History of “Tigers”/Area Coaches

HISTORY OF THE “TIGERS” NICKNAME

When Northeast Mississippi Community College was founded in 1948, Bonner Arnold served as physical education instructor, men’s and women’s basketball coach and athletic director.

Arnold and legendary University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach Adolph Rupp were friends. As a result of this friendship and the success of the Wildcats basketball program, Arnold wanted the Northeast’s athletic teams to sport a similar nickname.

Therefore, “Fighting Tigers” was adopted as the school’s mascot.

Later, Northeast’s athletic program grew to include men’s and women’s varsity sports. “Fighting” was dropped and the teams became known as the “Tigers” and “Lady Tigers.”

NORTHEAST FIGHT SONG: GO, FIGHT, WIN “Go --- Tigers, We’re behind you. Fight --- till the battle’s over. Win --- for --- the pride of Northeast Gain the Victory! Go!......................... Fight!..................... Win!....................... N.E.M.C.C.

Lyrics by former Northeast director of bands and ‘74 alumnus Ricky Bishop. Sung to the tune of “The Victors,” (L.Elbel) the University of Michigan fight song.

AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACHES

ALCORN CENTRAL

Matt Meeks

BALDWYN

Michael Gray

BELMONT

Jason Coker

BIGGERSVILLE

Case Ingram

BOONEVILLE

Mike Mattox

CORINTH

Justin Dye

EAST UNION

Todd Lott

FALKNER

Jeff Anglin

KOSSUTH

Brian Kelly

MYRTLE

Jeremy Smithey

NEW ALBANY

Cody Stubblefield

RIPLEY

Perry Liles

THRASHER

Ross Coley

TISHOMINGO COUNTY

Richard Russo

WALNUT

John Meeks