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Coach's Corner: Soccer Head Coach Karen Hoppa

By Mary-Glenn Smith/ Staff Writer | August 27

When Coach Karen Hoppa was 8 years old, her mom signed her up to play soccer in her hometown of Naperville, Ill."I didn't even know what soccer was at the time," Hoppa said.

Cross Country Looks to New Head Coach, Mark Carroll, For Guidance

By Charley Gaines/ Staff Writer | August 27

A new year for Auburn students brings new beginnings for many people around campus, including those on the men's and women's cross country teams.With the addition of a new coach and three fresh faces on the women's team, the runners hope to keep building on the last few seasons' records."We were fifth in the NCAA last year, and we're looking to do the same type of damage this year," said Scott Novack, a redshirt senior on the men's team.The team prepares all year for their season in the fall."Three hundred sixty days of the year, basically," said junior Allison Smith.

Auburn athletes commit to community service projects

By Max Newfield / Staff Writer | August 24

Forget trick plays or a new formation, community service is the best kept secret of Auburn Univeristy athletics."Most teams do a lot of community service that no one hears about because that's not the focus of the program" said Latisha Durroh, Director of Community Relations and Spirit for Auburn University.

Auburn Running Back, Eric Smith, Arrested

By Abby Albright/Sports Editor | August 21

Auburn sophomore running back Eric Smith, 19, was arrested this morning for misdemeanor disorderly conduct.According to the police report, the arrest happened at 1:42 a.m.

Auburn Track Athletes Perform Well at IAAF World Championships

By Nick Van Der Linden / ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR | August 21

With the IAAF World Championships coming to an end, Auburn has once again delivered a great performance with Leevan Sands finishing fourth and Josanne Lucas moving into the finals.Ralph Spry, Auburn track and field coach, said the performance of Sands and Lucas came as no surprise."I know it's really tough, but we have high expectations and I know they can do it," Spry said.Sands, who finished third at last year's Olympics, came just four centimeters short of getting a medal.

Chizik Prepares Team for Upcoming Season

By Callie Garrett / Assistant Intrigue Editor | August 17

The Auburn Tigers are preparing to take the field for the 2009 season, after finding some last minute improvements from their first scrimmage on Tuesday, Aug. 11."I thought it was a productive night," said coach Gene Chizik. "We did some really good things on both sides of the ball. Of course, we really will not know until we examine some film.

Chris Todd announced as starting quarterback for fall

By Andrew Sims/Online Editor | August 14

Coach Gene Chizik announced Chris Todd would be the starting quarterback come September after Thursday's practice.

Auburn Golfers at 2009 U.S. Women's Amateur

By Patrick Dever / Assistant Sports Editor | August 13

Golfers from around the world converged on Old Warson Country Club in St. Louis, Mo., for the 109th Amateur last week.The tournament combines aspects of stroke play with match play. Stroke play puts the individual up against the entire field, whereas match play is a bracketed style that puts golfers in head to head situations.

MMA Plants Roots in Auburn

By Sarah Phillips/ Staff Writer | July 28

Over the past few years, men of all ages, shapes and sizes have migrated from fighting sports such as kickboxing and wrestling to mixed martial arts.

Auburn student-athletes named to the 2009 SEC First Year Student-Athletes Academic Honor Roll.

By Jaclyn Dunn/Staff Writer | July 27

Thirty-three Auburn student-athletes were named to the 2009 SEC First Year Student-Athletes Academic Honor Roll.The awards were announced July 16 by the SEC Commissioner Mike Slive.

Three Auburn Football Players Make All-SEC Coaches Preseason Team

By Jordan Brantley/Staff Writer | July 27

Three Auburn football players were named to the SEC Coaches Preseason All-SEC Coaches' Team on July 16.

Lyndsey Jordan Wins 2009 Collegiate Reining Championship

By Sarah Phillips/ Staff Writer | July 26

On June 27, Lyndsey Jordan won the Collegiate Reining Championships at the 2009 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) after being chosen as one of the top 12 collegiate riders in the country.It was an exciting accomplishment for the Kentucky native as she represented Auburn with her win."It was challenging, but a lot of fun," said Jordan, a senior western rider and communications major.

Cross Country Team Hoping to Run the Distance Next Season

By Callie Garrett/Staff Writer | July 26

Auburn's Cross Country team is training to build their endurance and work out the kinks, while other teammates are in Europe breaking records this summer."Cross country is a beast of its own because of the weather, the terrain and the certain pain of racing," said Scott Novack, a senior in chemical engineering.

Athletic department shaves budget, saves sports

By Holly Hereth / Staff Writer | July 23

Colleges across the country are losing or are in danger of losing sports teams because of financial cuts, but Auburn is in the clear.

Women's Soccer Has Big Goals to Net This Season

By Courtney Johnson/Staff Writer | July 23

The Auburn women's soccer team is gearing up for the upcoming season. They said they have a strong, experienced group of seniors, specific goals and highly anticipated recruits."I'm excited to think that this could possibly be our best season ever," said Jenni Prescott, a senior in early elementary education.

Free Throws with Fortner

By Grace Henderson/Staff Writer | July 23

Although Auburn women's basketball head coach Nell Fortner has a list of accomplishments longer than a three-point shot, she still looks to those around her to improve the game, welcoming opinions and seeking advice from staff and players, alike."She shows great respect for her staff and team," said assistant coach Kerry Cremeans.

AU Equestrian looks for 3rd title

By Holly Hereth/Staff Writer | July 23

When an Auburn fan thinks of sports, football comes to mind, though it has been 52 years since the team has won a national title.After football, fans think of basketball and baseball, two teams who have never won a national championship.What most fans don't realize is aside from the swim team, the Auburn Equestrian team is arguably the most successful team in recent years, with two National Championships in the past three seasons.With an overall National Championship in 2006 and a Hunt Seat National Championship in 2008, the equestrian team is preparing for the fall, with hopes for its third national title, said Chelsea Anheuser, senior hunt seat rider majoring in marketing."I think the main goal is always to strive to be National Champions again," Anheuser said.

Auburn Quarterbacks Compete for Head Job

By Holly Hereth/Staff Writer | July 23

As the Auburn Football team prepares for the upcoming season with a new coaching staff, the starting quarterback position is still up for grabs.Neil Caudle and Kodi Burns are focusing on practice and working hard this summer, not who the starter will be."I'm not really worried about it," said Burns, a junior majoring in exercise science,. "I just go to practice everyday and work hard.