ATHLETICS INTRODUCES NEW STUDENT LUNCHEONS

HATTIESBURG - Southern Miss students on the Hattiesburg campus can learn more about the university's athletic programs during their lunch breaks on Tuesdays of home-game weeks.

Southern Miss Student Luncheons are being modeled after the Southern Miss luncheons held in Hattiesburg on Mondays during lunchtime, when Southern Miss coaches and players talk to the community about game strategy, player performance and upcoming games.

"We want to make sure our students have the opportunity to get closely involved with athletic activities on campus," Athletic Director Richard Giannini said. "If they know the coaches and student athletes personally, they will probably be more inclined to support them in competition."

Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 9, students will have the opportunity to hear from the experts about what's going on with some of the university's athletic programs. Scheduled speakers include: Sept. 9, head football coach Jeff Bower; Sept. 23, Rod Davis; Oct. 21, Derrick Nix; Oct. 27, Jeff Bower; Nov. 11, head men's basketball coach James Green; Nov. 18, head baseball coach Corky Palmer.

"I think our students will enjoy this event," said Jared Loftus, president of the student body at Southern Miss. Scott Carr, associate athletic director said, "We were looking for new ways to expand our student fan base, and we thought students would react well to this kind of interaction with student athletes and coaches. I think this will be great for both the students and for athletics."

The luncheons will be held in the Commons on the university campus from 12:15 p.m.-1 p.m. There is no charge to listen to the speaker. Students with campus meal plans can get their lunches in the Commons as usual before listening to the speaker.

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