University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Fan Feature: Keenan Dollar
7/22/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- In 2008, a very important individual made the decision to attend the University of Southern Mississippi. His decision to become a Golden Eagle may not have been met with pomp and circumstance. He never suited up and took the field at M.M. Roberts Stadium as a Golden Eagle football player, but his role was equally important as the student-athletes and coaches on the field. His name may not be entered in the record books but his impact is as important as those names that will forever be associated with Southern Miss Athletics. Often times, the unsung heroes remain in anonymity. However, we will sing the song of the unknown today and tell the story of a tremendous fan who represents the future of Southern Miss.
Keenan Dollar began attending games at the Rock when he was a sophomore in high school. His older sister was in the middle of her college years at Southern Miss, and she introduced him to Game Days in Hattiesburg. Keenan grew to love the Golden Eagles during those years and invested the next chapter of his life at Southern Miss. Throughout his time as a student, he was extremely involved on campus as a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity while studying business.
The ensuing years would include the meteoric rise of Golden Eagle football and some of the greatest memories in recent Southern Miss history. In 2011, the Golden Eagles secured a school record 12-win season, the Conference USA Championship, a Hawaii Bowl victory over Nevada, and a final national ranking at No. 19. The following year did not bring the same success on the field as the team began a rebuilding project. Keenan was there to see it all as his college years included the highest of highs and the lowest of lows for Southern Miss Football. He joined the Golden Eagle family on the brink of its greatest success. More importantly, he stayed through its greatest woes. He became an Eagle Club member in 2012 and his support for the Golden Eagles has never wavered.
Keenan explained his enjoyment of game days saying, "I love being back on campus, seeing old friends and getting to cheer on the Black and Gold. The atmosphere is great; I have been to many stadiums all over the country and it is really hard to top the atmosphere in Hattiesburg on Game Day."
For Keenan, the greatest part of the game day experience is actually before the game. He elaborated saying, "My favorite part is tailgating. I have around 10-12 friends that communicate during the week, plan out the food and get our spot set up. It's just great to spend time with friends and enjoy watching our team. It's really something special; we like to say we have gone undefeated during tailgate season."
As a student, Keenan created memories that will last for the rest of his life. He was a part of the incredible Golden Eagle Pride that swept the fan base and was there cheering on his team as part of some of the best student sections ever seen at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Keenan shared his favorite memory as a fan saying, "The 2011 game against LA Tech. It was the second game since the renewal of the rivalry and a tropical depression was either on its way or had just passed through. I remember the game started at 9:30 p.m. and by 9:31 p.m. the field was underwater as it poured rain the entire game. Everyone in the student section stayed and we squeezed out a 2-point victory."
Like many students, Keenan took advantage of the road games to experience college football in other cities. Road trips are a special part of being a college football fan and the first one was the most memorable for Keenan. He explained his experience saying, "The 2008 Auburn game stands out. It was my first year in school and really one of the first SEC stadiums I had been in. We ended up losing the game but road tripping with some fraternity brothers and getting to experience my first road game as a student is something I will always remember."
Some high-profile players came through the program during Keenan's years. However, a lesser known Golden Eagle tops the list for Keenan. He explained, "Cameron O'Neal (DB) was always one of my favorites. He was from Citronelle, Ala. and a lot of my family is from there. You could tell he played with passion and even though he wasn't the biggest player, he could deliver huge hits."
The fans are the most important piece of the puzzle. Golden Eagle fans and Eagle Club members are the lifeblood for Southern Miss Athletics through their unwavering support. It truly is all about the passion of the fan base. As a recent graduate, Keenan is integral to the future of Southern Miss football because he is a part of the newest generation of contributing fans. It's up to him and thousands of fans and alumni like him in the coming decades to love, support and sustain the Golden Eagles.
Keenan commented on the importance of fan support saying, "I believe in supporting the place I called home for nearly 5 years. Having the support of students, alumni and the city supporting the team every game is key to succeeding."
Now, Keenan lives in Mobile, Ala., and works as a sales representative for Metals USA. Hattiesburg holds a special place in his heart and he makes the road trip each weekend to The Rock to support his Golden Eagles. Family is what brought Keenan to Hattiesburg. Family is what he found at Southern Miss. And, family is what keeps Keenan coming back to The Rock on Game Days.
