Why Give?

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 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

their home, and Scott remembers his dad spending his entire game fee on tickets for family and friends to attend. The second, Super Bowl XXV, was another particularly memorable trip.

“I remember walking around the field the day before the game while crews were doing security and sound checks,” said Scott. “Whitney Houston was selected to sing the national anthem that year, and it was during the time when many of our American troops were deployed overseas to serve in Desert Storm. Everyone was busy working, and security was really tight, but when she got on stage to practice, every single person in the stadium stopped what they were doing to listen. It was the best performance I’ve ever heard, and it still gives me chills thinking about it.”

Scott followed his father’s footsteps to MSU and became a third-generation Bulldog. He later completed his degree in physical therapy and began his career at the Florida Back Institute in Boca Raton, Florida. The Louisiana native eventually returned to his hometown, and in 2016, he opened First Down Healthcare and Aesthetics.

Although Scott had never previously considered pursuing a career in officiating, a unique opportunity was presented to him during a trip abroad with his dad that would ultimately change his mind.

“Dad was officiating a preseason NFL game in Barcelona, Spain, and he invited me to come along. When we got to the hotel, dad had to go into a pregame meeting with the rest of the officiating crew,” said Scott, who decided to wait for his dad at the hotel bar. To his surprise, he ended up sitting next to Gordon Sumner, the lead singer of Sting. “As I was talking to him [Sumner], dad came up and asked me to join in the meeting.”

Scott couldn’t understand why he was being asked to attend the meeting, especially when he was midconversation with a celebrity. However, he quickly realized his dad was orchestrating a strategic solution that would lead to bigger opportunities down the road.

“It turned out that the NFL didn’t send a clock operator over with the officiating crew, so dad volunteered me for the job. The staff handed me a 90-page operating manual, and my excitement soon turned to fear. I read it over and over all night long,” said Scott, who Jack Vaughan pulled off his duties without a hiccup the following day. After that experience, Scott decided to try his own hand at his father’s game. He began officiating high school football games and soon moved into the collegiate arena. The opportunity to work alongside his father provided even more valuable lessons. “Dad was excited that I wanted to get involved and it was really special because he was able to coach me as I progressed,” said Scott, who officiated games for the Southland Conference, Conference USA, the Big 12 and the Southeastern Conference. “My dad and his dad had both officiated games in the SEC, so I’m the only person to have the distinction of being a third-generation SEC official.”

Scott also refereed for the Arena Football League and NFL Europe for 12 years and ran the game clock for all the New Orleans Saints’ home games for a decade before retiring from officiating in 2018. Throughout his time on the field, Scott was grateful to have his mentor by his side.

“Dad went with me to nearly every game I worked abroad. Even though I was there for work, we always

got the chance to spend time traveling too,” said Scott. “Football gave me so many incredible opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise have had the chance to experience, and I’m grateful my dad was involved every step of the way.”

Jack’s time in the NFL was prolific, most discernible from his remarkable appointments to serve in three Super Bowl games in nine years. The last game he officiated was the 2000 Pro Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii. Upon his retirement from the field, Jack gave his three Super Bowl Rings to Scott.

As Scott began to consider what would happen to the treasured heirlooms when his time came, he knew there was no better place for them to be than at the place his family’s shared journey began. He gifted the rings to Mississippi State University, where they remain on permanent display in the Bryan Athletic Administration Building. In addition to the rings, Scott furthered his tribute to his father’s accomplished career with another meaningful gift. He credits the idea and inspiration behind the gift to another memory he shared with Jack.

“I was refereeing a game at Texas A&M, and the officials locker room we got ready in was named in honor of Red Cashion,” said Scott. Jack had accompanied him on the trip, and the name caught his eye. Cashion was the head official of Super Bowl XX—the first Super Bowl Jack had ever called. “I could see his wheels turning when we entered in and saw the name, so I knew doing something like that at Mississippi State would make him really happy,” said Scott. After he passed, I knew it was time to make that a reality.” Today, the Jack Vaughan Officials Locker Room is an important fixture in MSU’s Davis Wade Stadium. The naming opportunity came through a commitment benefiting MSU Athletics. Scott knows his father would be proud of the legacy he established at their alma mater.

“Hands down, there is no other university that is as important to anyone in my family than MSU. My granddad is from Shannon, Mississippi, and after he graduated from Mississippi State, we all fell in line right behind him,” said Scott. “Even though I grew up in the heart of LSU Tiger country, Mississippi State was always the premier school and the place that my family and I supported for as far back as I can remember.”

Jack Vaughan was a proud alumnus who shared his passion with his family. An avid supporter of MSU athletics, he was a longtime member of the university’s Bulldog and Dugout clubs and was nominated for the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. His dedication and love for the game of football propelled him to a level untouched by many. And to his son, who has cemented his legacy at Mississippi State, he was a hero in every right.

“I was very fortunate to have him as my dad, and I’m proud to be able to do something special in his honor.”

Scott Vaughan at dedication of Jack Vaughan Officials Locker Room.

Jack Vaughan's Super Bowl rings, now enshrined at MSU.

STORY ADDIE MAYFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

DIY: No-sew T-shirt tote bag

Lay your tee on a flat surface and smooth out.

supplies:

T-shirt scissors

Turn the T-shirt inside out and using the first set of fringe strips (front and back layers) tie a double knot. Repeat with each set of fringe strips. This will create a seam for the base of the bag.

Remove the sleeves and collar by cutting along the seams.

The Mississippi State Fashion Board is a student organization that provides opportunities for MSU students to pursue fashion on a variety of levels. These may include, but are not limited to, modeling, production, design, lighting and sound, backstage management, photography, marketing and communications, hair styling and Cut even, one-inch strips from the bottom of the shirt to create make up artistry. The organization also generates a student-produced a fringe. The top of the fringe fashion magazine, The Êrtre, where will be the bottom of the bag, students can showcase their skills. so cut them as sort or long as you prefer. Be sure to cut the Open to all majors, Fashion Board front and back layers of the shirt members partner with campus and at the same time to ensure the community entities to provide fashionstrips are aligned. based activities and services, including fashion shows. Among the most popular is the annual “Trashion” show, in which models walk the runway wearing custom outfits made of recycled and unconventional materials. The show is a collaborative effort that give students valuable hands-on experience, while also demonstrating the power of creativity in transforming trash to treasure. If you’re planning to tackle some spring cleaning this season, consider repurposing unused items instead of tossing them. Here’s just one example of an easy, FashionBoard-approved DIY project that will turn an old T-shirt into a handy tote bag that’s perfect for upcoming trips to the farmers market and beyond! To learn more about Fashion Board, visit https://fashionboardmsu.weebly.com or follow @msufashionboard on Instagram.

Turn the bag right-side out and enjoy!

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY ASHLEIGH LEE