The Colonel Reb vs. University of Mississippi administration "war" has been complex and unnecessary. To understand it, you have to glimpse the history of "ColonelGate."

In the summer of 2003, Ole Miss students, alumni and fans were shocked with Chancellor Khayat and Athletic Director Pete Boone's decision to strip Colonel Reb from our school. Boone's reasoning was the mascot "doesn't fit anything we do." At no point did student or alumni input factor into the decision to get rid of the mascot.

This episode was not the first attack against Colonel Reb. In 1997 during his first tenure as athletic director, Boone introduced a goofy, muscular, football helmet-wearing version of the mascot. Students ridiculed this decision, as they formed the Rebel Student Union to combat the change. The students prevailed, and the steroid version of the Colonel was rejected. Boone would soon leave as athletic director.

Upon his return as athletic director, Boone decided to get rid of the Colonel for good. The Ole Miss family was stunned. An estimated $50 million was lost from donations. Many emotions erupted as a result of this action.

The Colonel Reb Foundation was formed during the summer of 2003, just as ColonelGate went down. Through alumni input and donations, the student-led CRF launched a Grove lapel sticker campaign. To date, over 160,000 Rebel fans have put on the bright red For Pete's Sake, Khayat Bring Back Colonel Reb stickers.

After it was apparent the administration was not listening, the Colonel Reb Foundation spearheaded an ASB vote on the matter. In September 2003, a record number of voters stood in line for hours to let their voice be heard. 94 percent of students voted to bring Colonel Reb back. Outside the Student Union, satellite news trucks from Memphis and throughout Mississippi broadcast the live results. The administration introduced a new mascot contest. Thanks to the CRF, fans ridiculed the mascot contest so much, the chancellor cancelled the whole thing.

The Colonel Reb Foundation commissioned a mascot company to produce a new Colonel for Ole Miss fans. This replacement would fill-in until Colonel Reb was returned. In 2004, Colonel Too arrived in Oxford with his own unique style and mannerisms. The kids and fans seem to love him just the same. The university allowed the CRF mascot to attend athletic contests, but only in the stands. He must enter with a ticket bought by the non-profit Colonel Reb Foundation. Cobra and athletic department employees continually harass Colonel Too, keeping him from getting on television. Colonel Too was recently invited by Rod's Squad members to cheer on the Rebs at a basketball game. The mascot was quickly booted because athletic officials explained costumed fans couldn't be in the Rod's Squad ranks.

It's now 2007, and Colonel Reb remains locked away. But the love of this goateed icon remains as strong as ever. Boone's ban on new Colonel Reb merchandise in the Rebel Shop has been lifted. Colonel Too, worn by an Ole Miss student volunteer, continues to attend Ole Miss sporting events and civic functions throughout the country.

The Colonel Reb Foundation launched an official campus chapter last fall, andhas quickly become the largest student organization, with over 500 members.

The Colonel Reb Foundation and the desire to have Colonel Reb back isn't fading anytime soon. The Colonel Reb Foundation believes that Colonel Reb is the only mascot for Ole Miss. He is a loveable, historic tradition of Ole Miss. The Colonel loves nothing more than to bring smiles to kids faces, shake hands with alumni and cheer the Rebels to victory. Save Colonel Reb!

Go Rebs!
Brian Ferguson - Chairman, Colonel Reb Foundation