Date Day Opponent Site Time April 6 Sun. East Carolina* Hattiesburg, Miss. 11 a.m. Feb. 22 Fri. Lipscomb Hattiesburg, Miss. 4 p.m. April 9 Wed. LSU Hattiesburg, Miss. 6:30 p.m. Feb. 23 Sat. Lipscomb Hattiesburg, Miss. 3 p.m. April 11 Fri. Arkansas State Hattiesburg, Miss. 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24 Sun. Lipscomb Hattiesburg, Miss. 1 p.m. April 12 Sat. Arkansas State Hattiesburg, Miss. 4 p.m. Feb. 26 Tues. Louisiana-Monroe Hattiesburg, Miss. 6:30 p.m. April 13 Sun. Arkansas State Hattiesburg, Miss. 1 p.m. Feb. 27 Wed. South Alabama Hattiesburg, Miss. 6:30 p.m. April 15 Tues. Mississippi Valley State Hattiesburg, Miss. 6:30 p.m. Feb. 29 Fri. at Louisiana-Lafayette Lafayette, La. 6:30 p.m. April 16 Wed. at Alabama Jackson, Miss. 7 p.m. Mar. 1 Sat. vs. Miami (Ohio) Lafayette, La. 6 p.m. April 18 Fri. at Tulane* New Orleans, La. 6 p.m. Mar. 2 Sun. at Louisiana-Lafayette Lafayette, La. 1 p.m. April 19 Sat. at Tulane* New Orleans, La. 6 p.m. Mar. 4 Tues. at Ole Miss Oxford, Miss. 5 p.m. April 20 Sun. at Tulane* New Orleans, La. 1 p.m. Mar. 7 Fri. at Cal State Fullerton Fullerton, Calif. 9 p.m. April 22 Tues. Mississippi State Hattiesburg, Miss. 6:30 p.m. Mar. 8 Sat. at Cal State Fullerton Fullerton, Calif. 8 p.m. April 23 Wed. Mississippi State Hattiesburg, Miss. 6:30 p.m. Mar. 9 Sun. at Cal State Fullerton Fullerton, Calif. 3 p.m. April 25 Fri. Houston* Hattiesburg, Miss. 6:30 p.m. Mar. 12 Wed. at New Orleans New Orleans, La. 6:30 p.m. April 26 Sat. Houston* Hattiesburg, Miss. 4 p.m. Mar. 14 Fri. Cal State Northridge Hattiesburg, Miss. 6:30 p.m. April 27 Sun. Houston* Hattiesburg, Miss. 1 p.m. Mar. 15 Sat. Liberty Hattiesburg, Miss. 12 noon April 29 Tues. New Orleans Hattiesburg, Miss. 6:30 p.m. Mar. 16 Sun. Cal State Northridge Hattiesburg, Miss. 11 a.m. April 30 Wed. at Southeastern Louisiana Hammond, La. 6:30 p.m. Mar. 18 Tues. Southeastern Louisiana Hattiesburg, Miss. 6:30 p.m. May 2 Fri. at Marshall* Huntington, W. Va. 6 p.m. Mar. 19 Wed. at Louisiana-Monroe Monroe, La. 6:30 p.m. May 3 Sat. at Marshall* Huntington, W. Va. 6 p.m. Mar. 21 Fri. UCF* Hattiesburg, Miss. 6:30 p.m. May 4 Sun. at Marshall* Huntington, W. Va. 12 noon Mar. 22 Sat. UCF* Hattiesburg, Miss. 3 p.m. May 9 Fri. Memphis* Hattiesburg, Miss. 7:30 p.m. Mar. 23 Sun. UCF* Hattiesburg, Miss. 1 p.m. May 10 Sat. Memphis* Hattiesburg, Miss. 4 p.m. Mar. 25 Tues. vs. Ole Miss Jackson, Miss. 7 p.m. May 11 Sun. Memphis* Hattiesburg, Miss. 1 p.m. Mar. 28 Fri. at Rice* Houston, Texas 6:30 p.m. May 13 Tues. at South Alabama Mobile, Ala. 6 p.m. Mar. 29 Sat. at Rice* Houston, Texas 2 p.m. May 15 Thur. at UAB* Birmingham, Ala. 7 p.m. Mar. 30 Sun. at Rice* Houston, Texas 1 p.m. May 16 Fri. at UAB* Birmingham, Ala. 7 p.m. April 1 Tues. Troy Hattiesburg, Miss. 6:30 p.m. May 17 Sat. at UAB* Birmingham, Ala. 1 p.m. April 2 Wed. Troy Hattiesburg, Miss. 4 p.m. May 21-25 Wed.-Sun Conference USA Tournament New Orleans, La. TBA April 4 Fri. East Carolina* Hattiesburg, Miss. 6:30 p.m. April 5 Sat. East Carolina* Hattiesburg, Miss. 3 p.m. * Denotes C-USA game; All Times Central and subject to change; Home games in BoldYellow Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Freeing the Power of the Individual
he University of Southern Mississippi is a Freeing the Power of the Individual means that Quick Facts Tcomprehensive doctoral and research extensive at The University of Southern Mississippi students university. Founded in 1910 as Mississippi Normal begin to understand their unique power as they pre- • The main campus is located in Hattiesburg College, Southern Miss has a rich heritage as the pare for life. In a place that nurtures personal growth with an area population of nearly 80,000, first state-supported teacher training school. and excellence, our students are surrounded with located along the I-59 Technology Corridor The mission of the University of Southern new experiences and challenges at Southern Miss. where some of the world’s leading technology Mississippi is to be a leading university in engag- The power of the individual means having a companies call Mississippi home. ing and empowering individuals to transform lives quest to make a connection, explore new avenues • Student count fall 2005: 16,050 and communities. Our values are to lead with and experience college life with authenticity, pas- • Southern Miss is the only SREB Level 1 – academic excellence, conduct innovative research, sion and vision. Southern Miss is a special place designated institution in the state by the provide cultural enrichment, conduct economic that frees and inspires with expertise and empathy, Southern Regional Education Board, the development, create healthier communities, con- convincingly. We are preparing powerful people that nation’s first interstate compact for educa- tribute to global communities and educate the exude extraordinary warmth and confidence and go tion, founded in 1948 with 16 member states. whole student. onward to excel in life’s challenges. • Southern Miss graduates more PhDs than any other state institution; 139 last year. • Southern Miss is the only dual-campus uni- versity in the state. Teaching, research sites and campuses on the Mississippi Gulf Coast include: Southern Miss at Stennis NASA Space Center in Waveland; Southern Miss at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi; Southern Miss at Jackson County; the Southern Miss Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL), which includes Cedar Point and the J.L. Scott Marine Education Center; Southern Miss Gulf Coast Student Services teaching campus, Gulfport while the Gulf Park campus is under repair following Hurricane Katrina. • 135 degrees offered • Receives over $80 million in research Hub Plaza support for activities • The University is comprised of five Colleges: • College of Arts and Letters Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building • College of Business • College of Education and Psychology • College of Health • College of Science and Technology • Southern Miss is home to the second oldest Honors College in the nation. • The university is an internationally recog- nized leader in marine and hydrographic sciences research, education, exploration and outreach with facilities at the Stennis NASA Space facility and the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, the premier research facility for the Gulf of Mexico. • Southern Miss boasts one of the top ten ranked polymer science degree programs in the country and our graduate program includes one of the most advanced rapid prototyping systems in the world.
2 Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Powerful Alumni Prominent Alumni Powerful people make a contribution that others value and embrace. We are proud of all of our graduates. Notable achievements from alumni in the public eye make us espe- cially proud. Read here about some of our distinguished alumni. We honor their achievements and the visibility they give to Southern Miss. Whether in the corporate world or on the athletic field, Buford Gene Gary Ray Lou-Ann Sally-Ann The University of Southern Mississippi has graduates impact- Blount Carlisle Grubbs Guy Poynter Roberts ing our world in powerful ways. Natalie Allen ’84 – Broadcast professional, former anchor for CNN, to Southern Miss. Honored by President Bill Clinton with the currently with MSNBC Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second-highest civilian Powerful Research Major General Buford Blount ’71 – Commander of the U.S. award. Won the United Nations Avicenna Medal for educational The power of research–it’s commanding and connective. It Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, who led ground troops to fight the commitment opens our eyes and our world to new discoveries that become war against Iraq Marilyn Mim ’76 – Internationally famous opera singer. She has Chad Bradford – Currently pitching with Major League Baseball’s performed in such locales as Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan tomorrow’s knowledge or products. New York Mets opera House and has performed with the New York City Opera In Hattiesburg, research is abundant. Most noteworthy Lloyd D. Brinkman ’53 – Owner of L.D. Brinkman Carpet Company, Perry Phenix – Member of the 2000 AFC Champion are efforts in the polymer sciences. The Mississippi Polymer owner of Mr. Gatti’s Pizza Tennessee Titans Phil Bryant ’77 – State Auditor John “Bubba” Phillips ’51, ’53 – Played with Major League Institute (MPI) is a full–service resource for polymer–related Jimmy Buffett ’69 – Singer, songwriter and author, one of only Baseball’s Chicago White Sox in the 1959 World Series industries. With direct access to the faculty of the School for six authors to have a bestseller on both the fiction and nonfiction against the Dodgers Polymers and High Performance Materials at the University rankings of The New York Times Todd Pinkston ’00 – Currently a member of the NFL’s Philadelphia Gene Carlisle ’64 – Entrepreneur whose corporation includes more Eagles. Helped lead the Eagles to three-straight NFC Championship of Southern Mississippi, recognized as one of the Top-10 than 100 restaurants and hotels Games, as well as the 2004 Super Bowl Polymer Science programs in the United States by U.S. News James Ray Carpenter ’50, ’51 – Former president of the Edwin Pittman ’57 – Former Chief Justice of the Mississippi and World Report, the MPI helps industry solve technical Professional Golfers’ Association of America, continues to serve on Supreme Court problems, train employees, and improve processes and prod- the PGA Rules Committee and has worked as an official at virtually Jeffrey Posey – Currently a member of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills all of the major tournament championships. Lou Ann Poynter ’69, ’70 – Former Senior Executive Vice President ucts. A vital contributor to the economic development of the Keith Cobb ’63 – Currently a business consultant and strategic advi- of Union Planters Bank state, polymer research and innovation is an everyday hap- sor for several companies, former CEO of Alamo Rent-A-Car. Sally-Ann Roberts ’74, ’76 – Co-host of the Eyewitness Morning pening at Southern Miss. Jim “Peanuts” Davenport ’56 – A former manager of Major News on WWL-TV in New Orleans. It is the highest-rated local League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants morning newscast in the nation. Anchoring the Mississippi Gulf Coast on the east and west Hanford Dixon – Former NFL Pro Bowel defensive back with the Bruce Rossmeyer – Owner of one of the top Harley Davidson ends are two world–class operations. The Gulf Coast Research Cleveland Browns dealerships in the nation. Laboratory, entering its 60th year of operation, is the premiere Ralph Dunagin – Creator of the editorial comic strip Dunagin’s People Chuck Scarborough ’69 – Anchor for WNBC News in New York Brett Favre – Only three-time NFL MVP, he led the Green Bay (also does national NBC news) research facility for the Gulf of Mexico. Utilizing remote Packers to two consecutive Super Bowl wins. David Sheffield ’72 – Script writer. Did work for Saturday Night sensing science and technology in conjunction with data to Tim Floyd – Former NBA head coach, Entering his second season Live and also wrote Police Academy II and Coming to America address topics of importance to the ecology and economy of as coach of the University of Southern California Trojans Brigadier General Robert L. Stewart ’64 – Director of Plans for Evelyn Gandy – First female Lieutenant Governor in Mississippi history the United States Space Command and Commander of the U.S. the northern Gulf of Mexico, current research projects span Gary Grubbs ’72 – Hollywood actor, has appeared in television Army element, North American Aerospace Defense NASA in 1978, terrestrial, wetland and coastal marine habitats. shows including Will and Grace, ER, X-Files, and Touched by an qualifying as an astronaut the following year. He was mission At the Stennis NASA Space Center on the west end of Angel. More recently, he was in the Academy Award winning specialist on two space shuttle flights and participated in two movie “Ray.” extravehicular activities (EVA) involving the use of a Manned the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Southern Miss is located at the Ray Guy ’78 – Former punter, defensive back and baseball pitcher Maneuvering Unit. This was the first time ever that astronauts nation’s premier NASA installation for earth sciences and for Southern Miss, He was the punter for the Oakland/Los Angeles performed un-tethered operation from a space craft in flight rocket propulsion testing. The Department of Marine Science, Raiders for many years. He was selected as NFL’s top punter when Nan Sumrall ’88 – The 1985 Miss Mississippi is currently the league selected their 75th anniversary team. First Southern co-host of Prime Time County on The Nashville Network located here, and offers Master’s and Ph.D. degrees and a Miss player ever to be inducted into College Football Hall of Fame Pat Surtain – Currently a member of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs unique one–year Master’s degree in Hydrographic Science. Bobby Hamilton – Two time Super Bowl champion and current Adalius Thomas ’00 – Currently plays for the NFL’s Baltimore The Southern Miss Center of Higher Learning at Stennis member of the Oakland Raiders Ravens. Member of the 2001 NFL Super Bowl Champions Brigadier General Jeff Hammond ’78, ’83 – Military leader who Clarence Weatherspoon ’92 – Former Golden Eagle basketball Space Center provides advanced degrees to the employees took the lead battalion into Bosnia, and serves as the assistant standout. Won the Metro Conference Freshman of the Year award, as well as operating one of the world’s finest visualization commander for support of the 1st Cavalry Division, stationed in then was named Metro Conference Player of the Year three laboratories with one of the largest super–computers in the Iraq. Played three season for the Golden Eagles, serving as team seasons in a row. Was a lottery pick of the Philadelphia 76ers, country dedicated for coastal research. captain as a senior played for the Golden State Warriors, the Miami Heat, the New Randal Howard ’70 – Currently the chair of Hibernia Bank, York Knicks and the Houston Rockets of the NBA The National Science Foundation data confirms Southeast Louisiana region Lloyd Wells ’60 – Former music director for Opryland. He also the world–class stature of the University of Southern Ted Jackson ’84 – Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist served as Tennessee Ernie Ford’s director and convinced the singer Mississippi, its faculty, staff and students. Conferring Ph.D. Margaret Loosch ’68 – President and CEO of the Odyssey Channel. to donate his music library to Southern Miss Former president of Fox Children’s Network and was responsible Dr. Delores B. “Dottie” White ’59, ’69 – Currently a professor at degrees on 139 individuals in one year is an impressive for the programming of The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Henderson State University in Arkansas, she played baseball in the feat–and tops in the state of Mississippi. Doctoral degrees, Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego? And Smurfs All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which was awarded from more than sixteen academic areas, clearly Tom “Bones” Malone – A member of the Blues Brothers featured in the movie A League of Their Own Band (appeared in both movies), he is currently with the David Jerrel Wilson ’65 – Selected second team on the NFL’s 75th show the breadth of graduate education which is intensely Letterman band Anniversary Team, giving Southern Miss the top two punters in involved in research activities. Michael Marks ’77, ’79 – Named National Performing Arts NFL history, according to the league office “The effort of our faculty to secure external research Teacher of the Year in 1995-96 by the Walt Disney/McDonald’s Sammy Winder ’83 – The 1980 NCAA football scoring champion American Teacher Awards. A former teacher at Hattiesburg High went on to Pro Bowl career with the Denver Broncos. He helped dollars to support our graduate education is impressive and School, he served as president of the Mississippi Association of lead them to a trio of Super Bowl appearances defines the culture of academic excellence at Southern Miss. Education. Marks was recently elected an executive committee Major General Walter H. Yates, Jr. ’63 – Serving as Deputy I am proud of our great University, the depth of our academic member of the National Education Association Commanding General V (U.S.) Corps, United States Army-Europe. Oseola McCarty ’98 – Gained national attention in July 1995 He previously served as Commanding General of the U.S. Army in tradition and very proud of the students we serve,” stated when she announced the donation of her life’s savings of $150,000 Berlin, Germany, and the Berlin Brigade university president, Dr. Shelby F. Thames.
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Freeing the Power of the Individual — Student Life
The Power of Being There Barnes and Noble Bookstore and a magnificent and murals hanging about. Feed your Spirit on Student life at The University of Southern mural that depicts our history and our future: open- campus – it’s delicious! Mississippi is engaging, exciting and a slice of ing fall 2006. We know that strong endings are as powerful as instant-message reality. With over 250 student the strong beginnings that students get at Southern organizations, students are offered a wide range of Eaglepalooza Miss. That makes graduation a joyous time on activities including honor societies, athletic clubs, Eaglepalooza means powerful fun! The annual campus. We are dedicated to helping our students religious organizations, and much more. Eaglepalooza takes place each fall. This event, achieve this momentous life-goal. It is why we At Southern Miss, powerful students are real, hosted by the Student Government Association, is teach, guide and provide a well-rounded student life. genuine – not preoccupied with flaunting their rank held in downtown Hattiesburg annually, and has or status. They exude the warmth and friendliness had musical guests including Pat Green, Gavin • Southern Miss serves more Mississippians than that comes from confidence nurtured on campus by DeGraw and Dashboard Confessional. any other institution. faculty, staff and other students. • Southern Miss graduates more PhDs than any Your parents call it personal growth. We call it Feed the Spirit other state institution having a powerful student experience! This isn’t your parent’s cafeteria experience! • 3,118 students graduated in the 2005 -2006 year Now, eating on campus means having an impres- • Southern Miss has conferred more than 125,000 New Union sive array of national giants serving you: StarBucks, degrees in its history Southern Miss is constantly expanding and Chick-Fil-A, Einstein’s, and more. Opened summer improving. The new Thad Cochran Center includes a 2006, The Power House Restaurant, located in Experience the power of being there, at gradu- 350-seat stadium theater, ballroom, dining facilities the middle of campus, is an upscale eating venue ation, and know the feeling of pride to have been a to seat 800, computer lounge, game room, a huge “Where Legends Live” as depicted in photographs student at The University of Southern Mississippi.
Thad Cochran Center
Power House Restaurant
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Freeing the Power of the Individual — Campus
The Power of Our Parts • Teaching sites are located at Keesler Air Force Base, Hattiesburg Facts Southern Miss is the only dual-campus Biloxi, and at the Jackson County Center in Gautier. university in the state. This means that we are International education gives our students a • Hattiesburg ranked 68th among 313 responding to the needs of the Gulf Coast, the powerful experience. Whether in Pontelvoy, metropolitan areas in the United States for region and the world with exceptional offerings in France or in London or in 20 other world-wide “economic strength” according to Where teaching sites, research facilities and campuses venues, Southern Miss is extending learning the Money is...America’s Strongest Local that gives students - from the non-traditional opportunities to new heights via international Economies written by economist William student to the doctoral candidates – local access to encounters. Our British Studies program is H. Fruth and published by POLICOM power their careers. the largest in the nation. That’s a power that Corporation of Jupiter, Florida. • The Southern Miss Gulf Coast Student Services transcends the classroom and lasts a lifetime. • Hattiesburg Is Hot! Expansion Management teaching campus is located in Gulfport while the Magazine ranked Hattiesburg 42nd nationally Gulf Park campus in Long Beach is under repair The Power of The Hub for business expansion and relocation. following Hurricane Katrina. They call Hattiesburg the Hub City. Located less In Where to Retire: America’s Best and • Stennis NASA Space Center in Waveland is the than 100 miles from Mobile, New Orleans, Jackson Most Affordable Places, Hattiesburg is nation’s premier NASA installation for earth and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, this Hub has the listed among the 150 communities in the sciences. power to feel like home during college years. You United States desirable for retirement living. • Southern Miss Gulf Coast Research Laboratory can shop, play, fish, golf, watch nationally acclaimed Hattiesburg’s retirement program was featured (GCRL), which includes Cedar Point and the J.L. artists, eat mighty good food or just relax in on the front page of The New York Times. Scott Marine Education Center; The Hub City.
Cook Library
Bennett Auditorium
Kennard-Washington Hall
Thames Polymer Science Building
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Freeing the Power of the Individual
The Power of Growth Trent Lott National Center The Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship The Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, adjacent to M.M. Roberts Stadium, will house The Center for Community and Economic Development, a synergistic mix of internationally-respected faculty and professionals in the field of economic development.
The Thad Cochran Center The $30 million building is the largest construction project ever undertaken on the Hattiesburg campus and is home to a new campus dining facility that seats 820, the second largest collegiate Barnes & Noble bookstore in the southeast and expanded meeting and reception space. Other features of the four-story center include a grand ballroom that seats 950; 10 meeting rooms to seat 20 to 175 and a presidential suite for conference, dining and reception. Thad Cochran Center The Village Southern Miss is raising the bar for campus housing to go along with an enriching academic experience. Construction is now complete on the $18 mil- lion project, which opens this fall and will provide additional housing for 354 sorority members and upper-class scholarship recipients. Twelve structures make up the complex that includes nine 30-bed residence halls, one duplex unit, one 60-bed residence hall and a commons building. Sorority women will occupy the nine units with upper-class women occupying the 60-bed hall.
The Powell Ogletree Alumni House The Village Once again advancing to meet the needs of a growing alumni base and to serve the university, The University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association expects to conclude fund-raising efforts this summer, with the 18- Alumni month construction project set to begin in January 2008. The restoration and House expansion of the 95-year-old facility will increase the size of the structure to 12,000 square feet. The Ogletree House, which served for a number of years as the University President’s home, is named for Powell Ogletree, who was alumni director at Southern Miss for 34 years until his retirement in 1987.
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Freeing the Power of the Individual
The Power of Parts Hattiesburg Facts outhern Miss is the only dual-campus university Administration Sin the state. This means that we are responding Building • Hattiesburg ranked 68th among 313 met- to the needs of the region and the world with excep- ropolitan areas in the United States for tional offerings in teaching sites, research facilities, “economic strength” according to Where and campuses that give students from the non-tra- the Money is...America’s Strongest Local ditional to the doctoral candidates – local access to Economies written by economist William power their careers. H. Fruth and published by POLICOM Southern Miss Hattiesburg Campus with a stu- Corporation of Jupiter, Florida. dent population of over 13,000 serves as the home • Hattiesburg Is Hot! Expansion Management of the administration and the core of the residential Magazine ranked Hattiesburg 42nd nation- experience for the university. ally for business expansion and relocation. Southern Miss Gulf Park, the university’s official dual campus site once again has life with the re- • In Where to Retire: America’s Best and introduction of some students and services during the Most Affordable Places, Hattiesburg is spring 2007 semester. During the fall of 2007 the listed among the 150 communities in the Gulf Park campus continued to grow with programs United States desirable for retirement returning to breathe new life to the campus hit hard- living. Hattiesburg’s retirement program est by the tragic effects of Hurricane Katrina. was featured on the front page of The Southern Miss Gulf Coast Student Services New York Times touting Hattiesburg’s Center teaching site, located in Gulfport, has served high quality of life, cultural opportunities as the home of coastal operations while the Gulf Park and state-of-the art medical facilities. Campus is rehabilitated. Serving more than 2,000 • With its economic beginnings in the timber students each semester, the former hospital facility industry, to the mobilization of the military has met the needs of the Southern Miss Gulf Coast in 1915 and World War II at nearby Camp family, and is a true testament to the dedication of Shelby, to the prosperous growth of this the faculty and staff of Southern Miss Gulf Coast. decade due to university research, growth Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research and advancement, Hattiesburg is a progres- Laboratory (GCRL), a unit of the School of Ocean sive, economically healthy community that and Earth Sciences within the College of Science nurtures a quality of life second to none. and Technology, is a marine research and education enterprise sited in Ocean Springs, Miss. Research at GCRL focuses on sustainable coastal and marine resources, development of new marine technologies, and the education of future scientists and citizens. Stennis NASA Space Center is considered the premier NASA installation for earth sciences. Touting cutting-edge visualization modules, geospa- tial mapping, oceanic science research and NOAA collaboration, Stennis acts as a major part of the university’s research continuum. Teaching sites are also located at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, The Jackson County Center in Gautier and Meridian, Miss.
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Hattiesburg, Mississippi
was incorporated in 1884 with a population of approximately 400. Originally called Twin Forks and later Gordonville, Hardy gave the city its final name of Hattiesburg, in honor of his wife Hattie. Also in 1884, the railroad, known as the Southern Railway System, was built from Meridian through Hattiesburg to New Orleans. The commercial value of the great virgin timber stands was quickly recog- nized and, for a time, timberland was available for as little as 50 cents to $1.50 an acre. Mills sprang up; naval store plants came on the heels of the tim- ber industry, and turpentine stills became as numer- ous as the sawmills. The completion of the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad from Gulfport to Jackson, now part of the Illinois Central System, ran through Hattiesburg and ushered in the real lumber boom in 1897. Though it was 20 years in the building, the railroad more than fulfilled its promise. It gave the state a deep water harbor, more than doubled the population of towns along its route, built the City of Gulfport and made Hattiesburg a railroad center. After World War I, Hattiesburg found a new way of life became necessary. The people of the region were able to adjust themselves and proved willing Hattiesburg Today few years has made Hattiesburg one of the most find new and diverse ways of making a living bring- ositioned at the fork of the Leaf and Bouie dynamic and fastest growing areas in the Southeast. ing with them further population booms. PRivers - the heart of south Mississippi’s rolling With its economic begin- piney woods - Hattiesburg, Mississippi, provides a nings in the timber industry unique blend of affordability and high standard of of the late 1800s, to the living for nearly 50,000 residents. mobilization of the military Hattiesburg is the educational, retail and medi- in 1915 and World War II at cal center for more than a quarter of a million peo- Camp Shelby, to the prosper- ple who live throughout the southeast Mississippi ous growth of the 1990s, region and is also the home of the University of Hattiesburg stands ready to Southern Mississippi, William Carey College, and move into the 21st century as Camp Shelby. a progressive, economically Hattiesburg is known as the “Hub City” because healthy community that nur- it is located at the intersections of Interstate 59 and tures a quality of life second U.S. Highways 49, 98 and 11. Hattiesburg is centrally to none. located less than 100 miles from the state capital of Jackson as well as the Gulf Coast, New Orleans and Our City’s History Mobile. Hattiesburg was founded This growing micropolitan area that includes in 1882 by Captain William Hattiesburg, Forrest and Lamar Counties, was desig- H. Hardy, pioneer lumber- nated a Metropolitan Statistical Area in 1994 with a man and civil engineer. Early combined population of more than 100,000 residents. settlers to the area were of Scottish, Irish, and English Livability desent who came from During the last several years, Hattiesburg has Georgia and the Carolinas, been recognized nationally for its livability including attracted by the vast acreage the following areas: of virgin pine timberlands. • Healthcare This was an area of rich • Most Popular Destinations promise at a time when • Retirement Communities renewed development of the • Business Relocation South was getting under way. Continued economic expansion during the past The City of Hattiesburg
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Southern Miss Athletic Center
he Southern Miss Athletic Center is a state- Ground was broken on the facility on Oct. 6, medicine lab and athletic training facility, weight room, Tof-the-art, 60,000-square foot building that 2000, and a little less than two years later, the first equipment room, home and visiting football locker gives the Golden Eagle athletic department and the floor of the facility was in use for the 2002 football rooms and meeting space for various athletic teams. football program one of the best-such facilities in season, and the second floor was completed and The second floor of the structure consists of ath- the southeast as well as in the nation. Located at occupied early in 2003. This facility replaces the letic department administrative offices on one side the north end of M. M. Roberts Stadium, the Athletic Fairchild Fieldhouse, which once stood on the same of the building, with the other side housing football Center is the culmination of years of planning and ground and had served as the home of Southern staff offices, complete with multi-media equipped fundraising and has been the focal point of athletics Miss athletics since the mid 1960s. offensive and defensive staff meeting rooms, as well on the Southern Miss campus. The first floor of the facility consists of a sports as meeting areas designated for each position.
9 Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Athletic Facilities
he Southern Miss Department of Athletics • M.M. Roberts Stadium is the 33,000-seat on-cam- in 2002 that can now accommodate television Tunveiled a new vision a little more than three pus venue for the Southern Miss football program. when they come in to broadcast games. In the years ago. It’s a vision unlike any other that Golden The facility was dedicated Sept. 25, 1976. Even summer of 2004, the field name was changed to Eagle followers have seen in the history of the though it seems like recent history, the stadium Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium in school. It’s a vision that will help move Southern dates back to Oct. 29, 1932. On that date, State honor of entrepreneur, Southern Miss graduate and Miss to the forefront of Conference USA and beyond. Teachers College defeated Spring Hill, 12-0, as Golden Eagles supporter Gene Carlisle, who has When the grand-scale expansion and improve- some 4,000 fans looked on from wooden bleach- provided outstanding support and contribution to the ments plan was laid out in April 2003 by Director ers. On this homecoming date, the playing field Athletics Department and the University – much of of Athletics Richard Giannini, Southern Miss began was dedicated as “Faulkner Field” in honor of which went to the installation of the new playing to take its first steps in becoming one of the most local businessman L. E. Faulkner, who provided the surface – “Momentum Turf by Sportexe”. During competitive overall programs in the nation. The materials and equipment to build the original facil- the 2007 spring, construction on the South End Zone comprehensive facilities initiative seeks marked ity. There have been several improvements of the Complex will begin. This new edifice will include improvements in every sporting venue, further ensur- facility including the renovation of the press box different types of seating, luxury suites, A Roof Top ing Southern Miss’ place among the elite athletic as well as a new irrigation system installed to the Plaza, locker rooms for officials and visiting teams programs in the nation. field in 1989. The facility’s lighting was upgraded and space for an academic center. A new, state-of- the-art scoreboard with video display will also be added to the stadium in the near future. • Reed Green Coliseum is the 8,095-seat on-campus venue for Southern Miss’ men’s and women’s basketball programs. The facility, which was formally dedicated on Dec. 11, 1965, recently celebrated its 40th anniversary during the 2005-06 basketball season. A number of improvements have been made to the Coliseum in recent years, including the installation of a new heating and cooling system in the summer of 2004 and the
South End Zone Complex rendering East Stadium Club/The Eagles’ Nest
M.M. Roberts Stadium
10 Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Reed Green Coliseum
Marshall Bell Track and Soccer Complex Southern Miss Softball Complex
installation of a new floor in the spring of 2006. currently available, as well as concession and • The Southern Miss Track and Field and Soccer Work on phase two of the renovation project restroom facilities. An indoor hitting facility was Complex is the home of the Golden Eagle track and - which will include changes and updates to the installed in January 2005 and additional batting field and soccer programs. The complex, which con- coaches’ offices, player locker rooms and training cages are located behind the first base dugout. sists of a track, soccer field, press box and storage areas is currently underway. Future plans include a permanent grandstand with facilities, has bleacher seating for approximately • The Southern Miss Softball Complex has been benchback seating that will span from dugout to 850 and is regarded as one of the top facilities in the home of Lady Eagle Softball since the spring dugout. Other projected additions include a fully- the state. The complex is also equipped with a of 2002. Bleacher seating for more than 500 is equipped press box. state-of-the-art Daktronics scoreboard.
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Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field
Quick Facts
Seating: 3,678 (1,678 chairback seats; 2,000 bleacher seats) Suites: 12 (eight on second level and four on third level, seating 168) Playing Surface: Tifton 419 Hybrid Bermuda “The Pete” Record Crowd: 5,377 (April 5, 2005 vs. Ole Miss) Dimensions: LF: 340, CF: 400, RF: 340, PA: 365 n Southern Miss folklore, the names Pete head coach at Southern Miss, Denson Southern Miss’ Record at PTP/HDF: 535-225 (.704) ITaylor and Hill Denson are legendary. compiled a 468-386-2 record, guiding the First Game: Southern Miss 3, Louisiana-Monroe 1 (2/19/85) Not only are the two among the greatest program to 10 30-win seasons, two 40- 100th Game: Southern Miss 8, Mississippi State 7 (4/29/87) coaches in school history, but the two are win seasons and two trips to the NCAA 250th Game: Southern Miss 6, Louisiana-Monroe 3 (2/23/92 500th Game: Southern Miss 12, Ole Miss 3 (4/6/99) immortalized as the namesakes of the Regional Tournament, the school’s first 750th Game: Southern Miss 16 La. Monroe 4 (4/18/07) Golden Eagles’ home stadium. in all three categories. Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field Southern Miss Head Baseball Coach numerous improvements. In 1991, the press box was has been the home of Southern Miss baseball Corky Palmer’s baseball roots can be traced enlarged to handle radio and television broadcasts. A since 1985, when the facility was opened. “The to both men. He played for Taylor from 1974-77, and concession area, permanent restroom facilities, along Pete” as it is nicknamed, has seated more than a he started his coaching career as Denson’s graduate with an electronic scoreboard also were added. million fans who have entered its gates. During that assistant coach in 1985. In 1997, Denson brought Over the years, other additions have included time, the Golden Eagles have been regularly among Palmer back home to the top teams in the nation in attendance. Southern Miss as his The stadium is named in honor of C.J. “Pete” handpicked successor. Taylor, who remains a dedicated Golden Eagle fan The stadium features after serving the University in a variety of capacities bleacher seating for 2,000 until his retirement. Taylor became the 10th base- fans and chairback seating ball coach in Southern Miss history and guided the for 1,678. The stadium also Golden Eagle baseball program from 1959-83. has media facilities and a Eight years ago, Hill Denson Field was added popular right field lounge to the name of the park in honor of the man, who area known as the “Right carried the torch after Taylor and took the baseball Field Roost,” which has program to the next level, a higher status where it reserved parking for 40 currently competes today. vehicles and is equipped One of Taylor’s pupils, Denson took the reins with barbeque grills. from his mentor in 1984 and took the Golden Eagles Since the park first to unprecedented heights. In his 14 seasons as the opened, it has undergone
12 Southern Miss Golden Eagles
expanded sunken dugouts, an automatic under- Top Crowds at “The Pete” ground watering system, underground french drain- age system, a full-size infield tarp, Triple A specifica- Attendance Opponent Date tion lighting system, a state-of-the-art public address 1. 5,377 Ole Miss 4/5/05 system, four covered batting cages equipped with 2. 5,177 Mississippi State 4/26/06 pitching machines and covered bullpen mounds. 3. 5,132 Ole Miss 4/11/07 4. 4,770 Mississippi State 4/25/06 Pete Taylor Park is complemented by the Rogers, 5. 4,760 Mississippi State 4/7/04 Thames and Welch Baseball Center, which opened 6. 4,673 Ole Miss 3/23/04 its doors in August of 2001, and is located adjacent 7. 4,601 ^Baylor 6/1/03 to the bleachers behind home plate and down the 8. 4,553 ^Southern 5/30/03 first base line. It provides the Golden Eagle program 9. 4,381 Tulane 4/24/05 with several amenities, including a team locker 10. 4,373 Mississippi State 4/6/04 room, training room, meeting room, an area for 11. 4,315 Mississippi State 4/30/97 12. 4,310 Mississippi State 4/25/00 equipment storage and distribution, a laundry area, 13. 4,291 Tulane 4/23/05 as well as coaches’ offices and dressing rooms for 14. 4,286 Rice 3/24/07 coaches and umpires. During the 2003 summer, 15. 4,236 ^Southern 5/29/03 the parking lot was paved and ornamental fencing ^ - NCAA Hattiesburg Regional replaced the fence and gates at the entrance of the park. A new state of the art scoreboard was added Year-by-Year Attendance in the 2005 summer with an electronic video board. The 2008 season saw the addition of 12 luxury Year Total Attendance Date Average 1985* +10,267 20 513 suites and a new press box. This addition makes 1986* 12,504 23 543 “The Pete” one of the few collegiate baseball sta- 1987* 19,625 26 755 dium in the nation that offers luxury suites. 1988* 20,495 36 569 The addition includes two levels, both of which Because of the tradition of the program as well as 1989 16,136 32 504 1990 30,764 31 992 are accessible by elevator. There are eight luxury the first-class facilities offered at “The Pete”, Southern 1991 21,374 29 737 boxes on the first level and the second level consist Miss has been selected to host several tournaments, 1992 21,065 33 638 of four suites and a working press box. There are including the 1990 Metro Conference Tournament, the 1993 46,536 27 1,724 1994 62,542 33 1,895 also spacious booths for both home and visiting inaugural Conference USA Tournament in 1996, the 1995 69,414 33 2,104 radio broadcast, a game operations booth and a 2003 NCAA Hattiesburg Regional Tournament and the 1996 74,738 38 1,967 larger booth to accommodate live television needs. 2005 C-USA Tournament. 1997 67,999 31 2,193 1998 63,784 31 2,057 Southern Miss’ home season attendance marks Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field has developed 1999 51,572 30 1,719 have ranked in the top 25 in the nation for the past into one of the top baseball parks in the South and 2000 65,378 34 1,922 15 years, including top 20 marks the past four years is among the best in the nation. The facility not only 2001 60,339 29 2,080 2002 68,642 33 2,080 (14-2007, 15-2006, 16-2005, 18-2004). The Golden serves as the home for Golden Eagle baseball but 2003 68,398 32 2,137 Eagles have surpasses the 100,000 mark in atten- also is used by various American Legion and high 2004 85,433 30 2,847 dance each of the last three seasons. school championship and all-star events. 2005 109,449 34 3,219 2006 109,200 33 3,309 2007 102,423 31 3,304 Total 1,258,077 707 1,779 * Attendance figures not available for some games + Attendance figures for games played at Pete Taylor Park only Some home games were also played at Smokie Harrington Park
13 Southern Miss Golden Eagles
“Right Field Roost” – The Golden Eagles’ Outfield Lounge
he “Right Field Roost” consists of 40 assigned By the late 1980s, it became such a popular area, deep, barbequing an assortment of items, visiting Tareas behind the right field wall and down that it was organized by former Head Coach Hill with their friends, cheering on the Golden Eagles the right field foul line, where fans can park their Denson and spots were assigned and sold on a sea- and heckling the opposing outfielders, pitchers vehicles and tailgate, socialize, watch good college son basis. warming up in their bullpen and when the oppos- baseball and support the hometown team. Now, it has become an integral part of the ing team strikes out or makes an error. This area began as an informal gathering place tradition and atmosphere of the “The Pete”. Any The “Right Field Roost” is sold out each season, where fans brought their grills to cook-out when given game, “The Roost” will be so full of spirited and the fun and excitement that it generates causes Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field opened in 1985. fans that they are lined up three to four rows the waiting list to grow bigger and bigger each year.
Stephen Hatten Memorial Grove
he Stephen Lane Hatten Memorial Despite his battle for life, Hatten kid who was dedicated to his sport as well as his TGrove serves as a living memorial remained in school and, ultimately, academic success. He displayed a lot of to former Golden Eagle Stephen Hatten, graduated with honors. In 1997, he courage, while fighting his battle with cancer. I who lost his long battle with cancer on received the R. J. Bishop Mississippian think it is great that we have a scholarship named May 2, 1998. Award, the University’s highest student after him. Since its inception, it has been an honor, given annually to a student who “He had great courage to persevere through area located directly behind the grand- endures and overcomes hardships in everything. Stephen was not a great player, but stands, featuring benches, tables, a pursuit of a degree from Southern Miss. he would have played here because of his cour- pavilion, and live trees. At the time of his death, Hatten had age and determination. He was the kind of person “It is great memorial to him, as already been accepted to the University that I would have loved to have the opportunity to well as it also gives our program something special of Mississippi Medical School in Jackson. The State coach. He was well-disciplined, always had a great at our stadium,” Southern Miss Head Coach Corky College Board approved a request from the Southern attitude and did whatever was needed in order to Palmer said. “It couldn’t have happened for a better Miss Foundation for the construction of the Grove. get the job done.” person. That is the way I want our baseball program The money to finance to be perceived. We want to excel in the classroom, the project was raised on the field, and always head in the direction of our through individual goals. He had goals to be a solid baseball player and donations. an outstanding student.” In addition to the The Grove has been moved to its new perma- Grove, there is also an nent home behind the Rogers, Thames and Welch Athletic Scholarship Baseball Center just inside the main entrance to Pete Endowment in the Taylor Park. name of Stephen Hatten, a Hattiesburg High product who signed Hatten that is awarded with Southern Miss in 1992, was diagnosed with every year to a deserv- leukemia about the same time he decided to attend ing Southern Miss Southern Miss. He missed his entire freshman baseball player. season, while battling the disease, but came back “Stephen exempli- in 1994 to play in five games as a catcher for the fied exactly what I Golden Eagles. That summer, the cancer that had want our baseball been in remission returned, spelling an end to program to be about,” Stephen Hatten Memorial Grove Hatten’s playing career. Palmer said. “He was a
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Rogers, Thames and Welch Baseball Center
ince its opening in 1985, Southern Miss’ Pete “The Rogers, Thames and Welch Baseball Center STaylor Park/Hill Denson Field has been one certainly has enhanced our recruiting, as each year of the premier collegiate baseball facilities in the it is our goal to win the conference championship, “The Rogers, South. Now, with the addition of the Rogers, Thames go to NCAA Regionals and ultimately advance to the Thames and Welch and Welch Baseball Center, this facility has elevated College World Series. You can definitely look at how its status even more. much our program has grown and the level at which Baseball Center at The facility was made possible by numerous we are currently competing at since we moved into donors, with major contributions from Charles the Baseball Center. It is extremely exciting for the Pete Taylor Park is “Bubba” and Sharon Rogers, Clay and Cindy Thames, players and the program to have such a quality facil- Scott Thames and Nick and Gigi Welch, who pro- ity for our use. We are thankful to all the people one of the finest vided the majority of the total cost of the facility. who made this dream become a reality.” baseball facilities In November 2000, Southern Miss broke ground, With the addition of the center, current and the foundation was laid in December and the walls future Southern Miss players have a home that rivals in the South.” and roof were completed in January. In August 2001, that of any other institution in Conference USA, if the baseball center opened its doors and what was not the country. Southern Miss once a dream, became a reality. The center, funded totally by private donations, Head Baseball Coach The 6,000-square foot facility, adjacent to the provides state-of-the art facilities, including a Corky Palmer first base side of the park, was completed and in use team locker room, training room, players lounge, for the 2002 baseball season. an area for equipment storage and distribution, program under the leadership of Coach Palmer,” “This Baseball Center has been a tremendous a laundry area, as well as coaches’ offices and Southern Miss Director of Athletics Richard Giannini boost for our baseball program,” Southern Miss dressing areas for coaches and umpires. There said. “Having a first-class clubhouse for our team Head Coach Corky Palmer said. “The Baseball also is a large lobby area at the entrance of the has certainly been one of the key elements in the Center is a great addition to our excellent stadium, building, displaying the history and tradition of the growth of the program to the level at which we are making our total complex one of the finest in the baseball program. now competing, as they strive to be among the top South. “We are pleased with the quality of our baseball programs in college baseball.”
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Academic Success
olden Eagle student-athletes understand that • The Golden Eagle Baseball team has 16 student- Gachieving a quality education is the most impor- athletes with a cumulative grade point average tant thing in their collegiate life. However, with the of 3.00 or better, including seven with a 3.5 GPA demands of each athlete’s athletic pursuits, balanc- or better. ing both is, at times, difficult to achieve. • The graduation rates of all student-athletes at Thankfully, the Southern Miss Student Southern Miss are higher than those of Academic Enhancement Program (SAEP) non-athletes. helps its student-athletes attain and • Golden Eagle athletes are consistent members maintain that balance by providing quality on the President’s and Dean’s Lists, as well as academic support services. The mission of among the leaders in Conference USA scholars. the SAEP is designed to give Golden Eagle • Marc Maddox has been selected as the athletes needed support to assure that aca- Conference USA Scholar Athlete of the demic success is realistic, not only during the Year for the second-straight year. That marks athlete’s playing days, but also after his or her • Aided with the help of more than 30 tutors, the the fourth time a Southern Miss baseball player eligibility has expired. SAEP offers individualized tutoring in all courses (Jeff Cook – 2003, Matt Baltz – 1997) has • The SAEP emphasizes and an academic center that includes a study hall earned the award, the most of any school in making the academic and full access computer lab. the conference. career at the university • In addition, the SAEP also monitors NCAA eligibil- • The baseball team’s APR (Academic Progress one of production, ity requirements for the student-athletes, ensuring Rates) is the highest among male sports at by counseling participation in their respective sports. Southern Miss. student-athletes • Golden Eagle student-athletes also are involved in • In 2007, Patrick Ezell and Trey Sutton were in a variety of areas, a variety of individual and group community ser- both named to the prestigious ESPN the including course vice projects, along with life skills programs that Magazine/CoSida All- American First Team. selection and further develop the overall person. That Marks the fifth Academic All-American degree plans. • Over the last several years, the overall GPA of the since 2003 (Clint King-2003, Austin Tubb-2004, • The SAEP baseball team has steadily increased each semester. Mark Maddox- 2006, Partick Exel-2007, Trey also focuses Sutton-2007) on preparing the student- athlete for life beyond gradu- ation.
Former All-American Marc Maddox was a two-time Conference USA Scholar Athlete of the Year as well as being named to the prestigious ESPN The Magazine First-Team Academic All-American team.
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In The Community
hrough the efforts of the Student Academic TEnhancement Program at Southern Miss, the experience of the student-athletes is advanced by their involvement in the community through the giving of their time and effort. The baseball team joins with coaches and members of other athletic teams from the University’s 15 other sports to reach the city of Hattiesburg. The student-ath- letes and coaches visit area hospitals, speak and participate in reading days at local schools and even help build houses for “Habitat for Humanity.” This is just another way for the Southern Miss student athletes to spread the “Golden Eagle” word and emphasize how Southern Miss is “South Mississippi’s Home Team.”
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Strength and Conditioning
he Golden Eagle baseball team A maximum of 48 athletes Tstrives to play at its peak level each can be safely trained in the game during the season. To do that, workout area. much preparation, hard work and dedi- The workout area features cation is needed, to attain the high equipment from some of the leading performance that is associated with prevention of injuries through training. manufacturers of training equip- Southern Miss Baseball each year. Physical prepara- The athletes receive a specialized work-out that ment in the nation, including Power Lift, Hammer tion and conditioning is the foundation to that suc- concentrates on improving their performance levels. Strength and Life Fitness. cess. Each player understands that offseason work is The program has been enhanced with the recent There are 12 training platforms and 12 the stepping stone to the next season, and without addition of the strength and conditioning facility. racks, as well as six “jammer” machines. hard work, dedication and many hours of training, Within the athletic center, student-athletes There are also a number of work- becoming a champion is impossible. enjoy the benefits of a spacious, state-of-the-art out machines that target each of The Southern Miss Strength and Conditioning workout area. the major muscle groups in the Program has two main goals – helping ath- Spacious floor area with 4,300 square feet of body, along with dumbbells and letes to enhance their individual performance workable space, more than doubling the size of the cardiovascular equipment. potential and aiding in the previous weight room.
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Sports Medicine
umps, bruises, aches and pains are all com- programs’ student staff has grown, from 25 students in Bmon when playing a varsity sport, especially 1989 to more than 40 in 2006. with practices, games, weight training and condi- The athletic center also has resulted in more tioning drills, which are all parts of a student-ath- space for the athletic training program. The staff is lete’s collegiate life. But thanks to the hard work now able to utilize a much larger athletic training and devotion of Southern Miss’ certified athletic room with state-of-the-art equipment able to handle trainers and student athletic trainers, Golden Eagle the care for more than 300 athletes. athletes receive proper treatment and care to keep The athletic training room is an open area where their performance at the highest level in order to Todd McCall and his staff can view all the aspects of remain on the field of competition. Southern Miss sports medicine. There are 11 examination tables in also has a quality group of physicians who meet the 4,000-square-foot room, 10 of which are housed the medical needs of the 16 athletic teams at the in the main training room. The other table exists in a University. The physicians are mostly specialists private examination room that team physicians utilize. who are skilled in the various types of injuries that The facility also houses a state-of-the-art hydro- can occur in athletic competition. therapeutic swimming pool, which provides athletes The program revolves around three major aspects with water resistance to speed up the rehabilitation, – prevention of athletic injuries, treatment and reha- while decreasing stress on the injured body parts. bilitation of those injuries and recognition of injuries Along with the hydrotherapeutic pool, the facility that require referral to appropriate medical personnel. also benefits student-athletes with an in-house X-ray The program is accredited nationally by the unit, which helps reduce the time the athlete is off Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health the field. Instead of waiting a few days to get an Education Programs (CAAHEP) standards. In the X-ray appointment, the athletes can have their inju- program’s last review, the Southern Miss Athletic ries evaluated in a much shorter amount of time. Molly Cannell, Southern Miss’ Certified Athletic Training Program surpassed CAAHEP standards, On top of the benefits the student-athletes get Trainer for Baseball, along with athletic training allowing the program to continue with its certification. from the facility, the athletic training staff and the students handle all aspects of athletic training for The direct involvement of the student athletic athletic training students also benefit. The facility the program. trainers helps make the program a success. The allows for a learning-lab environment that helps in The Rogers, Thames and Welch Baseball Center students are enrolled in an accredited five-semester the educational aspects of the program. The facil- has a spacious athletic training room where Cannell curriculum in the athletic training program at the ity gives the athletic training staff more room for and her staff care for the needs of the program. University and are the core foundation storage, which helps to maintain a of the athletic training department. better inventory of supplies The athletic training program used on a daily basis. has seen a huge influx of students in recent years, and the program’s numbers increase each year. Over the last 15 years, the athletic training
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All-Americans
ince its first NCAA Tournament appearance Daniel Best, Davis and Austin Tubb are Sin 1990, the Southern Miss baseball pro- the only Golden Eagles to be named to an gram has had a recent history of success on the All-American team more than one time with playing field. That success has been rewarded all three being named two different years. in the form of numerous All-American honors. Ryan Frith, Clint King and Austin Tubb In all, Southern Miss has had 15 players earn a were selected to four different All-American total of 38 All-American honors. teams. Southern Miss has had 12 players The Golden Eagles also have had six named Freshman All-American since 1992, players named to the ESPN The Magazine including one every year for the past five- College Sports Information Directors of straight years. The Golden Eagles had four American Academic All-American team. selected in 2002 and three in 2006. Derek Reams was the only player to be Jeff Cook, Tommy Davis and Jarrett named more than once, earning spots on the Daniel Best Tommy Davis Hoffpauir lead all Golden Eagles with a 1994 and 1995 teams. total of five All-American honors. Davis earned three first-team selections, Hoffpauir had three and Cook finished with two.
Ryan Frith Jarrett Hoffpauir
Jeff Cook
Clint King Austin Tubb
Brad Willcutt
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Professional Baseball
outhern Miss baseball players have enjoyed suc- Jim “Peanuts” Davenport played 13 years in (1993-97), Kansas City (1998), Boston (1999), Scess in professional baseball, as former Golden the major leagues with San Francisco (1958-70), Baltimore (2000) and Anaheim (2001). He was Eagles can be found on major league and minor and was one of the top vote leaders in the National part of the Florida Marlins in 1997 when they won league rosters. With seven former standouts current- League MVP voting in 1962. In that same year, the World Series for half the season before being ly playing professionally, Southern Miss’ reputation he won a gold glove at third base, was named to traded to San Francisco and helping them to the for training and producing professional caliber talent the all-star team and helped lead the Giants to National League Western Division Championship. each year has steadily increased. the World Series. He served as the skipper of San He was No. 5 in the National League in shutouts in Southern Miss has had 52 players drafted 60 Francisco in 1985. He was No. 7 in doubles in the 1994 and No. 3 in shutouts, No. 5 in wins and No. times since 1966, including 16 in the top 10 rounds, National League in 1961. 10 in win/loss percentage in 1995. and 10 in the top five rounds. The Golden Eagles had John “Bubba’ Phillips played 10 years in the Chad Bradford has played nine years in the two players (Tommy Davis – 1994; Brandon Parker – major leagues with Detroit (1955, 63-64), Chicago, major leagues with Chicago, AL (1998-00), Oakland 1997) get drafted in a program-high second round. AL (1956-59) and Cleveland (1960-62), and was one (2001-04), Boston (2005), New York, NL (2006) and Head Coach Corky Palmer has coached 17 Golden of the top vote leaders in the American League MVP is currently with Baltimore. He helped lead the Eagles who have been drafted. voting in 1961. He was No. 9 in the American League White Sox to the American League Central Division Southern Miss currently has one player (Chad in doubles in 1959 and helped lead the White Sox to Championship in 2000, Bradford – Baltimore Orioles) on a major league ros- the American League Championship that year and the A’s to two AL ter, and seven on minor league rosters. an appearance in the World Series. Western Division The Golden Eagles has had at least one player Kevin Young Championships in drafted in six-straight years (2001-07), including four played 12 2002 and 2003 and in 2006, five in 2004 and three in 2003. years in the the Mets in 2006. He also helped the A’s Southern Miss had at least one player drafted major leagues to the ALDS in 2001 and the Red Sox in 12-straight years (1986-97), including five in 1990 with Pittsburgh in 2005. He was No. 6 in pitching and four in 1988 and 1989. (1992-95, 97-03) appearances in 2002 and No. Twelve players have played in at least one game and Kansas City 9 in 2003. at the major league level and have spent part of all (1996), was one of 75 years at the major league level. of the top vote leaders Southern Miss has had three players who fin- in the National League MVP ished in the Top 25 voting for either American or voting in 1997. He was No. 10 in National League Most Valuable Player honors. the National League in doubles in Five Golden Eagles have helped lead their 1998 and No. 7 in 1999. respective teams to 12 American or National League Pat Rapp played 10 years Division Championships, including two players who in the major leagues with San played in the World Series. Francisco (1992, 97), Florida
John Bale Jim Davenport Tommy Davis
Chad Bradford
Pat Rapp Bill Selby Kevin Young
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2007 NCAA Oxford Regional Golden Eagles Use Late-Season Run to Reach its School-Record Fifth-Straight NCAA Regional
t took a late hot streak for themselves from SHSU, but Barry Bowden and David Clark combined for 48 ISouthern Miss to propel them to the Bearkats answered each starts and 23 victories as each collected over 90-plus its school-record fifth consecutive Southern Miss charge over the innings of work. postseason appearance, finishing final five innings. It looked as if Belanger, a senior righthander, tallied an 8-4 record the 2007 campaign with a 39-23 USM would win the game with a with a 2.54 earned run average along with a team-best overall record and a trip to the NCAA solo homer from Chris Matesich tying 86 strikeouts and just 18 walks in a team-high of Regional in Oxford. The Golden in the top of the 11th on his lone 106 1/3 innings of work. Bowden, a junior righthander Eagles also ended the year with a round-tripper of the season, but posted a 7-4 record with a 3.11 ERA as well as a team- 14-10 mark in Conference USA play SHSU rallied for two runs in the best 86 strikeouts. Clark, a junior righthander, was 8-5 which was good for third place. bottom of the final frame to end with a 4.85 ERA and 73 strikeouts. With a 27-19 record head- the Eagles’ season. Southern Miss also got eight saves from senior ing into the final month of the Sutton led the way for the righthander Patrick Ezell to go along with a 3-2 mark, regular season, the Golden Eagles Golden Eagles during the year and five saves from junior lefthander Tyler Conn and captured the final 10 games of with a .368 batting average to go a 2.70 ERA. The Golden Eagles team ERA for the the regular season, as well as along with eight home runs and season was an impressive 3.79. their C-USA tournament opener over UAB to secure 38 runs batted in. Sutton started in 57 games, before For their play during the season, Sutton and their position in the postseason. That final hot streak suffering his season-ending knee injury. Belanger were recognized as first team All C-USA included three-game sweeps over Marshall, Dallas The offense also got punch from sophomore selections, while Ezell earned a second-team nod as Baptist and Houston, as well as a mid-week win shortstop Brian Dozier who hit .339 with four home a pitcher and J.R. Ballinger made the All-Freshman over Sun Belt tournament champion New Orleans. runs and 28 RBIs and senior outfielder Jody Blount, C-USA team. Both Ezell and Sutton were first team The Golden Eagles’ run utilized both their who added a .326 batting average to go along with ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America selections bats and pitching prowess down the stretch as six round-trippers and 36 RBIs. and Sutton earned third-team All-America honors by they scored 37 runs in a three-game sweep of the Sophomore outfielder Luke Adkins added a .303 the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. Thundering Herd, while allowing just two runs in hitting average with three homers and 30 RBIs, while Southern Miss also had for the seventh-straight three games, which included a pair of shutouts, on first baseman Michael Ewing added seven long balls season at least one player taken in the Major League the road at Houston. Against Dallas Baptist, they and a team-best 48 RBIs. Junior designated hitter Baseball First-Year Player Draft. Clark was taken captured two extra-inning decisions including their Trey Cuevas added a team-high 10 home runs, as in the 13th round by the Los Angeles Angels, while longest game of the season – a 13-inning affair. well as 34 runs driven in to go along with a .256 bat- Tyler Conn got picked by the Arizona Diamondbacks The season also started well for Southern Miss ting average. in the 36th round. Both declined their contract offers as they captured their first seven games, including a On the mound, the starting trio of Ryan Belanger, and returned to school for the 2008 season. three-game sweep in the Coca-Cola Baseball Classic that included wins over Southern Illinois, College World Series participant Louisville and Northwestern State. The record improved to 17-6 after a series-open- ing victory over No. 7 Rice, 9-3, but the Golden Eagles lost their next six, which included two straight losses to the Owls, a mid-week setback to No. 13 Ole Miss and being swept three games at Memphis. Southern Miss then went 10-7 over the next 17 games before their late-season explosion. In their victory over UAB in the C-USA Tournament, the Golden Eagles lost Trey Sutton for the rest of the season with a knee injury. The team was then elimi- nated in the league tournament over the next two games, but the surge late got the Golden Eagles an at-large bid in the NCAA Regionals. The team was sent to Oxford for the second time in the last three years and started the event in Front Row: Kelly Martin (Student Athletic Trainer), Chris Kirtland (Student Manager), Scott Berry (Associate Head Coach), fine fashion with a 14-1 win over Troy, avenging an Corky Palmer (Head Coach ), Lane Burroughs (Assistant Coach), Graham Martin (Assistant Coach), Justin Russell (Student Manager), Molly Cannell (Certified Athletic Trainer); Second Row: Eric Stanford (Student Athletic Trainer), Todd McInnis, earlier season loss to the Trojans. Southern Miss Luke Adkins, Jeremy Davis, Jordan King, Mike Ewing, Tyler Conn, Houston Brown, Chance Harst, Brian Dozier, then played host Ole Miss and were shutout 4-0 Ryan Belanger, Trainer Jenny Ladner (Student Athletic Trainer); Third Row: Mike Cashion, J.R. Ballinger, James Ewing, by the No. 19 Rebels, before playing in an exciting Trey Cuevas, Drew Carson, Bailey Hartel, Chris Matesich; Fourth Row: Eddie Burger, Jared Cavenaugh, Trey Sutton, Bo 11-inning contest against Sam Houston State. Davis, Leighton Davis, Bryan Adams, Colin Cargill; Top Row: Barry Bowden, Jonathon Johnston, Adam Doleac, The Golden Eagles did everything to separate Keith Winstead, Jody Blount, Ben Wade, David Clark, Patrick Ezell.
22 Southern Miss Golden Eagles
2006 NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional Golden Eagles Extend School Record With Fourth-Straight NCAA Regional Tournament Appearance
he Southern Miss baseball nation with seven players bat- combined for 28 of the team’s 39 wins. Belanger and Tteam had another successful ting .300 or better. The team also Russum posted eight wins each to lead the team and season, finishing with a 39-23 finished second in C-USA in RBIs, Belanger led the team with 62 strikeouts. overall record, tied for fourth triples, total bases and hit by pitch. Best, the senior closer, closed out his career with place with a 13-11 mark in the Southern Miss averaged 7.9 another outstanding season, posting a 6-2 record, always-tough Conference USA runs a game - second in C-USA along with 13 saves, which tied Tony Phillips for the and extended a school record with and No. 17 in the nation. The school’s single-season record. He also finished with its fourth-straight NCAA Regional Golden Eagles’ 81 home runs led 25 saves in his career, breaking Austin Tubb’s school Tournament and seventh overall. C-USA and were No. 10 nationally. record of 20. In 52.2 innings pitched, he recorded The Golden Eagles enjoyed They finished with a .486 slug- a 2.22 ERA with 50 strikeouts, only 11 walks and many highlights during the year, ging percentage, ranking No. 2 in opponents hit .227 against him. including five series sweeps C-USA and No. 20 in the nation. Following the season, two Golden Eagles received (Buffalo, Troy, UAB, East Carolina Individually, sophomore sec- All-American honors. Best and Maddox both earned and UCF, nine series wins and ond baseman Trey Sutton led the third-team honors on the National Collegiate Baseball an in-season tournament cham- team in batting average (.375), Writers Association’s team. Luke Adkins, Brian Dozier pionship (South Alabama’s Coca-Cola Classic). The junior center fielder Toddric Johnson led the team and Michael Ewing were all named to the Louisville Golden Eagles also had four wins against ranked in runs (65), hits (94), total bases (143) and on-base Slugger Freshman All-American team. teams (No. 25 Wichita State, No. 25 Houston and percentage (.444) and was second in home runs (11), Five Golden Eagles were named to the All- two against No. 17 Mississippi State). RBIs (52), slugging percentage (.552) and third in stolen Conference USA teams, with two - Maddox and The season started with Southern Miss winning bases (9) and senior third baseman Marc Maddox led Johnson - receiving first-team honors, three – senior 11 of its first 14 games and 15 of its first 20, includ- the team in home runs (18), RBIs (70), slugging percent- catcher Kevin Coker, Sutton and Best – on the sec- ing winning the South Alabama Coca-Cola Classic age (.577) and stolen bases (14) and finished second in ond team, while Adkins, Dozier and Ewing earned with victories over No. 25 Wichita State and Stetson total bases (142) and walks (32). All-Freshman team honors. and series wins over Birmingham-Southern, Illinois Maddox finished his outstanding Golden Eagle For the sixth-consecutive year, USM had at least State and a sweep over Buffalo. career, setting school career records for games one player selected in the Major League Baseball Draft. The Golden Eagles then won 10 of their next 15 and played (244), runs scored (228), hits (296), home runs Maddox and Best were selected by the Kansas City 14-of-20 to extend their record to 26-12 overall and 5-4 (53) and total bases (514). Royals in the ninth and 14 rounds, Johnson was selected in conference play. Southern Miss swept both NCAA On the mound, a group of four pitchers, Ryan by the Oakland A’s in the 14 round and Scott Massey participant Troy at home, and the conference-opening Belanger, Cliff Russum, Scott Massey and Daniel Best, was picked by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 24th round. series at UAB. They also won a non-conference two-of- three series at Dallas Baptist during that stretch. Southern Miss then won eight of its next 15 and 13 of its next 24 games to finish the regular season with a 37-19 overall record and 13-11 in C-USA. The Golden Eagles won both games over in-state rival No. 17 Mississippi State for the first time since 1995, won their series at Marshall and registered home series sweeps over East Carolina and UCF. The Golden Eagles opened the Conference USA Tournament with a 6-2 win over rival-Memphis but their luck ran out as No. 1 Rice downed them 5-1 and the Tigers put them out the next night. Southern Miss’ eighth regional at Tuscaloosa was a familiar one, as it had already faced two of the teams in the regional, Troy and Alabama. The Trojans avenged the earlier sweep to the Golden Eagles by winning two close contests, 10-8 in the opener and then ended USM’s season with a 6-5 defeat. Between Back Row (from left): Brock Landry, Jody Blount, Ben Wade, Brad Owen, Keith Winstead, Daniel Best, Brett Hoeflich; the two Troy match-ups, Southern Miss salvaged a Fourth Row: Eddie Burger, Leighton Davis, Jonathan Johnston, Bryan Adams, Toddric Johnson, Drew Carson, David Clark, Scott Massey; Third Row: David Steele, Patrick Ezell, Kevin Coker, Mike Cashion, Michael Ewing, Cole Basinger, Bo tournament win over Jacksonville State, 6-2. Davis; Second Row: Justin Russell (manager), Chris Kirtland (manager), Bailey Hartel, Nick Valluzzo, Cliff Russum, Matt Offensively, Southern Miss posted a .314 batting Caire, Trey Cuevas, Chris Matesich, Ryan Belanger, Barry Bowden, Jeremy Davis, Luke Adkins, David Campbell (athletic average with 682 hits, 492 runs, 92 doubles, 19 triples, trainer), Shawn Fayard (athletic trainer); Front Row: Jake Cobb (baseball operations), Brian Dozier, Patrick Maxwell, Lane 81 home runs and 445 RBIs. The Golden Eagles’ batting Burroughs (assistant coach), Corky Palmer (head coach), Scott Berry (associate head coach), Josh Hoffpauir (assistant average ranked No. 3 in the C-USA and No. 33 in the coach), Marc Maddox, Trey Sutton, Ana Gross (certified athletic trainer).
23 Southern Miss Golden Eagles
2005 NCAA Oxford Regional Golden Eagles Set School Records With Third-Straight 40-plus Win Season, Third-Straight With 20 or More Conference Wins and Third-Straight NCAA Regional Tournament Appearance
outhern Miss had another Southern Miss hosted the sion. Southern Miss was eliminated by Maine the S outstanding season in Conference USA Tournament following day to end the season. 2005, finishing with a 41-21 at “The Pete” for the second Southern Miss hit .313 for the year, with 149 overall record, a 20-10 mark in time since the league started doubles, 60 home runs and averaged almost eight Conference USA and made an in 1996. The Golden Eagles runs a game. Daniel Best and Brad Willcutt earned appearance in the NCAA Oxford defeated USF in the first game All-American honors and five Golden Eagles earned Regional. All of these accomplish- in a close 5-3 win, dropped all-conference honors, with three earning first-team ments set school records as the the second game to TCU, 8-0, honors, Best, Willcutt and Marc Maddox, and Jason Golden Eagles finished with 40 or before defeating USF for the Lowery and Trey Sutton earned second-team honors, more wins for the third-straight second time, 9-3. TCU advanced while Sutton earned All-Freshman team accolades. season, posted 20 or more to the championship round by Maddox was named the Conference USA Co-Scholar conference wins for the third- defeating Southern Miss for the Athlete of the Year. straight season and earned its second time. Willcutt had a great senior season to finish off an third-straight NCAA Tournament The Golden Eagles were outstanding career, hitting .323 with 21 doubles, 16 appearance. awarded a No. 2 seed in the home runs, 82 RBIs, 37 walks and seven sacrifice flies. The Golden Eagles opened the season win- NCAA Oxford Regional Tournament, hosted by He was No. 9 in the nation in RBIs and No. 49 in home ning 12 of their first 15 games, including sweeps Ole Miss. runs per game and finished as Southern Miss’ all-time of Marshall and Arkansas State and tournament In game one against Oklahoma, the Sooners took leader in games played, at bats, runs scored, doubles, championships in the Southern Miss Tournament an early 1-0 lead in the first inning, before Southern RBIs, and walks and was No. 2 in home runs, hits and and in Lamar’s Cardinal Classic. Southern Miss Miss tied the game in the second and scored three total bases. Maddox led the team with a .359 batting posted dramatic wins over tournament host Lamar more in the third inning to take a 3-1 lead. Oklahoma average, 42 walks and 15 stolen bases and Jason in 10 innings and a one-run victory in its tourna- responded with one in the fourth and three more in Lowery led the team in hits with 93. Patrick Ezell led the ment against Missouri State. the fifth to take a two-run lead. The Golden Eagles team in wins with seven, Barry Bowden led in strike- The Golden Eagles opened conference play, drop- had base runners in four of the last five innings but outs with 71 and Best led the team in ERA (0.46), saves ping two one-run games at TCU before claiming could only score one run and dropped the 5-4 deci- (11) and lowest opponent batting average (.229). a 14-7 win in 10 innings. Southern Miss then ran off 12 wins in a row to push their record to 24-5. Included in that streak were series sweeps of confer- ence foes Cincinnati and Memphis and victories over SEC powers Alabama and Ole Miss. Against Alabama, the Golden Eagles were down 3-1 in the fourth inning, when they scored one in the fifth, four in the seventh and one more in the eighth to capture a 7-4 victory. Beau Griffin hit a one-out three-run walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth to give the Golden Eagles an exciting come-from- behind win over No. 9 Ole Miss at “The Pete.” Southern Miss then dropped a conference series at East Carolina, winning the opener, then los- ing the next two games. The Golden Eagles won three-of their next four, including a series win over Saint Louis at home. Southern Miss then dropped a conference series to No. 1 ranked Tulane, dropping the first two games before Brad Owen pitched a complete-game, three-hit shutout to lead the Golden Eagles to a 10-0 win. Southern Miss then split a pair of mid-week games at No. 26 Mississippi State before winning Front Row (L-R): Shawn Fayard, Student Trainer, Ana Gross, Certified Athletic Trainer, Josh Hoffpauir, Assistant Coach, Corky Palmer, Head Coach, Lane Burroughs, Assistant Coach, Scott Berry, Associate Head Coach, Jake Cobb, Manager two-of-three at Louisville. The Golden Eagles then Justin Russell, Manager . Second Row (L-R): Patrick Maxwell, Chris Matesich, Cliff Russum, Jason Lowery, Marc finished the regular season winning 2-of-3 against Maddox, Trey Cuevas, Jacob Fowler, Leighton Davis, Chasa Baran, Rob Burns, Justin Russell. Third Row (L-R): Kevin UAB, sweeping USF and winning 2-of-3 at Houston Coker, Matt Caire, David Steele, Chris Kirtland, Trey Sutton, Bo Davis, Jonathan Johnston, Beau Griffin. Fourth Row (L-R): to stand at 39-17 overall and 20-10 in the league to Mike Cashion, Barry Bowden, Drew Carson, Bryan Adams, Brad Willcutt, Cole Basinger, Patrick Ezell, Eddie Burger. Back tie TCU for a second place regular-season finish. Row (L-R): Will Matlock, Ben Wade, Daniel Best, Brett Hoeflich, Brad Owen, Jody Blount, Tyler Perrett, John Nicholas.
24 Southern Miss Golden Eagles
2004 NCAA Baton Rouge Regional Golden Eagles Advance to NCAA Tournament in Back-to-Back Seasons for the Second Time in School History; Finish Year With Second-Best Mark in School History (45-19)
he 2004 Golden Eagle base- the tournament, Southern Miss Southern Miss wasn’t as lucky against host LSU T ball team had a tough act to stormed its way back to the in game two. Maddox gave the Golden Eagles an follow, thanks to the unprecedent- championship game with a 16-4 early 1-0 lead on a solo homer after the third inning ed success of the 2003 squad that win over Tulane, a 13-0 victory and then took a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning, before finished with a school-record 47- over Memphis and two dramatic the Tigers struck for four runs in the seventh inning 16 record overall, a league-record wins over UAB to advance to the and one more in the eighth to defeat Southern Miss, 23-7 conference mark and finished second-straight championship 6-2. The Golden Eagles’ season ended when College as the runner-up in the NCAA game. of Charleston won the nightcap, 7-3. Hattiesburg Regional Tournament. Facing elimination against the All told, the 2004 Golden Eagle baseball team Southern Miss’ 2004 sea- Blazers, Southern Miss was down finished with the second-best record in the school’s son opened with a 15-2 mark 8-3 after the fourth inning and 10-5 history, finishing at 45-19 and 21-9 in Conference heading into Conference USA heading into the bottom of the sev- USA. Southern Miss entered the national rankings action, including sweeps over enth, before exploding for 11 runs, in early March and was ranked 15 weeks during the Northwestern (La.) State, behind two home runs by Hoffpauir season, including a school record No. 11 ranking. Louisiana Tech, Eastern Illinois to pull out the 16-10 come-from- USM hit .319 for the year and blasted 90 home and Louisiana-Monroe, as well as a dramatic win behind victory and force a second game. In game two, runs, one more than the year before. Five players earned over McNeese State in 10 innings and the victory Southern Miss scored six runs in the third inning, a various All-American honors, including Hoffpauir, Ryan over Big 12 power Oklahoma State. single in the fifth and two in the sixth and then held on Frith, Matt Shepherd, Austin Tubb and Patrick Ezell. Forever remembered in many Golden Eagle minds for the 9-7 victory. TCU defeated the Golden Eagles in Seven Golden Eagles earned all-conference honors, with was Cliff Russum’s 15-strikeout no-hitter against the championship game to end their run. a school-record four being named to Conference USA’s Eastern Illinois in game two of the series, the 21-5 The Golden Eagles were awarded a No. 2 seed in first team, Shepherd, Hoffpauir, Frith and Tubb. win over Oklahoma State in the Lake Area Classic the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional Tournament, hosted by Hoffpauir had an outstanding season as he was where Golden Eagle bats pounded Cowboy pitchers LSU, marking their second-straight NCAA Regional bid. the toughest player to strikeout in the nation, finishing for 21 runs and 25 hits and the win over McNeese In game one against the College of Charleston, the season with eight strikeouts and was No. 3 in RBIs State, when 10th-inning heroics provided by Beau the No. 3 seed, Southern Miss was down three runs with 92. He set school records for hits (109) and RBIs Griffin’s solo homer led the Golden Eagles to victory early, tied the game in the fifth inning and then found (92). Hoffpauir and Shepherd teamed up to form one and the classic championship. themselves down by two runs heading into the bottom of the best double-play combinations in the nation. The team began its C-USA title defense against of the seventh inning. Once again, the Golden Eagles Frith blasted 22 home runs, DeWitt posted 10 wins and Houston, winning two of the three games, including found a way to win, scoring two in the seventh inning Tubb finished with eight wins and 10 saves to become another dramatic ninth-inning win in game three. and one in the eighth to pull out the 6-5 victory. the all-time saves leader in the school’s history. Southern Miss then defeated No. 5 Ole Miss in Hattiesburg, using a game-winning hit from Jarrett Hoffpauir in the ninth inning to take an 8-7 victory in front of a school-record 4,673 fans in attendance. From there, the Golden Eagles used a conference series win at USF, sweeps of TCU and Saint Louis and then a second conference series win over Memphis to improve to 29-7 overall and 12-3 in Conference USA. Then, Southern Miss defeated the No. 6 Rebels for the second time, winning 8-4, at Oxford. Following a disappointing series at Tulane, Southern Miss quickly cured its blues, when Jody Blount blasted a three-run bomb to left center to defeat No. 9 Ole Miss in Jackson, 6-3, to finish the season sweep of the Rebels. After taking two of three games at UAB, Southern Miss swept its next two Conference USA series against Louisville and Charlotte, respectively, and Back Row (from left): Austin Tubb, Ryan Frith, Adam Smith, Daniel Best, John Nicholas, Josh Grant, Jody Blount, Brett Hoeflich, Patrick Ezell, Barry Bowden, Leighton Davis Third Row: George McGovern, student trainer, Mike Cashion, then closed out the regular season winning one of Anthony DeWitt, Cliff Russum, Scott Berry, Associate Head Coach, Allen Winningham, Volunteer Assistant Coach, Corky the three games against No. 4 East Carolina to fin- Palmer, Head Coach, Lane Burroughs, Assistant Coach, Kevin Coker, Matt Shepherd, Beau Griffin, Deb Dunn, Certified ish 40-15 and claim the No. 3 seed, heading into the Athletic Trainer Second Row: Luke Anderson, student manager, Dane Reiter, Marc Maddox, Tray Gamble, Brad Willcutt, Conference USA Tournament. Drew Carson, Casey Summerlin, Nick Valluzzo, Trey Cuevas, Jake Cobb, student manager Front Row: Eddie Burger, Noah After falling to Memphis in the opening game of Tritz, Ray Antonelli, Nathan Sanders, Carlos Velasquez, Chris Matesich, Jason Lowery, Jarrett Hoffpauir.
25 Southern Miss Golden Eagles
2003 C-USA Champs; NCAA Hattiesburg Regional Golden Eagles Win Conference USA Regular Season and Tournament Championship; Host NCAA Hattiesburg Regional; Finish With Best Season in School History (47-16)
his Southern Miss baseball N.C., to battle East Carolina in a win the regular season championship. T team will be one fans, players, pivotal three-game series. Game three was all Southern Miss, as it won, 15- and coaches will always remem- Game one went as planned 3, and claimed the regular- season Conference USA ber. The Golden Eagles captured with the Golden Eagles picking Championship. not only the regular season, but up a 6-3 victory. Games two and The Golden Eagles won win the Conference USA also the Conference USA tourna- three did not go as well as the Tournament title, which was held in New Orleans, ment title and hosted its first-ever Pirates won the final two games La. as it defeated Charlotte (13-0), Houston (7-2), regional tournament, advancing to of the series. It was the only East Carolina (3-1), and Tulane (7-5), the first time the championship round. conference series Southern Miss the Green Wave had ever lost a championship game. Coming into the season, Head lost all season. Southern Miss then was selected to host a Coach Corky Palmer and his Still, the Golden Eagles were regional tournament, which included Southern Golden Eagles had only one thing 36-13 overall, and were in first University of Baton Rouge, Murray State, and Baylor. in mind. It was to earn a bid to the place in Conference USA. The Golden Eagles would take on Southern in the NCAA Regional Tournament. The Southern Miss rebounded first game of the tournament, with Southern pulling 2002 season saw Southern Miss nicely with a three-game sweep out a 5-3 victory. come up a victory shy of making it to the regional over the USF Bulls at Pete Taylor Park, including senior For Southern Miss to win the regional tournament, tournament, which left everybody associated with backup shortstop Matt Benson’s pinch-hit walk-off it had to win two games each of the final two days.The the Golden Eagle baseball program anxious to get home run in the ninth inning of game one. The Golden Golden Eagles won both games on Saturday, beating the 2003 season kicked off. Eagles would win 12-2 on Saturday, and 8-1 on Sunday. Murray State, 18-0, and Southern, 18-1, but its fairy tale The Golden Eagles lost three starting pitchers With a 39-13 overall record, the Golden Eagles season finally came to an end on Sunday when Baylor from a year before in Shea Douglas, Charlie Rogers, had an opportunity to clinch the regular-season scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth to hand and Daniel Stewart. Southern Miss also lost third Conference USA championship as it traveled to Southern Miss a season-ending 3-2 loss. baseman Allen Winningham and rightfielder Clint Houston. All Southern Miss needed was to win two The 2003 Golden Eagle baseball team will never Stoy to graduation. of the three to win the title. be forgotten as it set school records for most wins People say you will be able to tell how a season Game one, the Golden Eagles blasted the (47) in a season and the conference record for will go by the first series of the year. If that is true, Cougars, 19-11, and with TCU losing that night, the most league wins (23) in a season. They not then it is certainly promising. The first series of Southern Miss clinched at least a tie of the title. only reached their goal of advancing to the NCAA the year was at home versus McNeese State. The Game two was a close game with Houston coming Tournament but won the conference regular-season Golden Eagles won two out of three, with the two out on top, 6-5. With the loss, the Golden Eagles had and tournament championships, along the way to wins featuring late inning heroics to propel Southern to win the third game on Saturday if it wanted to make it the best season in school history. Miss to victory. Possibly the wildest game of the year came in Southern Miss’ sixth game of the season against St. John at the South Alabama Tournament in Mobile, Ala. Both teams traded leads until the ninth inning when the Golden Eagles secured a 13-12 victory. The season also featured many late-inning hero- ics, such as March 1 against Louisiana Tech. Trailing 15-13 in the bottom of the ninth inning, senior cen- terfielder Jeff Cook blasted a grand-slam over the center field wall to clinch a 17-15 victory. On March 29th, redshirt sophomore catcher Brad Willcutt belted a three-run home run over the right center in the bottom of the eighth inning to propel the Golden Eagles over the Tulane Green Wave, 5-4. One of the more emotional series of the year, Southern Miss took 2-of-3 games from Tulane, which Back Row (from left): Bob McCrory, Griff Israel, John Nicholas, Bryan Bennett, Austin Tubb, Brent Leach, Stephen Castleman, Daniel Best, Kevin Coker, Adam Smith, Ryan Frith; Third Row: Anthony Dewitt, Cliff Russum, Eddie Burger, Lane at the time gave Corky Palmer’s team a 20-8 overall Burroughs - assistant coach, Corky Palmer - head coach, Scott Berry - assistant coach, Allen Winningham - student assistant record. coach, Matt Shepherd, Brian Hurley, Brad Willcutt, Deborah Huff - certified athletic trainer; Second Row: Stephen Gwozdz Southern Miss proceeded to win 15 of its next 18 - manager, Jason Ardoin - student athletic trainer, Nick Valluzzo, Tray Gamble, Clint King, Beau Griffin, Carlos Velasquez, games, with conference sweeps over Memphis and Jay Blalock, Stan McCollough - student athletic trainer; Front Row: Matt Benson, Marc Maddox, Jarrett Hoffpauir, Ray UAB to push its record to 35-11 heading to Greenville, Antonelli, Noah Tritz, Jeff Cook, Jason Lowery, Elliott Meng.
26 Southern Miss Golden Eagles
1999 NCAA Southeast Regional Golden Eagle Offense Gives Palmer First NCAA Tournament Invite; Advance To NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional Championship Round; Post 40-Win Season (40-23)
ffense was the main head- school-record 80 double plays. Despite the success, it was old foe, Alabama, Oline grabber during the year, He was named to the NCAA who would be the nemesis for the Golden Eagles. On and it came often and continu- Sub-Regional All-Tournament March 5, the Golden Eagles traveled to Tuscaloosa ously. team, the Conference USA for a regular-season contest that would foreshadow It was an explosive offense All-Tournament team and a first- what would come at the end of the season. that helped the Golden Eagles team nod for Conference USA. Southern Miss and Alabama slugged it out for establish a 17-5 record through Sophomore Dusty Haley led eight innings, with the Tide holding a two-run advan- the first 22 games of the season, the squad with 15 home runs. tage. The Golden Eagles had runner in position to tie which equaled a record set two During the week of April 5-11, he the game in the inning, before Alabama relief pitch- years prior. As the year pro- earned Conference USA Hitter ing came in and shut the door. gressed, Southern Miss went on of the Week honors by going The Golden Eagles started the NCAA Regional to post two six-game win streaks 10-for-20 with three home runs in Tuscaloosa with a hard-fought 20-13 victory and two four-game win streaks. and 10 RBIs against Ole Miss, over South Alabama. Then Southern Miss faced And not once during the year did Samford and UAB. Alabama in the first of two matchups. The two they lose more than three con- Sophomore DeQuincy Scott teams once again battled throughout the game, but tests before notching a win. was a fan favorite during the course of the year. Once the Tide prevailed once again with a 10-4 victory. The year was full of milestones, but two identi- he was given the chance, he proved his value, especial- Southern Miss bounced back with a 10-9 victory fied the season more than any other. The first ly on May 2, when he had a pair of doubles and drove over South Alabama to stave off elimination before occurred on April 20. That’s when, with the help of in three runs against Charlotte. During the regional, dropping a close 7-6 decision to Alabama in the two grand slam homers by David Vilardi and Matt Scott hit four towering home runs in four games. championship round. Baltz, along with a two-run shot from Darren Welch, Senior pitcher Tyler Kee came to the hill 39 times For the season, Southern Miss set a school the Eagles notched the club’s 1,000th victory with a and finished with 10 saves. He was named to the record for home victories with 27 against only run-rule shortened 13-1 victory over Nicholls State. NCAA Regional All-Tournament team. Catcher/ three defeats. Coach Corky Palmer met and even The second occurred at the end of the season designated hitter Darren Welch also had a flair for exceeded expectations. Although hampered with a after the Golden Eagles came out of the Conference the dramatic. During a series with Tulane, he swat- young pitching staff, the Golden Eagles were able to USA Tournament. With a third-place finish, Southern ted a three-run homer in the bottom of the 14th that quell several threats that came their way during the Miss earned a right to play the NCAA Regionals for capped a miracle comeback and ended the longest course of the season and overpower the opposition the first time since 1991. game in school history with a 9-8 victory. with their bats. Although the team made tremendous strides throughout the course of the season, it was the individual effort by the Golden Eagle players that gave the fans plenty to talk about for years to come. Junior Michael Artman burst onto the scene with a hit parade that began in February on opening day and ended 106 hits later. Artman set a school record, as did his 82 singles. His 33-game hitting streak was the second-best in school Front Row (from left): Tony Nguyen, trainer, Thomas Greene, manager, Eric McMaster, Matt Baltz, Robert Larsen, Scott White, Chris Fishburn, Stephen history. For the year, Prewitt, Dennis Steed, Colby Calcote, Carter Hitt. Second Row: Deborah Huff, trainer, Ryan Bunch, manager, Chris Peden, Danny Stout, Michael Artman, he averaged above Scott Cheek, Jonathan Broadus, Chet Batson, Stephen Castleman, Dusty Haley, Greg Wooley, Tyler Kee, Michael Federico, volunteer assistant, Eric Adams, .400 and his on-base student assistant. Back Row: Scott Leggett, trainer, Lane Burroughs, assistant coach, Dan Wagner, assistant coach, Luke Wheeler, Danny Shupe, Charlie percentage was .490. On Rogers, Scott Pfaff, Chris Finnegan, Jay Lewis, Mike Maline, Josh Walker, Chad Christian, Danny Dossett, David Vilardi, DeQuincy Scott, Corky Palmer, defense, he was part of head coach. Not Pictured: Jeremy Albritton, Darren Welch.
27 Southern Miss Golden Eagles
1991 NCAA Central Regional Golden Eagles Post 40-Win Season For Second-Straight Year; Make Second NCAA Tournament Appearance (42-24)
oming off its most successful only 13 more times in the next Salem, Va. Those five wins included two against C season to date in which the 32 games. Through its first 32 UAB, and three against Virginia Tech. Southern Miss baseball program games of the year, Denson’s Heading into the Metro Conference Tournament, reached new heights by earning squad stood at 16-16. During the Golden Eagles record stood at 39-21, and just the first-ever invitation to the that stretch, the Golden Eagles like the previous season, they needed a couple NCAA Regional Tournament, Head traveled to NCAA powers of wins to assure themselves a spot in the NCAA Coach Hill Denson knew returning Tennessee and Florida State, Regional Tournament. Hill Denson’s team performed to the regional tournament would each for a three-game series. well, winning its first three games of the tourna- not be easy. The 1991 USM base- Southern Miss would drop all ment, before losing to South Carolina to bring the ball team would have to replace six of those games, but gained Golden Eagles’ record to 42-22. starting third baseman and major experience playing tough oppo- Southern Miss again was selected as one of league draftee, Kevin Young, who nents on the road. 48 teams to participate in the NCAA Regional hit .379 with 13 home runs and At 16-16, the Golden Eagles Tournament, at the University of Texas. The 75 RBI’s the previous season. The badly need to get hot. That is Eagles had tough times, though, as they dropped Golden Eagles also would have to exactly what they did as the both contests. The first was to Long Beach St. (6- replace their top two pitchers in Damon Pollard and Golden Eagles won 17 of its next 19 games to push 5), and the second was an 18-2 loss to the host John Gilligan. Pollard recorded a 13-5 record in ’90, their record to 33-18. Those 17 wins included wins team, Texas. while Gilligan went 11-3. at Ohio State, Mississippi State, three-game sweeps The 1991 season again was a successful one for The Golden Eagles did return eight starters. The against Louisville, Memphis and Cincinnati. the Golden Eagles, as they finished with 40-plus infield remained intact with Doug Benefiel behind The Golden Eagles would then drop a pair of wins for the second-straight season with 42. It also the plate, Andy Woodard at first, Scotty Jurich at midweek games at home against Mississippi State was the second-straight year in which Southern second, Brent Covington at shortstop and Chris and split two games in New Orleans against the Miss participated in the NCAA Regional Tournament Robbins as the designated hitter. Privateers, before winning their last five games proving that this year’s team was truly one of the In the outfield, the second-leading hitter, Todd heading into the Metro Conference Tournament in best in Southern Miss baseball history. Nace (.376), would return along with Chad Hebert and Larry Wesson. Pitching also would be a strong point, as returnees Mark Carson, Marc Kubicki and Frankie McLendon would anchor the staff. Newcomers Tony Phillips and Mike Emmons were valuable members of the staff as well. The start of the 1991 season would get off on the right foot, as far as Southern Miss was concerned, as it swept a three game series at home against Miss. Valley State, but just like the previous year in which the Golden Front Row (from left): Kevin Gilbert, manager, Chris King, trainer, Randy Spring, Chad Hebert, Mike Wright, Kevin Johnson, Derek Qualls, Craig Crockett, Eagles struggled in trainer, Steve Ellzey. Second Row: David Christenberry, Scotty Jurich, Jason Simmons, Damon Iannelli, assistant coach, Charlie Gray, assistant coach, Hill midseason, it did so Denson, head coach, Doug Lambeth, assistant coach, Bill Selby, Larry Wesson, Brent Covington. Third Row: Jeff Pickich, Dack Demoruelle, Marc Kubicki, again this season as Frankie McLendon, Lee Williams, Mike Emmons, Chris Robbins, Chris Logan, Rusty Jenkins, Todd Nace. Fourth Row: Brad Skeen, Mark Carson, Kory Southern Miss won Johnson, Kris Walters, Tony Phillips, Mickey Dutil, Kevin Fayard, Doug Benefiel, Chris Richie, Andy Woodard.
28 Southern Miss Golden Eagles
1990 NCAA South I Regional Golden Eagles Post First 40-Win Season; Make First NCAA Tournament Appearance (42-25)
he 1990 Golden Eagle Heading into the Metro lose to the Florida State Seminoles in the semifinal T Baseball team will be Conference portion of the game at Pete Taylor Park, 8-1. remembered as one of the schedule, the Golden Eagles With a regular-season record of 41-23, USM best in the school’s history as were flying high, as they would received an invitation to play in the 48-team NCAA Southern Miss would receive its take a 13-3 record to Columbia, Tournament Field. first-ever invitation to the NCAA S.C., against the South Carolina There would be eight separate sites with six Regional Tournament, in Baton Gamecocks for a three-game teams in each regional bracket as the Golden Eagles Rouge, La. series. Game one was a one- were selected to play in the Baton Rouge, La., Heading into the season, run affair won by USM, 4-3. regional hosted by LSU. Head Coach Hill Denson had That would be the last win the Game one of the 1990 regional would be a night many vacancies to fill, due to Golden Eagles would record to forget as Southern Cal blasted the Golden Eagles, the departures of third base- in eight days, as Hill Denson’s 23-5. Senior starting pitcher Damon Pollard took the man Fred Cooley, catcher Kenny squad would drop their next loss for Southern Miss. Graves and starting pitchers Pat five games. Game two would be much better for the Golden Rapp and Chuck Shive, all four Southern Miss would go 13- Eagles when they won a come-from-behind slugfest, were drafted by major league teams. Southern 11 in its next 24 games, heading into the final 14 14-10, over Louisiana-Lafayette. Junior Mark Kubicki Miss did return, however, its middle infield led by games of the regular season. At 27-19, an NCAA picked up the win, pushing his season record to 6-4. second baseman Scotty Jurich, who hit .346 the Tournament Invitation was doubtful, but still achiev- The Golden Eagles season would come to a previous year. The outfield would also prove to able. The Golden Eagles, though, won 12 of their close the next day as the Houston Cougers rolled be a strong point for this year’s team, as it would last 14 games to push the record to 39-21, heading over Southern Miss, 15-3. Damon Pollard, who return three starters in Todd Nace, Chad Van into the Metro Conference Tournament and in strong pitched his last game ever for the Golden Eagles, Kooten and Chad Hebert. contention for a regional bid. picked up the loss. This season would be a year of firsts as the With the new additions to Pete Taylor Park, just The 1990 Southern Miss baseball team will be Golden Eagles received their first-ever top-25 rank- prior to the season, USM was selected to host the remembered for accomplishing its first ever 40-plus ing. Southern Miss would also have its best start in conference tournament. win season (42), and its first-ever NCAA appear- school history, winning its first eight games of the Needing a couple of wins to assure itself of a ance, along with their highest regular-season Metro season, highlighted by a 5-1 win over LSU in the regional bid, the Golden Eagles did so by defeating Conference finish (2nd) and most conference victo- Busch Challenge in New Orleans, La. the Louisville Cardinals and Memphis Tigers, only to ries (16) in a season.
Front Row (from left): Rusty Hinds, trainer, Brent Covington, Greg Cole, Scotty Jurich, Jason Simmons, Chad Hebert, Mark Carson, Brad Skeen, Chris Logan, Mitch Whittington. Second Row: Amp Case, manager, Tony Phillips, Marc Kubicki, Tommy Castanedo, Larry Wesson, Chris Robbins, Bubba Hall, Mike Emmons, Kevin Young, Stacy Cameron, Kevin Gilbert, manager. Third Row: Hill Denson, head coach, Damon Iannelli, assistant coach, Mickey Dutil, Randy Springs, Andy Woodard, Dack Demoruelle, Barry Jefcoat, Chad Van Kooten, Doug Benefiel, Todd Thomas, Charlie Gray, assistant coach, Brian Rees, assistant coach.
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