The Ole Miss football program hosted a number of the children of six Oxford residents who died in a weekend plane crash Tuesday at the Rebels' morning practice.

Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze and his players welcomed the children with open arms. Freeze and his players spent part of the practice playing pick-up football with the kids, who all wore broad smiles.

Dr. Michael Perry and his wife Kim, Dr. Jason Farese and his wife Dr. Lea Farese and Dr. Austin Poole and his wife Angie, were killed Sunday morning when their single-engine plane crashed in Northport, Ala. The couples were returning to Oxford from a dental convention in Kissimmee, Fla. There were no survivors from the crash.

All told, the three couples left behind 11 children.

“The hurt that I feel for those families,” Freeze said. “I went home and spent some time with my kids. I just can’t imagine. You search for answers, and you’re just at a total loss for words.

"I know the Oxford community, though, because I’ve lived here five years now, and three before. I know that they will rally. I know that we’re going to do our part in helping these young kids have a future that is secure. I know their families will, too. We’re here to help. We’ve got all those kids here today from those families. I see our guys over there hanging out with them right now. Man, it hit home, for sure.”

A memorial was held for the victims Monday evening in the Grove.

“One of the young girls is one of my daughter’s good friends," Freeze continued. "I told our team, you’re not promised another day. What we can do is rise up today and be the best man we can be, whether it’s a football player or just using the platform that God’s given us to make an impact and difference.

“To see them smile. We had Madison Manning here the other night who’s a cancer patient who’s been sent home. They can do no more for him. Our kids did a remarkable job with him, giving him a day that he’ll never forget. Hopefully one that brings a smile to his face when he thinks about it. We can always look at our problems and our issues that we have going on, but it’s all relative. What’s happened this week, man, we could have it a lot worse.”

Sophomore offensive lineman Sean Rawlings was one of the many Rebels who spent time with the children on Tuesday.

"It's sad and makes you appreciate life a little bit more," Rawlings said. "How strong these kids are to be out here and smiling and trying to make the best of the moment."