football
Joel Coleman, Senior Writer
After a three-year absence, Mississippi’s pregame tradition is back in shape.
Starkville – Walton and Suzanne Webster, along with their children Ellie Page and Jackson, waited patiently along the guardrail at The Junction just outside Davis Wade Stadium.
It only took a moment for the Mississippi State coaches and players to march into their home stadium. Walton, Suzanne, Ellie His Page, and Jackson were his four out of the thousands who gathered to welcome the Bulldogs to the stadium. The atmosphere was electric. After three years, Dawg Walk is back to what it should be.
The smile is back. High fives and handshakes are back. Yes, Dawg Walk is truly back. Believe me, that revival was special for everyone, including Walton, Suzanne, 6-year-old Ellie Page, and 5-year-old Jackson.
“I’m very happy to be here. It’s great,” Suzanne said. “Kids are old enough to start remembering all this stuff, so it’s pretty cool. So today is a big day.”
Walton added: [Suzanne and I] Both graduated from the state. I remember throwing football here with my dad. It’s so cool to come back and experience all this with our kids. They don’t understand what that means, but we as parents do. “
This is the first time since 2019 that The Dawg Walk has been experienced the way it was originally designed. The COVID pandemic has put the practice on hold, except for a shortened and modified version. No more adjustments. It’s back to business as usual, and arguably, fans aren’t the only ones who love it.
“It’s a huge motivation for us. I can vouch for it,” said State Offensive Lineman. quatribus johnson Said. “We know we have that support and everyone behind us, so it feels good to be in the game.”
Added defensive lineman Nathan Pickering: “It definitely motivates us. And it gives us a different perspective on how people support us. So, a few hours before the game. In, people go out and sit in the hot sun and touch or bring our hands… kids there to see us, that’s great.”
For Johnson and Pickering, a Saturday jaunt through the Junction felt like the old days. They’ve been through it all. Johnson has been with the Bulldogs since the 2018 season. Pickering said he arrived before 2019. As long-time MSU veterans, Johnson and Pickering were one of a handful of bulldogs to have walked this walk before.
For most of the state roster, however, this was all a brand new experience.Even bulldog central figures like quarterbacks Will Rogers,Receiving machine Jaden Wallycorner back Emmanuel Forbes And others who have been around for a while haven’t gotten the chance to enjoy this kind of Dawg Walk.there was no head coach Mike Leach and most of his coaching staff.
That’s all changed now.
No more waiting or getting lost. Dawg Walk – the real Dawg Walk of him – makes memories again.
“It’s amazing to have it back,” Pickering said. “It will definitely make a difference on match day.”
