I KNEW WHAT IT WAS LIKE

At least, I thought I did when I perused the sideline at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium where new Head Coach Hugh Freeze was directing his troops during the Red and Blue game back in April. 

Brand spanking new troops, I might add.

This was a new sight for thousands of others, as they were more accustomed to straw hats and "holding onto rope" type slogans and the like.

There were no straw hats and the only slogan was "win the day."

After I spotted him, I did as my father directed me to. I went and spoke to coach Danny Freeze. He and my father had went head to head on more than one occasion. Danny as the head coach at Senatobia and my father, Darrell, as head coach at Bruce. 

You will never find a more tightly knit group than football coaches. For three hours, they want nothing more than to annihilate each other.  Any other time, watch your tone. They stick up for each other and rightly so.

The elder Freeze recounted that night vs Bruce as if it happened the day before. I wasn't surprised. My father told the story and the events were not altered. It was as if I had recorded the conversation and simply hit play to hear every minute detail again. For an old football kid like me, it was like old times.  

I can remember what it was like, with your father using you as an example on the field. If five people miss a block, you were the one the vitriol was directed at. As the son of the coach, you respected that and responded in kind. It simply was that way. I understood that.

I can imagine how proud Danny is of his son Hugh. Growing up in Independence, MS, just off interstate 55 in north Mississippi, Hugh dreamed of coaching at the University of Mississippi. It is a dream come true.

I noticed as such this past Saturday night. After the Rebels  defense held the Crimson Tide early in the 2nd quarter, you could see Hugh soaking it up. Knowing he was the underdog. Knowing the chance of a win was slim. Knowing the athletes 150-feet across the field were superior.  He smiled and enjoyed the moment.

I have little doubt that when coaches Danny and Hugh Freeze wear the Ole Miss colors, they do so with an endearing pride. As Mississippians, coaches and lovers of the game of football.

When my father was ill, I made the commitment that if I had the opportunity in the future, I would be committed. I would be the son who supports his father. Each Saturday, no matter the venue, I always try and enjoy it with my dad.

I can assure you. Danny Freeze will be inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium supporting his son. If I had to guess, Hugh would do the same thing.

Brad Logan is a native of Bruce, MS and currently resides in Calhoun County, MS. You can reach him by following him on Twitter: @BradLoganCA