MSU’s AD ready to take Bulldogs to a higher level

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Leslie N. Dees

August 27, 2008

By Leslie N. Dees

Being the youngest athletic director in the South Eastern Conference hasn’t stopped Greg Byrne from getting the word out about Mississippi State University athletics.

Byrne, 36, spoke to the Kosciusko Rotary Club during their lunch time meeting at Rib Alley’s The Front Room Monday about the all maroon and white sports with enthusiasm.

“I am honored and fortunate to serve out athletes,” Byrne said.

He spoke of creating a “family atmosphere” for the some 400 student athletes and coaches at MSU.

“We want to push all of our sports,” he said, stressing that each one is important.

With football season kicking off on Saturday, Byrne said what Coach Sylvester Croom represents for college football in itself spreads far beyond the state of Mississippi.

Shortly after MSU won the Liberty Bowl, Byrne along with his wife, Regina, attended an Arizona Cardinals game decked out in his maroon and white.

For as many people that greeted him with “Go dogs!,” there were just as many that talked about the work of Croom.

“We need to take advantage of that as much as we can,” Byrne said about the positive publicity athletics can give the university.

“With Croom leading the program the players understand the importance of being players, students and people”

The Bulldog football team will be short one member on Saturday – former South Panola standout Derek Pegues.

Byrne said Pegues skipped one more day of class than the rule allows and was suspended for one game.

MSU’s Diamond Dogs were also discussed.

“We were excited to bring (new baseball coach) John Cohen home,” Byrne said. “They have really hit the ground running with recruiting. You are going to see results.”

As for men’s basketball, Byrne said the team has lost some key personnel with the transfer of Ben Hansbrough and the graduation of Jamont Gordon.

However, Byrne said the squad is young and athletic and that Coach Rick Stansberry is very high on the true freshman point guard.

From a construction standpoint, there will be a new replay board in the endzone of Davis Wade Stadium – if it ever quits raining, Byrne said with a laugh.

It will be the largest high definition screen on a football field.

There is a want and need for some new practice facilities.

Byrne listed men’s and women’s basketball practice facilities, an indoor tennis area, golf practice area and more high end seating at the football stadium.

“We are going to make the experience of being a student athlete and the experience of a fan – a first class experience,” Byrne said.

He has also recruited 969 new Bulldog Club members for the university with the help of volunteers.

The Bulldog Club is a non-profit organization committed to supporting the athletic program at Mississippi State University, primarily by providing scholarships for student-athletes and facilities necessary for the program.