During Mississippi State home football games this fall, the Bagley College of Engineering’s new Spirit-O-Meter asked Bulldog fans to bring the ring.
The device, which was developed by Associate Professor J.W. Bruce, gives fans 10 seconds to ring a cowbell in order to measure how much Bulldog spirit they can generate. Each participant was rated as Bully’s Buddy, a Bona Fide Bulldog or Top Dawg, and earned a corresponding spirit pin.
The Spirit-O-Meter features a cowbell, Mississippi State’s most unique symbol, which has been equipped with a special microprocessor to measure the intensity behind someone’s ring. It has a simple computer interface that allows users to see a countdown clock and meters that show the fluctuations of their effort.
The day’s 10 highest scorers are ranked on the right of the screen, and whoever is Top Dawg at game time earns a chrome cowbell. All other participants are entered into a random drawing for a maroon or white bell.
After its debut prior to Mississippi State’s game against Louisiana Tech, the Spirit-O-Meter became a permanent feature at the college’s tailgates and proved to be just as popular as the free food served at each event. Fans often waited in line for their chance to showcase their spirit and many could be seen debating the most effective ways to earn the Top Dawg spot.
This was the second year that the BCoE sponsored tailgates prior to MSU home games. Each event was co-sponsored by the Dean’s Office and one of the college’s departments or research centers. In addition to the Spirit-O-Meter, attendees were treated to barbecue, donuts or MSU ice cream, as well as a festive atmosphere to reconnect with the college and enjoy watching football on a flat screen TV.
For more information about the BCoE’s tailgate, visit www.bagley.msstate.edu in the fall prior to the first home football game.
2011 Cowbell Winners:
vs. La. Tech.: Roland Webster, chrome; Joel Myers, maroon;
vs. South Carolina: Scott Guerry, chrome; Tim Roberts, white
vs. Tenn. Martin: Richard Covington, chrome; Allen Gearhart, white
vs. Alabama: Josef Cobb, chrome; Anna Coleman, maroon
vs. Ole Miss: Greg Olsen, chrome; Nathan Byrd, white
