Annual Army ROTC Egg Bowl Run set for this Saturday
Contact: Mathaius Mallard
STARKVILLE, Miss.—A tradition 13 years strong continues Saturday [Nov. 22] when Army ROTC cadets at Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi partner for the annual Egg Bowl Run, spanning the 100-mile route between the rival campuses.
Cadets will carry the official game ball for the schools’ Nov. 28 Egg Bowl matchup to emphasize strength and teamwork as they come together for a good cause. An annual canned food drive creates a friendly competition between the MSU and UM ROTC battalions, and new to the event this year is an added partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation to raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease.
Maj. Stephen Scott, MSU professor of military science and director of the Department of Military Sciences, said the Egg Bowl Run is approaching two decades of history but continues to grow its positive focus.
“Along with the annual food drive competition between the universities to benefit Calhoun City and the surrounding community, we’ve partnered this year with the Parkinson’s Foundation to help increase visibility for their cause and fundraising efforts. We hope to continue increasing awareness of the Egg Bowl Run beyond the ROTC population as it has always been about much more than just students running—it is the camaraderie among the students, community outreach and selfless service,” Scott said.
With UM cadets running from their campus to Calhoun City, the official football handoff takes place at noon at the city’s square. Bulldog cadets then run from Calhoun City to Starkville, with anticipated arrival at MSU’s Davis Wade Stadium around 10 p.m.
Last year, MSU cadets donated more than 4,500 canned food items. While in Calhoun City, the local fire department feeds the ROTC group, and they enjoy a fun run, tug-of-war and other local activities before making the journey back to campus.
This year’s run will feature honorary runners whose loved ones and family members have been personally impacted by Parkinson’s disease. These participants will join the beginning of each team’s run to honor those living with the disease and to celebrate the endurance of the Parkinson’s community.
Nancy Carstens, an ambassador for the Parkinson’s Foundation, said she hopes to promote a simple message.
“Parkinson’s disease is here, in Mississippi, but so is the Parkinson’s Foundation. The foundation is here to support those living with the disease by providing resources to improve their care and empower them, as well as advancing research that has led to breakthroughs in treatment,” Carstens said.
The Parkinson’s Foundation reports the disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s, affecting nearly one million Americans and 10 million people worldwide. Donations can be made online at Parkinson.org/EggBowl.
The Bulldogs and Rebels will face off in the Egg Bowl on Friday, Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving at 11 a.m. in Starkville.
For more on MSU’s Army ROTC, visit www.armyrotc.msstate.edu.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.