Delta State’s inaugural “A Night of Champions” event is just around the corner, set for Thursday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. inside Walter Sillers Coliseum.
Headlining the get-together will be former Ole Miss and NFL quarterback Archie Manning, a native of the Mississippi Delta. Manning, born in Drew in 1949, will be joined by Statesmen Hall of Famer and former Delta State and Ole Miss sports information director Langston Rogers for a casual conversation with members of the public.
“This is going to be a thrill, and it’s going to especially be a thrill for me. I’m not from the Delta, but I’ve heard so much about these gentlemen. Now, I get to meet them in person,” Delta State President Dr. Daniel Ennis said. Ennis recently surpassed one year on the job after moving to Cleveland from Coastal Carolina, where he served as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.
Manning, who few people know was born in the old Cleveland hospital on Delta State’s campus, is one of the most recognizable football figures to ever hail from the Magnolia State. After a record-breaking career in Oxford, he went on to play 12 seasons in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints, Houston Oilers, and Minnesota Vikings. He was named a Pro Bowler twice – in 1978 and 1979 – and was later inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame.
Manning’s legacy as a premiere signal caller was continued by his sons, Peyton and Eli, who combined for four Super Bowls, three Super Bowl MVP awards, five NFL MVP awards, and 18 Pro Bowl selections.
Rogers, a native of Calhoun City of the Mississippi Delta, is widely celebrated as one of the best sports information directors to work in Mississippi’s higher education scene. After playing on the Delta State baseball team under legendary coach Dave “Boo” Ferriss, Rogers accepted the SID position at his alma mater. After 17 years in Cleveland, Division I Ole Miss came calling and convinced him to move Oxford. There, he put together a 29-year career that landed him in both the Ole Miss Sports Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Sports Writers Hall of Fame. He retired in May 2010.
Mike Kinnison, current athletic director at Delta State, spoke highly of both Manning and Rogers – two people he’s come to know over the years.
“Archie Manning was an immediate choice for our inaugural Night of Champions event. His childhood and high school years in the Mississippi Delta, his fondness for the people of our great state, and his family’s continued support of the collegiate student-athlete experience have made him a great role model,” Kinnison noted. “We are appreciative that he and Langston Rogers will share their life lessons, college and professional playing experiences, and respected family values with our supporters.”
In addition to the conversation with Manning and Rogers, A Night of Champions will feature an auction and VIP opportunities to meet the guests of honor. Tickets are available now with all proceeds going directly to Delta State athletics.
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