this season.
After being named to the All-SEC second-team and earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors in 2007 and making the SEC All-Tournament team in 2008, the coaches Tuesday voted Henry a first-team All-SEC performer.
Henry leads the SEC in walks (49) and with a school-record 33 stolen bases, which has caught the eye of coaches who’ve had to try and slow him down.
Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin compares Henry to New York Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon because they bring similar qualities to the game.
Byrne impressed with MSU's men's basketball recruiting5/20/2009 Mississippi State Athletic Director Greg Byrne has faith in the basketball coaching staff’s ability to recruit players.
Men’s basketball coach Rick Stansbury has had a busy offseason, with the signings of McDonald’s All-American Renardo Sidney, 7-foot-2 John Riek, and Wendell Lewis to national letters of intent. They join Shaunessy Smith, a Noxubee County High School senior, who signed with the Bulldogs last November.
Box wins his third-straight state title at Jackson Prep5/20/2009 Chuck Box and Brad Mitchell might not have won state championships as high school baseball players, but they have made up for it as coaches.
Box, a graduate of former Caldwell High School in Columbus, won his third consecutive Mississippi Private School Association Class AAA state title at Jackson Prep on Saturday, while Mitchell, from Starkville, led Ackerman High to its first Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 2A state championship on Monday.
Winning championships is nothing new to Box, who earned a state crown at Itawamba Community College in 1999 and a conference title at Freed-Hardeman University in 1997.
MSU baseball team turns focus to improving5/18/2009 STARKVILLE -- Mississippi State senior catcher Scott DeLoach wasn’t considered much of a factor for playing time when the baseball season began.
DeLoach was projected for defensive purposes to spell sophomore Cody Freeman and junior Ryan Duffy.
But by the end of the season, DeLoach assumed a bigger role than he had ever dreamed.
DeLoach not only played, but he finished the season as Mississippi State’s leading hitter with a .353 batting average.
MSU finds way to have fun during loss to LSU5/17/2009 STARKVILLE -- Mississippi State freshman starting pitcher Devin Jones had a rough outing against LSU on Saturday afternoon and was pulled after two innings.
It wasn’t his final appearance of the day, however.
Despite a 15-4 loss to LSU in the final game of the season, which included a 1 hour and 57 minute rain delay, the Mississippi State Bulldogs found a way to have a good time.
After giving up six runs on seven hits, Jones probably wished he could’ve found a hole to crawl into and hide.
His teammates wouldn’t allow that, however.
LSU's Mainieri has fond memories of Dudy Noble5/15/2009 It has been 30 years since his first visit to Mississippi State’s Dudy Noble Field, but LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri said his return this weekend is special.
Mainieri’s first experience at the Bulldogs’ home came in 1979 as a player at the University of New Orleans. The Privateers played in the NCAA tournament in Starkville that season.
Mainieri’s relationship with the MSU fans took a positive turn in 2000 when he was the head coach at Notre Dame.
West Oktibbeha's Bedford signs with EMCC5/15/2009 MABEN — West Oktibbeha High School boys basketball coach Joseph Landfair said a strong work ethic turned Deon Bedford into one of the better players in this area.
East Mississippi men’s coach Mark White hopes to get more of that from Bedford in the future.
Landfair talked about the past, while White looked ahead Thursday as Bedford signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at EMCC.
MSU's Bell going home for regional5/13/2009 STARKVILLE — Softball is serious business in Florida.
No one knows that better than Mississippi State sophomore outfielder Brittany Bell.
While growing up in the Tampa area, Bell discovered how important the game was in the Sunshine State.
Bell will accompany her Lady Bulldogs teammates to her home state this weekend for the NCAA tournament’s Tallahassee Regional. MSU will play California in the first round at 4 p.m. Friday. Florida State will play host to the double-elimination regional.
Starkville High quarterback continues to develop5/13/2009 STARKVILLE — Spring is a time for growth, especially for quarterbacks.
Jaquez Johnson showed signs of being a promising quarterback last season as a sophomore at Starkville High School.
After securing the starting job early in the schedule, Johnson had his ups and downs. In his first year leading the Yellow Jackets, he threw 15 interceptions and nine touchdowns, but he has committed to improving in the offseason.
Starkville High's Tate closes career in style5/12/2009 STARKVILLE — There was a gasp in the crowd at Pearl High School last Saturday afternoon when Starkville High School senior sprinter Tavaris Tate took the baton for the final leg in the 4x400 relay, rallied from third place and ran away from the pack in the final race of the Class 5A state track meet. Varnado will return to MSU for senior season5/12/2009 STARKVILLE — Mississippi State’s men’s basketball program received good news Monday about a big man for the third week in a row.
After the signing of Renardo Sidney and the addition of John Riek, the Bulldogs learned Monday that center Jarvis Varnado plans to return for his senior season. Starkville repeats, Columbus' Lanier wins triple jump5/10/2009 PEARL –– Starkville High School boys track coach Cleveland Hudson never lost faith in his team’s chances to defend its Class 5A state championship despite consecutive second-place finishes in the division, region and North State meets.
That’s because Hudson had Tavaris Tate on his side.
Tate accomplished something that had never been done before in Class 5A by winning the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dashes, and then pulling the 4x400 relay team through to victory as Starkville scored 66 points to overcome second-place Meridian’s 60.
Tate, Rogers bid for seven gold medals5/8/2009 STARKVILLE — It seems improbable that one team would have two runners with a chance to combine to win seven state championship gold medals?
But that’s what can happen Saturday for Starkville High School’s Tavaris Tate and Quartez Rogers at the Class 5A State Meet at Pearl High School. Ole Miss baseball has the 'Power'5/8/2009
The University of Mississippi baseball team has been known to unleash its “Power” on opponents the past four seasons.
As outfielder Logan Power has driven in runs, it has usually led to success for Ole Miss.
Since his arrival in 2006, Power has helped the Rebels to a four-season record of 159-86, trips to three NCAA Regionals, and appearances in two Super Regionals. West Point's Portera will get chance at EMCC5/7/2009 WEST POINT — East Mississippi Community College baseball coach Tony Montgomery first saw Oak Hill Academy’s Lance Portera as someone who could help the Lions as a outfielder.
Montgomery likes Portera’s arm so much he chose to recruit him as a pitcher. South Alabama series meets MSU football's needs5/7/2009 Mississippi State considers the new three-game contract to play South Alabama in football a win-win situation for both parties.
Considering the economics and benefits for the Bulldogs, the deal was too good for the school to pass up. Riek officially joins Bulldogs5/7/2009 STARKVILLE — Signed, sealed, and delivered.
The much anticipated paperwork confirming the signing of 7-foot-2 center John Riek reached the Mississippi State men’s basketball office Wednesday afternoon. MSU Brownlee has battled back from arm injuries5/7/2009 It’s difficult enough for an athlete to come back from one torn labrum.
Mississippi State freshman outfielder Brent Brownlee has suffered that injury three times, and has had to have surgery on each occasion. MSU going big by signing 7-foot-2 Riek5/6/2009 Mississippi State men’s basketball coach Rick Stansbury understands that there is no such thing anymore as a quiet offseason.
This year, it seems to be louder than usual.
First, junior center Jarvis Varnado applied for early entry into the National Basketball Association draft.
Then this past Thursday, Mississippi State signed McDonald’s All-American Renardo Sidney, from Fairfax High School in Los Angeles.
Now it looks like Mississippi State is on the verge of signing 7-foot-2 center John Riek, of Khartoun, Sudan, via IMG Basketball Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
Starkville's Bonner motivated to get back on track5/6/2009 STARKVILLE –– There is a special motivation for Shay Bonner, of Starkville High School, to get back on the track for the Class 5A state meet.
After injuring her knee during hurdles competition at North State, Bonner missed practice early this week in preparation for the state that takes place Saturday in Pearl.
Bonner, who qualified for state in the 100 and 300 hurdles, is also a leg in Starkville’s 4x200 relay team that has a chance to break a state record.
Starksville High's Keel signs with Holmes C.C.5/5/2009 STARKVILLE — Jayson Keel has accomplished quite a bit as a four-year starter on the Starkville High School baseball team.
After signing Monday to play baseball at Holmes Community College, Keel knows there is plenty more ahead for him. Stringer rallies in seventh to eliminate East Webster baseball5/5/2009 MABEN — East Webster High School baseball coach Wes Johnson preached all season to his pitchers about the importance of throwing strikes.
The inability to do that Monday cost the Wolverines.
East Webster took a 5-1 lead into the seventh inning only to lose to Stringer 7-5 in game two of the Mississippi High School Activities Association best-of-three Class 1A South playoff series. MSU will investigate Sidney's amateur status5/5/2009 STARKVILLE — Getting Renardo Sidney on the basketball court at Mississippi State might be more difficult than the Bulldogs anticipated.
MSU will use sports attorney Mike Glazier to evaluate Sidney’s amateur status. West Lowndes eliminated with a loss to St. Aloysius5/3/2009 The West Lowndes High School baseball team didn’t want or expect its season to end the way it did Saturday.
Losing two-straight games in the third round of the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 1A playoffs wasn’t what the Panthers had in mind.
Vicksburg St. Aloysius opened the series with a 10-1 victory at West Lowndes on Friday and then defeated the Panthers 4-2 at home Saturday to clinch the series.
Rain denies East Webster chance to even series with Stringer5/3/2009 MABEN –– The East Webster High School baseball team believes it can defeat Stringer two-straight games and advance in the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 1A playoffs.
Beating the weather was a different story on Saturday, however.
After an estimated two inches of rain fell in approximately 10-to-15 minutes, the second game of the series was suspended in the top of the second inning. It will resume at 6 p.m. Monday.
East Webster (27-4) was looking to bounce back a day after losing the first game of the series to Stringer 4-3 in nine innings.
MSU looks to cool off Alabama's bats5/1/2009 The University of Alabama baseball team’s offense is intimidating when you look at the numbers.
Alabama leads the Southeastern Conference in batting average (.338), hits (550), slugging percentage (.592), on-base percentage (.423), runs scored (423), RBIs (394), doubles (116), and total bases (963).
When Mississippi State plays host to Alabama in a three-game SEC series at 6:30 p.m. today, 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, the Bulldogs primary task will be to try to hold down that offense.
MSU men's basketball team signs McDonald's All-American5/1/2009 Mississippi State’s basketball program might not have a “Varnado” next season, but it will have a “Renardo.”
Renardo Sidney, a McDonald’s All-American from Fairfax High School in Los Angeles and the nation’s No. 7 prospect in the country according to ESPN’s Scout’s Inc., signed Thursday afternoon with Mississippi State.
MSU spokesman Gregg Ellis confirmed the signing, which ended a week of speculation about Sidney’s destination.
Stowers brothers cover West Lowndes' outfield5/1/2009 If baseballs are going out to left or right field the Stowers brothers have them covered.
West Lowndes High School’s Ryan and Trevor Stowers have provided the defense necessary to keep the Panthers in games and have delivered key contributions to help them make the third round of the Mississippi High School Association Class A playoffs against Vicksburg St. Aloysius.
Trevor said he never knows when a play he makes in the outfield might be a difference in a game.
Starkville's Shed focusing on track season5/1/2009 STARKVILLE — Spring football practice started this week at Starkville High School, but Billy Shed isn’t ready to take that field just yet.
As the football team worked out on a nearby field, Shed and fellow members of Starkville’s 4x400-meter relay team were preparing on the track for Saturday’s Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A North State meet at Madison Central High School.
Shed will be a returning safety for coach Bill Lee this fall, but right now track and field is a priority.
Road Dawgs Tour coming to Columbus5/1/2009 The Road Dawgs Tour is getting closer to Columbus.
Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen and other members of the athletic department are making plans to make their Lowndes County appearance at the Plymouth Bluff Center on Monday.
It’s one of the stops Mullen is making among 16 cities across the Southeast.
Anyone wanting to attend must purchase their $15 tickets by today at Coldwell Banker West Realty or BankFirst in Columbus.
Long jumper Gaines will participate in graduation exercises4/30/2009 It was tempting for Mississippi State track jumper Priscilla Gaines to participate Saturday at the Mississippi Open in Oxford.
After reaching a season-high and regional qualifying long jump of 19 feet, 8 inches at the Mississippi Invitational on April 11, the chance for more success there was inviting.
But Gaines has something more important to do Saturday. Pitching will key for East Webster vs. Stringer4/30/2009 MABEN — East Webster High School baseball coach Wes Johnson knows good pitching when he sees it.
As a pitcher who played for coach Ron Polk at Mississippi State, Johnson understands the importance of commanding the strike zone. Starkville's Tate commits to run track at MSU4/29/2009 STARKVILLE -- Tavaris Tate will stay home to run track collegiately.
The Starkville High School senior has committed to Mississippi State to remain close to family and friends. He will officially sign Friday.
The sprinter had many choices to consider, but said he couldn’t go wrong with Mississippi State.
Hogue, Bramlett give MSU teams threats on the bases4/29/2009 STARKVILLE -- The Mississippi State baseball and softball teams have something in common at the top of its batting orders.
Although both teams are struggling in the Southeastern Conference, baseball’s Grant Hogue and softball’s Chelsea Bramlett have enjoyed personal success stealing bases.
Hogue leads the SEC with 28 stolen bases and is tied with Dave Klipstein for second most steals in a season in Mississippi State history. He is fifth in school history with 53 career stolen bases.
As far as Bramlett, she has already set the Mississippi State single-season record for stolen bases with 49 and her 141 career thefts are tied her for the most all-time with Iyhia McMichael.
Varnado advised to remain at Mississippi State4/29/2009 Mississippi State center Jarvis Varnado may not be able to get much bigger, but he can get better.
That’s why another season at Mississippi State would benefit the two-time Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
Varnado announced Monday that he was making himself eligible for early entry into the NBA Draft. He has until June 15 to decide if it is in his best interest.
West Lowndes baseball team uses speed to advance in playoffs4/26/2009 Speed and athletic ability are keys to winning baseball games at West Lowndes High School.
In the 12 years that Todd Stanley has been the baseball coach at West Lowndes, the Panthers have tried to use an aggressive style on the basepaths to score runs.
That was the case Friday night when West Lowndes manufactured a pair of runs to beat the Edinburg Eagles 2-0 and advance to the third round of the Class A state playoffs.
East Webster baseball team makes most of second chances4/26/2009 MABEN –– Tanner Roberson, of the East Webster High School baseball team, didn’t need nine lives Saturday afternoon.
Two of them turned out to be very beneficial, however.
Roberson’s good fortune began an offensive outbreak for East Webster as the Wolverines defeated the Bogue Chitto Bobcats 14-4 in six innings to clinch the second round Mississippi High School Association South Class A playoff series. East Webster (27-3) won the first game 17-2 Thursday.
MSU football coaches believe Bulldogs improved4/26/2009 STARKVILLE –– Mississippi State’s football coaches believed the team progressed in all phases of the game during spring practice, but the common opinion throughout the program is that there is much improvement yet to be made.
The Bulldogs spent 15 NCAA mandated practices in the spring, mainly trying to install the spread offense.
On the defensive side, coordinator Carl Torbush liked going against the spread in practice and said his unit benefited from having many things thrown at it.
MSU's Varnado mum about if he's going pro or not4/26/2009 STARKVILLE -- Mississippi State center Jarvis Varnado is keeping everyone in suspense about his basketball future.
If Varnado has decided to leave Mississippi State for the National Basketball Association, he hasn't made his intentions public.
Today is the deadline for college underclassmen to declare their eligibility for the NBA draft, but there hasn't been a peep from Varnado about his plans.
The only decision Varnado seems to have made is not to talk.
MSU baseball team looks to make its move4/24/2009 STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State baseball team is in danger of missing the postseason for the second year in a row.
After making the NCAA College World Series in 2007, Mississippi State didn’t reach the Southeastern Conference or NCAA tournaments last year.
Mississippi State (21-21, 6-12) will travel to Nashville, Tenn., for its next three-game SEC series against Vanderbilt at 6 p.m. today, 1 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. Sunday.
Hamilton provides Earnest with run support4/24/2009 HAMILTON — Kevin McCartney’s solo home run in the bottom of the first inning Thursday got the Hamilton High School baseball team off to a good start.
The rest of the Lions did their part, too.
McCartney’s fourth homer of the season was the first of 12 hits for Hamilton in its 11-1 victory against East Union in six innings.
McCartney hit his home run to center field on the first pitch by Craig Bullock.
Starkville track team bidding for another title4/24/2009 STARKVILLE — Cleveland Hudson is in his 30th year as Starkville High School’s boys track coach.
The Yellow Jackets rewarded Hudson for his years of service last season by winning the Class 5A state championship.
In his milestone year, the team would like nothing better than to win another title.
Starkville senior sprinter Tavaris Tate appreciates the guidance and support Hudson has provided him in his track career.
Byrne pleased with Super Bulldog Weekend4/23/2009 Even though he was not in town to see it, Mississippi State Athletic Director Greg Byrne could not have been more proud of the turnout for Super Bulldog Weekend. Starkville's Carlisle will face former player4/23/2009 STARKVILLE — Starkville High School baseball coach Danny Carlisle will see a familiar face in the opposing dugout tonight in his team’s first game of the Class 5A playoffs. Chemistry of Malone cousins key for West Lowndes4/23/2009 Whether it’s on the field or on the court, Devin and Demetrius Malone have made it a family affair at West Lowndes High School. MSU acknowledges violation of bylaw4/22/2009 STARKVILLE –– The Mississippi State athletic department has acknowledged its football program violated an NCAA bylaw April 10 when former coach Jackie Sherrill visited a spring football practice session.
The school has self-reported the secondary violation of NCAA bylaw 11.7.1.1.1.4 regarding the use of outside consultants when Sherrill was seen working with Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen and the kickers to the Southeastern Conference.
A letter was sent Tuesday by MSU Associate Athletic Director of Compliance Bracky Brett to SEC Commissioner Mike Slive.
SEC newcomers look to improve teams4/22/2009 Dan Mullen, Lane Kiffin, and Gene Chizik all have been assigned the same task.
The men are in charge of returning three Southeastern Conference football teams to winning ways.
Mississippi State, Auburn, and Tennessee all participated in and won bowl games in 2007, but failed in its quests to record winning seasons in 2008.
Starkville High's Tate gearing up for more firsts4/21/2009 STARKVILLE — Starkville High School senior sprinter Tavaris Tate is on track to do something that has never been accomplished in Class 5A.
Tate is trying to become the first prep runner in that class to win state titles in the 100, 200, and 400 meters. Offense satisfies Mullen in MSU spring game4/19/2009 STARKVILLE -- The Mississippi State Bulldogs got a taste of what coach Dan Mullen’s spread offense could be on the football field on Saturday night.
In a full game scrimmage, the Maroon team came from behind to defeat the White 24-21 in the Maroon-White Game at Davis Wade Stadium.
The announced crowd of 31,606 was the largest ever to watch a spring game at MSU.
Although the Bulldogs did not show fans an all-out offensive explosion, it was enough to satisfy Mullen.
West comes through at plate for Hamilton softball team4/19/2009 HAMILTON — Hamilton High School’s Kelle West didn’t let the struggles of one part of her game affect the other Saturday.
West put aside a tough pitching outing to deliver offensively and help the Hamilton fast-pitch softball team beat Eupora 9-7 in the third round of the Class 2A playoffs.
After allowing four runs on four hits in the first inning and facing six batters, West got all of the runs back with her bat with a pair of two-run singles.
Cohen faces former team when MSU meets Kentucky4/17/2009 STARKVILLE — John Cohen has had what he calls “weird” experiences in coaching.
The first came when he was an assistant at Florida under Pat McMahon and coached against former Mississippi State coach Ron Polk, who he played for from 1988-90. Bulldogs' QBs will have opportunities to run4/17/2009 STARKVILLE — Run, run, run.
Tyson Lee, of Columbus, and the other Mississippi State quarterbacks have heard those words shouted at them several times this spring.
In coach Dan Mullen’s new spread offense, there are opportunities for the quarterback to call his number for a running play. MSU men's basketball wants to build on season4/16/2009 STARKVILLE — Mississippi State men’s basketball coach Rick Stansbury emphasizes winning championships.
He believes strongly enough in winning titles that last month he made sure everyone saw the Southeastern Conference Tournament championship trophy on the table for his press conference prior to the NCAA tournament. West Lowndes, East Webster baseball open series4/16/2009 The West Lowndes High School baseball team wants to make a deeper run in the Class A playoffs than it did last year.
After being eliminated in the first round by Natchez Cathedral, the Panthers believe they have a team that can go far if things fall into place. MSU unveils new adidas look4/16/2009 The Mississippi State football team said goodbye to Russell Athletics on Wednesday and hello to adidas.
Football players Derek Sherrod, Anthony Dixon, Jamar Chaney, and Bo Walters sported their new adidas uniforms for the first time in front of the Barnes and Noble Bookstore on campus. The school reached a new apparel agreement with adidas a few weeks ago. Roberts realizes dream of being at MSU practice4/15/2009 STARKVILLE -- Kyle Roberts is happy to be practicing football in Oktibbeha County again.
After taking a detour to East Mississippi Community College for two years, the former East Oktibbeha High School player has walked on at Mississippi State for spring practice.
Roberts has been primarily a slot receiver in Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen’s spread offense and has worked his way up to second team.
Starkville baseball gears up for Class 5A playoff run4/14/2009 The Starkville High School baseball team didn’t find anything magical at the end of the rainbow Monday night, only another victory.
After the clouds that brought a late-inning shower moved south, a rainbow formed just as Starkville third baseman Todd Phillips ran toward it to catch the baseball for the game’s final out in a 16-6 victory against West Lowndes. MSU, Ole Miss baseball will play for Governor's Cup4/14/2009 It has almost been 20 years since Mississippi State baseball coach John Cohen has competed as a player against the University of Mississippi.
During his playing career with the Bulldogs (1988-90), Cohen remembers the rivalry with the Rebels wasn’t as intense as it is today. MSU investigating possible NCAA violation4/14/2009 The appearance of former Mississippi State football coach Jackie Sherrill at spring football practice last week has caused quite a stir.
Sherrill’s possible interaction with the Bulldogs at Friday’s workout might have violated an NCAA bylaw regarding the limitation of coaches taking part in on-the-field teaching. East Webster's Harris, Bell win state championships4/12/2009 MABEN -- Senior Jacob Harris showed what four years of hard work could do as a powerlifter at East Webster High School, and sophomore Timakis Bell is following the same path.
Harris and Bell both won Class A state powerlifting championships in their weight class and gave East Webster quite a lift.
Bell said it was the effort and support of the entire team that made individual success possible.
MSU football team gets jump on Easter4/10/2009 STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State football team was hard at work early Thursday, but it had nothing to do with spring football practice.
The Bulldogs helped children from the T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability in Starkville participate in an Easter Egg hunt inside the Palmeiro Center.
It was an opportunity to meet some of the children in the community and to have fun between classes.
MSU baseball team travels to Tennessee4/10/2009 STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State baseball team needs to make up some ground in a hurry if it is to avoid the fate it endured last season.
Ever since John Cohen took over for Ron Polk, his goal has been to avoid a repeat of last season, when the Bulldogs finished 22-33 and 9-21 in the Southeastern Conference.
MSU (18-15, 4-8 SEC) showed some signs of life this week in victories against the University of Alabama-Birmingham (10-0) and Southern Miss (7-6). It will try to build on that momentum this weekend at Tennessee (13-20, 1-11).
SHS girls basketball players pick Meridian C.C.4/9/2009 STARKVILLE — Starkville High School’s Tay Odneal and Kierra Jones kept it within the family when it came to choosing their basketball future.
As cousins, the Lady Yellow Jackets wanted to go down the same path together.
They joined coaches, family members, and friends in the school library Wednesday afternoon in a ceremony in which they signed national letters of intent to play basketball at Meridian Community College. Sallach adjusting with MSU4/9/2009 STARKVILLE — Whether it’s coaching in the Ivy League or in the Southeastern Conference, football is played the same way.
Scott Sallach is finding that out as a member of Dan Mullen’s coaching staff at Mississippi State. Walk-off home run lifts MSU past USM4/9/2009 STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State baseball team found the momentum Wednesday night it will need in a weekend Southeastern Conference baseball series at Tennessee.
The Bulldogs used a walk-off solo home run by junior designated hitter Ryan Duffy in the bottom of the ninth inning to defeat Southern Mississippi 7-6 at Dudy Noble Field. MSU's Wilder hopes to regain speed4/8/2009 STARKVILLE — O’Neal Wilder hopes the speed that helped him run a state best 48.3 seconds in the 400-meter dash at Carthage High School in 2006 will serve him well as a member of the Mississippi State football team.
After a knee injury sidelined him last season, Wilder will try to get back in shape to provide the Bulldogs with a valuable weapon in coach Dan Mullen’s spread offense.
Starkville's Olsen beats Columbus on Senior Night4/8/2009 STARKVILLE — Senior Night is usually reserved for the final regular season home game.
However, the Starkville High School baseball team decided to recognize its senior class Tuesday against Columbus in its second-to-last home game.
That was just fine with Starkville starting pitcher Colin Olsen, who pitched a complete-game five-hitter to help beat the Falcons 9-4.
Tate strives to win every time he runs4/6/2009 STARKVILLE -- Finishing second doesn’t exist in Tavaris Tate’s vocabulary.
The goal for the Starkville High School senior sprinter is to win every race, whether it is the 100, 200 or 400 meters, or as a member of the 4x400 relay team.
Tate stepped up his competitive drive after finishing second to Ja’Vell Bullard in the 400 meters at the 2008 Nike Outdoor Nationals last June.
Defense dominates during MSU practice4/5/2009 STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State football team’s offense wasn’t spreading around much fun Saturday in its scrimmage.
It is a sign the unit still has a long way to learn the new system of coach Dan Mullen.
The offense had moments during a two-hour practice at the MSU practice fields, but the defense made the biggest statement.
MSU baseball team atones for late-inning loss4/5/2009 STARKVILLE -- Mississippi State made sure it wasn’t going to lose a late-inning lead on Saturday afternoon.
After blowing a 6-3 advantage in a 9-8 loss to Auburn on Friday night, the Bulldogs knew they had to handle a similar situation different in the second game of the series.
MSU scored two insurance runs in the eighth inning and left-handed starting pitcher Nick Routt handled the rest as the Bulldogs beat Auburn 8-3 at Dudy Noble Field.
Works in progress square off at MSU4/3/2009 John Cohen and John Pawlowski are in new situations as head baseball coaches in the Southeastern Conference this season.
Cohen already was an SEC coach at Kentucky, but he left and returned to his alma mater, Mississippi State, replacing Ron Polk, while Pawlowski took over for Tom Slater at Auburn.
The Bulldogs and Tigers meet this weekend at Dudy Noble Field, and both programs are still trying to win on a consistent basis in the conference. The series takes place at 6:30 p.m. today, 2 p.m. Saturday, and 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
MSU's Berry adjusting to Division I4/3/2009 STARKVILLE — Leon Berry experienced success as a wide receiver at East Mississippi Community College by reaching the second round of the junior college playoffs last season.
He hopes that success rubs off on Mississippi State.
“We’re going to try and turn this program around,” Berry said.
Berry, one of the Bulldogs’ mid-term signees, is adjusting slowly to Division I-A football after being an All-American in junior college.
Movie night planned to help kick off Super Bulldog Weekend4/2/2009 Get the popcorn ready.
Mississippi State’s Student Association and the school’s athletic department are planning a movie night April 16 on the new video board at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Hevesy helping Bulldogs build depth on 'O' line4/2/2009 STARKVILLE — One of the rewards for offensive line coach John Hevesy when he joined Dan Mullen’s football staff at Mississippi State was getting a chance to work with Derek Sherrod.
While at Florida three years ago, Hevesy recruited the former Caledonia High School player for the Gators. Defense steps up at Mississippi State practice4/1/2009 STARKVILLE –– Tuesday’s spring football practice at Mississippi State ended differently than the previous one.
After the offense scored a touchdown to end a scrimmage Saturday, the defense made a statement Tuesday at the end of a three-hour practice.
Linebacker Jamie Jones intercepted a pass from quarterback Chris Relf that caused the defense to celebrate much like the offense did Saturday.
Wright sticks with Bulldogs3/31/2009 STARKVILLE — Football has always been in Jody Wright’s blood.
From winning three state championships in his playing days at Pickens Academy to playing at Jacksonville State University in Alabama to coaching at Jacksonville and Mississippi State, Wright has always found a way to keep the game a part of his life. Mullen finding out who can contribute3/29/2009 STARKVILLE –– Saturday was like Christmas morning for Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen.
By the end of a two-and-a-half hour spring workout, it began to feel a little that way with a cool front blowing through.
Mullen was anxious to watch the film of what the Bulldogs had just done on the practice field so he could find out which players were ready to contribute.
MSU's McPhee impressive in practice3/29/2009 Defensive lineman Pernell McPhee has looked like a man among boys the first three days of Mississippi State spring football practice.
McPhee’s 6-4, 270-pound frame was impressive enough without pads, but when the Bulldogs put them on for the first time Saturday, he really had the appearance of a giant.
The former Itawamba Community College player, from Pahokee, Fla., could probably play in the National Football League right now.
Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen is glad to have him on his side, even if it’s only for two seasons.
Starkville outlasts New Hope in baseball3/29/2009 STARKVILLE –– The Starkville Yellow Jackets experienced another walk-off victory at home on Saturday afternoon.
For the New Hope Trojans, it was a another disappointing loss.
After Blake Dawkins singled in the winning run last Tuesday to help Starkville defeat Tupelo 3-2, it was R.J. Johnson’s turn to do the same.
This time the game-winning hit came in the 10th inning as Starkville beat New Hope 2-1.
Starkville Akins signs with Harding3/29/2009 STARKVILLE –– Starkville High School wide receiver Kasey Akins played the waiting game to make sure he found the right place for him to continue his football career.
More than a month after watching two of his teammates sign scholarships on National Signing Day, Akins has made his choice.
Akins decided to take his talents to Harding University in Searcy, Ark., and made it official on Friday by putting his name on the dotted line.
MSU prepares for another road challenge3/27/2009 STARKVILLE — Mississippi State junior second baseman Jet Butler said one thing has given the Bulldogs problems on the road.
“We haven’t been able to execute our game plans, but we’ll get better,” Butler said. “We’ll keep scratching and clawing.”
MSU faces another road challenge this weekend when it travels to Arkansas for a series of games at 6:30 p.m. today, 2 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. Sunday.
The Bulldogs (14-10, 2-4 Southeastern Conference) haven’t had the kind of start they wanted in coach John Cohen’s first year, mainly due to a 1-8 record in road and neutral-site games.
MSU's Varnado undecided about future3/27/2009 STARKVILLE — Jarvis Varnado still hasn’t decided if he will return for his senior season with the Mississippi State men’s basketball team.
Varnado will explore the possibility of leaving Mississippi State and turning professional.
Varnado and MSU coach Rick Stansbury met Thursday, but no decision was made.
Stansbury said there is no rush because the deadline for early-entry candidates to apply for the NBA Draft is April 26.
MSU's Swedenburg glad to get chance3/27/2009 STARKVILLE — Mississippi State punter Baker Swedenburg probably doesn’t mind a three-hour practice one bit.
The work gives the former Heritage Academy player more time to prove himself on the field.
After signing with the Mississippi State football team in 2008, Swedenburg, of Columbus, sat out a grayshirt year that enabled him to enroll as a part-time student and to keep his four years of eligibility.
Swedenburg finally made it to the practice field Tuesday when the Bulldogs kicked off spring practice. He was back on the field Thursday for the second workout.
Mullen learning to juggle responsibilities at work, home3/26/2009 Among the 75 or so spectators at Mississippi State’s first day of spring football practice on Tuesday were coach Dan Mullen’s wife, Megan, and his 1-month-old son, Canon.
Canon was born Feb. 13 and the smile can’t be wiped from coach Mullen’s face whenever he talks about his son. Freshmen help MSU beat Memphis3/26/2009 STARKVILLE — Mississippi State baseball coach John Cohen is looking for players who will give a consistent effort every time they step on the field.
If Cohen can get that effort from a freshman, he will go that route.
On Wednesday night against the University of Memphis, two MSU freshmen showed they could be a key to the program’s future. Smith rejoins MSU football team3/25/2009 STARKVILLE –– It has been a long seven months for Mississippi State offensive lineman Tobias Smith, of Columbus.
After breaking his left leg during two-a-days and having surgery last August, Smith went through rehabilitation and rejoined the Bulldogs for the first day of spring practice Tuesday.
MSU coach Dan Mullen was happy Smith could be a part of his first practice in Starkville.
Smith a graduate of Columbus High School, was excited to get back on the field, even if it was just a practice.
Polk, Palmeiro chosen to Collegle Baseball HoF3/25/2009 Ron Polk believes he wouldn’t be Hall of Fame material if not for the players he has coached.
That’s why he is glad to be inducted into a Hall of Fame with one of his former Mississippi State players.
Polk and Rafael Palmeiro will be two of 10 players and coaches who will be inducted to the College Baseball Hall of Fame on July 3 in Lubbock, Texas.
Dawkins makes most of second chance3/25/2009 STARKVILLE — Blake Dawkins hoped for another opportunity.
The Starkville High School catcher struck out with the bases loaded in the fifth inning against Tupelo on Tuesday night, and the Yellow Jackets left three on base that inning.
In the seventh, the bases were loaded again with Dawkins at the plate. This time he singled in Jayson Keel to lift Starkville to a 3-2 victory.
Tupelo (6-3, 1-1 Class 5A, Division 2) walked Daniel Forde in front of Dawkins twice. Starkville (10-2, 3-0) didn’t take advantage of the first situation, but did on the second.
Freshmen lead Starkville past West Lowndes3/24/2009 STARKVILLE — It was a good night to get a one-hitter from two freshmen.
Frustrated that his Yellow Jackets left 12 runners on base, Starkville High School baseball coach Danny Carlisle liked that Nick Brooks and Hayden Higginbotham combined to give up only one hit Tuesday night in a 5-1 victory against West Lowndes. MSU, Ole Miss basketball players named finalists for state award3/24/2009 STARKVILLE — Mississippi State and the University of Mississippi are well represented among the finalists for the Cellular South Bailey Howell and Peggy Gillom Trophies.
The awards, which go to the state’s top men’s and women’s college basketball players, will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in Jackson. Champions Club member Lee set to lead Mullen's first practice3/24/2009 STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen already considers quarterback Tyson Lee, of Columbus, a champion before he sees what he can do on the practice field today.
That’s because Lee is one of 16 Bulldogs chosen to the “Champions Club,” which is made up of players who excelled on and off the field in offseason conditioning and met standards set by their position group. Koenning welcomes return to MSU3/23/2009 STARKVILLE -–– Les Koenning returns to the Mississippi State football practice field Tuesday after a 20-year absence.
Koenning was the running backs and wide receivers coach at Mississippi State from 1986-89. He returned when Dan Mullen was hired to replace Sylvester Croom this past December.
Koenning welcomes the opportunity to work with Mullen and return to Mississippi State.
Dixon won't be forgotten man at MSU3/22/2009 STARKVILLE -- Tailback Anthony Dixon will not be a forgotten man in the spread offense of new Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen.
It is Mullen’s hope that the former 1,000-yard rusher will be again next fall his senior season.
Mullen said there is a misconception that a running game is not important in the spread, but he begs to differ.
MSU softball team swept by LSU3/22/2009 STARKVILLE –– Mississippi State’s softball team had an opportunity to answer with a good third inning after LSU put up a four-spot in the second game of a doubleheader Saturday afternoon.
Mississippi State scored one run when Ali Bainbridge was hit by a pitch with the bases-loaded and two outs, but ended up leaving three runners on base when Sammie Jo Bailey popped out to the catcher to end the inning.
Mississippi State coach Jay Miller said it was tough to see his clean-up hitter fail to get the job done in that situation.
MSU's Mullen ready to `Spread the Fun'3/20/2009 STARKVILLE –– The Mississippi State football team will begin to “Spread the Fun” next week when coach Dan Mullen opens spring football practice.
After a week of spring break where some of his assistants were finishing moves to Starkville, Mullen said everyone will be ready to get down to business.
Mullen, who was hired Dec. 11, 2008, after Sylvester Croom resigned Nov. 29, will try to start out with a clean slate with the players.
MSU pitching coach faces former team3/20/2009 It’s Butch Thompson’s turn.
The Mississippi State pitching coach was an observer Wednesday when Alabama-Birmingham coach Brian Shoop and volunteer coach Ron Polk returned to Dudy Noble Field.
Shoop was an assistant coach at Mississippi State and Polk was MSU’s coach for 29 seasons.
This weekend will be a homecoming for Thompson when MSU plays at Georgia.
Discussions continue about updating drainage at Dudy Noble3/19/2009 STARKVILLE — Dudy Noble Field, Mississippi State’s baseball surface, has had the reputation of being one of the nation’s best draining fields.
But the system is showing its age. Bulldogs 'power' past Blazers3/19/2009 STARKVILLE — It really didn’t surprise Mississippi State baseball coaches John Cohen and Butch Thompson to see Ryan Powers’ hot hitting against the Alabama-Birmingham on Wednesday night.
Thompson had already told Cohen how Powers was swinging the bat in pregame batting practice. Prep rivals will meet again in NCAA opener3/19/2009 Mississippi State freshman point guard Dee Bost would take another 20-point win against his old prep school rival this afternoon.
Bost was at Hargrave Military School when he played against Isaiah Thomas at South Kent School in Connecticut.
Thomas is now a freshman point guard at the University of Washington, MSU’s opponent at 3:45 p.m. today (WCBI) in the first round of the NCAA tournament West Regional in Portland, Ore. Turner has had impact on MSU run3/18/2009 STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State men’s basketball lost good players last season when Jamont Gordon, Charles Rhodes, and Ben Hansbrough left the program.
Rhodes graduated, Gordon skipped his senior season to test the NBA market, and Hansbrough transferred to Notre Dame.
The Bulldogs knew they would have a new look this season, and not much was known about returning players Phil Turner, Kodi Augustus, and Ravern Johnson.
Polk returns to Dudy-Noble Field3/18/2009 There will be several connections at 6:30 tonight when the Mississippi State baseball team plays host to Alabama-Birmingham at Dudy-Noble Field.
The most notable will be Ron Polk’s homecoming.
Polk, who coached at Mississippi State for 29 seasons, will return to Dudy Noble Field as a UAB volunteer coach.
Offense backs Whitney in MSU's SEC opener3/15/2009 MSU to host South Carolina in SEC opener3/13/2009 No. 13 lucky for Starkville3/13/2009 Former ICC guard will lead Alabama vs. Vanderbilt3/12/2009 University of Alabama men’s basketball junior guard Anthony Brock has shown he can perform in the clutch despite missing practice time.
Brock might have been late joining the team for a trip to Knoxville, Tenn., and Sunday’s game against Tennessee, but he still helped the Crimson Tide beat the Volunteers 70-67. MSU has plans in motion to switch to adidas3/12/2009 STARKVILLE — Change is in the air at Mississippi State, and soon it will be on the backs of the Bulldogs.
With the contract with Russell Athletics expiring, MSU plans to turn to adidas as the school’s clothing outfitter. MSU baseball rallies to sweep Valparaiso3/12/2009 STARKVILLE — There was nothing like a little bit of rest Wednesday night to rejuvenate Mississippi State junior baseball players Connor Powers and Russ Sneed.
Powers and Sneed combined to go 3-for-3 after coming into the second game of a doubleheader against Valparaiso to help MSU rally for a 5-4 victory at Dudy Noble Field. MSU's Johnson will try new plan vs. Georgia3/12/2009 Mississippi State sophomore guard Ravern Johnson had one of his best games of the season Jan. 24 when he scored 21 points in a 67-61 victory against Georgia.
Johnson found a hole in Georgia’s zone defense and was 8 of 15 from the field, including 5 of 8 from 3-point range. MSU's Clark suspended for undisclosed violation3/11/2009 Ole Miss' game plan is to contain Meeks3/11/2009 Kentucky baseball coach seeks own identity3/11/2009 West Lowndes pitcher rewards his coach3/11/2009 SEC teams set for scramble at conference tournament3/10/2009 Which team will win this year’s Southeastern Conference tournament?
The answer is anyone’s guess.
Most SEC basketball coaches agree any team can win the tournament, which begins Thursday at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Fla. MSU men have sights set beyond SECs3/10/2009 STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State men’s basketball team is making plans for a postseason beyond the Southeastern Conference tournament for the ninth time in 11 seasons under coach Rick Stansbury.
The Bulldogs remain uncertain about their postseason destination. Twice as nice for MSU's Varnado3/10/2009 STARKVILLE — Mississippi State junior center Jarvis Varnado has earned double billing.
For the second consecutive year, Varnado was named the Southeastern Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year. The 6-foot-9 center also earned a spot on the All-SEC first team. MSU wins with `Dee-fense'3/8/2009 MSU's Augustus makes most of opportunity3/8/2009 Pearson pleased with Alabama's progress3/8/2009 MSU plays Ole Miss for third in SEC West3/6/2009 MSU's Stansbury loses father-like figure in Kelly3/6/2009 Edwards delivers eulogy at Burrell's funeral3/6/2009 MSU baseball will try to avoid distractions in Hawaii3/5/2009 Hawaii won’t be all fun and games for the Mississippi State Bulldogs if they don’t playing good baseball.
MSU coach John Cohen wants his team to have a good time, but he hopes it takes the baseball side of the trip seriously when it plays a four-game series against the University of Hawaii. Mullen suspends defensive back Langston3/5/2009 Mississippi State defensive back Maurice Langston will have to wait a little longer to make a difference on the football field.
MSU football coach Dan Mullen has suspended Langston indefinitely for an undisclosed violation of team rules. The move comes on the heels of Langston’s arrest Saturday night in Hattiesburg. MSU's bench come through in victory against Florida3/5/2009 STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State men’s basketball team needed an emotional effort Wednesday night.
After MSU coach Rick Stansbury said his team played “with no passion” for the first time this season in a loss to Auburn on Saturday, he was satisfied with his team’s performance Wednesday night in an 80-71 victory against the Florida Gators at Humphrey Coliseum. White credited with keeping Ole Miss men afloat3/4/2009 University of Mississippi men’s basketball coach Andy Kennedy knows his team would not be where it is if not for freshman point guard Terrico White.
White’s emergence has helped the Rebels overcome three season-ending injuries and has kept them out of the bottom of the Southeastern Conference Western Division instead of Arkansas, tonight’s opponent at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark. MSU's Bost will get defensive test vs. Florida3/4/2009 STARKVILLE –– Mississippi State freshman point guard Dee Bost will have his defensive skills tested again tonight.
Bost has chased some of the best point guards in the Southeastern Conference this season, including South Carolina’s Devan Downey and Arkansas’ Courtney Fortson.
Another one comes along at 7 tonight when MSU plays host to Nick Calathes and the Florida Gators in a SEC game at Humphrey Coliseum. Auburn will try to keep rolling against Alabama3/3/2009 The Auburn men’s basketball team has moved into second place in the Southeastern Conference Western Division standings.
With two games left in the regular season, the Tigers still have to look over their shoulder at the rival Alabama Crimson Tide. SEC men's teams try to gain solid footing on NCAA bubble3/3/2009 This is the time of the year when the phrase “on the bubble” is used quite a bit in college basketball.
Teams are trying to move into the best position possible to make the NCAA tournament in a couple of weeks. NCAA changes MSU-Nicholls State game to no contest3/3/2009 STARKVILLE — Can a baseball game be declared “snowed out” even when most of the white stuff had melted by the scheduled start time?
Apparently, the Nicholls State Colonels thought so, and the NCAA agreed. Johnson thankful for chance at MSU3/3/2009 STARKVILLE — An opportunity was all Brian Johnson could ask for, and the Mississippi State Bulldogs were happy to give it to him.
After having three knee surgeries to repair a torn lateral meniscus before his college career began, Johnson wasn’t sure he would see the court again. Hill, Carr commit to play at MSU3/2/2009 Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen and his staff are making quite an impression on local athletes.
After signing players like Deontae Skinner from Noxubee County High School in Macon, Johnthan Banks from East Webster High in Maben, Johnathan McKenzie from Starkville Academy, and Dennis Thames from Louisville High, Mullen has gotten off to a quick start on identifying area prospects for next year’s class.
Torbush welcomes opportunity at MSU3/1/2009 MSU blindsided in loss to Auburn3/1/2009 MSU's Powers swings hot bat in cold3/1/2009 Second place on line for MSU2/27/2009 Alabama's Gee concerns Ole Miss2/27/2009 Jones, Swindle reunited at MSU2/27/2009 Byrne acknowledges people behind scenes2/26/2009 STARKVILLE — The people who work behind the scenes in the Mississippi State athletic department are very important to athletic director Greg Byrne.
To recognize those individuals, Byrne has instituted the Department Employees Service Awards. Bussey, Brownlee deliver in eighth inning to lift Bulldogs2/26/2009 STARKVILLE — The opportunity to get a big hit or to make a key pitch can be the difference when a baseball game is on the line.
Junior pitcher Justin Bussey and redshirt freshman Brent Brownlee took advantage of their situations in the eighth inning Wednesday to help the Mississippi State baseball team. MSU goes against player it recruited2/25/2009 MSU `Powers' way past South Alabama2/25/2009 Mullen's offense attracts Bumphis2/22/2009 West Lowndes qualifies for state tournament2/22/2009 West Lowndes rallies to overcome Dexter2/20/2009 McAdams shoots way past East Oktibbeha2/20/2009 West Oktibbeha loses to its former coach2/20/2009 MSU-Alabama rivalry has new look2/20/2009 MSU begins Cohen era against Northern Illinois2/20/2009 Starkville splits North Tournament games2/18/2009 MSU looks to end losing streak2/18/2009 Kentucky, Tennessee, South Carolina tied atop Eastern Division2/17/2009 There is a competitive race at the top of the Southeastern Conference’s Eastern Division.
At 7-3, Kentucky and Tennessee were expected to compete for an Eastern Division title.
But first-year coach Darrin Horn has helped South Carolina (7-3) become the surprise of the league. MSU men must improve defense to get victories2/17/2009 The Mississippi State men’s basketball team hasn’t had the kind of start to the second half of the Southeastern Conference season it wanted. MSU opened SEC play with victories against Arkansas, Alabama, and Vanderbilt and finished the first half of the league slate 6-2.
The second eight hasn’t started so great for the Bulldogs. Bumphis regains eligibility2/17/2009 A minor issue that kept Mississippi State signee Chad Bumphis from being eligible for nearly two months has been resolved.
MSU asked the NCAA to reinstate Bumphis, a four-star wide receiver from Tupelo, after he was involved in a secondary rules violation with former football coach Sylvester Croom. In-person contacts still valuable tool2/15/2009 Starkville sweeps division titles2/15/2009 MSU looks to bounce back from loss to LSU2/13/2009 West Lowndes advance to district final2/13/2009 East Webster beats rival West Oktibbeha2/13/2009 MSU women's tennis has melting pot of talent2/12/2009 It is a diverse group.
The Mississippi State women’s tennis team has players from Slovakia, Russia, Namibia, and Eupora.
That melting pot of talent is 4-0 for the second consecutive season. The Lady Bulldogs have gotten off to that start seven times. Mitchell, LSU outlast Varnado, MSU2/12/2009 STARKVILLE — Jarvis Varnado had a career night Wednesday for the Mississippi State men’s basketball team.
It was nothing compared to what Tasmin Mitchell did for LSU.
Varnado scored a career-high 31 points, but Mitchell had a career-high 41 to lead the Tigers to a 97-94 victory in double overtime in front of a crowd of 9,021 at Humphrey Coliseum. Close not good enough for Columbus2/11/2009 MSU hosts experienced LSU squad2/11/2009 MSU's Bost earns SEC weekly honor2/10/2009 Mississippi State point guard Dee Bost moved into elite status Monday.
Bost learned from MSU officials he had become the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week for the second time this season. He becomes the third second-time honoree of the award, joining Alabama’s JaMychal Green and Ole Miss’ Terrico White. MSU men gearing up to face SEC West leader LSU2/10/2009 STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State Bulldogs take great pride in being back-to-back Southeastern Conference Western Division champions.
Mississippi State’s 2008-09 basketball poster features junior guard Barry Stewart and junior center Jarvis Varnado holding the past two SEC Western Division championship trophies. Alabama gets another shot at road win2/8/2009 The Alabama Crimson Tide want to be able to deliver a knockout blow.
It did not happen Thursday when Alabama lost to Vanderbilt 79-74 in Nashville, Tenn.
After pulling to within 76-74 after a 3-point field goal by Andrew Steele with 3 minutes, 13 seconds left in the game, the Crimson Tide let the Commodores off the hook.
Alabama (13-9, 3-5 Southeastern Conference) gets another opportunity for a road victory at noon today (WCBI) at LSU, and interim coach Philip Pearson wants his team to be ready in case another tight game develops. MSU men set school record by making 16 3-pointers2/8/2009 STARKVILLE –– How does a team know it has a pretty good shooting team?
When it sets a school record for 3-point field goals in a game. Howell first in MSU history to have his number retired2/8/2009 STARKVILLE –– To a man who has given much to Mississippi State University for 50 years after his college basketball career ended, the school returned the favor to Bailey Howell on Saturday.
Howell’s No. 52 jersey was retired at halftime of Mississippi State’s game against Arkansas. He is the first player in school history to have his jersey retired. MSU's Mullen, staff work hard to sell their program in short time2/8/2009 STARKVILLE -- Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen said the challenges of recruiting in the Southeastern Conference are real.
Mullen, who was the offensive coordinator at the University of Florida before coming to MSU, said it is not easy to be one of the league’s 12 programs competing for the nation’s best prep and junior college prospects. Burkhalter improving jumbotron2/6/2009 Delynn and Sue Burkhalter, of Columbus, wanted an improved view of the Mississippi State football games, so they decided to tackle a huge project. MSU men going for sweep of Arkansas2/6/2009 Arkansas men’s basketball coach John Pelphrey knows it will take an outstanding effort out of his team at 2 p.m. Saturday (WCBI) to beat the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Humphrey Coliseum.
Pelphrey has already witnessed what the Bulldogs can do when they’re not at their best. Mississippi State beat Arkansas 70-56 on Jan 10 in Fayetteville, Ark. Defense key for Alabama vs. Vanderbilt2/5/2009 The University of Alabama men’s basketball team may have to stay in a zone.
It wasn’t a hot offense but the team’s defense that Alabama interim head coach Philip Pearson said helped his team get its latest victory, a 75-70 decision against Georgia. Starkville's Archie to Jackson State; Ware to EMCC2/5/2009 Starkville High School defensive end Johnathan Archie is ready for a fresh start.
Archie is prepared to take full advantage of the chance after he signed Wednesday to play football for the Jackson State Tigers of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. MSU addresses recruiting needs2/5/2009 STARKVILLE — One of the goals for new Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen with his first recruiting class was to get the best players possible to run his spread offense.
After announcing 19 signees Wednesday to join the eight newcomers who enrolled at mid-term, Mullen believes he and his coaches accomplished their mission. Patterson chooses Ole Miss2/4/2009 Kennedy won't let Ole Miss slip2/4/2009 Starkville beats Noxubee for second time2/4/2009 Ole Miss rallies to beat MSU2/1/2009 Stansbury suffers first loss to Ole Miss at The Hump2/1/2009 Croom impressed with Rams' organization2/1/2009 MSU to scrimmage on first day of practice2/1/2009 Felton's firing sends shockwaves through SEC1/30/2009 Thursday's firing of University of Georgia men's basketball coach Dennis Felton sent shockwaves through the Southeastern Conference. Search our archives for older stories by Danny P Smith
