News Summary
Starkville is buzzing as Mississippi State University’s iconic cowbell is nominated for the Best College Tradition title. Supporters can vote daily until the August deadline. The cowbell tradition, rooted in history, became prominent at game days and symbolizes school pride. Despite some criticism, community engagement remains strong, showcasing the enduring love for this unique MSU tradition. Fans are encouraged to rally and vote to help secure the win for the cowbell.
Starkville Basks in Cowbell Glory as MSU Tradition Nominated
Hey there, Starkville! Pack your bags, because we’re going to talk about something *truly exciting* that has a lot of people buzzing in our hometown. That’s right, folks – Mississippi State University’s iconic cowbell has been nominated for the title of Best College Tradition by a popular contest. This means it’s time to rally our fans and cast those votes!
How to Show Your Support
If you’re ready to support this old but gold tradition, voting is super simple. You can cast your vote through a special link that’s been provided. But hurry up! The voting deadline is just around the corner on Sunday, August 17. And here’s the fun part – you can vote once a day until then! So, make it a habit to help your beloved cowbell stay in the running.
The Sweet History of the Cowbell
Now, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and explore the *fascinating roots* of this unique tradition. The cowbell story at MSU dates back roughly a century, and it’s said to have started when a lost cow wandered onto the football field during a game. And can you believe that during the 1970s, in 1974 specifically, cowbell-ringing was banned? Luckily, this fan-favorite tradition made a grand comeback in 2010 and has since resonated with school spirit like never before.
How It Became a Game-Day Essential
For a lot of fans, ringing the cowbell isn’t just a quirky thing to do; it’s part and parcel of the whole game day experience. Fans are allowed to ring their beloved cowbells during pregame, timeouts, halftime, and, of course, whenever MSU scores! This has made it quite a cherished ritual among loyal Bulldogs. What’s more, the tradition gained its popularity surge during the 1960s, thanks to some hopeful MSU professors who decided to test the waters of using cowbells at games.
Bringing in the Cowbells
As the success of the football team started to take shape in the late 1930s and early 1940s, cowbells became an integral part of cheer support. In 1964, the MSU Bookstore opened its doors to cowbell sales, further revving up school spirit and generating profits for student organizations. Let’s just say, cowbells have been jingling in the hearts of fans for quite a while!
In the Lead and Loving It
Fast forward to early August, and it seems that MSU’s cowbells are leading the competition for the Best College Tradition title. This is perfectly reflective of the immense *school pride* and community engagement among MSU supporters. Everyone is really coming together to show just how much they value this remarkable tradition!
Facing Criticism but Standing Proud
Of course, not everyone is a fan. Some critics, including former NFL coach Jon Gruden, haven’t been too warm towards the cowbell, expressing their opinions with a bit of disdain. However, for MSU fans, the joy and excitement that cowbells bring to the games far outweighs the noise complaints. In fact, the Southeastern Conference made an exception to allow Mississippi State to continue ringing cowbells during games, underscoring its importance to the fan experience.
A Community Effort
This whole voting adventure is about so much more than just a trophy; it represents the *unbreakable bond* that the MSU community shares. So, friends, let’s show our love for the cowbell tradition! Visit the voting link, rally your fellow Bulldogs, and let’s bring home the title of Best College Tradition!
With hearts full of spirit and hands ready to ring those cowbells, the time to vote is now. Let’s keep that sound echoing through the stands for years to come!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WTVA: MSU’s Cowbell Nominated
- Sports Illustrated: Cowbells Leading Vote
- The Telegraph: History of Mississippi State Cowbells
- Sports Illustrated: Jon Gruden on Cowbells
- Clarion Ledger: Jon Gruden and MSU Football
- Wikipedia: Tradition
- Google Search: Cowbell College Tradition
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Cowbell
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Tradition
- Google News: Cowbell Tradition Mississippi State
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
