Ad Disclosure
When Mississippi State takes the field Saturday to play Northwestern (La.) State, it will be missing a vital member of the team.
He was the smallest Bulldog, he was the youngest Bulldog, but he had the biggest heart of all the Bulldogs.
Campbell Dale, 5, passed away Friday after an 18-month battle with Ryabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
In August, Dale, his parents and his sister Avery were presented a special day courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Mississippi State. The youngster simply wanted to be a MSU Bulldog.
He was able to visit the State basketball team in Humphrey Coliseum, hang out with the baseball players at Dudy Noble Field and finally he was able to visit the football complex.
The players quickly took to the young fan, especially quarterback Dak Prescott when he saw Campbell wearing his No. 15 jersey.
“What he’s going through at such a young age, and seeing my mom handle it and the way he’s handling it, visiting him with the little time I did, it’s humbling,” Prescott told the Clarion-Ledger. “It makes you respect and love life.”
Rest Easy Little Guy! You're a Winner in my Eyes for The Fight. This Team has a Guardian Angel to Play For & Watch Over Us! #CampbellDale
— Dak Prescott (@dak) September 18, 2015
Campbell also made an impact on coach Dan Mullen and the rest of the Bulldog nation.
Prayers to the Dale family. Heaven has gained an extraordinary boy. Avery and her parents, have an angel watching over them for life.
— Dan Mullen (@CoachDanMullen) September 18, 2015
Today the @HailState family lost a special bulldog, @CampbellBulldog. Honored to have been part of his #HailState Make-A-Wish day.
— Stefan Tribble (@stefantribble) September 18, 2015
Mississppi State kicks off at 4 p.m. ET. At that moment, Heavenly harps will be accompanied by one cowbell being played by a Mississippi State Bulldog.
Steve Barnes is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football.
