Park Coleman Stevens, a 20-year-old native of Columbus, Miss., and a graduate of New Hope High School, walked on to the University of Mississippi Rebels football team this spring after spending two seasons at East Central Community College. He participated in spring drills with the Rebels, and was looking forward to his first season with a Southeastern Conference team. Stevens' hopes were cut short by a tragic automobile accident July 3, 2013, when Stevens died instantly.
"Park had such a magnetic personality. He didn't meet a stranger," former East Central Community College coach Brian Anderson told the Clarion Ledger. "He was just an outstanding young man. He just had personality for days."
"He was a tremendous young man that was loved by his teammates and coaches, and Rebel Nation will never forget him," said Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Stevens' family, his friends, our team and all those he touched during his life."
Dean and Gail Stevens, Park Stevens' parents, have established the Park Stevens Memorial Scholarship Fund with the University of Mississippi Foundation in his memory. Gifts may be made by sending a check with the fund noted in the memo line to the University of Mississippi Foundation, 406 University Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655; or by visiting www.umfoundation.com/makeagift. For more information contact Jared Coy at the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation at (662) 915-7894 or jcoy@olemiss.edu.
Katie Morrison