Last Thursday began as any other normal day for State fans but quickly turned from such as 14 year head coach Rick Stansbury announced his retirement. Rick will leave behind a solid legacy: one that saw him raise the bar for Mississippi State basketball for future coaches to come.

As a part of our Cowbell Collective series, we wanted to take time this week to reflect back on the crazy day that was last Thursday and to talk briefly about how we see Stansbury's legacy as he leaves MSU.

Q1: Although we've talked about it being a possibility for awhile, were you shocked when you saw the news Thursday morning that Stansbury was retiring?

Just1BroArguing: I actually got word about 30 minutes before it broke on twitter, so I had already gotten over the initial WOW of the moment, but, yeah, I was surprised because everything I had been hearing/reading was pointing to him staying another year.

justinrsutton: I don't think I would use the word shocked because a bit of the fan base had turned against Rick Stansbury, and the team did not have a great showing in the NIT. Once you knew there was a press conference scheduled to coincide with the start of March Madness, you knew what was happening. Anytime a longtime coach steps down though, I would say it is stunning.

This is a horrible analogy, but I would say it is like someone that you know is very sick. You are shocked when you heard they died, but the news is still jarring.

When that press conference was called, you knew what the news was. It wasn't Stricklin announcing a 4 year extension. However, that would have been the most ultimate swerve in sports/entertainment since Hulk Hogan joined the NWO.

robnoladog: Shocked? No. Surprised? Definitely. As disappointing as the season was, considering all the expectations, I still thought Stans would come back for at least one more year.

The Croom Diaries: Yes. I was convinced that Stan's had let his ego get to big and he wouldn't retire. I was wrong.

thecristilmethod: I was a bit caught off guard, yes. I mean, we all knew it was coming, but I guess after the Polk deal I was just expecting another coach to hold on for as long as he possibly could.

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In recent years here at For Whom the Cowbell Tolls our writers have used a feature post called Cowbell Collective. The idea behind Cowbell Collective is to gather the thoughts of most of the writers into one place on various topics happening in Mississippi State sports, around campus, Mississippi, or just in life in general. Myself, The Croom Diaries, Justin Sutton and Co. look to revive this feature post to bring to you all of our thoughts in one place. The topics will vary from week to week, but it will be a good chance for you to see what we all think on subjects rather than what you're used to seeing with us posting thoughts individually. We hope you enjoy, and we hope you have a great weekend. #HailState

As we began this gathering thoughts for this post PRIOR to Wednesday night's victory over South Carolina in basketball, we erred on the side of caution and chose to discuss more savory topics going on in and around Mississippi State sports this week. Here's what we're thinking about baseball, spring football, and a good spring beer.

Collection 1: With State starting 6-1 (prior to Wed.'s L to Mem.) in baseball, would you say you expected this start or have been surprised with their success so far?

justinrsutton: I expected to Mississippi State to get off to a fast start with their schedule this year, but I am a little bit surprised by the 6-1 start. The Bulldogs had enough questions coming into the season that you might have expected a few close losses early, but they have avoided those for the most part. They are 3-1 in one run games, with the only loss coming in an extra innings loss to Washington State.

I still think you have to keep it all in perspective right now. Two wins came over Mississippi Valley State, a program that I believe is 0-22 against the Bulldogs. Kansas and Washington State are two teams trying to work their way back to the tournament. Still, 6-1 is a fantastic start, and I think this team is well on their way to a successful season.

The Croom Diaries: I would say I expected something along those lines. I am surprised at just how good the pitching has been, and that is good to see because I can't remember the last time we really had a top notch pitching staff.

thecristilmethod: I wouldn't say I'm surprised with this start. This team boasts a lot of talent and although they haven't played the toughest schedule so far, I think that was necessary to help break in such a young hitting lineup. I also think it's been great for this team to have to battle and especially battling from behind in several games already. It helps grow a young team and helps prepare them for the gauntlet that is SEC baseball.

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