Ole Miss Rebels News wants to acknowledge a few athletes who haven’t received nearly enough attention. These athletes have pulled in hardware on a national level.
So much time and effort is placed on the big 3 sports by Ole Miss Rebels News. However, there is very little attention given to the other athletic programs at Ole Miss. Well that is changing here and now. These athletes are just as important to their sports as any football player to theirs.
Although this has been a year when Ole Miss athletics has garnered a lot of national attention, much of it has been as a result of the NCAA case against Ole Miss football. However, there have been quite a few positive moments in the national spotlight. Of course, we recently watched Ole Miss softball make it to the LA super-regional against UCLA. It may have not turned out the way we had all hoped but you know they will be back in the same spotlight next season.
There are other Ole Miss athletic programs which have done very well this year and brought home national titles. Let’s have a look at those Ole Miss Rebels and their accomplishments.
Raven Saunders
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Raven Saunders is synonymous with throwing the shot-put and she has been very successful at it. The Charleston, South Carolina native was also a high school national record holder.
While at Ole Miss, besides being a 3-time SEC Champion, Raven is also a 3 time NCAA National Champion.
Raven also holds national collegiate records in both the indoor and outdoor events. Raven Saunders is also a 4-time All-American in the shot-put.
Raven was a member of the USA team in the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics where she finished 5th overall.
We can be sure we will see one more year from the Olympian. Raven is only a junior.
Braden Thornberry, Golf
Whatever you do don’t try to tell Braden Thornberry Ole Miss isn’t a golf school. The sophomore from Hernando just might change your mind. Whether you are a fan of golf or not you have to be a fan of this guy if you love Ole Miss. Braden Thornberry has put Ole Miss golf on the map.
Of course, this Rebel is busy this summer with his fair share of PGA events and has done well so far. According to FoxSports.com, Braden has entered two events and made his first PGA event in the FedEx St. Jude Classic. Thornberry finished 8 under and tied for 4th. He barely missed the cut at his second PGA event however his future is bright.
While Thornberry is proving his worth on the world stage, he’s doing so because of his huge win at the NCAA Golf Championships. He won the 2017 Fred Haskins Award for his season and his efforts as the best college golfer in the nation.
Ole Miss Rebels can expect to see much more of this young golfer as he has two more seasons to compete in Oxford. We will also be seeing much more of him on the nation’s and world’s stages.
The Next NCAA Champ
Who can be absolutely where the next natty will come from at Ole Miss? It could be from any sport on Campus in Oxford. Of course, we have a lot of eligible sports from which a champion or multiple champions could emerge. Raven Saunders will certainly have the best shot at another for herself and Ole Miss track and field. The track and field program could develop others.
Then there is Ole Miss golf and Braden Thornberry. With two years remaining in Oxford and the experience which comes from this summer on the PGA Tour, Braden will be golden. Thornberry will also have a distinct advantage to help bring another championship to Oxford and Ole Miss golf. Of course, Ole Miss golf also has a strong contingency of other great players returning.
Every school wants to see a national championship come in the ‘Big 3’ however it’s just simply not that easy. The large percentage of athletic programs in the NCAA are made up of student-athletes which do not play football or basketball. The importance of those student-athletes to their sports and universities is huge and so is any championship.
Next: 2017 Rebels Football Predictions!
Of course, it is only fair to thank each and every student-athlete which contributes at any university. We are blessed to have the chance to revel in their glory and wallow in their misery when we watch them play. When the glory comes in the form of a national championship it needs to be duly noted. Thank you Raven and Braden.