As a large crowd of fellow students and relatives gathered Thursday morning in the Brookhaven Academy library, all that was missing was a hearty “Hotty-Toddy” cheer.

     Brookhaven Academy senior Jacob Ross made it official, signing an athletic scholarship to play golf for the Ole Miss Rebels. The scene was decorated in red and blue, complete with a large cake, sporting the Ole Miss mascot emblem of Colonel Reb.

     Ross, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound athlete, smiled for the official scholarship-signing photo with his parents, Ronny and Elizabeth Ross; and his younger sister, Olivia.

     He had several scholarship offers, including one from his father’s alma mater, Mississippi State University. His father is a PGA professional at the Wolf Hollow Golf Club and coaches the Copiah-Lincoln Community College golf team.

     Ross said the Ole Miss coaches and the program’s modern training facilities were major factors in his decision to join the Rebels.

     “I really like the coaches, so that was an easy start,” said Ross. “They also have a new training facility with a lot of training aides.”

     He said one of the training devices is a Track Man. “It measures every aspect of your swing. It reads the spin of your ball coming off the club head.”

     The defending MAIS Class AA state champion, Ross has led the Cougars to back-to-back state titles. He is a 4-time state championship medalist.

     He made a verbal commitment to sign with Ole Miss last year. He qualified for the United States Junior Championship last spring. He was among 156 players entered in the international field, which competed at the Golf Club of New England, located in Stratham, N.H. He advanced to the third round and was among 64 players. He lost in the first round of match play on the last hole to the No. 1-ranked player in the championship.

     In 2011, Ross was selected the Mississippi Junior Golf Association’s Player of the Year. He was the youngest player (14) to ever make the cut at the Mississippi State Am and finished 24th. He has finished 16th, 10th and 11th the last three years.

     Ross said he is considering a career in electrical engineering but his major goal is to play the PGA Tour. “I’m pretty solid in math.”

     His father is his main coach. He also works with swing coach Rob Noel of Abita Springs, La.

     Currently, Ross drives the ball in the 290-300-yard distance. He uses Titleist clubs. His lowest competitive round is a 64.

     The Ole Miss golf coach is Ernest Ross, no relation.

     Ross is considered to be the first Lincoln County product to sign an SEC golf scholarship.

Brookhaven mayor Les Bumgarner was present for the celebration.