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Rebel with a Cause
By: Brandon Artiles - WBBJ/TV
The University of Mississippi says the Rebels of McKenzie High School are not playing fairly. The Southeastern Conference university says the Carroll County school is illegally using its mascot, Colonel Reb.
That has forced McKenzie's mascot into hiding, if you will. He has been a no-show at several of his usual hangouts. His image is no where to be found at the high school football field. He is also noticeably missing from the gymnasium wall. "We've been taking Colonel Reb down in some spots all over campus," says Principal Terry Howell.
According to Howell, Colonel Reb began disappearing across campus after the McKenzie Special School District received a letter from the Collegiate Licensing Company late last year. "The letter essentially said we had to cease and desist using the Ole Miss logo," says Howell. The C.L.C. says McKenzie's use of the mascot infringes on the University of Mississippi trademark.
The thought of losing their beloved mascot has many in McKenzie rebelling. "I hear a great deal in the community about how the alumni are trying to keep the mascot, if at all possible," says Kristi Halsey. Halsey, who owns the Funky Banana Shirt Company in McKenzie, says Rebel fans aren't the only ones upset about the mascot flap. A West Carroll High School supporter is partially to thank for a t-shirt campaign to keep Colonel Reb in McKenzie. Together, Halsey and the War Eagles fan came up with the RWPP or the Rebel Witness Protection Program. T-shirts with the letters and a sunglass wearing Rebel are sold at Halsey's shop.
It's not fair that they're taking him and putting him in hiding. That's what gave us the idea of the RWPP," says Halsey.
Principal Howell says Colonel Reb may soon be able to come out of hiding. Members of the school board are working with Ole Miss officials on a usage agreement. Though negotiations continue, the district says a tentative agreement has been reached in which the district would pay Ole Miss a $250 annual fee. But Howell says the final say will have to come from the C.L.C.
Despite his absence from football games, the McKenzie Rebels continue to make the Colonel proud. The McKenzie football team is off to a 3-0 start this season.
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