"Rebel" the new mascot at today's visit to the children's hospital in Jackson. (Photo courtesy Ole Miss Athletics)

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Not a lot of hype for the debut of the Black Bear known as Rebel, but the new Ole Miss mascot clocks in today at a Jackson hospital.

From media relations

OXFORD - Rebel begins his public appearances this week, as Ole Miss’ new mascot visits the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children in Jackson on Tuesday.

Rebel will take part in a meet and greet with patients in the lobby before visiting individual rooms. He will be sharing and taking photographs with the children and their families.

Rebel’s tour will continue Wednesday at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis for the organization’s “Sports Day.” He will be joined by other mascots from the region, including the Memphis Redbirds’ Rockey the Redbird.

“Emotionally connecting with children and positively impacting our communities are top priorities for Rebel,” said Michael Thompson, Ole Miss senior associate athletics director for communications and marking. “I can't think of a more important place to introduce him than at these awe-inspiring facilities that touch the lives of so many.”