Matt Luke and the Rebels give grieving local fan day to remember

MORE: Five Questions - California | Bears without best running back against Rebs

OXFORD | Wesley McGriff was the welcome committee.

The energetic, gregarious Ole Miss defensive coordinator greeted James Bruno warmly and loudly, telling of his excitement to see him and the open invitation he would be given for the future.

“That joker was pumped up,” Bruno said. “He even asked me if I wanted to call some plays.”

Over the next hours, Bruno would meet and have an extended conversation with Archie Manning, sneak a photo with his favorite player, quarterback Shea Patterson, during a break in repetitions and take a tour of the different areas of Ole Miss’ practice set up, playing a role in the day's action.

Interim head coach Matt Luke took time to express his appreciation for Bruno’s support, and other players showered him with enthusiasm.

This Thursday afternoon practice in late August was another in the monotonous month of preparation and lack of instant pay off, as Ole Miss readied for its season. It was the same as most any other day for the attendees there except for Bruno, an 18-year-old, who had had a devastating month.

Bruno, a lifelong Ole Miss fan and Northwest Community College student, was born with cerebral palsy, a permanent disorder that can affect multiple areas of function in the body.

His best memories revolve around The Grove, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and college football with his father, Jimmy Bruno.

Ole Miss football is a year-around affair with the Brunos, especially with Jimmy and James, but in early August, as the family prepared for another season of fall Saturdays, Jimmy suffered a fatal heart attack, leaving his wife, Tammy, and triplets — Anna Marie, Vincent and James.

The tragedy and timing paired for a devastating period, and family friend James Pritchard stepped in to give James a special day. With Luke’s wife, Ashley, assisting with the preparations, Pritchard picked up Bruno and didn’t tell him their destination on that Thursday.

“He had to trick me, but as we pulled on to campus I knew what was going on,” Bruno said. “But I didn’t know what all was going to happen. I was so nervous but once I got to talk to the players and coaches the nerves went away.”

Manning’s appearance was serendipitous, but Luke told his players about the special visitor. From there they acted on their own, making sure to take pictures, say positive words and give high fives and fist bumps before leaving the field.

“We have great kids, and it doesn’t surprise me one bit,” Luke said. “They enjoy doing those things, and it’s really good for those guys to see that. Sometimes they feel bad about playing time or not getting enough of a scholarship check, but then they see real-life issues. They understand and identify with it.”

In Oxford — and most places with major athletic programs and franchises, but especially in small towns — the social calendar and anticipation of dates revolve around the local team. Emotional connections and lasting memories arrive from players that many supporters never meet but most care about.

Luke understands his program’s role. He’s lived it, as his dad and brother played at Ole Miss before him, and his memories give him extra motivation to make his players accessible to those who would appreciate it and need it.

He knows his opportunity to be impactful is finite, but that doesn’t stop the importance of it.

“I was that kid,” Luke said. “Growing up the players meant everything to me, and we’re in a unique position. I don’t know how long I’m going to be in this position so you want to take advantage of it for as long as you can. Touch as many people as you can. It doesn’t affect winning or losing games if someone comes to practice, but it means everything to him. If you can change someone’s life or make a day better that’s very important.”

When asked about his father, Bruno’s eyes pick up shimmer. During an hour-long interview, most pauses allowed him the chance to tell a second-hand tale. Stories his dad told him about past Ole Miss games and experiences from weekend travel.

“My dad never missed a game,” Bruno said. “Those are my best memories. That was our thing. He loved Ole Miss football as much as I do, and that’s where I get it from.”

James' favorite Ole Miss moment was the 2014 win over Alabama. A recent where-were-you-when for most Rebel fans, Bruno gives his dad’s reaction to the victory before detailing his own. They were in the Grove. There was cheering, taunting and a memory that stays sharp three years later. A memory that will go on for a lifetime.

Bruno is in the midst of another season of Ole Miss football. He can’t wait to stay up as the Rebels play on the West Coast against California Saturday, and he bemoaned the 11 a.m. kickoff last week against UT Martin.

The excitement remains, though his partner isn’t bodily present. However, thanks to the kindness of Pritchard, the Lukes and others, he has new friends to follow it all with — the ones dressed in the uniforms on the field. A connection was made, and it found some happiness on the heels of a harrowing event.

“The thing you see is they are real people,” Bruno said. “They were so welcoming, and they wanted to see me. They treated me like family.”