Invitation Magazine - September 2022 by Invitation Magazines

SEPTEMBER SERVING202210 COUNTIES IN NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI OLE MISS FOOTBALL HYPED FOR COACH KIFFIN’S CLASS OF NEW RECRUITS MUST-HAVE GAME DAY ACCESSORIES TO CHEER ON YOUR TEAM IN STYLE MISSISSIPPITITLEPROGRESSREFLECTATHLETESONASIXTURNS50 “A JOURNEY”SPORTSMAN’SREFLECTSLIFELONGLOVEFORTHEOUTDOORS

10 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 DEPARTMENTS Letter From the Publisher Digital AnthonyGoodOxfordOutNortheastOutTailgateRecipes:ShoutoutsCalendarDetailsCuisine&About:&About:Neighbor:andTesha Mitchell Oxford Community Market Ole Miss Baseball Camp The Only Grand Opening Tennis AWatermelonTournamentCarnivalNightforNonprofits1281271174340322822 126124123122120118 IN THIS ISSUE SEPTEMBER 2022 43 12840 ON THE COVER Oxford: Ole Miss fans are ready to see the results of Coach Kiffin’s #ComeToTheSip recruiting strategy. ILLUSTRATED BY ABBEY EDMONSON Northeast: September means SEC football is back in season. PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM EVENTS: NORTHEAST EVENTS: OXFORD 116115114112110108106 Skip Gleason Memorial Father Daughter Ball Slugburger Festival Tupelo Con Paw Patrol Live! Pontotoc Peach Festival Southeast Swim Meet

FEATURES

Vinyl music sales take off in the region and around the globe. Unrivaled David Crews’ new documentary on Sewanee’s historic 1899 football team tells a story of grit, determination and character.

Just the Essentials

A retired Mississippi State University pro fessor fills multiple books with stories and essays about fishing, hunting and his love of the outdoors. 8054

Some of Mississippi’s best athletes reflect on the progress made in sports equality that started with the 1972 law. Fall Trends Must-haves for game day. Family & Football Oxford and the surrounding area exert a magnetic charm that goes beyond the gridiron.

9849 FEATURES

Making the Grade

The NCAA’s NIL policy assures that college athletes will profit from success. 102 A Sportsman’s Journey

49 Cue the Drama

#WelcomeToTheSip

The 2021 Ole Miss football season was filled with dramatic and memorable moments.

Highly ranked football players are flocking to Ole Miss thanks to efforts by Coach Lane Kiffin and the Rebels football staff. Happy Anniversary, Title IX

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Drop the Needle

An Ole Miss graduate’s business offers dreamy dorm room design and decor.

@INVITATIONOXFORD @INVITATIONMAGAZINE | @INVOXFORD @INVMAGAZINE

22 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 Football season at Ole Miss is like a family reunion. Whether celebrating the good times or sharing sadness over the notso-good times, football season truly mirrors life and families large and small. Together, we lament the defeats and cheer on the victories. Like adding a new family member in a marriage or a new child with a birth, there’s much to rejoice. Coming off the 2021 Rebels football season with 10 wins and some memorable stories, it was easy to find a lot to highlight in this magazine. We found some hidden gems, too, like the Broeker family. They are most certainly a seasoned football family, and due to their son’s success as a versatile starting offensive lineman with the Rebels, they have found their second home here in Oxford and with the SEC over the past five years. Read about them on page 74. But it’s not just about football this time of year with cooler days and earlier sunsets. Things like hunting and fishing will be a part of many folks’ weekend routines in the days and weeks ahead. Be sure and read the story on page 102 about Donald Jackson, the Sharp Distinguished Professor of Fisheries (Emeritus) at Mississippi State University, whose avid love of all things outdoors is inspiring. Thismagazine also highlights several delicious seasonal recipes (starting on page 80 49 LETTER from the PUBLISHER

43); pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of Title IX (page 62); looks at the resurgence of records and record shops in the area (page 80); peeks at a new documentary about the legendary 1899 Sewanee football team (page 87); and so much more. So, this month, whether you’re having a toddy in the Grove or hopping in a fishing boat for an afternoon escape, we are glad you have chosen to spend time reading Invitation. RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER 62

SEPTEMBER 2022 | INVITATION 23 PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Emily Welly EXECUTIVE EDITOR Leslie Criss OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Mary Moreton CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Sarah EugeneMcCullenStockstill COPY EDITOR Ashley Arthur SOCIAL COORDINATORMEDIA Mary Kelley Zeleskey ART CREATIVE DIRECTORS Paul HollyGandyVollor STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Joe Worthem PHOTOGRAPHERSCONTRIBUTING Ross Hodges Reed Jones Lisa WhitneyJ.R.HannahRobertsTurnerWilbanksWorsham ILLUSTRATORCONTRIBUTING Abbey Edmonson OFFICE BUSINESS MANAGER Hollie Hilliard DISTRIBUTION Brian Hilliard MAIN OFFICE 662-234-4008 To subscribe to one year (10 issues) or to buy an announcement, visit invitationmag.com. To request a photographer at your event, email Mary at mary.invitation@gmail.com. Invitation Magazines respects the many diverse individuals and organizations that make up north Mississippi and strives to be inclusive and representative of all members of our community. PUBLISHER Rachel West ADVERTISING CONSULTANTSADVERTISING Alise M. Emerson Amber Lancaster Leigh Lowery Lynn McElreath Moni WhitneySimpsonWorsham DESIGNERSADVERTISING Paul MarkkaGandyPrichard INFORMATIONADVERTISING ads@invitationoxford.com

| Jacksonville Jaguars | Tight

| Buffalo

| Tight

Photos from your event might be featured in an upcoming magazine!

Packers | Offensive Tackle Laremy

| Green

More than 30 Ole Miss players are on NFL rosters this season. Here are a few to watch (find a complete list of Ole Miss players currently on NFL rosters at Mattinvitationmag.com):Corral|Carolina Panthers Knox Dawson Bills End Mike Hilton D.J. Jones Royce Newman Bay Tunsil Engram End Elijah York A.J. Brown D.K. Metcalf

| Cincinnati Bengals | Cornerback

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| Denver Broncos | Defensive Tackle

| Seattle Seahawks | Wide Receiver Ole Miss in the NFL

CALENDAR AND EVENTS

Can’t get enough of the Mannings? Tune into “ManningCast,” Peyton and Eli Manning’s alternative Monday Night Football broadcast on ESPN2. The broadcast has a casual, reality TV-like feel, complete with sibling banter and celebrity guests sprinkled into their commentary on the Monday night game. More similar broadcast concepts from Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions media company are currently in the works for college football, golf and UFC broadcasts.

Join the more than 17,000 followers of @JuiceKiffin on Twitter to see the latest from Coach Kiffin’s adorable pup, Juice. He posts about Kiffin household happenings, training at Wild Rose Kennels, Ole Miss football and more.

Turn to page 87 for a Q&A with David Crews about his new “Unrivaled” documentary about the incredible 1899 Sewanee football team. For our complete interview with Crews, visit invitationmag.com.

| Quarterback

Unrivaled @JuiceKiffinTune in: "ManningCast" Have an exciting event coming up? Visit our website and share the details on our online community calendar.

| Philadelphia Eagles | Wide Receiver

Jets | Wide Receiver

| Houston Texans | Offensive Tackle Evan

Moore | New

SEPTEMBER 2022 | INVITATION 29 We love being tagged in your photos! social SNAPS Team Captain Tim Elko leads his Ole Miss Baseball team to a warm welcome home … LOCATION: The University of Mississippi USERNAME: Thrilled@marlenemiddletonphotographytobestartingoffthebook tour @turnrowbooks in historic Greenwood! #iamfromhere LOCATION: Turnrow Books USERNAME: @kissmybhatt1 Look for us in @invitationmagazine!!!! LOCATION: Tupelo USERNAME: @aquaandoak

FEATURES |

Girls ages 5-12 take part in a clinic lead by Ole Miss Rebelettes and cheerleaders. Then, on Sept. 10, clinic participants perform on game day at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. 1:30-3 p.m., Tad Smith Coliseum. info.abcsportscamps.com/rebelettes

Scotty McCreery Concert

OLE MISS VS. GEORGIA TECH September 17 | 3:30 p.m. Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta

SEPTEMBER 5

CALENDAR NOTEWORTHY | RECIPES | EVENTS NEIGHBOR

American Idol-turned-country-musicsuperstar Scotty McCreery performs live in Oxford. Tickets $42. 7 p.m., The Lyric Oxford. thelyricoxford.com

SEPTEMBER 16-17

The Lafayette High School Commodores take on the Oxford Chargers in this annual high school football showdown. 7 p.m., Oxford High School. oxfordsd.org/ohsfootball

SEPTEMBER 9

FCA Ladies Luncheon

Don’t miss this fall’s children’s consignment sale. Presale for volunteers and consignors takes place 4-8 p.m. Friday; public sale is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Oxford Activity Center. Information for consignors, volunteers and vendors available online. oxfordweecycle.com

OLE MISS VS. TROY September 3 | 4 p.m. Vaught-Hemingway Stadium

Celebrated on the first Monday in September, this federal holiday pays tribute to American workers. What are you doing this weekend? Be sure to tag us in your pictures on social media with #InvitationLaborDay!

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The third annual Ole Miss Fellowship of Christian Athletes Ladies Luncheon features guest speaker Camie Bianco. Tickets $50. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Oxford Conference Center. olemissfca.org

OLE MISS VS. CENTRAL ARKANSAS September 10 | 7 p.m. Vaught-Hemingway Stadium

COMING UP IN COMMUNITYOUR

SEPTEMBER 16

SEPTEMBER 30

OXFORD

Crosstown Classic

OLE MISS

OLE MISS VS. TULSA September 24 | Vaught-HemingwayTBDStadium

SEPTEMBER 4

LABORFOOTBALLDAY

Junior RebelsCheer Clinic

Weecycle Fall Sale

| GOOD

Robins Street Art Stroll

Touch-a-truck SEPTEMBER 10

Tallahatchie Riverfest

SEPTEMBER 22-24

Children are invited to touch, climb and explore trucks and heavy machinery and learn what purpose each serves in the community at this free event. Sensoryfriendly hour 9 a.m.-10 a.m.; horns and sirens 10 a.m.-noon. Veterans Park, Tupelo. tupeloparksandrec.org

Welcome fall with a progressive craft beer tour through downtown Tupelo along with specials from local retailers. 5:30-9 p.m., downtown Tupelo. tupelomainstreet.com

SEPTEMBER 25 The Celebration of Cultures Festival celebrates diversity and brings together all cultures through dancing, singing, food and fun., 3-6 p.m., Ballard Park Stage, Tupelo. tupeloparksandrec.org

Bring your tents and sleeping bags for a family-friendly community campout. $5-10 per person; children under age 2 are free. To register, call 662-841-6440. 4 p.m., Veterans Park, Tupelo. tupeloparksandrec.org

Family Camp Out

NORTHEAST

The annual Tupelo Marathon and 14.2 Miler takes place on its original course. Expect water stops and cheering spectators along the way. Participants receive race shirts and finishers are awarded a medal. 5 a.m., 549 Coley Rd. tupelorunningclub.org

Tupelo Marathon

SEPTEMBER 17

SEPTEMBER 23-24

SEPTEMBER 17-18

This annual downtown New Albany festival features a running race, artists, craftsmen, food, and live music including Doug Stone, Ricochet, Garry Burnside and Justin Kirk & Company. newalbanymainstreet.com

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Tupelo hosts its fourth annual Pickleball Championships at the tennis courts on Joyner Avenue. The outdoor tournament includes round robin doubles and singles competitions. Register online. tupeloareapickleball.com

Find arts, crafts, music, a bike race, games, a car and tractor show, food vendors, live entertainment and more at this annual Pontotoc tradition. pontotocchamber.com

Celebration of Cultures

SEPTEMBER 4

Bodock Festival

Pickleball Championship

SEPTEMBER 10

Tupelo Ale Trail SEPTEMBER 23

Local and regional artists will display and sell their work on the 400 block of Robins Street in Tupelo. Food, beverages and live music will also be offered. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

SHOUTOUTS NEIGHBOR

Myrtle’s New Murals

The third mural, Sunset Over Myrtle, is inspired by a 1930s downtown photograph. The second and third murals will share space on a building owned by Hale.

Many a history buff has puzzled over the story of American explorer Meriwether Lewis who mysteriously died and was laid to rest in 1809 at milepost 385.9 on the Natchez Trace, near Hohenwald, Tennessee.

“Mysterious Circumstance” was shot entirely in Tishomingo County.

Baldwyn engineer, businessman, writer, filmmaker and all-around art aficionado, Clark Richey has spent the past few years on a project seeking answers to questions about Lewis’ death. The writer/director of “Mysterious Circumstance: The Death of Meriwether Lewis” recently announced the film will be available for public viewing for a week beginning Sept. 9 in the Memphis metro area at Malco Collierville Towne Cinema and Malco Cordova Cinema. Following its U.S. debut, “Mysterious Circumstance” will open in Canada in Cinemas Guzzo (a 10-theater chain in the Montreal, Quebec, region) on Sept. 16. “Obviously, we’re pleased,” Richey said.

Mississippi cast members include Gousset, Marcus Dupree of Madison, Rider Mayo of Iuka, Josh Whites of Thaxton, Jamie Fair of New Albany, Keandre Wicks of Burnsville, Cotton Yancy of Burnsville and Chad McMahan of Guntown. The cast also includes John Schneider of “The Dukes of Hazzard” fame and Billy Slaughter and Lance Nichols, both of New Orleans.

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Katie Sappington of New Albany, an artist and owner of Due Moon Creations, is creating the murals.

Award-Winning Film Hits the Big Screen

“I know he was able to see the first mural and probably the second, but the mural project is certainly something in which Mr. Hale’s influence and love of Myrtle was key,” said Micheal Canerdy, mayor of Myrtle since 2017.

The first mural, with its Greetings from Myrtle message, welcomes visitors who enter Myrtle from I-22. It is located at 1751 Highway 78 West.

The second mural, the Future of Myrtle (pictured), has generated buzz on social media. Sappington wrote this of it: “The Future of Myrtle mural takes its inspiration from the vastly diverse community of Myrtle. It embraces the changing demographics that make Myrtle a unique and culturally diverse place to live…”

“The building is the last still standing that is an example of the original Myrtle architecture,” Canerdy said. “The second mural faces east toward the sunset and represents the future of Myrtle. The third faces west and represents Myrtle’s past.

“This is a project all Myrtle is excited about. It will be a great benefit.”

“The film has been very well received across a wide variety of locations and settings. It has held up under the critical scrutiny of festival judges while providing great entertainment to engaged audiences. We are looking forward to the general public getting a look at our movie.” The film has already won major awards at film festivals in the U.S. and abroad. It has been tapped for top honors five times; Richey has won two best director awards; Tupelo’s Amy Gousset was named best actress twice; Sonny Marinelli of “Entourage” picked up two best supporting actor awards; and Evan Williams of “Versailles” received a best actor nod for his role as Lewis. Director of photography, Michael Williams of West Point, won twice for best cinematography.

The town of Myrtle, population 500 — give or take — will soon boast a trio of murals commissioned by the Greater Myrtle Sustainability Fund, which is used for community beautification and town improvement projects. The GMSF came about as a result of the Greater Myrtle Business Association which is part of the legacy of Michael Hale, a longtime Myrtle businessman and community supporter who died in July.

You may notice the residents of the Robins Street neighborhood are in a festive mood these days. After a two-year COVIDcaused break, the Robins Street Art Stroll is back for its 2022 edition. The neighborhood-hosted event is a unique street festival held since 2016 in Tupelo’s downtown historic district. The 400 block of Robins Street will be decorated with for-sale art by local and regional artists. The goal today remains the same as in 2016: to support local and regional artists and to provide an opportunity for those in the area to have a chance to see, enjoy and buy art. This year’s Art Stroll will be 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17. Susan McGukin, chairperson of the Art Stroll, said at least 35 artists will participate. There will be painters, jewelers, some potters and a woodworker providing original pieces. Whether you’re browsing, buying or both, there’ll be art aplenty. “An artist from Tampa, Florida; one from Alabama; and one from the Gulf Coast registered,” McGukin said. “So we’ve attracted artists from the region.”

SHOUTOUTS continued

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The day will offer fun for the entire family, with food from such local eateries as Talbot House Bakery and The G Spot food truck. The Link Centre will be on hand to sell adult beverages, and there will be live music in the Children’safternoon.activities and a silent auction will also be part of the Art Stroll. “While our primary goal is not to make money, any proceeds above our costs will be designated to a worthy neighborhood project or one of the many art projects at the Link Centre,” McGukin said.

Art Stroll

RED CABBAGE SLAW

1/2 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for drizzling

Prepare the Slaw: In a medium bowl, toss carrots, cabbage and scallions. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon, sugar and salt until blended. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture, and toss until coated. Cover and refrigerate.

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons garlic powder 2 tablespoons onion powder

1/4 cup water

Prepare the Sweet Potato Skins: Preheat oven to 350°F. Wash sweet potatoes, and pat dry. Bake potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet in preheated oven until soft and sugar is released, about 1 hour.

SWEET POTATO SKINS

8 small sweet potatoes Prepare the Pulled Pork: In a medium bowl, stir together salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ancho chile powder, paprika and cinnamon, and rub over roast. In a large skillet, melt butter. Brown roast in skillet, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Place in a slow cooker, fatty side up. In the same skillet, combine barbecue sauce, tomato paste, vinegar and water. Using a spatula, scrape cooked bits from bottom of skillet, and stir until sauce mixture is well combined, about 2 minutes. Pour sauce mixture over roast in slow cooker. Cover and cook until tender, about 6 hours on high or 12 hours on low. Shred.

SPICE UP YOUR GAME DAY MENU WITH THESE NONTRADITIONAL DISHES TO ADD SEASONAL FLAVORS TO YOUR TAILGATE TENT THIS FALL.

1 tablespoon ancho chile powder 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

PULLED PORK

SPONSORED BY BROOKS GROCERY

1 cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon salt 11/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

11/2 teaspoons baking soda

Continued from page 45

3 cups all-purpose flour

In a large bowl, combine orange mixture, eggs, zucchini, oil and vanilla. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Gradually whisk flour mixture into egg mixture until blended. Pour batter into 2 greased loaf pans, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in preheated oven until a wooden pick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Cool in the pan 5 minutes, then remove and cool 15 minutes before slicing.

BREADORANGE-ZUCCHINI

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In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until blended, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla extract and toffee bits, and stir to combine. Serve with fresh fruit.

TOFFEE CHIP

Preheat oven to 325°F. Cut unpeeled orange into chunks. Process orange chunks and 1 cup of the sugar in a food processor until pureed and smooth, about 1 minute.

1 cup toffee bits Assorted fresh fruit, such as apple slices, peach slices, strawberries, grapes and orange slices

1 2orangecupsgranulated sugar, divided 3 large eggs 2 to 3 cups grated zucchini

FRUIT DIP

DRAMATHECUE

TEN-WIN SEASON

FROM THRILLING WINS TO HISTORY-MAKING MOMENTS, THE 2021 OLE MISS FOOTBALL SEASON WAS ONE TO REMEMBER. HERE ARE FIVE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE EVENTS FROM LAST SEASON.

Continued from page 49

The No. 1 game of the 2021 college football season, according to ESPN, was the Ole Miss-Arkansas showdown in Oxford. The last two minutes of the Oct. 9, 2021, game were something to behold. First, Arkansas scored to tie the game, 45-45. Ole Miss answered immediately with a 68-yard touchdown pass from Matt Corral to Braylon Sanders. With the extra point, the Rebels took the lead, 52-45. In the final second of the game, Arkansas scored another touchdown, but Ole Miss stopped their attempt at a 2-point conversion and won, 52-51.

THE NO. 1 GAME

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On Thanksgiving night 2021, the Rebels beat the Bulldogs 31-21 in the Egg Bowl in Starkville, capturing the program’s first-ever 10-win regular season.

The weekend of Oct. 22, 2021, was all about Eli Manning in Oxford. His No. 10 jersey number was retired, he was inducted into the M-Club Hall of Fame, he led the team on the Walk of Champions on Saturday morning before the game against LSU, and MANNING was painted in the end zones of Hollingsworth Field.

THE SUGAR BOWL

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Throngs of faithful Ole Miss fans traveled to New Orleans to start 2022 by cheering on the Rebels in the 2022 Allstate Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day. Fans may be ready to forget the actual game (Ole Miss lost to Baylor, 21-7), but the experience of traveling with friends and family to celebrate the team that secured its first 10-win regular season will be remembered forever.

In the fourth quarter of the Oct. 17, 2021, game in Knoxville, Tennessee, fans objected to a call by throwing trash — water bottles, beer cans, pizza boxes, paper cups and more — onto the field. Coach Lane Kiffin kept a golf ball that was thrown at him (and, in March, he jokingly used it for the ceremonial first pitch at an Ole Miss-Tennessee baseball game). The trash throwing caused a 20minute delay, Tennessee was fined $250,000 by the SEC and 18 fans were arrested. But Ole Miss took the win, 31-26.

TRASH IN TENNESSEE

ELI MANNING MADNESS

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54 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 HIGHLY RANKED FOOTBALL PLAYERS ARE FLOCKING TO OLE MISS THANKS TO EFFORTS BY COACH LANE KIFFIN AND THE REBELS FOOTBALL STAFF. MEET THE 17 PLAYERS WHO MAKE UP ONE OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL’S TOP-RANKED TRANSFER PORTAL CLASSES. PHOTOGRAPHED BY OLE MISS ATHLETICS # WELCOME TO THE SIP CALENDAR | NOTEWORTHY | RECIPES | FEATURES | EVENTS | GOOD NEIGHBOR 01: Jaxson Dart #2 (University of Southern California), quarterback 02: Zach Evans #6 (Texas Christian University), running back 03: Michael Trigg #0 (University of Southern California), tight end 04: J.J. Pegues #89 (Auburn), tight end 05: Ladarius Tennison #13 (Auburn), safety 06: Jared Ivey #15 (Georgia Tech), defensive end 07: Troy Brown #8 (Central Michigan), linebacker 08: Mason Brooks #75 (Western Kentucky University), tight end 09: Jaylon Robinson #9 (University of Central Florida), wide receiver 01 141006 151107 161208 171309 02 03 04 05 10: Isheem Young #1 (Iowa State), safety 11: Malik Heath #8 (Mississippi State University), wide receiver 12: Jordan Watkins #11 (Louisville), wide receiver 13: Khari Coleman #23 (Texas Christian University), linebacker 14: Ulysses Bentley #24 (Southern Methodist University), running back 15: Jacobi Moore #83 (Mississippi State University), wide receiver 16: Danny Lockhart II #56 (University of Southern California), linebacker 17: Dashaun Jerkins #19 (Vanderbilt), safety

SEPTEMBER 2022 | INVITATION 55 JAXSON DART #2 (UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA) QUARTERBACK

56 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 ZACH EVANS #6 (TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY) RUNNING BACK Continued from page 55

SEPTEMBER 2022 | INVITATION 57 J.J. PEGUES #89 (AUBURN) TIGHT END

58 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 MICHAEL TRIGG #0 (UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA) TIGHT END LADARIUS TENNISON #13 (AUBURN) SAFETY Continued from page 57

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—Anna Jackson, who had an 80% winning record at William B. Murrah High School in Jackson and coached the girl’s team to nine (yep!) 5A state championships.

Fifty years ago, former President Richard Nixon signed into law Title IX, which made sexual discrimination, harassment and assault at federally funded schools illegal. It went into force one year before Billie Jean King’s much ballyhooed tennis victory over Bobby Riggs gave feminists extra inspiration to fight for equity in sports. ESPN dedicated a whole month’s worth of coverage this summer to the legislation’s anniversary. Title IX is a big deal in sports. “It’s changed the whole arena,” said Bill Blackwell, executive director of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in Jackson.But even after half a century, their names still leap off the page at you:—Deborah

—Janet Marie Smith, the MSU-trained architect who designed Camden Yards in inner city Baltimore and garners credit as the person who saved Boston’s beloved Fenway Park from demolition. They are all inductees into the state’s hall of fame, of course, and the reason they are so easy to spot on the list should be obvious.

Those words opened a door. Take a look at the following stats. In 1972, about 30,000 women competed in NCAA sports, as opposed to 170,000 men, according to information from The History Channel. In 2012, more than 3 million women were competing in

Brock, the Delta State basketball phenom who scored 22 points, committed no turnovers and lead the school to a national title against LSU in 1976.

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“We’ve made progress,” said Smith, now the senior vice president for planning and development with the Los Angeles Dodgers. “I wasn’t even in college when it passed. In 1989, the idea of a woman in the clubhouse was unthinkable, and 10 years later, we were building women’s umpire rooms. Women’s impact in sports at all levels is felt very Titleintensely.”IXreads, in part: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

Opposite page, Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer Anna Jackson (left) and Shakira Austin (right) who was recently drafted into the WNBA. Above, Armintie Price Herrington, coaching at Ole Miss. W ithout Title IX, it’s a much-better-than-average bet that Ole Miss hoops standout Shakira Austin would never have made the roster of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics. Or would have had a team or a league to join in the first place. Or would have ever nurtured a hope of having a future in the sport she loves.

“The mere existence of Title IX does not ensure equal opportunities unless it is enforced for everyone,” Billie Jean King told NBCOleSports.Miss’s Shakira Austin could not be reached for an interview for this story. But Armintie Price Herrington, a predecessor of Austin’s at the university and with the Mystics, said she has heard all the arguments that made Title IX a necessity: Women can’t dunk, can’t be mothers and athletes at the same time, need lower basketball goals, don’t have the fan base to support higher pay.

“We still have a ways to go, but change is happening.”

64 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 high school and college athletics. But a report earlier this year from the Women’s Sports Foundation found that high school girls still have fewer athletic opportunities than high school boys of today.

Mississippian Deborah Brock led Delta State to a national championship in 1976. Ole Miss all-time leading scorer Peggie Gillom-Granderson (left); and her sister, Jennifer Gillom, who played at Ole Miss, in the WNBA and in the Olympics (right).

Mississippi State University alum and architect Janet Marie Smith helped save Boston’s Fenway Park from demolition. Her work earned her a spot in the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

But Price Herrington also enjoyed support all along the way from her family, as well as coaches and fans. Chris Greer, a former Myrtle High School coach, believed in her so much that he started a track program after he saw her run for the first time. When she looks back on her career, Price Herrington sees not only how far she has come but how much the country has changed.

“I think some of the most impressive people that I have watched in sports are those women who went first, the first journalist to be in the clubhouse, the first journalist to be calling a game,” Janet Marie Smith said. “It’s exciting to me to see how many glass ceilings have been broken. I’m just a huge admirer of those women who have risen to the top.”

“I do think we are making progress,” she said, citing the success of the U.S women’s soccer team and the WNBA’s growing popularity.

It took more than legislation to bring about change, though. It took people willing to stick to their principles and support equal rights when doing so was far from easy. In earlier days, “if the girls had five balls, the boys got 10,” Coach Anna Jackson said. “I was one of those who spoke up and spoke out. I was a fighter.” Salary, coaching and opportunity inequities make the struggle for equality an ongoing one, but past progress can and does serve as inspiration for the future.

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MUST-HAVES FOR GAME DAY. STYLED BY MARY MORETON | PHOTOGRAPHED BY PAUL GANDY FALL TRENDSFALL TRENDS CALENDAR | NOTEWORTHY | RECIPES | FEATURES | EVENTS | GOOD NEIGHBOR Logo Venture Tote in NALUred“Oxford” stainless steel insulated water bottle in white Johnnie-O The Tailgater men’s polo shirt in white Horn Legend Ole Miss men’s martini polo shirt in white Logo quad chair in powder blue Peter Millar Hyperlight Apollo men's sneaker in blue and red Smathers & Branson men’s needlepoint“Oxford”belt

70 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 A: • Logo Venture Tote in red • Clare V women’s St. Martin Top in navy/poppy checker • Moussy Checotah women’s jeans in light blue • Goodr unisex polarized sunglasses in Falkors Fever Dream • MeiMeiJ women’s top with zipper detail in red • Fame women’s fedora hat in powder blue B: • Clare V crossbody strap in striped navy and red • Clare V crossbody strap in braided red and navy • Tiana “Rebs” beaded purse strap in powder blue • Tiana “Rebs” beaded coin purse in red • WJCD Clear Acrylic Clutch Bag C: • Fame women’s fedora hat in powder blue • Curated Threads beaded Hotty Toddy earrings in navy • Hart & Co. handmade polymer clay earrings in powder blue and red tie-dye Products shown on pages 69, 70 and 72 can be found at many local retailers including Black Sheep Boutique, Style Assembly, Oxford RX, Jane, MLM, Reeds, Chaney’s Pharmacy, Hinton & Hinton, Rebel Rags and Neilson’s.CA B Continued from page 69

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Smythe women’s plaid tux blazer Coconuts by Matisse bootswomen’sAgencyWesterninwhite Juicy Orange square sunglasses in tortoise Amo Chelsea Crop women’s jeans in white skies Zenzii 3D Flower earrings in maroon Apiece floralwomen’sApartLosAltostop Bum bag/crossbody in studded white patentThink Royln bar bag in pearl wine Continued from page 70

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Take the Broekers from Springfield, Illinois. The father, John, grew up in Chicago and played football for Northwestern University.

C all it Southern charm. Call it a mystique as cavernous as that of one of its most famous inhabitants (William Faulkner). Call it whatever you will. Oxford exerts a magnetism that some folk find almost impossible to resist.

What may come as something of a shock is that the city itself boasts drawing cards that have little to do with university life, said Jon Maynard, president and CEO of the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation and Chamber of Commerce.

These days, things have changed quite a bit. Mom and Dad have a condo in Oxford, she visits every six weeks or so during the offseason, brother Jack drives from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for every home game. And, yes, the whole Big Ten crew follows the SEC. “I would never have seen it,” Missy Broeker said. “We feel like this is our second hometown.” Her husband agreed. “We love being Rebels,” he said. “It’s just an easy place to be.”

It should come as no surprise that Oxford sits at the top of the list of Mississippi communities experiencing extended growth spurts. The latest national census data shows Oxford as the third fastest-growing city in the state, behind Southaven and Olive Branch, and the city’s population shows no signs of slacking. Traffic circles, residential subdivisions, apartment complexes and businesses are popping up wherever you turn.

“You’re seeing an awful lot of neighborhoods filled with second homes,” Maynard said. “There are an awful lot of folks with no ties to Oxford or the state,” who have just moved to Oxford because they like it. The Chamber of Commerce even has a burgeoning newcomers club. What this means in practical terms, Maynard said, is that people

Older son Jack played for the University of Illinois. Younger brother Nick is an offensive lineman at Ole Miss, but all of them “grew up Big Ten fans,” mother Missy said.

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76 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 don’t come to Oxford simply because of the university or action on the gridiron, court or diamond. After NCAA sanctions against Ole Miss a few years ago, Maynard tabulated economic metrics that showed a decrease in university enrollment but increases in county population, total jobs and assessed value.

If you are keeping track, that’s nine college students from Springfield (a city with a population of less than 150,000) who not only live in Oxford but don’t want to live anywhere else. Will Springfield and Oxford forge a sister-city bond?

Translation: The county and the university have a give-andtake relationship. The secret to Oxford’s success? Community pride, MaynardWhensaid.he visited Paris in 2010, Maynard expected an ugly reception, but instead, he encountered “a large city filled with people who are genuinely proud of where they live” and who go out of their way to help strangers.

“Eight kids from Nick’s high school graduating class go to Ole Miss,” Missy Broeker said.

“I didn’t see that again until I moved to Oxford, and I realized the secretEntersauce.”the Broekers and other families like them, who have enjoyed the same sort of extended greeting. Unconfirmed rumors even place siblings of well-known athletes in Oxford by overwhelming choice.

On a visit during an LSU game, for example, the son of some friends of the Broekers remained all but silent until it was time to leave, then said the following to his parents: “Hey, I’m done. I’m going to Ole Miss, and you are buying a condo.” And some of the Broekers’ best friends also have their own place in Oxford, but only after they first met here did they discover they both come from the same area of Illinois.

“I can’t tell you what it tastes like,” she tells them. “You have to try it.”

“I have never seen a community that’s prouder of place,” he said.

“Even the people who visit us get wrapped up in it,” she said.

She confirmed, too, that the appeal of Oxford goes far beyond the gridiron.Thebartender at Lenora’s knows the Broekers and starts pouring their drinks as soon as they walk through the front door. Missy goes to boutiques where non-football fans greet her by her first name. Her other friends ask her what in the world tomato gravy tastes like.

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The Broeker family from Springfield, Illinois, discovered Oxford when their son, Nick Broeker, started playing football for the Rebels. They now have a second home here (pictured).

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“Listening to records helps slow down time and directs your attention to what’s actually playing on the turntable,” David Swider, owner of The End of All Music, said. “This is something no algorithm can replicate.”Swider,who has a cache of about 10,000 records, opened his Oxford shop on The Square in 2012, and there is also a branch on North State Street in Jackson. Genres like punk, jazz and prog rock

David Swider owns The End of All Music, a record shop with locations in Oxford (pictured) and Jackson.

“I’ll take it any way I can get it,” Meredith’s husband, Brent, said. “But nothing ever replaced that feeling of bringing a new album home you’ve never heard, slipping on your headphones, and taking it in as a whole, while staring at the liner notes and lyrics. That was a singularly great experience that I don’t think streaming can replicate.”

SEPTEMBER 2022 | INVITATION 81 you were around before the CD and digital explosion of the 80s, you remember. Your first LP. The glorious smell of a brand-new jacket. The wonder of fresh tunes, lyrics and liner notes.Some kids lined bedroom walls with album covers. Back in the day in Jackson, you caught the hippest sounds on WZZQ, bought the records at BeBop Record Shop and scored tickets for concerts there, too. It was a visceral, whole-world experience that digital could never hope to emulate.

The proof? The Martins house a collection of around 400. And the good news is that you don’t have to journey to the legendary Dusty Groove in Chicago or order online to find your LPs, EPs, 45s or 78s of choice. Try Rock Star Records in Tupelo or The End of All Music in Oxford if this idea makes you want to hold in your hands an old, old copy of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” or “Kind of Blue.”

“Before I had my own discretionary funds, I talked my parents into buying albums that I really wanted, like Willie Nelson’s ‘Red Headed Stranger’ and Barry Manilow’s ‘Tryin’ To Get The Feeling,’” Meredith Martin of Tupelo said. “I still have them today. My mom has a photo of me at 3 years old sitting on the floor leaning against the speaker of our stereo crying because I thought the music was so pretty.”Ifyou think the vinyl vibe is dead, think again. Last year, vinyl sales logged 46% of all music retail, according to the Recording Industry Association of America, eclipsed CD sales by about $450 million, and bested all digital downloads by a similar margin.

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“I like the take-a-break experience of a record,” Peter Cleary, 51, of Oxford said. Cleary, who owns at least 300 records, gathers with a group of friends on a regular basis to listen to albums, talk about albums, swap albums and just plain get into the groove that only vinyl music produces.

The sentimentality of Generation X and the curiosity of millenials has driven both generations to latch onto records. When Cleary visited Dusty Groove in Chicago one day, he found old recordings of James Bond soundtracks, then walked outside and discovered three more record stores down the street. “There’s been quite a resurgence,” he said.

SEPTEMBER 2022 | INVITATION 83 have had vinyl enthusiasts throughout the years, and Swider said that in the years he’s been in business, interest and sales have remained steady. Younger listeners’ awareness that new music is also available on vinyl may be helping drive the current trend, he said. Wikipedia dates the so-called “vinyl revival” to 2002, beginning on the West Coast and in the Far East. Records’ packaging, sound imperfections and cultural aura all help lure customers away from CDs and digital downloads. Records, in other words, exude the nostalgic charm of a bygone era.

THE END OF ALL MUSIC 103A Courthouse Square, Oxford 662.281.1909 | theendofallmusic.com ROCKSTAR RECORDS 810 East Main Street, Tupelo 662.269.3745 | rockstarrecordstupelo.com GREATEST HITS MUSIC & BOOKS 675 West Main Street, Tupelo 662.205.4464 | ghmusicandbooks.com CHEF’S VINYL 104 North Cummings Street, Fulton 601.813.3556 | facebook.com/chefsvinyl

Concerned about prices? Most used records at independent shops cost somewhere between $5 and $20, depending on content and condition, unlike the $20-$30 range for a new record at WalMart. And if you are a newbie and worry about a snarky reception at a record store (e.g. John Cusack, Jack Black and Todd Louiso in the movie “High Fidelity”), have no fear, Swider said. “It’s a good film,” he said. “We are much nicer and less judgmental! We’re pretty excited to talk about music and records with just about everyone. There’s no such thing as bad music.”

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Greenville for District Court judges.

SEPTEMBER 2022 | INVITATION 87 S pend a bit of time researching the term “Renaissance man,” and you’ll likely learn a lot about famous men known for their many talents and their great wealth of knowledge. You may recognize many of the names on the long-ago lists: Copernicus, Galileo, Michelangelo, Shakespeare. While they certainly did a lot of amazing things, those guys have nothing on Oxford’s David Crews.

Q: What was it that made you decide to make a feature-length documentary about the 1899 Sewanee football team?

DAVID CREWS’ DOCUMENTARY ON SEWANEE’S HISTORIC 1899 FOOTBALL TEAM TELLS A STORY OF GRIT, DETERMINATION AND CHARACTER. LESLIE CRISS BY JOE WORTHEM

He’s been married for 27 years to wife Claire, and he’s Dad to a pair of 23-year-old twins he calls The Doublets, son Battle and daughterProfessionally,Caroline. he’s hawked glass-bottled Coca-Colas at longago Ole Miss football games, he’s been a part of a fire department, taught history, reported and edited for a newspaper. Crews worked more than a decade with the Department of Justice as a U.S. marshal, and today he oversees federal courthouses in Oxford, Aberdeen and

INTERVIEWED BY

NEW

A: My college classmate and great friend, Norman Jetmundsen, has always been awed by what Sewanee’s 1899 team accomplished. He and I decided to collaborate to tell this legendary but little-known story. Our goal was to bring this rare and compelling story to life on film by exploring the dynamics of the season, the grit and talent of the players and the remarkable stamina and resolve to play five grueling games in six days traveling 2,500 miles by steam locomotive. In an era when most Southern teams played only four or five games in a season, Sewanee pioneered a remarkable 12-game season — the first 12-game season ever played by a Southern team. Sewanee went 12-0 in 1899 and was so powerful in the late 1800s and early 1900s that it was an original member of the SEC. Among the teams Sewanee

PHOTOGRAPHED

Crews’ most recent venture is “Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899,” a documentary about a long past football team at his alma mater and how they made history one season. Crews recently took time to talk with Invitation Magazines about the film.

There are rumors that at different times in his life, Crews rubbed elbows with the likes of William Faulkner and Eudora Welty. He’s compiled and published a book of favorite quotations from a wide and wondrous hunk of humanity. He’s delved into developing documentary films. He’s climbed mountains, hiked a heap of miles, completed an absurd number of triathlons.

Q: What is it about the long-ago team that inspired you to want to work on this project?

88 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 played that year was Ole Miss, who were called “the long-haired knights of the Oval,” because the players would not wear helmets and simply grew their hair long as meager protection.

A: We put together a truly talented team to make this film. Norman and I produced and directed the film. Matthew Graves, a former Oxford resident, was our talented and indispensable editor. We engaged Bobby Horton to produce the music, Gates Shaw to do the narration and Ernie Eldridge to do the artwork. My son Battle Crews, who is now an officer in the U.S. Air Force, and Aubrey Black did superb work as our re-enactors, bringing the style of play in the 1800s to life.

Q: “The Toughest Job,” your documentary about former Gov. William Winter, received an Emmy Award. Do you have high hopes for “Unrivaled”?A:“Unrivaled” is a powerful film. Once it is broadcast on PBS stations it may well be in consideration for an Emmy, perhaps for Best Historical Documentary. It is certainly of a caliber and resonance that merits consideration. Read more about David Crews and his future plans in the complete interview at invitationmag.com. "Unrivaled" is expected to be broadcast by Mississippi, Alabama and Nashville public television stations this fall, and the National Educational Television Association plans to offer the film to public television stations across the country. The documentary can also be purchased on DVD or streaming at sewanee1899.org.

A: Telling this story was a five-year journey. Both Norman and I have full-time jobs, so we could only work on the film at night and on occasional weekends. Filmmaking is a complex, detailed process. We had to do the research, raise the funds, conduct the interviews, stage and film reenactments, engage talented artists and musicians, find a riveting narrative arc, work with a talented editor and pare a monumental story down to a broadcast quality length.

Q: Who are some of the people who helped make “Unrivaled”?

Q: How long did you work on “Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899”?

A: There are three core reasons we wanted to tell this story. First and foremost is the grit, talent, fortitude and character of the team in an era when the players played both offense and defense and never came out of the game unless they had a broken leg or were killed. It was an especially brutal game in that era with as many as 18 deaths a year in college football. Second was the drive and vision of student manager Luke Lea, who organized and crafted the unprecedented season. You can witness Lea’s drive and ambition as a student putting together this season. He goes on to become one of the youngest U.S. Senators in history, hatch a plot to capture the kaiser in WWI and own several newspapers including the Nashville Tennessean. Third, our goal was to weave together a fabulous, little-known story and bring it to the attention of a significantly wider audience.

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hat began with building shelves to raise money for a mission trip has blossomed into a thriving business helping students beautify their dorm rooms. During her time at the University of Mississippi, Eden Montgomery’s dad helped her learn how to build a shelf to fill an empty space in her dorm room. Soon after, Montgomery needed to raise money for a mission trip she took through campus ministry. She began building shelves to sell to fellow students and around the same time created an “Essentials with Eden” Instagram account for a class project. Her social media page gained so much attention that she began receiving numerous requests for a variety of items such as cabinets, headboards and more. And with that, her dorm room decorating business, Essentials with Eden, was born.

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“We had questions for everything, so we took the summer to learn how to build each item, and we have been growing ever since,” Montgomery said.

“The thing about me going to Ole Miss is that it’s even more fun to meet the incoming freshman and see the excitement on their faces,” Montgomery said. “It’s fun to share my experiences and maybe make it not as scary of a transition for them.”

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“We think the Lord has blessed us in many ways because it started because of the mission trip,” Montgomery said. “It has really escalated, and we learn more every year.”

In addition to the growth of the Instagram account, which now has more than 17,000 followers, she had the privilege of decorating two showrooms for Ole Miss Department of Student Housing for orientation tours. With the large number of requests her business continues to receive, Montgomery now has clients at Mississippi State University and has even begun shipping select furniture items to customers at out-of-state universities, including Clemson and Texas Christian University.Tobegin the process of decorating a client’s room, Montgomery meets with them to discuss colors and any specific furniture items in which they are interested. She then creates a home-away-from-home specific to each client’s style and needs.

Continued from page 92

One of the biggest challenges about her business, Montgomery said, is everyone moves into their dorm within the same few days in August. Last year, Essentials with Eden had more than 100 customers, including both full-room installations as well as clients looking to purchase individual items. So, all hands are on deck during the week of move-in.Forcustomers interested in specific furniture items without the commitment of a full-room installation, the Essentials with Eden website is available for select items to be shipped.

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2. Custom bed skirts soften the look of the room while covering the storage under the bed.

4. Lighting is key to making a room look bright. A pair of lamps between the beds gives light access to both roommates. Floor lamps by the seating areas can also brighten the room.

Continued from page 94

3. To make a statement in your room, try hanging large pieces of artwork or framing something special.

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1. Queen-size bedding is recommended to cover the dorm room bed frames; and it transitions to apartments later.

Four Tips from Essentials with Eden to Make Your Dorm Room Look Dreamy

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It seems fair to suggest that NIL will sharpen the competitive edges across the country. And with Ole Miss’ title in the College POLICY

THE NCAA'S NIL

98 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 IN case you haven’t noticed, the wide world of NCAA sports has morphed into something a whole lot wackier. You can thank NIL for that.

Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) refers to a policy that allows student-athletes to profit from, well, their names, images and likenesses. The NCAA gave its official OK to it last year. “We are excited to launch this robust program and put our student-athletes in an optimal position to advance their personal brand to its full potential,” said Keith Carter, Ole Miss Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics. “The student-athlete experience is ever evolving, and with (new) technology and the dedication of our staff, we are expanding our commitment to developing our studentathletes with the education and resources to take advantage of these new Onopportunities.”apractical level, NIL means something like this: Athlete A will find money in his pocket because a social-media ad of him drinking a can of Coke went viral. “Social media endorsement is one way for an athlete to capitalize on NIL,” said Ronald J. Rychlak, the faculty athletics representative for Ole Miss. “But there are others, like personal appearances.”

- SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker have pounded political pulpits for congressional oversight of the NCAA, but such a possibility could not begin until next year, at the soonest. Mike Leach, Mississippi State’s outspoken head football coach, went on the record as calling a Congress-run NCAA a horrible idea.- NIL pairs with the digital trade portal, which went online a few years ago, and has made it way easier for athletes to leave one school for another by bringing required paperwork into the 21st century.

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But as the country adjusts to college sports with NIL, conspiracy theories, ill will and big-time political posturing abound. Consider the following:-Alabama head football coach Nick Saban, possessor of more national football titles than all Mississippi universities combined can hope for, scored headlines when he accused Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher and Jackson State’s Deion Sanders of buying players. Both denied it.

PAY-FOR-PLAY: This phrase refers to the process of a student-athlete being offered money or benefits in exchange for a promise to attend that school. Prohibitions against this sort of arrangement are standard procedure in universities in the United States.

Most states had already passed NIL-related legislation before the NCAA adopted its new policy, but since then, some states (like Alabama) have done away with laws regarding Name, Image and Likeness. Mississippi’s NIL law remains in force and, among other things, allows schools to take part in student-athletes’ NIL negotiations.Andasthe all-important opening of this year’s football season encroaches, fans should do what they can to relax and trust that a sense of normalcy will return in time, Rychlak said. “The state will do well,” he said. THE 411 NIL: The phrase stands for Name, Image and Likeness, a current NCAA policy that allows certain promotional compensation to student-athletes. The NCAA adopted this policy last year after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a student-athlete’s commercial marketability.

That last bit causes extra-special worry. Here’s a worst-case scenario: A top-grade QB quickly exits one school to net a more lucrative future on a competitor’s campus. Or even worse: Incoming student-athletes wind up choosing schools based on preexisting NIL arrangements. Get the picture?

TRADE PORTAL: This refers to an online trading system that went online a few years ago and makes it much easier for students to transfer from one school to another.

FAR: This stands for Faculty Athletics Representative. The FAR, appointed by a school president or chancellor, does several things: Oversees the athletic department’s rules compliance, serves as a liaison between the school and the athletics department, represents the school in conference and NCAA matters, and makes sure the school balances academics and athletics.

World Series this summer, MSU’s 2021 CWS title and Ole Miss’ women’s national golf title last year, that competitiveness does and will include Mississippi.

The list includes guidelines for agents, attorneys and exchange students, as well as a specific prohibition of NIL payments for socalled “vice advertising.” The fourth item on the list reads as follows: “NIL compensation may not be provided in exchange for athletic participation, performance or attendance at Ole Miss.”

“I don’t know what’s going to happen with this,” said Dr. Paul Batista, Texas A&M’s faculty athletics representative and a professor of sports management, during a public Zoom meeting about NIL issues. “It’s a little bit scary.” One of the first questions to ask, then: Does this make the student-athlete a thing of the past?

TRADE WAIVERS: In Division I sports (Ole Miss, MSU, Southern Miss, JSU, Alcorn State, Mississippi Valley State in Mississippi), student-athletes may transfer once to another four-year NCAA school and are eligible to compete immediately, provided they are academically eligible and the previous school does not object. This one-time transfer exception does not apply to baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, football or men’s ice hockey. Studentathletes in these sports must file for a waiver to be able to compete without sitting out a season.

STATE NIL LAWS: Most states in the country adopted NILrelated legislation before the NCAA’s new policy went into force. Some states have since done away with these laws. Mississippi’s remains in place.

The potential for corruption is nothing new in the realm of sport. Recall the line from the great movie “Eight Men Out,” when the honest manager of the 1918 White Sox sits on the witness stand and answers a prosecutor, who has asked him if gamblers were in the game when he played. “Sure,” he said. “How are you going to keep them out?” NIL’s scale for potential malfeasance is just larger.

“The collegiate model will always be different,” Rychlak said. “The athletes will still be students. They will still be striving for grades and for degrees. They will still have dedicated support staff at the universities helping them accomplish these things. For many, of course, athletics will be the key to them getting that degree. And most of them will not make a career out of their sport.” As for checking nefarious influences, most universities have official written prohibitions against paying a player in exchange for a specific school commitment. You can find a written description of Ole Miss’ NIL policies on the school’s athletic department website.

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Dr. Donald Jackson is now 71 and is the Sharp Distinguished Professor of Fisheries (Emeritus) at Mississippi State University. Though retired for nine years, he continues to teach one course each fall semester. Depending on the needs of the fisheries department, Jackson might teach Fisheries Management, Limnology (aquatic ecology) or Ichthyology (fish biology).

“When the semester was ending, he asked me to stay after class,” Jackson said. “He apologized and acknowledged I could write.”

D onald Jackson remembers well the first theme he wrote in college. It was for his freshman English class which met at 7:30 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. An Arkansas native, Jackson’s theme was titled “Frog Gigging Arkansas Style,” and it was returned with a grade and a comment — A, Nicely Done. The professor, suspicious of the high quality of this freshman’s first effort, let him know he’d be paying particularly close attention to his endeavors until the end of the semester.

“In Fisheries Management, I teach my students to drive a boat, back up a trailer, build a trotline, scull with one hand and fish a fly rod with the other, clean fish, even put on a fish fry,” Jackson said. He’s one of those educators who firmly believes it’s OK to care about one’s students. “I start all my lectures with a poem — perhaps by a favorite poet or sometimes one of my own,” he said. “I don’t have many absentees.”He’salso been known to climb atop his desk and invite students to follow suit — a la “Dead Poets Society” — to gain a different perspective.“Idothat,” he said, smiling. “We might have to help each other up and down, but it’s a team effort.” Jackson has continued to write since those stellar college freshman themes; he has even more time in retirement to write his stories. Truth is, it would be a shame if he didn’t keep a record of his compelling life’s journey. He was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to an elementary school

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“On Thanksgiving night in 1976, I had a phone call from Washington, D.C., letting me know they’d received my application,” Jackson said. “The man asked if I spoke Bahasa Malaysia and I said, ‘Absolutely.’ He asked when I could go, and I told him the middle of next week. He said I’d have to wait until March.

An Eagle Scout, he worked for the Boy Scouts in central Arkansas and as a head resident/counselor at UA. Still, Jackson had a persistent case of wanderlust and on a whim, he applied to the Peace Corps.

“I didn’t even know where Malaysia was, except somewhere in Southeast Asia, and I wanted to be there. I had to teach classes in the language, so I had three months to learn or go home.”

“I had my little flock of about 60 people, mostly farmers,” Jackson said. “I woke one morning and heard the clear message, ‘Feed my sheep.’ I thought I was.”

Jackson had great success in learning to speak Bahasa Malaysia, in fact, he found it easier to speak than English.

“Without her, I would likely be a muskrat trapper in Louisiana,” Jackson said, laughing.

teacher mom and an agronomist/minister dad who tended both soil and souls. His family spent time in Kentucky when his dad attended seminary and returned to Arkansas when he was 10. Later, they moved to Huntsville, Alabama, but Jackson returned to Arkansas, where he’d fallen in love with all things north Arkansas. He couldn’t stay out of the woods or the waters. He enrolled at the University of Arkansas and eventually received his bachelor’s degree in zoology and his master’s in zoology/limnology.

“I have always been terrible in spelling, but I never misspelled a word in Bahasa,” he said. “I tell people I speak English, Spanish, Bahasa Malaysia and Southern.”

Donald Jackson (from “A Sportsman’s Journey”)

The message continued to needle the young seminarian until he decided to leave seminary. He was asked if it was because it was too tough. His answer? “No. It’s too wonderful.”

At the age of 30, he went home to his parents to discern his next steps. He ended up working on his doctoral studies, receiving his Ph.D. in fisheries management from Auburn University. During his two and a half years at Auburn, Jackson met Viodelda (Vi), the woman who would become his wife and mother to their two sons and a daughter.

“ALMOST NEARLY”

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“I knew the river well. For more than fifty-five years I’d prowled the waters of the White River, from its headwaters, into its maturity, and on to its ultimate merger with the Mississippi. The hills of north Arkansas, where it is born, and the forests, floodplains and backwaters along its lower reaches are comprehensively integrated into my soul … into every dimension of my being. I am a native son of the region. I know the moods of the hills, the forests and the river. I’ve fished and hunted, smooth-faced, black-bearded, peppered and white. Every season calls to me, each in its own way.”

Two years in the Peace Corps was, of course, quite an education — Jackson learned what it was like to have an M16 under his chin and make a human chain to go into the South China Sea to rescue people. He came out of the Peace Corps and entered Lexington Theological Seminary, as had his father. He served as pastor of New Liberty Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) while in seminary.

In 1986, after a year as a visiting professor at the University of Alaska, he interviewed with and accepted a position as a faculty member at Mississippi State University. His work in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture has earned Jackson numerous awards and afforded him opportunities to work on international fisheries assignments in Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America the Caribbean and Europe. He spent a month alone in the Central Australian desert. From every assignment, every country, every experience Jackson kept bits and pieces of stories in his memory and a list of titles in his head. As a busy young professor, he found little time to put stories and titles together on paper. But he discovered February often offered some “slack time.” And he took advantage.

“I’d write a story during February, in a day or a day and a half,”

“I was pretty much a counterculturist interested in moon dances with my long hair,” Jackson said. “I lived in a van, parked on a riverbank and went to school. Wherever I was, that was home.”

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In his most recent book, “A Sportsman’s Journey,” Jackson writes with the flair of a seasoned wordsmith, the wonder of a passionate outdoorsman, the wisdom of a wisened philosopher and the heart of a man who loves his family and his life. He still enjoys the occasional hunt and appreciates the contemplative nature of fishing. Both sons, Robert and David, an Air Force pilot, like to fish. Daughter Anna, a biologist, can take or leave fishing, but, according to her father, “she’s the best boat driver.”

SEPTEMBER 2022 he said. “I’d set it aside for a week, then rewrite. In another week, I’d make minor adjustments and then quit. It loses spirit when it’s overworked.”Hisfirstbook of short stories/essays was published by The Strode Publishers in Huntsville, Alabama, before he came to Mississippi. In 2005, the fisherman/hunter realized he had a file that was full of stories.“I cast around different venues for publishers, and University Press nibbled a little,” he said. “We went back and forth, and in 2006, ‘Tracks’ was published and was a pretty good seller.”

Jackson enjoys fishing with others, but he also relishes the peace to be found fishing alone. “As I have aged, I have shifted into a different relationship with hunting and fishing,” he said. “I’m not trying to prove anything. I’m in touch with the world around me. I still shoot, but I always shoot with“Reverencereverence. for life makes me a better hunter and fisherman.”

A lot of his February-written stories were published in 2012 in “Wilder Ways, “Deeper Currents” in 2016, and in 2021, “A Sportsman’s Journey,” all published by University Press. Jackson’s son, Robert, an artist and landscape architect, did the cover of “Wilder Ways” and “A Sportsman’s Journey,” and he illustrated every chapter of “Wilder Ways.” Jackson has completed 13 stories/essays for his next book, which he said is different, but still has outdoor elements.

SEPTEMBER 2022 | INVITATION 105

106 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS The annual Skip Gleason Memorial golf tournament took place June 25 and 26 at Natchez Trace Golf Club in Saltillo. The two-man scramble is held in memory of Gleason and benefits a foundation started in his name. 1. Will Lamons and Demon Bryant 2. Russ Brasel and Ed Tedford 3. Brandon Carpenter and Evan Ellis 4. James Brim and James Tallie 5. Trey and Matt Belk 6. Bobby Parks and Alex Richey 3 4 65 SKIP GLEASON MEMORIAL 1 2 @NORTHEAST CALENDAR | NOTEWORTHY | RECIPES | FEATURES | EVENTS | GOOD NEIGHBOR

SEPTEMBER 2022 | INVITATION 107

108 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 1. Ashlyn Morris, Meg Martin and Kateleigh Shewbart 2. Anna Claire Warren, Mia Claire Patterson and Lilly McCarley 3. Kimora Bowdry, Gabbi Grubbs, Ella Pittman and Olivia Hamby 4. Olivia, Sadie and Abigail Miller and Annsley Hill 5. Delta and Rorie Ivy 6. Drew and Eleanor Williams 7. Amanda and Merci Young with Kenzie Neal 8. Corey and Chloe Hodges 9. Michael and Maddy Daugherty 10. Alayla and Marius McKinnon with Peyton and Kelvin Jones PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS The 17th annual TWIGS Father Daughter Gumtree Ball was June 25 at BancorpSouth Arena in Tupelo. The special evening for dads and daughters benefits Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis. 1 2 3 4 5 76 8 109 FATHER DAUGHTER BALL @NORTHEAST CALENDAR | NOTEWORTHY | RECIPES | FEATURES | EVENTS | GOOD NEIGHBOR

SEPTEMBER 2022 | INVITATION 109

110 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 PHOTOGRAPHED BY WHITNEY WORSHAM The 35th Slugburger Festival in Corinth celebrated once more the Southern tradition of the slugburger with a weekend of fun in early July, including a carnival, food, live music and more. 1. Campbell James and Randall Long 2. Olivia, Lisa, Ethen and Brian Ferrell 3. Cecil Sexton with Swayze and Pete Fisher and Pierce Albarracin, Grey Moore and Clay Albarracin 4. Virginia Boyd, Campbell and John James 5. Collins Brawner and Addie Cornelius 6. Tam Ha and Jerry Lambert 3 4 65 SLUGBURGER FESTIVAL 1 2 @NORTHEAST CALENDAR | NOTEWORTHY | RECIPES | FEATURES | EVENTS | GOOD NEIGHBOR

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112 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 1. Carson Allison and Jaylin Campbell 2. Weston, Justin, and Aurora Gibson 3. McKenzie Wright, Kylie Byars, Zoe Melton and Shelbie Simpson 4. Keili and Sean Grace 5. Joseph Turner, Larry Estep, Hayden Westmoreland and James Price 6. Gianni and Matrix Williams 7. Chasi and Tyler Jernigan 8. Chris and Amelia Williams 9. Brandon, Sean and Ashley Reynolds 10. Brianna and Leslie Strange 11. Alex Palmiter and Sabrina Solomon 12. Suzanne Hand, Julianna Dempsey and Traci Tanner 13. Glenda Johnson and Jada Belt PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS & HANNAH TURNER Tupelo Con 2022 was held at the Tupelo Furniture Market July 16 and 17. The multigenre convention included an exhibitor’s hall, a cosplay contest, special guests, educational sessions and more. 1 2 3 4 5 76 8 109 TUPELO CON @NORTHEAST CALENDAR | NOTEWORTHY | RECIPES | FEATURES | EVENTS | GOOD NEIGHBOR

SEPTEMBER 2022 | INVITATION 113 121113 TUPELO CON continued

114 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure brought hundreds of young and young-athearts to BancorpSouth Arena on July 23 and 24 for two hours of fun with furry friends from Paw Patrol. 1. Brittany, Parkes and Luke Fairley 2. Tiaria, Era,Bella and Mason Crawford, I’Rhianna, Isley and Ranisha Cook 3. Richard, Deirdre, Aaliyah and Aiden Cantrell and Sanaa Russell 4. Parker Rumbarger with Marie Tackett and Dana Hill 5. Carmen and Stephanie Armstrong 6. Tammy and Rodney Eggers 1 2 3 4 65 PAW PATROL LIVE! @NORTHEAST CALENDAR | NOTEWORTHY | RECIPES | FEATURES | EVENTS | GOOD NEIGHBOR

SEPTEMBER 2022 | INVITATION 115 PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS Folks gathered in Pontotoc on July 9 for the Peach Festival, hosted by Cherry Creek Orchard. The day included food, vendors, music and family fun. 1. Betty Stark and Ann Thomas 2. Tiffany Keith with Sarah and Ben Irby 3. Jazmin and Yecenia Lopez 4. Gina and Mike Schmite 5. Ann Tutor, Christy Taylor, Grace Stepp and Amanda Russell 6. Alicia, Lilah Raye, Clayton and Clara Ann Ciarloni with Collier, Frost and Hana Bishop 7. Lindsey Long and Shayna Monts 1 2 3 4 5 76 PONTOTOC PEACH FESTIVAL @NORTHEAST

116 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS Qualifying swimmers from all around the southeastern United States traveled to Tupelo to participate in the USA Swimming 2022 Southern Zone Age Group Championship meet, held July 26-30 at the Tupelo Aquatic Center. 1. Mark Richard, Emilia Trailor, Madelyn Carpenter, Olivia Foy-McDaniel, Libby Helmer, A.B. Cortis, Ellie Stanley and Lexi Coon 2. Mariana Montes, Sara Miller and Sean Arrington 3. Hanna Eckart, Caroline Johnston, Kate Bogan, A.C. Elliott, Emily Heintz, Maarijka Ashworth, Ava Haese, Georgia Crisp, Cadyn Henson, Emily McMahan and Stella Schuch 4. Mae Martin, Lexi Johnson, Willa Martin, Hayden Pannell, Graham Reis, Elvin Sabanadzovic, Ethan Kimbrough and Brooks Johnson 5. David Delagarza, Ryan Klubben, Josh Stewart, A.J. Alfedo and Avery Nguyen 6. Kathryn Bradley and Allie Byerly 7. Roxy Rohrbaugh, Cali Jerabek, Christian Rodriguez, Ava Wolfe and Maria Perez 1 2 3 4 5 76 SOUTHEAST SWIM MEET @NORTHEAST CALENDAR | NOTEWORTHY | RECIPES | FEATURES | EVENTS | GOOD NEIGHBOR

SEPTEMBER 2022 | INVITATION 117 1 2 3 River Birch Golf Club 2-Lady Scramble Golf Tournament 4 65 7 1. Jay and Taylor Davis with Chasity Grisham, Gracie McCain, Tatum and Maddielynn Davis 2. L.T. Willis with Jessica and Perashia Dunlap 3. Elegance, Janice and Eric Smith with Brenda Braddock, Erica Williams, Dorothy Stegall and Desire Smith 4. Angie Henry, Heather Franks, Patsy Polson and Heather Hastings 5. Misty Taylor and Jamie Hutcheson 6. Sara Nelms and Jennifer Ridgway 7. Wendy Gibson, Pam Wickham, Becky Swords and Marilyn Ford Simple 2 Insure Agency Back to School Community Event OUT & ABOUT

118 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 PHOTOGRAPHED BY HANNAH TURNER Oxford Community Market’s summer season was in full swing and bustling with vendors and shoppers alike on July 12. The year-round market takes place Tuesday afternoons at the Old Armory Pavilion. 1. Missy and Ali Hewitt Market 2. Collin Le and Janae Owens 3. Susie Fletcher and Betsy Loebig 4. Chris Noble and Daisy Noble 5. Natalie Sullivan and Maddie Mewborn 1 2 3 54 @OXFORD CALENDAR | NOTEWORTHY | RECIPES | FEATURES | EVENTS | GOOD NEIGHBOR OXFORD COMMUNITY MARKET

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120 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 1. Ocean and Caitlin Buckner 2. Adam Smith and Erick Lofton 3. John Carello and Garrett Wood 4. Channing and Sandra Bennett 5. Katie and Jack Henry Robinson 6. Lucas and Jeremy Adelman 7. Isaac and Richie Tanner 8. Noah, Rhys and Amanda Jackson 9. Brenin and Hayes Thomas 10. Mason and Rhett Davis 11. Cruz and Sarah Rhodes 12. Bracken Brooks and Sam Blair PHOTOGRAPHED BY J.R. WILBANKS A number of Ole Miss Baseball Camps held during the summer for all ages and skill levels offered help from Coach Bianco and his staff, including current and former Rebels baseball players. 1 2 43 65 7 98 OLE MISS BASEBALL CAMP @OXFORD CALENDAR | NOTEWORTHY | RECIPES | FEATURES | EVENTS | GOOD NEIGHBOR

SEPTEMBER 2022 | INVITATION 121 121011 BASEBALL CAMP continued

122 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 CALENDAR | NOTEWORTHY | RECIPES | FEATURES | EVENTS | GOOD NEIGHBOR PHOTOGRAPHED BY ROSS HODGES On June 23, downtown Oxford saw the grand opening of The Only, a premiere luxury resale boutique that features personal items from the collection of the late Charlotte Ralph Brunt. 1. Ann Crocker, Trip Farris and Mary Ann Connell 2. Robert and Julia Aubrey with Lilly McElreath 3. Amanda Tailyour with Carole and Bill Dye, Patty Lewis, Amanda Hyneman and Neil Smith 4. T.A. Bowen and Kay Cochran 5. Lee and Lisa Paris with Karen Rush, Rex Brunt and Kim Farris 6. Janet and Al Povall 3 4 65 THE ONLY GRAND OPENING 1 2 @OXFORD

SEPTEMBER 2022 | INVITATION 123 PHOTOGRAPHED BY REED JONES The sixth annual Memory Makers Tennis Tournament, the brainchild of brothers Jack and Charlie Ligon, who started the event to raise money for Alzheimer’s disease, took place July 30 at the John Leslie Tennis Courts in Oxford. 1. Amy and Chris Stamson 2. Kyle Kostler and Scott Shipman 3. Abby Shoaf, Jack Ligon, Leland Koestler, Tad Dabney, Ben Campbell, Charlie Ligon, Charlie Fruge and Bel Monteith 4. Lyla, Mike and Hayes Huggins 5. Michael and Leslie Weldy 1 2 3 54 TENNIS TOURNAMENT

124 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 1. Paula, Lizzie and Bill Furness 2. Eve Kelly, Eleanor Perkins and Victoria Waller 3. Marla and Jeremy Sartain 4. Jeffrey and Paula Miller 5. Rachel West with Adrian and Sue Myers 6. April Cofield and Nancy Anthony 7. Izzy, Charlene and Trisha Clark 8. Tiffany, Adrian, Kenzaryus and Josiah Love 9. Ronnie Dickey and Lisa Wolfe 10. Erin Rae and Silver King PHOTOGRAPHED BY HANNAH TURNER The first weekend in August saw an influx of hundreds of festivalgoers to Water Valley for the annual Watermelon Carnival. The funfilled weekend celebration has been named among the top 20 festivals in the region by the Southeastern Tourism Society. 1 2 3 4 5 76 8 109 WATERMELON CARNIVAL @OXFORD CALENDAR | NOTEWORTHY | RECIPES | FEATURES | EVENTS | GOOD NEIGHBOR

SEPTEMBER 2022 | INVITATION 125

126 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 PHOTOGRAPHED BY J.R. WILBANKS The seventh annual A Night for Nonprofits was presented by Lafayette Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow on Aug. 11 at the Powerhouse. The event is held to celebrate and benefit local charitable organizations. The evening included entertainment by DJ Bradley Gordon. 1. Jeffery Reed with Anne Clark and Steve Downing 2. Ashley Wilkinson, Hattie Steiner and Afton Thomas 3. Olivia Maxwell, Jill Knox, Mansi Patel and Matt Campbell 4. Diana Cissell, Sarah Siebert, Mary Moreton and Sarah McLellan 5. Marlene Bishop and Michelle Morris 6. Josh Campbell and Sean Mosley 7. Jasmine Adams, Nicholas-Malik Porter and Shaquille Butler 8. Julie Addison and Erin Smith 9. Mike Brownlee and Denise Strub 1 52 6 7 98 3 4 A NIGHT FOR NONPROFITS @OXFORD CALENDAR | NOTEWORTHY | RECIPES | FEATURES | EVENTS | GOOD NEIGHBOR

SEPTEMBER 2022 | INVITATION 127 1 2 3 David Rae Morris Artist Reception Harmon Anniversary Celebration 4 65 7 1. Hannah Allen and Andy Hales 2. Tyler Biggs, Katie Cofer, Jamaal Rhodes 3. Mason Chapin and John Cofer 4. Milly West and David Rae Morris 5. Kathleen Wickham and Larry Wells 6. Iyana and Robert Harmon 7. Wilbon and Josephine Wells Young Professionals of Oxford Happy Hour OUT & ABOUT

Q: Tell us about the football camp.

128 INVITATION | SEPTEMBER 2022 ANTHONY AND TESHA MITCHELL

Tesha: The camps offer a time for different communities of people to come together — kids with no opportunities and kids with many opportunities. Kids of every ethnicity. To me, that’s the biggest thing: The camps break down walls and racial barriers. We are all about that.

Anthony: In 2016, the day after the Summer Bash, I was asked to share about it in church. After church, I was approached by a woman who happened to be the cousin of professional football player Eric Matthews who had played for the Green Bay Packers. She talked to me about Eric’s Youth and Moms’ Football Camps in Florida and Georgia and said he wanted to do something in Mississippi. She took my number, and I honestly didn’t think he would call, but Eric called. That was the beginning of the camp coming to Mississippi.

Husband-and-wife Anthony and Tesha Mitchell are staunch believers in helping others and giving back. One of their biggest community projects is the Eric Matthews Foundation Youth Football Camp that takes place every summer in Tupelo.

Tesha: When we moved to Tupelo, we saw there was a need for many children for LESLIE CRISS BY ANTHONY MITCHELL

Some police officers, aldermen and some professional athletes came and spoke with the kids.

things they needed for school, including backpacks. As youth pastors at our church, we both wanted to put our hands in the community and give back. Our first Summer Bash at Lee Acres was packed, probably about 250 to 300.

Q: Your family returned to Tupelo in 2014, after living away. You wasted no time in becoming involved in the community. Tell us about the Back-to-School Summer Bash that started that same year.

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The Skies the Limit Ministries. After the first year, we had speakers join the event.

Anthony: The camps are free, non-contact skills development clinics for anyone who wants to participate from age 8 to 18, though I’ve had some as young as 6 come. And not just young men — girls are welcome too. Moms and dads come and help as well. The focus is for the entire family. And professional football players are on hand to teach the camp, and there is usually one-onone time for some mentoring by the players with the kids. In earlier camps, we might have 30 kids. In June this year, we did our seventh camp, and it was the biggest yet. We had 80-plus kids and about 150 people. We’ve had kids and volunteers at the camps from Memphis and from Pontotoc, Corinth, Houston, even Columbia, Mississippi. Honestly, since the beginning, it’s been a labor of love.

Anthony: We asked local businesses to help us fill the backpacks with school supplies, and the event just sort of took off. People from other states, like Texas and Missouri, donated school supplies, as did our church,

Anthony Mitchell

GOOD NEIGHBOR INTERVIEWED BY

Q: How did Summer Bash lead to you organizing the Eric Matthews Foundation Youth Football Camp?