Corky Palmer Receives Key To City
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – In recognition of his team's successes this season, Southern Miss baseball coach Corky Palmer today received the key to the City of Hattiesburg, from Mayor Johnny Dupree, in ceremonies held at the Baseball Clubhouse.

Palmer's Golden Eagles recently clinched the regular season Conference USA title, swept through four games undefeated to win the C-USA Tournament, and then received a bid to host the school's first-ever NCAA Regional Tournament. Baylor, Murray State and Southern University, along with Southern Miss, make up the field for the four-team, double-elimination event that gets underway Friday with the Golden Eagles taking on Southern in a 3 p.m., game and Baylor meeting Murray State in the 7 p.m., game. Three games will be played Saturday, and either one or two games Sunday.

In addition to Mayor Dupree, various other city and county officials, along with Southern Miss Athletic Director Richard Giannini, President Dr. Shelby Thames and other university officials were on hand to honor Palmer, who was voted C-USA coach of the year for his 2003 successes.

Mayor Dupree also pledged the City of Hattiesburg's full support for the NCAA Regional Tournament, noting the vast amount of positive publicity and exposure the event will generate for the Hub City, from both local and national media outlets and from players and fans who will attend the event.