It's been a while since I visited this place, perhaps as far back as the IHL's decision to give Thames until May of 2007.  Since that day, there has been much speculation about future leadership at USM.  Well, that war is being fought on several fronts. 

Earlier this week a group of men met to plan the future of USM.  The details of this effort will be forthcoming.  But, I will say that the meeting occurred right under Thames' nose, there on the campus in Hattiesburg (just a bit west of the Dome).  This meeting could solidify an in-state candidate's selection as the new President.

At the same time, I have heard that Thames' new PR Director is proudly boasting around town that the old guy himself will retain the Presidency of USM beyond May of 2007.  Don't discount this, though it's probably somewhat of a longshot.  He has attempted to use IHL institutional channels in Jackson, but to little or no success.  I think that his latest efforts will most likely involve some members of the legislature, with a guy from right next door to Hattiesburg taking a leadership role.  His extension will have an "emergency" pretext to it if it is to succeed at all.

This posting has been more about reporting events than usual for me.  Over the next few weeks, I will lay out some scenarios for message board consideration as I have done in the past.