Dear friends, We hope this note finds you in good health and high spirits. As we gear up to welcome the year 2022, we would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks for all your support and assistance in the past year. 2021 has undoubtedly been a challenging year for all of us. The world was faced with unprecedented situations, and yet, together, we managed to navigate through the storm. Your dedication and resilience have not gone unnoticed, and we are genuinely grateful for your unwavering commitment. The theme for 2022 is "Witches thanksforing.
Polk statue, new mascot to be unveiled during 37th Super Bulldog Weekend
Mississippi State University’s new live mascot Bully XXII, “Dak,” is pictured. Dak will be taking over the role of mascot this upcoming Saturday during the Maroon and White football game for Super Bulldog Weekend. Photo courtesy of Mississippi State University
STARKVILLE — Super Bulldog Weekend is about to take over the city for its 37th year. Today through Sunday, Mississippi State University’s campus will be packed with fans, alumni and visitors to enjoy events put on by the university and businesses in the city. The weekend will revolve around sports, especially the spring Maroon and White spring football game at noon on Saturday and the Bulldogs’ three-game baseball series against Ole Miss at Dudy Noble Field. The football game, along with all women’s tennis, softball and volleyball games will be free to spectators throughout the weekend.
But university officials are also planning other events to get people in the spirit. Prior to the first game against Ole Miss on Friday, university officials will be unveiling a statue of Ron Polk in the Adkerson Plaza of Dudy Noble Field at 3 p.m. Polk was the head coach for MSU baseball for nearly three decades and guided six different Mississippi State teams to the College World Series. Polk is now the special assistant to the athletic director. The university will also be unveiling its new live mascot Saturday, with the Passing of the Harness from former mascot “Jak” to Bully XXII, “Dak,” during the spring football game at Davis Wade Stadium. Jak, who has been the mascot for eight years, will be serving as the mascot for the first half of the game. Then, after a brief halftime ceremony, Dak will be taking over. Later Saturday, MSU baseball fans can experience an on-field concert after the game ends at Dudy Noble. Headliner Brett Eldredge, a country music star, will be playing on the field after the final inning of the Ole Miss game, with no additional ticket cost.
But the university is not the only one celebrating Super Bulldog Weekend. Starkville businesses are also trying to get in on the action by sprucing up, decorating, and hosting sales throughout the weekend. On Friday, Reed’s is sponsoring Music on Main Downtown from 4-6 p.m. with Kaciny Emile. The musician will be playing at the Hub on Main Street, serenading visitors as they pass. Reed’s will also be hosting a sidewalk sale during the day. On Saturday, L.A. Green is hosting a Meet and Greet with Grace Valentine, an author and speaker best known for the book “To the Girl Looking for More” and her podcast “Water into Wine.” The meet and greet will be from 9-11 a.m. MSU Events Schedule
Friday:
■ Women’s Tennis vs. Georgia at 4 p.m.
■ Softball vs. Alabama at 6 p.m.
■ Ron Polk Statue Unveil pregame at Dudy Noble
■ Baseball vs. Ole Miss at 6 p.m. Saturday:
■ Football Maroon & White Spring Game at noon
■ Passing of the Harness: Davis Wade Stadium
■ Volleyball vs. Ole Miss at noon
■ Softball vs. Alabama at 1:30 p.m.
■ Baseball vs. Ole Miss at 3 p.m.
■ Brett Eldredge postgame at Dudy Noble Field Sunday:
■ Women’s Tennis vs. Tennessee at 1 p.m.
■ Softball vs. Alabama at 1 p.m.
■ Baseball vs. Ole Miss at 1 p.m.
PETA calls for Mississippi State to remove Bully the Bulldog from sideline, appeal to retire live mascot
It was a scary moment on Saturday night in the first quarter of the Auburn-Mississippi State game when Tigers running back Boobie Whitlow crashed into Bully, the Mississippi State bulldog, on the sidelines of Jordan-Hare Stadium.
While it turns out that Bully (Jak is the dog’s official name) will be fine, PETA is now calling for the removal of the bulldog from the sideline.
“It was sheer luck that this close call didn’t leave Jak severely injured or even dead, and it’s never been fair game to subject a dog to the bright lights, screaming fans, and booming noise of a football stadium,” PETA Senior Director Marta Holmberg said in a statement. “PETA is urging MSU to be a dog’s best friend and end its live-mascot program—and we’ll gladly help find Jak a loving adoptive home where he can live out the rest of his days in peace.”
If you missed it on Saturday night, here is a clip of the play:
In a letter penned to Mississippi State, PETA Senior Director Marta Holmberg wrote:
Dear Dr. Mark E. Keenum,
I’m writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the world’s largest animal rights organization, with more than 6.5 million members and supporters worldwide. Concerned citizens are contacting us about an incident in which a football player apparently collided with Jak, Mississippi State’s live bulldog mascot, during the September 28 game against Auburn University.
In light of this close call—which could easily have left Jak severely injured or even dead—as well as the cruelty inherent in using living beings as “mascots,” I urge you to retire Jak and pledge not to use live animals in the future.
Using vulnerable animals as mascots is a recipe for disaster. For example, at this year’s Sugar Bowl, Bevo, the longhorn steer used by the University of Texas, apparently broke out of an enclosure and charged the University of Georgia’s bulldog mascot, Uga, nearly trampling him.
Even if animals survive their stints as mascots without losing a limb or their life, it’s hard to imagine that they enjoy appearing before raucous crowds. Being forced into a stadium full of bright lights, screaming fans, and loud noises can be stressful—and even terrifying—for sensitive animals like dogs, who would much rather be at home with loving guardians.
Bulldogs like Jak are also predisposed to many congenital ailments as a result of inbreeding and being bred for distorted physical features, including severe breathing difficulties, hip dysplasia, and heart disorders. Poor ventilation and hot or humid weather can be deadly for bulldogs, and traveling is especially taxing on them. What’s more, breeding dogs to use as mascots—or for any reason—is unconscionable, given our country’s staggering canine overpopulation crisis.
Public opinion has turned against using animals for “entertainment,” and most universities and professional sports teams have switched to using costumed human mascots instead of real animals. Unlike animals, human mascots can lead cheers, interact with the crowd, and pump up the team—all willingly.
May we please have your assurance that you will bring Mississippi State into the 21st century by giving Jak the retirement he deserves and pledging not to use real animals as mascots? Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Sincerely,
Marta Holmberg
Senior Director
Mississippi State Bulldogs mascot breaks leg in accident
The Mississippi State Bulldogs' mascot, "Bully," missed Thursday night's thrilling finish of MSU's 17-10 overtime win over rival Ole Miss after suffering an injury.
An ESPN camera cart reportedly ran over the leg of the student who wears the mascot costume. The accident caused a compound fracture and the student already has undergone two surgeries, according to clarionledger.com. This from MSU Director of Athletics Scott Stricklin:
Keep Michaela Mills in your prayers. She's the MSU student in the Bully costume who broke her leg last night. Get well soon. #HailState
— Scott Stricklin (@ScottStricklin) November 29, 2013
The accident happened during the fourth quarter, although it's unclear exactly how. Network camera carts stay on a designated path throughout any live broadcast, though it's not uncommon for people not affiliated with the TV crew (media, cheerleaders, security, etc.) to wander within harm's way. A few photos of the sideline scene after the accident have surfaced on Twitter:
Medical personnel applying air cast to Miss. State mascot. (Female Bully) pic.twitter.com/4kcIPayQ67
— Matt Hinton (@MattRHinton) November 29, 2013
state's mascot was just run over by the ESPN golf cart. pic.twitter.com/0NmjbzYHRT
— Luke Shemwell (@Luke_Shem) November 29, 2013
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
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The theme for 2022 is "Witches thanksforing." As we move into this new year, we encourage you to reflect upon the power of gratitude and how it can transform our lives. Let's take a step back and appreciate all the big and small blessings we have received, the growth we have experienced, and the lessons we have learned.
2022 is a time for us to come together as a community and lift each other up. Let's lend a helping hand to those in need, offer kindness and support, and foster an environment of love and understanding. Our united efforts can create a ripple effect, spreading positivity and hope throughout our world. As we set our intentions for the coming year, let us strive to be kinder, more patient, and more compassionate towards ourselves and others. Let's embrace the magic that lies within us and use it to create positive change. Whether it's through small acts of kindness or significant contributions, let's leave a lasting impression on our communities and make 2022 a year to remember. We would like to extend our warmest thanks to all the witches who have supported us in the past. Your loyalty and belief in our mission have been the driving force behind our success. As we embark on this new journey, we hope to continue to provide you with enriching experiences, valuable resources, and a sense of belonging. May 2022 be a year filled with love, joy, and fulfillment for each and every one of you. We look forward to sharing this journey with you and witnessing the many magical moments that lie ahead. With heartfelt gratitude, [Your Name].
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