Mississippi-grown Tree Marks Historic Playoff Week at Ole Miss
30-foot Leyland cypress from Walnut tree farm adds holiday cheer ahead of Saturday's game
OXFORD, Miss. – It is the most wonderful time of the year for the University of Mississippi as the Rebels prepare to host their first College Football Playoff game, and a new addition to the Student Union Plaza is bringing a little extra holiday cheer.
A 30-foot Christmas tree stands on the plaza between the Gertrude C. Ford Ole Miss Student Union and the Grove after traveling more than 70 miles from Pine Mountain Tree Farm in Walnut.
Workers from Oxford Renew Crew decorate the Commemorative Ole Miss College Football Playoff Christmas Tree on Friday (Dec. 19). The 30-foot Leland cypress on the Student Union Plaza came from Pine Mountain Tree Farm in Walnut. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
Ole Miss is coming off its first 11-win regular season and was ranked No. 6 by the College Football Playoff selection committee. The Rebels will host No. 11 seed Tulane at 2:30 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 20) in the first round of the playoff.
Though the Rebels are preparing for a football game, it was two former basketball players who played a big role in getting the tree to campus. The idea stemmed from alumnus and former player Ray Waddell, who reached out to Denson Hollis, senior athletics director for development, about creating a new tradition for fans.
Then Murphy Holloway, a former Rebel forward, was among the group who helped transport the Leyland cypress from Walnut.
"What started as a small group text turned into a lot of people coming together to make it happen," said William Kneip, the university's chief of staff and director of external relations.
Last weekend, a group that included Kneip; Matt Klow, transportation supervisor; and members of the Facility Management trucking team helped stand the tree up, despite freezing temperatures. Oxford Renew Crew decorated the tree during the week.
"I hope it deepens people's connection to this place," Kneip said. "A lot of families are coming back to campus this weekend, and I love the idea of them having a new spot to gather and take it in."
Secretary of State Michael Watson recognized the display in a proclamation naming it the Commemorative Ole Miss College Football Playoff Christmas Tree.
A worker arranges a tree skirt around the base of the tree on the Student Union Plaza. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
"I love that this tree comes from a Mississippi farm and ends up in one of the most iconic spots on campus," Watson said. "It's a small touch that fits a big moment for Ole Miss and a welcoming sight for anyone walking through the Grove."
Kneip said he hopes the tree adds to the sense of connection people feel when they return to campus for a moment like this.
"Generations of Rebels are going to come together on Saturday," he said. "We want it to remind people this is your family, and the Grove is your living room."
Top: University of Mississippi students take a photo in front of the Commemorative Ole Miss College Football Playoff Christmas Tree on the Student Union Plaza. The 30-foot Leland cypress started as an idea a week ago and quickly became a reality, thanks to the efforts of university staff members, alumni and former student-athletes. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services