I grew up in Columbia and went to USM, also coached at Oak Grove so the area hit by the tornado includes a large area I have known well for most of my life I have lived this far. I know the people and they are a people who are tough, hard to beat, and also capable of being thankful for the small joys one can find after such a sad experience. These are a few of the things I feel glad for following this storm.
1. More people were not hurt. Just think had it hit Saturday while the Memphis vs. USM game had been in progress and had it been at that spot at that time. I understand through the telecast of the game I watched, that Memphis had a good attendance so I am glad that our guest were safely gone and not exposed to it.

2. It was a Sunday when most people would normally be off work and at home or at least where they could react as families to the storm. While some suffered injury, it could have been on a day when more would have be subject to more risk.

3. We live in a country where we band together and give our fellow citizens help to rebuild. In spite of some who don't support it, our nation both private and publicly have a history of supporting areas with a need such as this. It was volunteers that saved us after Katrina and we can bet our people will be willing to support our recovery. I know here in Mesa people have expressed to me their best wishes and are willing to help out if possible.

Blazer Nation is keeping a good thought for all of you in Hattiesburg, "Sarge"...Life transcends sports...

This Horned Frog fan from Texas will be saying a prayer for all of our old friends at Southern Miss.

Going through a hurricane is sooooo much different than a tornado. To make life or death decisions in literal minutes is something that gives you a heightened sense of perspective.

Many thanks to everyone that has responded to our time in need. This is soooo much more important than the outcome of anything that could be played on the field or court.

Storm chasers would have paid a pretty penny for the view out of my bedroom window Sunday night. Not me, though...that was as close to legitimately crapping my pants as I ever want to get.

As far as the campus version went, it could have touched down a block and a half north in the middle of hundreds of apartments before smashing the freshman quad. Instead, it touched down in a wooded lot before spending much of its fury on three empty buildings.

One more thing: I know the Eagle Alert system has had it's detractors (first it was "it doesn't provide adequate warning", then it was "it cost too much money"), but the system worked beautifully Sunday night.

There is a campus cleanup scheduled to begin at 10 am Wednesday morning starting at the Theatre and Dance Building.

Are there any Southern Miss-specific groups or organizations that need our donations ?

(02-12-2013 01:05 PM)KAjunRaider Wrote:  Are there any Southern Miss-specific groups or organizations that need our donations ?

I would like to know the same.

(02-12-2013 01:46 PM)wh49er Wrote:  

(02-12-2013 01:05 PM)KAjunRaider Wrote:  Are there any Southern Miss-specific groups or organizations that need our donations ?

I would like to know the same.

There is a link to the Southern Miss emergency relief fund on our homepage at http://www.usm.edu. Comcast hasn't gotten the Internet working again yet and I am using my phone or I would link it directly.

It is being reported that the storm had 3 touchdowns sunday. Thats more than ellis johnson ever had in a day.

(02-12-2013 02:51 PM)Thegoldstandard Wrote:  It is being reported that the storm had 3 touchdowns sunday. Thats more than ellis johnson ever had in a day.

Maybe 'EF4' can play QB for us next season.