Throughout most of its history, the SEC (Southeastern Conference) has made a name for itself as one of -if not the most- popular groups of universities in the country, but the reasons behind decisions to attend these schools vary. Some people go there because they had family go there, but some go there for the party and football culture. We interviewed two people – one former SEC student and one future SEC student and got there reasons they committed.
Mississippi State alumni and Liberty engineering and football coach, Michael LaBrot had family influence his decision to attend an SEC school.
“My sister went to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) so growing up around that showed me the beauty and culture of the SEC at a young age,” LaBrot said.
When asked if the weather played a factor in his decision, LaBrot responded saying “Not at the beginning before my visit but after the winter of my senior year in high school, comparing that to the nice weather in Mississippi it was really nice.”
Future Ole Miss (University of Mississippi) Rebel, Owen Greer (12) participates in band and is expected to enroll at Ole Miss in the fall of 2026.
When asked about the party culture in the SEC and Ole Miss, Greer responded saying “When going around campus and seeing all the frats and the parties, it definitely influenced me and, I can’t wait to have a great time.”
However, when asked about if the football and sports culture influenced him, he said something that would shock most people. Owen said, “it did not influence my decision at all.”
Nonetheless, the claim I think we can all make is that the SEC is filled with excitement, and everyone’s just trying to make the mark whether that is with academics or athletics. This shows that the SEC is more than drinking and football, it’s a culture that spans decades and it is apart of people’s identity.
