Feb. 15, 2012

OXFORD, Miss. - The Ole Miss Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame will honor the late Michael Rubenstein with its Contribution to Amateur Football Award here Thursday night at halftime of the Ole Miss-Vanderbilt basketball game.

The Contribution to Amateur Football Award is given by the Ole Miss Chapter in honor of those who have made numerous contributions to the college athletic world through a lifetime of service to their fellow man.

"Michael Rubenstein's vision of how sports should be covered by the media, especially television, had a major impact in our state," said Frank Crosthwait, president of the Ole Miss Chapter. "He was also the driving force in the creation of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum and it was important to Michael that Mississippi's rich sports history be protected and showcased.

"The Ole Miss Chapter had hoped to recognize Michael during the 2011 football season, but his health challenges didn't allow us to have an on-campus salute," Crosthwait said. "Michael Rubenstein's contributions to sports in Mississippi were greatly appreciated, and his legacy will continue to live through the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum."

A native of Booneville, Miss., and an honor graduate of Vanderbilt University, Rubenstein passed away on Dec. 1 following a lengthy illness. He became a sports icon in Mississippi, first working in television and then was the only Executive Director of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.

Rubenstein spent 16 years as Sports Director of Jackson TV station WLBT-TV3 as he became the most well-known sportscaster in the state. He was also known for his colorful reports and quick wit.

In 1992, Rubenstein left WLBT for a statewide news program, Mississippi News Tonight. After that venture failed, Rubenstein turned his focus to development of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, which opened July 4, 1996. The goal of the Museum is to provide an exciting and informative experience for every visitor.