Athletics and academics were promoted Tuesday night during theDelta State University South Central Mississippi Alumni Associationmeeting held at the Brookhaven Recreation Department. Delta Stateathletic director Brad Teague, a Brookhaven native, shared hisprogress report.

“Our football team is 3-1 and we should make the playoffs,” saidTeague. “Coach Rick Rhoades is doing a great job.”

The Statesmen, a.k.a. Fighting Okra, defeated Ouachita Baptist34-6 Saturday night in a weather-delayed Gulf South Conference gameat Cleveland. They are led by All-American quarterback ScottEyster.

Teague, who was born in Brookhaven at KDMC, grew up in theJackson area. He played baseball for St. Andrew’s and Delta State.His mother, Kay, is the daughter of Houston and the late ThelmaCase.

Fighting Okra T-shirts are now on sale. They will be featuredtonight on the Food Network cable television program.

“Statesmen will always be Delta State’s nickname,” said Teague.”But a lot of people love Fighting Okra, while others don’t.”

Green and white helium-filled balloons were tethered to tablesas a crowd of 50-plus alumni and friends watched a slide show,highlighting Delta State’s academic and athletic facilities. The$9-million Aquatic Hall is considered one of the best in NCAADivision II. It has an Olympic-size swimming pool.

Another asset is the Billy Dorgan, Jr. Center, a 15,000 squarefoot facility located behind the end zone of Travis E. ParkerField. The facility houses the weight training rooms and athleticdepartment offices. It includes an area with synthetic grass.

Teague said plans are under way to construct a 2-lane road tothe football stadium and bypass a subdivision; plus an expandedparking area.

Delta State’s homecoming game is set for Oct. 21, versus NorthAlabama. Kickoff is 4 p.m. Teague said last Saturday’s fireworksshow was rained out, so it will be held after the homecominggame.

Two years ago, Delta State won the GSC All-Sports Trophy. Teaguebelieves DSU can win it again. The school has claimed nationalchampionships in football, baseball, and women’s basketball.

“Our baseball team has averaged 50 wins per season over the lastfive years,” said Teague. “I know Coach Mike Kinnison wasdisappointed with our 37-15 record last year. Most coaches would behappy to win 37 games.”

Bradley Smith of Wesson is the immediate past president of theDSU South Central Alumni Association. New officers are Dr. BobWatson, president; Ray Ishee, vice president; and Mike Wimberly,secretary-treasurer.

Brookhaven insurance agent Duane Allred was recognized for histireless efforts to promote Delta State and was presented theDistinguished DSU Alumni Award. In the future, it will be calledthe Hansel King Distinguished Alumni Award, in memory of thelate

director of Brookhaven Parks & Recreation Department.

The Delta State entourage flew to Brookhaven for the meeting.DSU flight instructor Frank Whittington piloted the twin-engineplane. There are 22 airplanes on campus and 80 students enrolled inflight training courses.