VICKSBURG - The most impressive run took place just after the horn sounded to end Mississippi State's game against Tulane.
It was a break-out by the new coach, Sylvester Croom. He was in a knot of fans, reporters and photographers on what super-announcer Jack Cristil always calls the "near side of the field." He jogged toward the far side of the field ahead of his blockers, the younger and leaner state troopers assigned to protect him. And when Croom got in front of the student section, there was a sweeping bow, a "thank you" and a tip of his cap.
The ensuing roar - roughly translated as, "Not at all, thank you" - was awesome.
Throughout history, universities have been where breakthroughs take place. Sometimes in labs; sometimes on fields of athletic competition.
It's no overstatement to say a breakthrough occurred on Scott Field when the new coach of the MSU Bulldogs made his debut. It must be understood, however, in a context larger than Croom himself.
As more than 52,000 people entered the stadium - nearly setting a record for attendance at a season-opener - each was handed a T-shirt with "Maroon is all that matters" stenciled on its front.
The reference to the team color is one that Croom spoke of in an appearance after he was hired as the first black person to serve as head coach of a Southeastern Conference team.
He was aware of the novelty of the situation. He knew it was a significant achievement for him, receiving the promotion from his career as a tenured NFL assistant and all. And he knew it was a symbolic achievement - a measure of justifiable pride - for people of color everywhere. But he also knew - and said so - that his ability to lead the team would, in the final analysis, be all that mattered.
The Bulldogs did win the game, 28-7. It was their first victory in six games, after closing the 2003 campaign with a 2-10 record. But the cheering wasn't just about the score.
For example, while State has led the nation in penalties, including personal fouls, in seasons past, a mere three flags were thrown against MSU players in the game - only one of them for unsportsmanlike indiscretion. Other than the penalty for what appeared to be an accidental roughing of the passer, the other penalties were a false start and a delay of game or something. Fans could be pleased - for a change - about how MSU players presented themselves to the national TV audience.
And speaking of players and how they responded to Croom's leadership, the coach got the ultimate compliment - a drenching of ice and water from an orange cooler hoisted over his head - with 55 seconds left in the contest.
About then, a low rumble started in the stands. Up in the press box, it took a while to discern it was thousands of people chanting, "Croom, Croom, Croom."
In Mississippi, there's no such thing as forgetting about race, not for long anyway.
Because of the state's history, federal officials still tally black faces and white ones in most school districts to make sure there's a balance. Because of past discrimination, not a single change in any voting-related matter - such as finding a new polling place because the old one burned down - can be carried out unless the proper paperwork is submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice half a year or more in advance.
There's racial tension in the Legislature. Our school, county and city governing boards often split along racial lines.
And commentators and candidates alike spend a lot of time analyzing who will get the black vote and who will get the white vote in adherence to a persistent myth that there are things that are good for black citizens that are not good for white citizens and vice versa. What are these things? Quality schools? Good roads? More jobs? Lower crime?
Suspicion comes first in matters of race. Trust much more slowly.
Perhaps it will always be that way.
But when Croom made that run, followed by a bow and a matching show of respect in return, it was what a friend calls a "little glimpse of glory."
Maroon was all that mattered. And if this state is ever able to translate such unity of purpose from a college campus to everyday life, what a difference it will make.
