Sports: Citrus Bowl Tour a Great Success

            The MSU Alumni Association took some 1,700 Spartans to Orlando, FL, for the Official Citrus Bowl Tour. On all counts, the tour proved to be successful. “Our fans raved about every aspect of the tour,” says Keith Williams, MSUAA executive director. “From the Millenium gala celebration to the Touchdown Tailgate pep rally, from the direct charter flights to the bus convoy with police escort to the game, alumni were very complimentary. It really helps that Bobby Williams gave us such an impressive win in his debut as coach.”

            A sellout crowd of 1,500 attended the Millenium Gala Celebration at the Peabody, while some 3,000—including Gov. John and Michelle Engler-- participated in the pre-game pep rally. Besides the many optional tours to Orlando area attractions, a golf tournament organized by the MSUAA attracted a dozen foursomes. In the end, the winning Paul Edinger field goal capped what proved to be a tremendous millenial kickoff for Spartans.

FAN SUPPORT HELPS MSU

            Bowl selection involves wins and losses, as well as such considerations as the school’s “following.” By selling 14,000 tickets to the Citrus Bowl, MSU established a strong following that should help its future consideration by bowl selection committees. “That’s a major factor in consideration for New Year’s Day bowls,” notes MSU athletics director Clarence Underwood. “In addition to the 14,000 tickets we sold, another 5,000 or so Spartans bought tickets directly from the Citrus Bowl. This kind of fan support will help us in the future.”

            Underwood also praised the MSUAA for its “great job” in garnering strong alumni support and in sponsoring the Official Citrus Bowl Tour.