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(08/22/14 6:00pm)
A recent $55,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will help the Alabama Prison Arts & Eduction project at Auburn University continue.
The project, housed in the department of human development and family studies in the College of Human Sciences, has provided visual arts classes to many correctional facilities in Alabama since 2003, when it first partnered with the NEA.
According to the project's website, they believe it is important for the adult prison population to gain a quality education, and to build a relationship with learning that will continue to grow for the rest of their lives.
The project has grown from one poet teaching in one prison to more than 100 writers, artists, scholars teach in correctional facilities in Alabama.
Kyes Stevens, the project's director, spoke on the importance of keeping the grant going.
"The main motivation of the project is that education is good for people," Stevens said. "This is another population that we can reach."
Auburn's project has partnered with the Alabama Department of Corrections to offer semester-long classes in arts, sciences and English in 10 facilities.
"Our students are people who have never had the opportunity that many of us have had," Stevens said. "We want to help them develop for their future."
Auburn has received seven grants from the NEA Art Works program Since the project began in 2003.
The NEA Art Works program's main goal is to support the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence.
This grant will fund the program through 2015.
Former prison arts students who are released from the correctional facilities still stay in touch, often attributing it as a positive effect.
"We leave it up to our students to contact us when they are released," Stevens said. "We have had former students who view the program as the primary reason they could get through their incarceration."
One warden, according to the program, said he could always tell who participated in the program, saying they had an air of purpose and are driven to succeed in learning.
The prison arts and education classes are taught as college-level courses, helping to prove the students that they can earn a degree when released from the facilities.
The prison arts and education students can request transcripts as the classes are offered as Continuing Education through Auburn.
Dae Jackson, junior in journalism, said she thinks the program is a great benefit for those who may not have had educational opportunities growing up.
"Education is important and the fact they are providing that opportunity to gain education while incarcerated can help," Jackson said. "It can help put them on a better path."
John Carvalho, journalism professor, taught a class at one of the facilities.
"The inmates responded to the readings we provided beforehand," Carvalho said. "They came to class with in-depth questions."
Stevens also spoke about the enthusiasm that students bring to the program.
"A lot of people want to make judgments on the prison population," Stevens said. "They react with an enthusiasm for an education that I have never seen anywhere else."
(08/19/14 3:00pm)
Students and faculty will have a new location to grab a coffee, bite to eat and relax in between classes starting this fall.
College of Business dean Bill Hardgrave officially opened the new Lowder Student and Faculty Lounge on Friday, Aug. 8, with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by more than 75 people.
"This is a fantastic facility for our students and faculty," Hardgrave said.
The 3,240 square foot expansion on the east side of Lowder Hall will feature a full-service Starbucks, as well as indoor seating for 112 people.
Kim Welch, representative for Starbucks, said she was happy with the partnership.
"I can't tell you how excited we are to be a part of this," Welch said. "We want to invite you to experience our passion for coffee."
Students and faculty on the north side of campus will no longer have to walk to the Student Center to get their daily Starbucks fix.
"I go to the Student Center for Starbucks, and the line is always extremely long," said Lamar Seibenhener, research associate in molecular biology. "I am hoping with the new option, the Student Center line will decrease, and I can get in and out."
The lounge has the typical Starbucks feel, with lounge chairs situated next to the ordering area and standard chairs and tables located throughout the rest of the lounge.
The lounge is accessible from the ground floor of Lowder Hall and via the sidewalk on the east side of the building.
In addition, outdoor seating will also be available when weather permits.
Built by Lyman Davidson Dooley Inc., construction costs were estimated at $978,000.
After the ribbon cutting, attendees were given samples of different flavors of coffee, along with a selection of pastries that the lounge will offer.
During the fall semester, the lounge will be open 7 a.m. - midnight on weekdays.
On Saturday, hours will be from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sunday, respectively.
"We are excited about the opening," Hardgrave said after cutting the ceremonial ribbon. "We hope this place is packed at all times."
(08/15/14 4:26am)
Coach Bruce Pearl announced his partnership with the "Fore the Children" Golf Tournament that will take place on Oct. 27 at Willow Point Golf and Country Club in Alexander City.
The tournament will benefit Children's Harbor, an organization that provides children with serious illnesses and their families a place to have fun and relax.
"The press conference is about awareness, to help provide 5,000 kids and their families to get out on Lake Martin and a week of family vacation," Pearl said.
Myrle Grate, chief operating officer at Children's Harbor, spoke of the partnership with Pearl.
"We really want to thank Coach Pearl for his generosity," Grate said. "This gives a chance for the children to get away and be children again."
Pearl spoke of how a phone call with Phyllis McCrary, wife of former Alabama Power CEO Charles McCrary, helped lead him to this cause.
"When Phyllis talked to me about her passion for Children's Harbor, that tied it all together for us," Pearl said.
The golf tournament will become an annual event, with Pearl emphasizing the children will always be a part of the event.
Pearl also spent time answer questions about the upcoming season, especially the tough non-conference schedule.
"There is no better way to give our players confidence from our coaching staff than to set up a challenging schedule," Pearl said.
An exhibition game will also be played before the season, with it being held at Auburn Arena on Nov. 7, the night before the home football game against Texas A&M.
"I would like to sell that game out," Pearl said.
(08/14/14 9:40pm)
Injuries have been a problem for the defensive Tigers since fall camp opened, and no one, including Robenson Therezie, is excluded.
Defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said at a press conference on Thursday afternoon that Therezie, who was one of the Tigers' key defensive players last year, has been dinged up and is questionable for the start of the season.
"He hasn't had a lot of reps," Johnson said. "We're not sure about our depth there behind Justin Garrett."
Johnson also spoke of the young players, saying the talent is there for them to make an impact this upcoming season, but he has been disappointed with the two scrimmages so far.
"The guys who are fighting for starting jobs or trying to get into that two-deep, we didn't make a lot of progress," Johnson said.
The young players' nagging injuries have also been a spot of frustration for Johnson, as it has kept some young players from getting the reps they need to show the coaches what they can do.
"The nagging injuries have had a two-step forward, one-step back effect," Johnson said.
At the safety position, Johnson said that Rudy Ford has moved ahead of Derrick Moncrief at boundary safety.
When it comes to cornerbacks, Johnson has no doubt who his top two players are.
"The best two corners right now are [Jonathon] Mincy and [Jonathan] Jones," Johnson said.
There is still no clear cut favorite on who will be the third linebacker, though Johnson said freshman Tre' Williams has kept himself in the battle for the position.
"Williams has done enough that I got to keep him battling for the two-deep," Johnson said. "He makes typical freshman mistakes."
Johnson made it clear that if a freshman was good enough to play, he would play.
"I'm not big on redshirting," Johnson said.
On the defensive line, Raashed Kennion "is making progress" and could be used as a third-down pash rusher.
Other injuries for the Tigers include Josh Holsey, who is still dealing with recovery from ACL surgery, and LaDarius Owens, who is fighting an undisclosed infection.
(08/10/14 11:02pm)
Auburn Arena was buzzing with excitement on Sunday, Aug. 10, but it had nothing to do with Bruce Pearl and the basketball team.
Football's annual Fan Day was taking place and both gym floors were filled with fans waiting to meet and greet their favorite Tigers.
Jim Pitt, Auburn native and his nine-year-old son Jack waited in line to see C.J. Uzomah.
"I think the defense is going to be a lot better and the offense will have more versatility with throwing the ball," Jim said. "We are going to have another good year."
Jack was quick to name his favorite Auburn player.
"Nick Marshall," Jack said without a beat.
A record 9,500 fans came out to get autographs and pictures with the defending SEC Champions.
Boys in football jerseys waited with their parents while fight song music played over the loud speakers.
Seven-year-old Carson McCulloch of Montgomery patiently stood in line for the chance to meet Sammie Coates.
Corey Orr, 11, of Auburn was confident about this football season.
"Undefeated," Orr said. "National title."
The line to see Coach Gus Malzahn stretched all the way outside and halfway around the arena.
Upstairs on the concourse, little girls in cheerleading uniforms waited to meet the Tiger Paws, Auburn cheerleaders and Aubie.
The longest lines of the day, besides for Malzahn, were for quarterback Nick Marshall and wide receiver Sammie Coates, with both lines winding around the gymnasium.
Brooks Forehand, season ticket holder from Columbus, Georgia, was excited for the upcoming season.
"We definitely have more talent than we did last year," Forehand said. "This is our year."
(08/10/14 11:01pm)
Coach Rhett Lashlee said he has been happy with how his offense has performed so far in camp.
"The last three days have been great," Lashlee said.
Nick Marshall and Jeremy Johnson have been sharing snaps with the first team, though Lashlee still has yet to name Johnson the starter for the Arkansas game on Aug. 30.
"Jeremy's best practice has been the last three or four days," Lashlee said. "He's more confident and stepping up."
Lashlee praised Marshall as well, saying that he has been steady throughout.
"Nick's best day was yesterday," Lashlee said. "He threw the ball really well."
Lashlee also spoke of Jaylon Denson's return from injury.
"Jaylon's doing well," Lashlee said. "It's on us to manage him to get him to that first game."
Speaking on the running back situation, Lashlee said you can never have too much depth.
"In the league we play in, you can get to the number four or five [running back] real quick," Lashlee said.
Jonathan Wallace, who is battling for third-string at quarterback, received the most praise from Lashlee.
"Jonathan's that guy that I could sit up here for 30 minutes and sing Jonathan's praises," Lashlee said. "There's not a better young man on our team."
(08/09/14 8:49pm)
Coach Gus Malzahn spoke on Saturday, Aug. 9, after the team's first practice of the day on how the early August heat is a good thing for his team.
"A big emphasis right now is we play our first game at 3 p.m.," Malzahn said. "We've got to be able to handle the heat."
The first practice of the day focused on the offense and defense, with special teams being emphasized in tonight's practice.
Malzahn said he was happy with how his team handled itself.
"I think our guys handled themselves well considering it was the first day it was really hot," Malzahn said. "A big part of our success is being mentally and physically in shape and being able to focus. That a big challenge when it is hot."
With yesterday being an off day for the players, Malzahn spoke of how it gave time for the coaches to evaluate each player after six days of practice.
"It was good for our coaches to have an evaluation day," Malzahn said. "We have a lot better information for our younger guys and newcomers."
One of those newcomers is wide receiver Duke Williams.
"He has improved since the spring and has a better understanding of our offense," Malzahn said. "We have zeroed in on one position for him."
Malzahn said he was encouraged by the first scrimmage that took place, noting the team's attitude was good.
"We had some guys flying around on offense and defense," Malzahn said.
When asked about the running back situation, Malzahn treated it as a positive.
"We know what we have with our older guys," Malzahn said. "You can't have enough depth at running back."
Malzahn also spoke of how the defense looks more comfortable in coach Ellis Johnson's formations.
"They have a better understanding of Coach Johnson's defense," Malzahn said. "They have retention and familiarity of what he wants."
The only disappointment from Malzahn was with his bowling team losing at the team building event last night.
"We were the defending champs and were leading after the first game and then folded like a cheap tent," Malzahn said. "I still have it on my mind."
Despite his team's loss, Malzahn said he still took some positive out of it.
"It was really good for our players and coaches," Malzahn said. "It was a great night of fellowship."
(07/25/14 6:41pm)
Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs, PGA golfer Jason Dufner and Alabama Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey were on hand Friday at the Lee County Boys and Girls Club to announce the Auburn Athletics department partnership with the End Child Hunger in Alabama and Auburn's Hunger Solution Institute.
"The goal is to move Alabama to the upper 25% of the states that have good food security for our children," said Ivey.
Dufner, an Auburn alumni and crowd favorite on the PGA tour, spoke of how the charitable foundation he founded with his wife Amanda is doing their part to help the cause.
"When we started our foundation a few years ago, we found child hunger in Lee county is a big problem," Dufner said.
Referring to his career as a professional golfer, Dufner said that was simple.
"It's easy for me to play golf," Dufner said, "but to give back to the community means a lot."
Wanda Lewis, president of the Lee County Boys & Girls Club, spoke of the difference the Dufners have made.
"Thanks to Jason and Amanda, we have now been able to provide food on the weekends," Lewis said.
Jay Jacobs told of why the student-athletes are jumping at the opportunity to help this cause.
"For quite some time, our student-athletes have done community work and they have said they wanted to do something that they can look back on," Jacos stated.
With Ivey and Jacobs speaking of the unacceptability of child hunger, they both are looking to a brighter day.
"One day, we look forward to looking at the scoreboard and seeing that we won this battle," Jacobs said.
(07/29/14 6:00pm)
Auburn fans have experienced the ups and downs of scheduling tough non-conference opponents.
For every victory, such as Clemson in 2010 and Kansas State in 2007, there have been the nightmares of USC in 2003 and West Virginia in 2008. Non-conference games, whether at home, away or at a neutral site, are fun for not just fans, but players and coaches as well.
A trip to Kansas State on a Thursday night this upcoming season scares fans. The Wildcats are not the typical formidable opponent they would be during other years, but you know all of Manhattan, Kansas, will be rocking and ready to send our Tigers back home to the SEC a loser.
These games are what make college football the greatest sport in this country. The experience of seeing other college towns and meeting the fans of teams outside the SEC make these games circled dates on every Auburn fan's calendar. The players and coaches look forward to these games to prove not only Auburn's superiority, but the SEC's.
Many conversations and discussions lately have been of Auburn scheduling more competitive non-conference games in lieu of paying Directional State Tech University to come to our stadium for a whooping (and healthy paycheck).
I welcome a harder non-conference schedule. The SEC is, by far, the dominant college football conference in the nation. Go out and prove it on the field. The atmosphere at Jordan-Hare can be unrivaled at times, and recruits in town for a big game notice this.
Give Coach Malzahn reason to say, "If you come to Auburn, you will be playing in this atmosphere against the best teams in the nation." You can't tell me that wouldn't impress a recruit more than a Saturday afternoon game against Louisiana-Monroe.
As a fan, would you rather see Auburn beat Florida Atlantic by 50 again, or have a home-and-home series with Wisconsin?
Would you be more likely to attend a game against overmatched Samford or BCS-power Stanford?
Early season non-conference matchups are fun to watch and get hyped all offseason long. In a sport where voters have the final say (hello, 2004), there is not a better way to start the season than by pounding another powerhouse.
I applaud Jay Jacobs and the football program for scheduling games such as this year at Kansas State and against Louisville next year in Atlanta. (Who isn't looking forward to playing Bobby Petrino again next year?)
I would like to see more of it. Bring on the so-called "powers" of the Big Ten and the wannabes of the Pac-12. Let's show them how real football is played.
(07/27/14 12:00pm)
Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive has been pushing for NCAA reform for years.
He said he is now confident that his actions will pay off soon.
Slive, speaking at the beginning of SEC Media Days in Hoover, did not mention the idea of the "Division IV."
At SEC meetings in June, Slive stated that the Big Five conferences \0xAD-- the SEC, Big 12, Big Ten, ACC and Pac-12 -- would consider thinking of forming their own division if they were not granted the autonomy on some NCAA issues.
"There is some angst on the part of many, but I think many realize we're moving into the 21st century, things are different and expectations of student-athletes are different," Slive said.
Slive, along with the commissioners of the other five power conferences, are ready to act.
"If we do not achieve a positive outcome under the existing big tent of Division I, we will need to consider the establishment of a venue with similar conferences and institutions where we can enact the desired changes in the best interest of our student-athletes," Slive said.
Slive also spoke of student-athlete compensation, stating the conference plans to continue to figure out what would be proper compensation for its athletes.
On Slive's agenda as well was the change in how bowls and teams are lined up.
"We're seeing a paradigm shift in bowl allotments in relation to the conference," Slive said.
With the College Football Playoff beginning this year, changes with the SEC pecking order of bowls will be influenced.
"The Capital One Bowl will continue to get the first pick of teams after the college football playoff, the Sugar Bowl and some years the Orange Bowl," Slive said. "Then after that, six bowls will be assigned a team from a pool of teams for competition in the postseason."
The commissioner did not leave without getting in some bragging on his conference, noting seven SEC teams won national titles last year and Auburn's appearance in the national title game.
"(The BCS National Title game) was just a minute too long," Slive said.
(07/24/14 4:46pm)
The outpouring of love and respect for Philip Lutzenkirchen continued on Thursday morning at the Auburn University Golf Club.
Former players, friends and family came out to play in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes-Philip Lutzenkirchen Golf Event and help raise money for the Auburn University FCA Chapter.
"Mack Van Gorder told me about the outing," said Trent Fisher, former Auburn football player. "I came to celebrate Lutz and be with the family and love on them."
Lutzenkirchen's parents, Mike and Mary Lutzenkirchen, were joined by their three daughters Amy, Ann and Abby -- all wearing the familiar orange and blue that Philip wore during his playing days at Auburn.
Will Herring, who helped put the event together, spoke of Lutzenkirchen's involvement with the FCA.
"Phil was a big part of what we [FCA] were doing on campus," said Herring. "He impacted so many people."
Kim Evans, head coach of the Auburn women's golf team, stated that the day was also for the Lutzenkirchen family.
"It gives them a chance to hug necks, say thank you and feel the support and love," Evans said.
Evans was also encouraged by the turnout.
"We were hoping for 60 golfers and we have about 60-70," said Evans, noting that the event had only been planned for a week.
The Auburn University FCA will also host a 50th anniversary celebration tonight at the Auburn University Arena at 6 p.m.
Guests will included Coach Gus Malzahn and Rev. Chette Williams, the football team chaplain.
Mike Lutzenkirchen, Philip's father, will emcee the event. Philip was originally scheduled to be the emcee before his death last month.
Lutzenkirchen, speaking before the golfers teed off, talked about his family.
"This is another hurdle our family is going through," Lutzenkirchen said. "This turnout is amazing."
(07/20/14 2:10am)
The Auburn University Club has partnered with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to put together a golf event in honor of Phillip Lutzenkirchen.
Lutzenkirchen, former Auburn tight end and fan favorite, died in a car accident on June 30 outside of LaGrange, Georgia.
The public is invited to participate in the golf outing, which will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 24 at the AU Club.
Donation options include $143 for an individual golfer and $430 for a foursome.
All proceeds will go to the Auburn University Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
The outing consists of 18 holes of golf, cart and appetizers.
Payment can be made online via credit card by visiting www.fcaauburn.org. Checks (made payable to Auburn FCA) and credit cards will also be accepted at the AU Club pro shop.
(07/18/14 2:22am)
Football rivals came together at the 2nd Annual Iron Bowl Roundtable on Thursday night at the First Baptist Church in Opelika to talk football and faith.
Former Auburn Tigers Dameyune Craig, Will Herring, Jerraud Powers and Ben Thomas joined former Crimson Tide players Marvin Constant, Ricky Davis and Jeremiah Castille at the event hosted by the East Alabama Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
The former gridiron heroes took turns telling stories of their playing days, even if some of them didn't enjoy football at first.
"I never wanted to play sports. The only reason I played was, every day after school, all my buddies were at football practice," Thomas said.
Powers added, "I couldn't fathom the fact that guys could try to take my head off and not get in trouble for it."
More than 150 Tiger and Tide fans showed up to listen to the former players.
The speakers fondly recalled stories about playing in the annual Iron Bowl, with both sides speaking of the intensity of the game.
"It's the greatest rivalry in the country," Powers said. "In the NFL, everyone wanted to ask me about the Auburn-Alabama game."
Craig, now co-offensive coordinator for the Tigers, spoke of how he has witnessed the rivalry from a fan's, player's and coach's perspective.
"I enjoy it much more as a fan," Craig said to loud laughter.
Being the starting quarterback in the 1997 game, Craig said, "I didn't want to be the first Auburn quarterback to lose to them at Jordan-Hare. That's the first time I ever felt pressure."
Ricky Davis, a quarterback for the Crimson Tide back in the 1970s, told of how the legendary Bear Bryant called him and offered him a scholarship."
"My mother told me that Coach Bryant was on the phone," Davis said. "I thought it was just a friend playing a prank on me, but then I heard that voice."
Faith plays a major factor in each of the former players' lives.
"My faith is so strong that I believe in the end, things are going to work out," Craig said. "I always tell the kids I am recruiting to 'go pray on it.'"
Herring, a seven-year player in the NFL, said, "I have been blessed. Everyone I have gone I have been surrounded by good Godly men and being mentored by them."
Powers received the loudest roar of laughter when talking about the 2007 Iron Bowl.
"I had a great game in that Iron Bowl, but everyone just remembers the dog bite," Powers said. "You can look it up on YouTube. It has about 3 million views. I'm pretty popular on there."
Proceeds from the event went toward the East Alabama FCA's general fund.
(07/17/14 2:47pm)
Thirteen Auburn Tigers were voted preseason All-SEC, including four first team selections, by the media at the 2014 SEC Media Days.
Quarterback Nick Marshall, wide receiver Sammie Coates and center Reese Dismukes represents Auburn on the offense first team while defensive lineman Gabe Wright was selected on the defensive side.
Tight end C.J. Uzomah, offensive lineman Alex Kozan and defensive back Robenson Therezie were named second team.
Running back Corey Grant, offensive lineman Chad Slade, defensive lineman Montravius Adams, defensive lineman Carl Lawson, linebacker Cassanova McKinzy and defensive back Jonathon Mincy were named third team.
The defending SEC champion Tigers were voted by the media to finish second overall and in the SEC West to rival Alabama.
(07/11/14 6:00pm)
Dameyune Craig was the man. I can not emphasize this enough.
You students too young to remember Craig in his playing days missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime quarterback. Well, until Cam came around.
Craig made plays that no Auburn quarterback had ever made. He escaped certain sack situations like 8-year-old defenders were coming after him.
I was a junior in high school during Craig's 1997 senior season (Yes, I am old.). His play captivated me and made him, still to this day, my favorite Tiger of all time.
He stepped up in big moments, especially on the road.
Facing a tough test on a Thursday night at Virginia to start the 1997 season, Craig found Karsten Bailey for a 57-yard touchdown in the 3rd quarter that can only be described as incredible. Do yourself a favor and watch this play on YouTube.
With the Cavaliers' crowd roaring in the 4th, Craig found Bailey again on a cross pattern for a 77-yard touchdown to put the game away.
The rest of that season was just as magical. Before there was War "Cam" Eagle, there was War "Dameyune" Eagle.
Going into the intimidating Death Valley of LSU on Saturday night, the now Heisman candidate led the Tigers on an 80-yard, 10-play drive in the final three minutes to knock off the 10th-ranked Bayou Bengals. Craig, working with hardly any running game, continually won games with both his feet and arm.
Winning a night game against rival Georgia in Athens? Not a problem for Craig.
My first time attending an Auburn game at Jordan-Hare was the 1997 Iron Bowl. My father, the patient man he is, sat with me for hours so we would get a great position at Tiger Walk and I would be able to see my idol. That day, Craig was not going to let the Tigers lose.
After an Alabama fumble, Craig led Auburn to field goal range to set up Jaret Holmes' game winner.
He was fearless. In the SEC Championship game, he stared down, and went toe to toe with, the great Peyton Manning, coming up short in a one-point Auburn loss.
Now an assistant coach under Gus Malzahn and a force on the recruiting trail, Craig is now back in the place where he became a legend.
It will take a monumental effort for any Tiger to pass him in my mind.
(07/03/14 4:54pm)
"As great of a player as he was, he was 10 times a better person."
Those words were spoken about Philip Lutzenkirchen by his former high school coach Chip Lindsey on Monday, June 30.
Lutzenkirchen, former Auburn tight end and fan favorite, passed away Sunday, June 29, after being ejected from an out-of-control car outside of LaGrange, Georgia.
Officials pronounced him dead at the scene.
Over his four years at Auburn, Lutzenkirchen caught 59 passes for 628 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Auburn Tigers, but it was his impact off the field that left a legacy.
"At Auburn fan day in 2010, Lutzie (and Lee Ziemba) took extra time engaging with my four-year-old son," said Norm Baker, Auburn fan. "Any game I watched on TV that season, my son would inevitably ask, 'Now which ones are my friends?'"
Stories of Lutzenkirchen's kindness and selfless acts of charity are easy to come by.
Lutzenkirchen regularly visited cancer patients in Auburn and his hometown of Marietta, Georgia, and he spent an entire summer working with children at Youth for Christ.
"He saw the picture that I had drawn of him and really helped get it in front of a mass audience," said Lance Curry, business owner and Auburn fan. "That helped grow my small business."
In 2011, Lutzenkirchen made a young woman with Down syndrome feel "like a princess" when he took her to the prom at Lassiter High School, where he was a star athlete.
"He was my first big time prospect," Lindsey said. "He was all about the team."
Lindsey spoke of a game against rival Sprayberry.
Despite Lassiter scoring more than 40 points, Lutzenkirchen only caught one ball.
Lindsey took his star athlete to the side after the game.
"Don't worry," Lindsey said that night. "You are going to be our main focal point."
Lutzenkirchen responded, "It doesn't matter, as long as we win."
A key player on the 2010 National Title team, Lutzenkirchen entered Auburn and Iron Bowl lore when, after catching the winning touchdown against Alabama, he broke into a jig that would be named the "Lutzie."
"I told him after that catch that he was not just an Auburn player now, but an Iron Bowl legend," Lindsey said.
Gene Chizik, head coach of the 2010 National Title team, had nothing but praise for Lutzenkirchen in a statement released Sunday, June 29.
"Philip Lutzenkirchen was what every parent aspires their son to be," Chizik said. "He was compassionate, determined, honorable and full of love, integrity and respect."
Playing alongside superstars like Cam Newton and Nick Fairley, Auburn fans seemed to roar just a bit louder when Lutzenkirchen was called in the starting lineup.
"He was a role model for parents to point to when raising their son," said Brian Walker, Auburn season ticket holder.
The University of Alabama's football Twitter account tweeted, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and teammates of Philip Lutzenkirchen."
Auburn fans gathered at Toomer's Corner on Sunday, June 29, to celebrate the life of Lutzenkirchen.
"It's obviously a time for mourning, but we should also be celebrating what a great man he was and what he brought to the football team, to the Auburn family and the SEC in general," said Morgan Jackson, senior in english and daughter of Bo Jackson.
Lutzenkirchen spent the past year as an assistant position coach at St. James School in Montgomery.
Head Coach Jimmy Perry spoke of his instant impact.
"He still had a lot of passion for football," Perry said. "He was incredible at coaching the kids. Lutzenkirchen was a legend in the players' minds."
(07/03/14 3:03am)
More than 3,000 people showed up to celebrate the life of Philip Lutzenkirchen at Lassiter High School's football field in Marietta, Georgia on Wednesday night.
Family, friends and ex-coaches spoke of a man who impacted so many lives before his early death on Sunday morning at the age of 23.
"Philip Lutzenkirchen is a bright light in this dark world," said Jay Jacobs, athletic director at Auburn University.
The crowd was full of both Auburn's orange and blue and Lassiter's garnet and gold.
"As the years grew," said Chip Lindsey, Lutzenkirchen's high school coach at Lassiter, "our relationship went from coach-player to a true friendship."
Lutzenkirchen was a fan and team favorite at both Lassiter and Auburn, where teammates described him as "determined, courageous and a great teammate."
"As a coach, you are not supposed to have favorites," head coach Gus Malzahn said. "Philip made that tough."
Lutzenkirchen was a member of the 2010 National Championship team, and famous for his jig he performed after catching the game-winning touchdown against Alabama.
"The one thing I remember from his playing days is the dance that was the Lutzie," said Rev. Chette Williams as he recreated the famous dance.
Williams also spoke of Lutzenkirchen's charity off the field.
"There are not enough books in that library to write about all the good things Philip did off the field," said Williams.
Each speaker spoke of his kindness, loyalty and smile.
Lutzenkirchen committed to Auburn during a tumultuous time, even going on several recruiting trips to see if there was a better fit. Lindsey explained Lutzenkirchen's decision to stay true to Auburn.
"Philip said, "If I wasn't good enough to play football in college, that (Auburn) is where I would want to go to school,'" said Lindsey.
Mike Lutzenkirchen, Philip's father, stoically spoke about his son.
"I know one thing about Philip. He didn't hang around people without high character," said Lutzenkirchen.
At the end of the ceremony, the audience all lit candles and held them high as an orange and blue sunset set over the field.
"He was the type of man you would want your daughters to marry," said Malzahn.
"There's a new tight end in Heaven," said Lutzenkirchen.
(06/29/14 11:17pm)
Auburn fans gathered at Toomer's Corner on Sunday afternoon to celebrate the life of former Tiger Philip Lutzenkirchen.
Lutzenkirchen, a member of the 2010 National Championship team and fan favorite, passed away early Sunday morning after a car he was a passenger in careened out of control for more than 450 feet before overturning several times.
Lutzenkirchen was ejected from the car and pronounced dead at the scene outside of LaGrange, Georgia.
"It's obviously a time for mourning, but we should also be celebrating what a great man he was and what he brought to the football team, to the Auburn family and the SEC in general," said Morgan Jackson, senior and daughter of Auburn great Bo Jackson.
Approximately 150 people showed up to show their respect, with many wearing the familiar #43 jersey that Lutzenkirchen wore for the Tigers.
"When I first came here, he seemed to be the safety net of the team," said Kathleen Johnson, senior from Canton, Georgia. "He was my favorite player."
Fans brought toilet paper to throw into trees; something usually saved for victories.
Lutzenkirchen became an Auburn legend when, with Auburn trailing Alabama 27-21 in the 2010 Iron Bowl, Cam Newton found Lutzenkirchen for the game-winning touchdown to keep the Tigers on their path to the national title.
The "Lutzie", Lutzenkirchen's dance after the touchdown, became a sensation.
"When I told my parents this morning, my dad (Bo) said, 'Phil? The touchdown dancing guy?'," said Jackson. "It was really hard for him to hear that."
Lutzenkirchen's Auburn career ended after sustaining a hip injury against Ole Miss in 2012. The following year, he signed a free agent contract with the Rams, but was released four months later due to the same injury. He finished with 59 caught passes for 628 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Tigers.
"He was a great Auburn football player," said Erica Seymour, senior from Hueytown. "Nobody had a bad thing to say about him. I honestly hate that I didn't know him personally."
Graduating in 2012, Lutzenkirchen remained a familiar face in the Auburn community, attending football games and other athletic events.
"He was a very good family friend and a good guy," said Jessica Carroll, senior in Public Relations. "He never really let go of Auburn. It's a place in his heart."
(06/22/14 12:00pm)
Pleun Burgmans knew nothing of Auburn or what to expect from college tennis when she received an email from women's tennis head coach Lauren Longbotham Meisner.
"I had heard stories from friends that went to other colleges and I visited Auburn once," Burgmans said, "but how everything really worked, I had no idea."
Burgmans, a native of the Netherlands, ended up committing to Auburn because she trusted Meisner.
"From the first email on that she sent me it felt like I knew her already for so many years," Burgmans said. "It felt very comfortable."
Playing alongside Emily Flickinger, the doubles team made a school-record run into this year's NCAA Women's Tennis Tournament, ultimately falling in the semifinals.
On the way to the semi-finals, the duo defeated the University of Southern California's No. 16-ranked duo Brynn Boren and Zoe Katz in the quarterfinals.
"They peaked at the right time," Meisner said. "They were playing really great tennis from the fall all the way through spring."
The 15th-ranked doubles tandem finished their season with a 27-7 in doubles, and both became Auburn's first All-America selections since 2009.
"Going in (to the NCAA tournament), we knew we could do well," Flickinger said. "We didn't put pressure on ourselves and decided to take it match by match."
The combination of Burgmans and Flickinger didn't always go smoothly.
"I think Emily and I really started to click during regionals in fall," Burgmans said. "Before then, we had already played together before, but because our personalities are so similar, sometimes it didn't work the way it could work."
Flickinger agreed.
"We had played two previous tournaments in the fall," Flickinger said. "We were getting better each match."
When asked about being a doubles team in the future, both athletes and the head coach were all for it.
"That's the plan obviously," Meisner said. "We like to keep them together. We can still continue to get better."
Burgmans said she believes the mental aspect of their game can continue to improve.
"Because we are so similar, I think we can improve the most on the mental aspect," Burgmans said. "We need to get a little tougher in pressure situations."
Despite not know what to expect when arriving from the Netherlands, Burgmans now feels at home on the Plains.
"I think I'm very lucky with these people around me," Burgmans said. "Auburn feels like my second family."
(06/20/14 12:00pm)
The 2014 World Cup is underway, and the Brazil Student Association (BSA) is ready to welcome you.
With Moe's Original Bar B Que as their headquarters, the BSA is bringing Brazilian culture and their passion for the beautiful game to downtown Auburn.
Despite the conflict happening in their home country, the members of BSA are split about how their country will host one of the greatest sporting events in the world.
"I'm not worried at all," said Philipe Aldahir, president of the BSA. "Our national team aren't politicians. We are supporting soccer."
Luana De Sena Monteiro Ozelim, vice president of the BSA, had concerns about the event.
"I was there two weeks ago, and I had noticed that half of my friends were worried about the politics," Ozelim said. "They just spent millions of dollars in building stadiums everywhere, including in Manaus, where people want money for healthcare and education."
Despite the concern, Aldahir said, " (People in Brazil) are having a blast. I have friends from Auburn that are down there for World Cup. They are enjoying it."
The 2014 World Cup host team have all the pressure on them to earn their sixth World Cup title.
Ozelim said most Brazilians will view anything less than a title a failure in the competition.
With Moe's filled up with Brazilian fans, the intensity rose as the home side faced Mexico.
Ozelim blew endlessly into a vuvuzela as Aldahir started chants in Portoguese.
"Keep in mind that the Olympics are in Brazil in two years," Aldahir said. "We have to make sure the experience is good so people will come back in 2016."
The BSA was recently started on campus and hopes to become fully recognized by the University in the upcoming fall semester.
"We couldn't pass up this opportunity to present the Brazilian culture when everyone is talks about Brazil," Aldahir said.
"The best thing about Brazil is the people," Ozelim added.