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A spirit that is not afraid

OPINION: Championship potential surrounds Auburn sports

Gus Malzahn congratulates Bruce Pearl at his first press conference at Auburn (Raye May | Photo & Design Editor)
Gus Malzahn congratulates Bruce Pearl at his first press conference at Auburn (Raye May | Photo & Design Editor)

The recent revitalization of Auburn athletics has the 2014-2015 school year primed to potentially be one of the most exciting Auburn sports years in recent memory.
From Jordan-Hare Stadium to the friendly confines of Jane B. Moore Field, a large number of Auburn's sports teams are currently rounding into championship form.
A large percentage of the excitement surrounding Auburn athletics comes from the work of Gus Malzahn and his staff.
This city has never seemed as down on itself as it was during the 2012 season. Not only had the Tigers just completed their worst season in close to 60 years, but the treasured Toomer's Oaks were ceremoniously removed after the season.
But things change when the football team starts winning, and the spirits of the Auburn faithful can handle turbulence elsewhere as long as there is a winning football team.
So, while you have the misfortune of coming to the Plains one year after the most wildly unexpected championship season in recent memory, there's little reason to think this year can't be just as exciting as the last.
The excitement in Auburn athletics has spilled over to the hardwood of Auburn Arena, as new head coach Bruce Pearl finally has people talking about Auburn basketball.
Mercifully gone are the days of Tony Barbee basketball. You're lucky to have missed out on that irrelevant era of hardwood mediocrity.
The hiring of Pearl, who revitalized the Tennessee basketball program from 2005-2011, has the national media and top recruits once again taking notice that yes, Auburn does indeed have men's basketball.
His turnaround may not happen immediately, but at the bare minimum Pearl's frenetic style of play should make home games entertaining again.
Though falls in Auburn are generally reserved for football and early parts of the basketball season, Jay Jacobs' recent hires have pumped energy back into the school's baseball and softball programs.
Sunny Golloway of the baseball team and softball's Clint Myers bring a postseason pedigree to the Plains, and though both may not bring in championships this season, their history suggests a potentially quick turnaround in upcoming years.
Even if you're not a passionate sports follower, the culture and pageantry surrounding football in Auburn is enough to make a fan out of the most apathetic.
Enjoy it for what it is, as few things in the world put cars on the sidewalks and brings a town to a standstill quite like a football Saturday on the Plains.


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