{"id":154356,"date":"2025-12-23T13:11:57","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T19:11:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/?p=154356"},"modified":"2025-12-23T13:12:21","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T19:12:21","slug":"mississippi-grown-tree-marked-historic-playoff-week-at-ole-miss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/mississippi-grown-tree-marked-historic-playoff-week-at-ole-miss\/","title":{"rendered":"Mississippi-grown Tree Marked Historic Playoff Week at Ole Miss"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

30-foot Leyland cypress from Walnut tree farm added holiday cheer at Ole Miss’ College Football Playoff game<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It was the most wonderful time of the year for the University of Mississippi<\/strong> as the Rebels <\/strong>hosted their first College Football Playoff<\/strong> game, and an extra addition to the Student Union Plaza<\/strong> brought a little extra holiday cheer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 30-foot Christmas <\/strong>tree stood on the plaza between the Gertrude C. Ford Ole Miss Student Union <\/strong>and The Grove<\/strong> after traveling more than 70 miles from\u00a0Pine Mountain Tree Farm<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0in Walnut<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ole Miss<\/strong> is coming off its first 11-win regular season and was ranked No. 6 by the\u00a0College Football Playoff<\/a>\u00a0selection committee. The Rebels hosted and beat No. 11 seed Tulane on Saturday, December 20 in the first round of the playoff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was two former basketball players who played a big role in getting the tree to campus. The idea stemmed from alumnus and former player Ray Waddell,<\/strong> who reached out to Denson Hollis<\/strong>, senior athletics director for development, about creating a new tradition for fans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then Murphy Holloway<\/strong>, a former Rebel forward, was among the group who helped transport the Leyland<\/strong> cypress from Walnut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“What started as a small group text turned into a lot of people coming together to make it happen,” said William Kneip<\/strong>, the university’s chief of staff and director of external relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last weekend, a group that included Kneip; Matt Klow<\/strong>, transportation supervisor; and members of the Facility Management<\/strong> trucking team helped stand the tree up, despite freezing temperatures. Oxford Renew Crew<\/strong> decorated the tree during the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I hope it deepens people’s connection to this place,” Kneip said. “A lot of families are coming back to campus this weekend, and I love the idea of them having a new spot to gather and take it in.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secretary of State Michael Watson<\/strong> recognized the display in a proclamation naming it the Commemorative Ole Miss College Football Playoff Christmas Tree<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I love that this tree comes from a Mississippi farm and ends up in one of the most iconic spots on campus,” Watson said. “It’s a small touch that fits a big moment for Ole Miss and a welcoming sight for anyone walking through the Grove.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kneip said he hopes the tree adds to the sense of connection people feel when they return to campus for a moment like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Generations of Rebels are going came together on Saturday,” he said. “We want it to remind people this is your family, and The Grove is your living room.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Jacob Batte<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
A worker arranges a tree skirt around the base of the tree on the Student Union Plaza. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay\/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
Workers from Oxford Renew Crew decorate the Commemorative Ole Miss College Football Playoff Christmas Tree on Friday (Dec. 19). The 30-foot Leland cypress on the Student Union Plaza came from Pine Mountain Tree Farm in Walnut. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay\/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
University of Mississippi students take a photo in front of the Commemorative Ole Miss College Football Playoff Christmas Tree on the Student Union Plaza. The 30-foot Leland cypress started as an idea a week ago and quickly became a reality, thanks to the efforts of university staff members, alumni and former student-athletes. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay\/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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