the MASTER MIND Megan McCurdy is coach Hugh Freeze’s righthand woman. As his assistant, she does the expected tasks, like managing his calendar, correspondence, speaking engagements and autograph requests. But she also plans every single detail of home-game Saturdays, even the things fans might think happen organically. “Game day is very structured,” she said. “We have everything planned to the minute by Wednesday or Thursday, so that the players know exactly when each element will take place. We even know exactly how long it takes for the Walk of Champions to happen.” On game days, McCurdy is at the stadium two hours before kickoff and stays with Freeze on the sideline into the second quarter. “You never know what might come up,” she said. “We might need to laminate new call sheets at the last minute. But after the second quarter, I go to the stands and enjoy the game.” After the game is over and fans go home, McCurdy returns to her office to answer email and complete paperwork. McCurdy, who grew up in Sumrall, Miss., has been an Ole Miss fan most of her life. She came to Oxford to study biology and worked in the football office as a student. When she heard that the position of assistant to the head coach was open in 2012, she jumped at the chance to be involved with Ole Miss athletics again. “The first year was definitely a learning experience,” she said. “We were figuring out how we wanted to get things done. The second and third years have been fine-tuning our process.” That process doesn’t stop when the football season ends. McCurdy is busy year-round, scheduling recruiting visits through February and football camps through August. But Saturdays in Oxford are her favorite workdays. “At the Alabama game last year, I saw Woody Harrelson, Liam Hemsworth and Katy Perry sitting in our stadium. I am so proud that Ole Miss is now a national name. It’s surreal to be a part of the changes that are taking place. People are surprised by what an amazing facility we have, and it all stems from the success we are having on the field.”
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INVITATION OXFORD | Football and Fashion 2015