Mississippi Bowl title sponsors Dub Herring (left) and Barry Harper
South Mississippi automobile/RV dealers Barry Harper and Dub Herring have agreed to serve as the co-title sponsors for the first-ever Mississippi Bowl set for Dec. 7 in Biloxi. Harper, a Grenada native, played football at Delta State University from 1977-81 and currently owns Barry Harper Dodge and Harpertowne RVs in Poplarville. He also serves on the Pearl River Community College Board of Trustees.
Herring, also a well-known car and RV dealer, owns Dub Herring Ford-Lincoln-Mercury, Dub Herring Crysler-Dodge-Jeep, and Paw Paw’s Camper City in Picayune. He also played football at Holmes Community College in Goodman. Harper spent 21 years working for Herring and is Herring’s son-in-law.
“We’re both huge football fans,” Harper said. “We’ve been talking about getting involved in something like this bowl game for a long time. We think it’s a great opportunity not only for the Gulf Coast, but for all of Mississippi to be showcased.”
The Mississippi Bowl will play host to the Mississippi Community College/Junior College state champion and the highest ranked team in the nation, in anticipation for a National Championship contest. Three fun-filled days of local entertainment, food and football will welcome the teams and their families, friends and special guests.
“We know the Coast is the place to do this,” Herring said. “We’re so glad to see this idea come together. We think this event will be something special.”
All revenues of this association are for the benefit of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Foundation. The Mississippi Bowl payout for each team will be $10,000, compared to the $7,500 per-team payout from other bowl organizations.
“We are excited to have two great supporters of community college football sign on to be the major sponsors for the first Mississippi Bowl,” said Dr. Willis Lott, Gulf Coast president. “Their support allows us to have a first-class game venue and provide an opportunity for a Mississippi team to play in its home state for what will likely be the national championship.”
