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ELLISVILLE – Before a handful of the remaining Jones County Junior College football team members that made history on December 10, 1955, a historical marker honoring the special occasion was unveiled during Homecoming festivities. The bold act by college officials allowing the first all-white athletic team from Mississippi to cross racial barriers and play an integrated team is now officially recognized by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History with a historical marker located on the Jones campus in a rose garden. Accepting the invitation to the Jr. Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California to play Compton (California) Community College was an exciting honor for the Bobcat football team that got mixed up in politics.

“This group of men faced the spotlight they had no intention of being a part of; they just wanted to play football,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith, as the historical marker was unveiled. “It is an honor to share this signature moment in the history of the college that goes back to 1955, and the impact it has had on our state and college is remarkable. I will look back at that time as a defining moment in our college’s history.”

Members of the team have gathered regularly on campus and have been honored as their story has been shared for more than 60 years. Seeing the state officially recognize this monumental occasion with a historical marker has taken on a new meaning for the former players.

“It means an awful lot to us,” said Sidney “Buck” Anderson who came to Jones on a football scholarship as a Petal High School graduate. “We were aware of the tensions, but Coach Jim Clark told us, ‘Boys, you understand we have a chance to play at the Jr. Rose Bowl. How many of you want to go?’ We all wanted to go! It was unanimous! We were undefeated and they thought we were good enough to play at this prestigious event,” said Anderson.

Teammate, John Bishop, formerly of Ellisville, added he’s always been proud to be a Bobcat and this recognition of history makes him even prouder.

“Our governor tried to tell us we weren’t going. However, the college president, J.B. Young made me proud to be a Bobcat because he kept his promise despite the pressure to keep us from participating,” said Bishop.

The historical marker reads, “JCJC president, J.B. Young stood firm against statewide opposition to the school’s participation, saying that he gave his word the Bobcats would play.” As the sign explained, JCJC also faced threats of losing state and local funding.  However, Young was more concerned about keeping a promise than the threats. JC President Dr. Smith sums up the importance of Young’s actions.

“It’s a telling thing when you play a ballgame and lose, and still come out to be one of the best winners in Mississippi’s history.  I’m thankful for that,” said Smith.

ELLISVILLE – The bond between a father and son is special. However, Jones College’s Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge not only gets to bond with his son Max who is a freshman at Jones, but he also gets to “band” with him.  When the younger Burge contemplated playing in the band in middle school, his proud father, who was the High School Director of Bands at Northwest Rankin School District was hopeful.

“He actually tested high on all of the instruments. He could have chosen any one of them. I thought it was cool for him to pick the saxophone,” said Dr. Burge, who also plays the saxophone.

While Max said he will not follow in his dad’s footsteps in the role of drum major for Mississippi State University or Pearl River Community College, his younger sister Emma has come the closest as the drum major at Oak Grove High School this season. A career around music is also not likely in Max’s future because he is pursuing a career in graphic design with aspirations of becoming a storyboard artist. Regardless of his career decision, the father and son duo are uniquely bonding for the first time in the Jones College band.

“I have never been my son’s band director, even though I may have been teaching at the same school.  I have conducted maybe a piece his band was performing, but I’ve never been his teacher.  This is really unique and I love it!” said Dr. Burge.

After playing throughout his high school career at Oak Grove High School, Max realized high school and college marching bands are very different; but not because his dad is his director.

“I prefer concert season over marching season because it’s hot and agonizing. However, at Jones, it’s more relaxed here. I like playing for the audience and not judges. If high school band was like this I may have stuck it out because preparing for high school band competitions was very stressful!” said Max. “My dad pushes us but it’s more enjoyable at Jones.”

Dr. Burge noted his son doesn’t get special treatment in his band. In fact, he said he expects more out of his son.

“He takes criticism well and makes adjustments as needed. He is a very good student and we’re very proud of who he is. He knows I expect a lot out of him.”

Some of Max’s bandmates said he’s just part of the family. They don’t look at him as the director’s son.

“We treat him like everyone else.  In fact, the older students watch out for him. He’s cool,” said super-sophomore, Cheyenne Fraun of Moselle.

On the first day of band camp, the father-son duo shared an awkward moment. They did not discuss how to address each other in this new situation they were sharing for the first time. While Max said he wanted to be respectful of his father, his new name for his dad was perfect and set the tone for the year.

“I called him ‘Doctor-father.’  I didn’t know what else to call him!” said Max, while his dad snickered at his explanation. “My dad will tell you I’m the ‘grammar Nazi’ too.  I text him his mistakes so he doesn’t embarrass himself, especially in front of the band,” added Max.

Max admitted there were some things he didn’t really like about growing up as a band director’s son, like the long rehearsals. However, both said they are glad they are able to share this priceless experience bonding in the band.

“It is a very special thing for me to have Max in my band at Jones! I get to see him every day!” said Dr. Burge. “We may not speak to each other but I’m able to tell my wife he looks good marching around with his bandmates. Band has taken so much time away from my family over the years. Having him here with me during his college years is very special!”

While music may always be a part of Max’s life in his future endeavors, his true passion is art. Dr. Burge explained, when Max was very young, he would kneel at his bed and draw. He was always drawing, even when cooking. Max is talented at making “pancake art.” Without hesitation, Max said he is not interested in being a traditional artist. His plans include creating a very specific type of art.

“Giving life to the art or creation through animation is really what I love. As a storyboard artist, I visualize the story,” said Max. “The movie, ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ made me see things differently. I became more interested in seeing how they created the movie in the bonus features and the behind the scenes clips than the actual movie. I especially have huge respect for the stop-action movie directors,” said Max.

Growing up, the Burge family followed dad to the school on weekends for concerts or games. They often traveled on the road for football and basketball games too. Even though mom is a speech pathologist for the Lamar County School District, Cindy Burge has supported her husband coaching color guard students and dance teams, or just being a fan. Traveling most likely will continue for the ladies in the Burge household as the father-son duo cherish doing “band” together at Jones College for the next two years.

 

 

 

ELLISVILLE – The competition ramped up this week after most high schools had two weeks off for Fall Break and school activities. The Science Division’s ranking for the top three teams changed this week for the fourth time this season, leaving West Jones wondering if they can regain the division’s top spot. The Mustangs succumbed to the Northeast Jones Tigers in a close match, 39-36, with the Tigers claiming the victory in the “Jungle.”  Instead of moving up to the second or top spot, Northeast Jones had to settle for third place because of the tie with Presbyterian Christian High School earlier in the season.

After a four-week reign in first place the Mustangs’ loss to the Tigers, moves the Bobcats of PCS to first place as the new Science Division leaders. With aspirations of moving up the ranks too, the Laurel Tornadoes tried to sweep the Presbyterian Christian Bobcats off the map in its match this week. However, the Bobcats won the heated match, 46-45 leaving Laurel to settle for fourth place. Raleigh had the week off to contemplate a strategy to climb the rankings.

Sacred Heart couldn’t fend off the fiery darts from the Oak Grove Warriors in its cross-town rivalry. The Warriors beat the Crusaders in a tight match, 57-55. Each team keeps its division ranking with Sacred Heart as Technology Division leaders and Oak Grove remains in second place in the Engineering Division. The Crusaders also have the most cumulative points with 197 but Technology Division leaders, the Wayne County War Eagles are closing in with 194 points.  Oak Grove has 179 points.

In the cross-county rivalry between Wayne Academy and Wayne County, the War Eagles had no trouble keeping the Jaguars at bay with the 58-27 win. Both Quitman and Heidelberg capture their first victories this week. The Panthers of Quitman and Perry Central Bulldogs keep their division rankings despite the Panthers claiming the top prize with the 38-8 victory. The Heidelberg Oilers struck a win as they managed to stop the Columbia Academy Cougars from seizing their prize as the Oilers defeated the Cougars, 28-19.

Crusader, Benjamin Dunn is the Most Outstanding Player this week with a 73.33 percent accuracy average in the individual competition.  Fellow Crusader, Remy Porrier and Laurel’s Maxwell Dobbs earn second place credits with a 63.33 percent average. Four students tied for fourth place honors with a 60 percent average.

In the last week of team competition, West Jones will be on the hunt for the lead in an effort to knock off the Presbyterian Christian Bobcats who managed to earn the first place ranking in the Science Division this week. Look for the two teams to tangle for the last opportunity to secure a spot in the playoffs. In the Technology Division, the outcome between the top two teams, Sacred Heart and Columbia Academy will also determine who heads to the playoffs in that division. Engineering Division leaders, Wayne County will try to keep their playoff bid in sight as they face Oak Grove in a battle for the division leader’s spot. Other matches next week include Laurel hosting Raleigh, Wayne Academy hosting Perry Central, and Quitman hosting Heidelberg. Northeast Jones has the week off waiting to see if they have an opportunity to make the playoffs, November 7, in the Jones College Fine Arts Auditorium.

Results will be posted on the JC Bobcat Math League web page under “Division Standings/Schedules at: http://www.jcjc.edu/bobcatmathleague/ and scores in real time will be posted on the Bobcat Math League Facebook page: Bobcat Math League – Facebook. Weekly results can also be found in local media outlets.  For more information about the Bobcat Math League contact Dr. Jessica Bunch (JC Bobcat Math League Commissioner) at 601-477-5422 or email at jessica.bunch@jcjc.edu.

ELLISVILLE- Sign Manufacturing Day at Munn Enterprises in Hattiesburg offered a look into future careers for Jones College students from the drafting and design or CAD Engineering Technology, and the Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology programs. The group of about twenty students had an up-close look at how the skills they’re learning in class are applied in the sign manufacturing industry.  Jones College drafting and design instructor, Karen Kirk also had the opportunity to reunite with 2016 drafting and design graduate and current draftsman, Nicholas Underwood.

“It’s true. What you learn in school you can apply to the industry,” said Underwood as he explained his technical drawings to Jones students touring Munn Enterprises.

Another graduate from Kirk’s program, Tonya Bynum Davis took a chance by building upon her drafting experience. The 2002 Jones graduate is currently a project manager at Munn Enterprises. Kirk said she hopes her students are inspired by these Jones graduates’ examples of work-related success.

“After the tour at Munn Enterprises, my students said they had not even considered a future career in the sign business. Meeting Nick, seeing his drawings and touring the company inspired them to explore the possibility of employment in the sign industry. It was very interesting to us all!” said Kirk.

 In the fabrication department, Jones machining students were challenged by one of the company’s welders, Clyde Ward to interpret the drawings to build a sign structure. A couple of students with welding knowledge had some success but would need Munn’s experienced welders to interpret the drawings used to create the metal structures. Jones students and faculty were also intrigued by the metal bending process in the lettering department. Munn’s Shannon Calder demonstrated how the Accu-Bend channel letter bending machine uses hydraulic power to quickly bend aluminum into font styles and various shapes.

“All of my students and I enjoyed the tour. I am actually going to try and see if they will hire one of my guys part-time,” said Jones Precision Manufacturing and Machining instructor, Chase Elmore. “They do not really have the equipment and processes that are used in our field but I respect the company for what they have accomplished. Riding through Hattiesburg’s Midtown is even more interesting now that I have an idea of how these signs are constructed.”

Jones College students were part of more than 100 students from the area participating in the first Sign Manufacturing Day at Munn Enterprises. Company representatives said the goal of the event was to show students the career possibilities in the sign industry range from fabrication to drafting and beyond. They also emphasized nearly 3.5 million manufacturing jobs will likely be needed over the next decade and believe the Sign Manufacturing Day event was an opportunity to encourage students to consider a career in a manufacturing related field.