The Drawl - Southern Miss Alumni Association

at night, to enjoy the Black-Eyed Susans in the spring and to participate in
the Eagle Walk in the fall. This historic part of campus is also a tangible
reminder of Southern Miss’ heritage. It is where one can go to most closely
feel the spirit of the University; it is a builder of loyalty and admiration.
Eagle Landings
Eagle Landings are Alumni
Association-hosted pre-game tailgate
parties at away football games. They
typically feature music, food, giveaways,
visits from the cheerleaders and The
Pride of Mississippi Marching Band—
plus a lot of Southern Miss spirit. Eagle
Landings are also a way for Golden
Eagle fans to meet before the game and
build excitement for the impending
football game.
Nitchampburg, MS 32687
Within the shadows of historic Reed Green Coliseum is a place unlike
any other in the college basketball world. In honor of the National
Invitational Tournament Champions of 1987 when the first national
basketball championship was brought home to the state of Mississippi,
Nitchampburg, Mississippi, was informally founded by the Golden Eagle
men’s basketball team and head coach M.K. Turk.
On March 26, 1987, before an extraordinary crowd in New York City’s
Madison Square Garden, Southern Miss won the National Invitational
Tournament, defeating LaSalle University. Nitchampburg was founded
as a place to give the Southern Miss faithful an opportunity to enjoy the
fellowship of Golden Eagle athletics prior to basketball games. When
remembering Southern Miss’ rich athletic past, the 1987 team has a lasting
place in the hearts of all Golden Eagle fans.
Friday Night at the Fountain
Friday Night at The Fountain is a tradition-rich celebration that takes
place in front of the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building. Friday Night
at the Fountain is the official start of the thrill and excitement of tailgating
and game-day activities during football weekends at Southern Miss.
The festivity includes a pre-pep rally concert; performances by The Pride
of Mississippi Marching Band; appearances by the Dixie Darlings, the
Southern Miss cheerleaders, Seymour, the Southern Misses, coaches and
players; and an occasional fireworks display.
Seymour’s Sidekicks Spirit Line
The Seymour’s Sidekicks
Spirit Line is one of the
many exciting activities for
children and families to
participate in when attending
Southern Miss football
games. The activity
encourages children, specifically
members of
Seymour’s Sidekicks, to
form a human tunnel of
spirit and support welcoming
the Golden Eagle
football team back to the
playing field for the start of the second half. This activity is an important
tradition to Southern Miss football and is a very rewarding experience for
children and student athletes alike.
Fifth Quarter
Concert
Immediately following each home
football game, The Pride of
Mississippi Marching Band performs
a mini-concert while fans congregate
on the field to briefly visit with players
and socialize with one another.
“Amazing Grace”
A hallmark of Southern Miss’ final home game of the football season is a
stirring rendition of “Amazing Grace” performed by The Pride of
Mississippi Marching Band. What started as a song in the band’s repertoire
has now become a beloved Southern Miss tradition.
Official Ring
The Official Ring is one of the most important traditions
at Southern Miss. Adorned with images from
both the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses, it is
not a piece of jewelry but a piece of history.
The ring is treated much like a diploma and is
awarded each year at the Official Ring Ceremony as part
of the University’s Founders’ Day activities. Students who
receive the ring wear it with the signet style top of the ring facing
them. Once they graduate, they turn the ring and wear it with the “Dome”
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