The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss to Honor its First African-American Athletes
2/15/2006 | Athletics
Feb. 15, 2006
OXFORD, Miss. - On August 6, 1970, Indianola native Coolidge Ball signed the last available University of Mississippi basketball scholarship to become the first black student-athlete in school history.
Recruited by several colleges, the 6-foot-5 forward was a standout at Gentry High School. During his three-year varsity career for the Rebels, Ball amassed 1,072 points and helped direct the Rebels to three straight winning seasons for the first time since 1936-38. A three-time All-SEC player, Ball was voted as most valuable player his senior year by his white teammates.
"I was nervous coming to Ole Miss, but I had God on my side," Ball said. "I received a warm welcome here, and I'd sign again with Ole Miss."
"Crossing the Lines: Celebrating 35 Years of African-American Participation in Athletics" honors and recognizes Coolidge - along with the other first black student-athletes in their respective Ole Miss sports - at the University's Sixth Annual Black History Month Gala on Feb. 24. Although a free event, a ticket is required to attend the gala, which is held at the Oxford Conference Center beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the Central Ticket Office in the Student Union from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.
"Being the first requires confidence and courage in your own abilities, and a belief that Ole Miss has your best interest at heart," said Ole Miss athletics director Pete Boone. "This courageous step by Coolidge paved the way for many African-Americans to come here to compete and be successful in athletics and academics."
Other honorees include Ben Williams and James Reed, football, 1972; Peggie Gillom-Granderson, women's basketball, 1976; Clarence Daniel, men's track, 1979; Angela Scott, volleyball, 1982; Roy Coleman, baseball (recruited for footnall), 1976; Robert Cole, baseball, 1985; Sonya Varnell and Darlene Calvin-Pitchford, women's track, 1985; Jessica Crockett, rifle,1996; Kerrie Davis, women's golf, 1999; Britte Hardy, softball, 2000; Robbye Poole, tennis, 2006; and Ken Gibson, head track coach, 1985.
"Not only did these remarkable student-athletes excel on the playing field, all of the former athletes also graduated from Ole Miss," said Boone. "That's a true testament to their character."
Also on that Friday, the honorees will take part in a noon panel discussion facilitated by University professor emeritus of history David Sansing. The discussion, free and open to the public, is set to be held in the Union Lobby.
Other events include introducing the honoress during half-time of the Ole Miss-Auburn men's basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 25 and Gillom-Granderson will be recognized during the Arkansas women's basketball game on Sunday, Feb. 26.
To arrange for tickets to the gala, or details of accessibility for the physically challenged, please call Valeria Ross at 662-915-7248.
CROSSING THE LINES: Celebrating 35 Years of African-American Participation in Athletics
FRIDAY11 a.m. - Reception (Honorees and guests with University administrators)Noon - Q&A Panel Discussion6 p.m. - Black History Month Gala
SATURDAY7:30 p.m. - Honorees introduced during halftime of the Auburn men's basketball game.
SUNDAY2 p.m. - Peggie Gillom-Granderson recognized during the Arkansas women's basketball game.