MSU to commemorate 60th anniversary of the Game of Change

Mississippi State is set to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Game of Change when the Bulldogs host No. 11 TCU at 3 p. m. on Saturday at Humphrey Coliseum.

A halftime ceremony, promotional giveaway and more are in store as MSU celebrates the impact of the historic contest.

The Game of Change stands as a seminal moment in the history of collegiate sports. In March of 1963, during a time of great racial tension in the country, MSU's men's basketball team elected to participate in the NCAA Tournament against an integrated opponent. It stood as a groundbreaking decision.

Despite threats and immense political pressure, Mississippi State President Dean Colvard and MSU head coach Babe McCarthy sneaked MSU's team of all-white players out of the state to play against a Loyola squad that featured four black starters. Upon Mississippi State's return to

Starkville, a significant step towards racial equality in athletics had been taken.

Four members of MSU's 1963 team are scheduled to be present at The Hump and honored as a part of Saturday's halftime events. Those include Doug Hutton, Larry Lee, Aubrey Nichols and Jackie Wofford. Also, State's current roster will wear special warm-up shirts in shootaround to pay homage to the Game of Change.

Additionally, the first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative Game of Change poster.

Tickets are available now for Saturday's contest. To purchase, visit HailState.com/tickets, call 662- 325-2600 or buy in person at the MSU Athletics Ticket Office.