Honoring a hero
Scott Vaughan (left) and his father Jack
Ask anyone for their definition of a “hero,” and you’re likely to get a variety of answers. A hero can be a close relation or a complete stranger—someone who lives down the street or someone who lived centuries ago. Some are known around the world, while others are the ordinary, unsung victors of everyday life. But the quality all heroes have in common is their enduring ability to inspire. Scott Vaughan’s hero has always been his father, Jack. Although Jack passed away in 2014, he continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance to Scott—and a reminder to all that the positive impact of one’s life lives on, even in their absence. In turn, Scott is further cementing his father’s legacy through meaningful gifts to Mississippi State. A native of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, Jack was recruited by former MSU head football coach Darrell Royal in 1954 to play for the Bulldogs at quarterback. When Coach Royal left to begin coaching at another university the following
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FOUNDATIONS | Spring 2022
year, Jack gave up football but continued to play baseball for the Diamond Dawgs as a slick-fielding shortstop. Despite his decision not to play, Jack remained passionate about football and kept his hand in the game throughout his college career. He began as a spotter for MSU legend Jack Cristil during his radio broadcasts of Bulldog football games and later served as an official for the local high school teams. After graduating with a business degree in 1958, Jack’s officiating career progressed into the Southeastern Conference, and eventually, the National Football League (NFL). During his 24 years on the field with the NFL, he officiated more than 465 pro-football games, twenty playoff games, two Pro Bowls and three Super Bowls—XX, XXV and XXIX. Scott has fond memories of his dad’s officiating career, having traveled with him to nearly every game. The first Super Bowl his dad officiated was held in New Orleans near
