Rebels Visit Children's Medical Center

ARLINGTON, Texas - During their trip to the Cotton Bowl, the Ole Miss Rebels, along with Head Coach Houston Nutt and Athletics Director Pete Boone, visited the children of Children's Medical Center to spread cheer and smiles.

The event took place in the newly built tower of the hospital, which opened in June. The players and staff were greeted by the president and CEO of the medical center, Chris Durovich, and about 60 children.

John Stuart III, a past chairman of the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic, greeted the players and guests. Durovich then thanked the team and Nutt spending time with the children.

Before leading those in the room with a Rebel yell, Nutt thanked the hospital staff for the job being done.

"Coming to the hospitals is one of the most exciting things we do the entire week," Nutt said. "Our players get to come and be with the children, and they always politely say 'thank you.' But we would really like to say 'thank you' to the kids for allowing us to come and spend time with them."

The room was decorated with red and blue balloons, Ole Miss banners and flags. There were four tables for activities such as cookie decorating, coloring helmets and gluing cotton balls to construction paper.

Each child received a Dr Pepper/Snapple gift bag with T-shirts and other gifts such as "A New Beginning Poster" provided by Dr Pepper and the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic. Children's Medical Center also provided each student-athlete with a Children's Medical Center cap to sign and give to the kids.

For Rebel quarterback Jevan Snead, it was a great way to continue the week of festivities.

"To come out here and share with kids on what we have been doing this week to prepare is a lot of fun," Snead said. "It's great to come out here and put a smile on their face and make them happy. To visit with them and try to make a difference in their life just warms your heart, and I think it means just as much to them as it does to us."

Senior running back Dexter McCluster enjoys visiting with the children. "It's a lot of fun to come and visit with kids," McCluster said.

"To come and encourage the kids, I love to do it and it touches my heart. I always tell them to enjoy life to the fullest, to always have fun and enjoy every moment with your family and friends."

Junior defensive end Kentrell Lockett surprised the children by asking for their autographs.

"It was nice to go to the hospital, see the kids, socialize and talk football with them," Lockett said. "I know it was exciting for them, but it was really exciting for us, too. They got our autographs, but I actually got their autographs, too. It was special."

Boone said he is proud to have Ole Miss play in the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic for a second consecutive year.

"For the athletes to be able to get to a bowl like the Cotton Bowl shows diligence, hard work and discipline, and that pays off." Boone said.

Boone said the hard work and dedication of those who work at the hospital can be an example for the Ole Miss players.

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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