The University of Mississippi Athletics
Richard Price Courage and Compassion Award Announced
April 18, 1998
OXFORD, Miss. -- University of Mississippi Chancellor Robert C. Khayat announced Saturday the establishment of the Richard Price Courage and Compassion Award during pregame ceremonies of the Red- Blue football game.
"This award captures the extraordinary character and substance of Richard Price," Khayat said. "He was a great football player. He is a man of courage, and a man of compassion."
Khayat also announced that a scholarship fund in Price's honor has been established with the award.
"This scholarship is being funded by friends of Richard Price and others interested in Ole Miss football," Khayat said.
The award will be presented annually to the rising senior lineman who, in the opinion of his coaches, has demonstrated extraordinary courage and unusual compassion in his dedication to his team and to Ole Miss.
Rising senior Matt Luke of Biloxi was presented with the first Richard Price Courage and Compassion Award during Saturday's Grove Bowl '98 pregame ceremonies.
"Matt is so deserving of this honor," said Ole Miss head football coach Tommy Tuberville. "He has truly demonstrated great courage and compassion while playing through pain and discomfort. I know he has been an inspiration to all of us."
Price, a native of Vicksburg who now resides in Columbia, was an outstanding guard and linebacker for Coach John Vaught's Rebels. Considered one of the finest defensive players in Ole Miss history, Price was a three-year starter and led the 1958, 1959, and 1960 Rebel teams by his outstanding performance on offense and on defense.
"He demonstrated an extraordinary courage, commitment, dedication, and loyalty," Khayat said of Price. "As an adult, he is a successful business person, a leader in his church, a loyal alumnus of Ole Miss, and a friend to thousands. He and his wife, Leigh, live their faith by generously and compassionately caring for others."
During Price's career at Ole Miss, he earned three letters as the Rebels compiled a 29-3-1 record, including three bowl victories. He was selected second team All-America by The Sporting News in 1960, was an All-SEC pick, and played in the 1961 Senior Bowl. Price was inducted into the Ole Miss Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.
While each recipient receives a plaque to commemorate their selection, a permanent plaque will be on display in Manning- Hollingsworth Hall, the athletic memorabilia room located in the Michael S. Starnes Athletic Training Center. The name of each year's winner will be added to the permanent plaque.