Wednesday Bulldog Update - 5/11/16
May 11, 2016
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Before we begin talking about the big SEC Softball Tournament in Starkville this week, join me in offering congratulations to the 65 Bulldog student-athletes who graduated from Mississippi State this past weekend, as well as five former Bulldogs who returned and finished their degrees this semester. The MSU Athletic Department strives to create great experiences, and for our athletes a big part of that experience is earning a first-rate education from this wonderful place. Kudos to these graduates for their achievements both in the classroom and on the fields of competition.
Turning our attention to the diamond, I want to offer a warm welcome to all of those visiting Starkville for the 2016 SEC Softball Tournament. I know the city of Starkville and the Mississippi State campus will offer their hospitality as we host this year's tournament at the brand new Nusz Park. We've spent an entire year preparing for this week as we welcome 11 other schools and their fanbases, as well as the quite large and impressive SEC Network crew who will be broadcasting this event.
This week is yet another opportunity to showcase Mississippi State's top-notch facilities, beautiful campus and vibrant community. Full-weekend ticket books are sold out, but there will be standing-room-only tickets available while supplies last, and you may very well be able to find tickets in secondary market from fans not in need of watching a particular game. For those wishing to watch our Bulldogs, make sure you come out tonight for their tournament-opener against Alabama at 6:30 p.m., or watch the broadcast on SEC Network. Full details on the tournament can be found at www.HailState.com/SECsoftball.
GOOD LUCK TO TENNIS TEAMS IN NCAA TOURNAMENTS
Both our men's and women's tennis teams are ranked No. 21 in the country as they hit the road this week for their upcoming openers Friday in the NCAA Championship. The men will be playing Memphis on Friday at host site Illinois at 2 p.m. CT, while our women's team will open against Virginia Tech at the same start time, with Texas Tech as the host school.
NATIONALLY RANKED TRACK AND FIELD SQUADS HEAD TO SECs
Two more nationally ranked Bulldog sports will be in postseason action this weekend, as the Bulldog men's (ranked 13th nationally) and women's (ranked 16th) track and field squads head to Tuscaloosa for the SEC Championships, beginning Thursday. Both of these teams have a chance to do something special this weekend and into NCAA competition in the coming weeks.
BASEBALL IN FINAL WEEKS OF REGULAR SEASON
This week, our staff submitted bids to the NCAA to host potential baseball regional and super regional tournaments at Dudy Noble Field. With a high ranking and strong RPI, we are hopeful to be hosting an NCAA Regional for the first time since 2013. Expect an announcement with ticket information for such a situation to be coming in the near future.
And while we are all hopeful, due to the wonderful season MSU has had, there is still plenty of regular-season baseball to play.
The third-ranked Bulldog baseball team has four games this week in the state of Alabama, playing at Troy tonight before heading over to the Plains for a three-game conference series at Auburn beginning Friday. The Friday and Sunday games will be available online on SEC Network+, while Saturday's game at 3:30 p.m. will air nationally on the SEC Network.
Also, remember that next weekend is the final series of the regular season, against Arkansas at Dudy Noble. That series runs Thursday-Saturday, so adjust your schedules accordingly.
We appreciate what you do for Mississippi State Athletics and want to encourage you to get others involved. There are three things you can do to help the athletic department at Mississippi State reach its desired goals –
1. Buy Season Tickets
2. Financially Support the Bulldog Club
3. Get Others To Do The Same
Thanks for taking the time to read this Update. Â
Hail State!
Scott Stricklin
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