President Mark Killingsworth presided over today’s meeting. Gene Owens provided the opening prayer. Bill MacLauchlan led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was held at the Holiday Inn North and on Zoom.
Joe Bost and thanked those who helped with today’s meeting. He also announced that members are now encouraged to sign-up on-line to assist with future meetings. Volunteers are needed for greeters, prayers and the Pledge. Several members had guests at today’s meeting. Mark Killingsworth had two, Gene Owens had two and Bill MacLauchlan had one. They were welcomed.
L-R: Steven Utroska, Coach Will Hall, Mark Killingsworth.
Mark then introduced today’s guest speaker, Will Hall. Will is the new University of Southern Mississippi Head Football Coach. He is married to Rebecca and they have two children. His family relocated to Hattiesburg in February. Will is a native of Amory, Mississippi. He graduated from North Alabama. He began his coaching career at the age of 24 as an offensive play caller.
Will talked about the changes he is making with USM football. He is teaching the players what he calls Football Culture. The Culture has six core values including honesty, accountability, the Golden Rule, always compete, project positive energy and find a way to get the job done. The Culture’s mission includes academics, athleticism, character and a focus on the future. His vision for the USM football program is to be the best possible program and to develop real men. He is also teaching the players to choose ways to chase their dreams.
Recruitment for the program is going well. Will focuses recruitment efforts on high school players first. He wants the players to be exposed to the Football Culture for the entire four years they are at Southern. However, sometimes he must go outside of high schools for players. He turns to Jr. College players when he must. Only 25 players can be added to the roster each season.
USM plans to be fully open by the fall semester. Will is planning on a number of summer camps for players this summer. Approximately 40 of the USM players have had their COVID-19 vaccinations. They are not required, however, he constantly educates the players about the need for the vaccination.
Mark thanked Will for his presentation. He reminded members that the Rotary Foundation is the club’s fourth quarter cause. Members are encouraged to make a $125 donation to the Foundation before the end of June. He noted that Rotary International is reporting that donations are down 10% this year.
There being no further business to come before the club, Mark adjourned the meeting with our motto: “Service Above Self.”