Fielder's Choice

Trips to Hattiesburg to see our children during their college years have been a regular routine since the fall of 2009.

That’s when our oldest daughter Emma entered the University of Southern Mississippi for her freshman year. She’s a 2013 graduate.

When mentioning the often road trip to others, we typically get a response like, “That’s a long way.” It’s exactly 291 miles from The South Reporter office and takes about four and a half hours, if you only make a quick stop or two along the way.

We’ve gotten accustomed to the ride the past 12 years.

October 9 had been on our calendar for several months. It was homecoming at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Our daughter Erin, a sophomore, had a big role in the homecoming festivities ­ serving as co-director this year.

She had put in lots of long hours heading up to the date, and we actually knew, too, that on homecoming day itself, we wouldn’t be able to spend a lot of time with her.

But we certainly had to be there. And it worked out where we actually got to spend more time with her than we thought.

When we got parked on campus Saturday, near all the sorority houses, come to find out Erin was parked just a few spaces away from us. We got a quick hug.

Then she was off to get lined up for the homecoming parade.

We made our first long walk on a hot Hattiesburg day, this one to where our son Andy and daughter-in-law Brooke, both graduates of USM, were tailgating with friends. That spot was also right beside the parade route.

Erin and the other co-directors of homecoming had the honor of walking at the front of the parade. It was great waving and cheering, and I think her brother even gave her a “highfive.” He was a co-director of homecoming his junior year at USM.

Then we made the long walk to the Delta Gamma house, where Erin’s sorority was hosting a homecoming event for family. We enjoyed cooling off, some snacks and good fellowship. Erin was able to join us at the house for a few minutes, too, before moving on to her next activity.

The homecoming football game kicked off at 6 p.m.

At halftime, on the field, Erin had the honor of presenting flowers to Miss Southern Miss.

The Golden Eagles are having a tough football season. They fell to the University of Texas at El Paso 26-13. Their new leader is coach Will Hall, who is in his first season, and I’m on his side for sure. He’s a great person, a great leader of men, and a great coach.

Erin joined us at our seats for the fourth quarter of the game. She was about as tired as I’ve ever seen her. She had poured her heart and soul into homecoming week.

The next morning, before our return to Holly Springs, we met for breakfast. She assured us she would get some rest soon. But knowing her, she will keep on pushing herself to the limit ­ in her classes and in the extracurricular activities, too. It’s just a part of her DNA, following in the USM footsteps of her sister Emma and brother Andy.

Southern Miss has been great for our children.

And it continues to be lots of fun visiting Hattiesburg, too.