Have you ever heard of Cleveland, Mississippi? How about Delta State University? What about the Fighting Okra?
Last week I flew out to Cleveland, Mississippi to see my best friend, Solmaz! Below are just a few pictures to show you my time visiting and the fun I had. You will also find the TRUE STORY of ’Fear the Okra!’
Flight over Tennessee. Should have seen the farm land when I came down for landing in Greenville, MS. There were a total of THREE workers in the whole airport when I arrived. Thankful I did not have to go back to that airport!
And as soon as we arrived we went straight to the TRAIN ROOM. We played with Thomas, Dennis, Henry, Diesel and Edward. Of course, we had to send Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear in the Mr. Cranky elevator.
One of the favorite things I use to love to hear J-Bear say was Cracker (Quack-er). Don’t mind that Bear and R2D2 are along for the ride.
And there is the Delta State Football Stadium. Watch out Cleveland – you’ve never experienced Coach Chadwell.
Solmaz took me on the Cleveland tour of Downtown and Delta State. It took us about 8 minutes. LITERALLY! This town reminded me of the town of Dillon in Friday Night Lights. I told Solmaz she should open a BBQ joint like the Dillon Alumni guy in FNL and host fundraisers for DSU Athletics and host mixer events for the Greek Frats/Sororities. She didn’t like my idea unless I was going to move down and run it. Ha Ha!
I was told we were going to the pool one day. Yeaaaaaahhh about that! It was the kiddie wade pool in Fireman Park! We had fun anyway.
And while me and J-Bear were waiting on Mommy we made the World’s Largest Thomas the Train! He told me to sit and drive the train around the SQUARE house. 
Pretty sure she did not think this picture would go anywhere, but I am just like that…She is a clown and she is my best friend!
He was not quite sure that he wanted to take ANOTHER pic with Aunt Tam.
had to have a picture together before I left.
With the boys right before Solmaz and I left for Memphis. 
We found Memphis and we found Graceland. Oh hello Mr. Elvis.
Figured I would take a pic of the sign since we didn’t want to pay $40 to visit the house…excuse me, mansion.
Was told to check out the bbq in Memphis. We stopped at Interstate BBQ off of Third Street. Was kinda sketchy but it was pretty good.
Just another “sign” that we made it to MEMPHIS. Thanks Jamey for the thorough directions. HA! Rather thanks to my GPS.
One last photo before we head to the airport for me to come back to the Chuck. I love my friend! I am so glad I got to spend my week of vacation with her and the family despite the rain and the lack of entertaining places to visit.
So now we have the TRUE STORY behind FEAR THE OKRA….
So the urban legend is that there was a weed out in the outfield of the baseball field that would keep coming back every time they would pull it up. They thought it was a weed but turns out it was an OKRA plant. Therefore, the FIGHTING OKRA was born. Their actual mascot is the STATESman but it is not very cool so the student body went with the OKRA. Since then, they have been featured on David Letterman, ESPN and the Food Network. The mascot has never been officially changed because the older donors don’t want that to happen so the motto is…
Respect the Statesman. Fear the Okra.
Here is just a taste of the videos that have been put out about the Fighting Okra…
Fear the Okra – Don’t Get Bit.
Or you can check out the website…FeartheOkra.com.
Keep up with Coach Chadwell this season by checking out the DSU Football program.
