Tiger Softball Begins another exciting season tonight at Jane B. Moore Field in Auburn

The Auburn softball team will play their first game of the season tonight at 6 p.m. at home when they host Alabama State in the first game of the 2012 Tiger Invitational Tournament.

With several new faces on the 2012 team, the Tigers were picked to finish third in the SEC West. However, with seniors Elizabeth Eisterhold, Lauren Schmalz, Lauren Guzman, and preseason All- SEC sophomore Morgan Estell returning, look for them to contend for the Division championship.

Last year Auburn went 15-13 in the SEC and reached the semifinals of the SEC Tournament after beating No. 3 Florida. They finished the season 40-19 overall after advancing to their fourth consecutive NCAA Regional Tournament.

Teams in the Tiger Invitational include Auburn, Alabama State, Bowling Green, Wright State and Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne.

And next weekend (Feb. 17-19) fans will have the chance to watch the Tigers play four top 25 teams when they host the inaugural SEC/ACC/Big 12 Challenge Tournament. Those four teams include No. 5 Oklahoma, and No.11 Oklahoma State, No. 23 Georgia Tech, and No. 3 Alabama. The Tigers will play a total of 11 top 25 preseason teams this year.

Coach Tina Deese said the Tigers are excited about the 10 game opening home stand. "Our players really enjoy playing at home and our fans always come out and ... make it an exciting atmosphere."

Game time begins at 6 p. m. at Moore Field. Go Tigers!

On February 12, 2011 Morgan Estell took the field for the first time as an Auburn Tiger. She was the lead off hitter in the Tigers' opening game against Alabama State. The second pitch the Freshman saw, was driven out of the park for the first home run of her collegiate career and a star was born for Auburn Softball.

The homer came in the Tigers opening tournament of the All - Alabama Softball Classic. She went 8 - 13 with two home runs that weekend and was voted Tournament MVP.

This week she was named to the Preseason All-Southeastern Conference Softball Team by the league coaches.

Since that first at bat, Estell has been a force to be reckoned with by opposing pitchers. She led the team in batting average - ranking sixth in the SEC (.429), 11th in on-base percentage (.489), second in doubles (18), 12th in hits (59) and eighth in fielding double plays (8). She scored 38 runs, hit 5 home runs, and had 30 RBI's for the season.

Morgan led the team in hitting, RBI's, and doubles and helped lead the Tigers to their fourth consecutive SEC Tournament appearance.

Estell started about half the games last season at first base and half of the games in the outfield. She was named on Tuesday as a pre season All-SEC Outfielder.

Head coach Tina Deese said, "We are very happy to see that Morgan earned a spot on the Preseason All-SEC Team. It's good to see that hard work pays off and that Morgan is recognized as one of the elite players in the conference."

"Joe Paterno, the iconic former Penn State football coach whose legend was tarnished when he was fired in the aftermath of the Jerry Sandusky scandal, has died, his family confirmed Sunday. He was 85.

Doctors had said Saturday that Paterno's condition had become ''serious'' in recent days after he experienced complications from lung cancer."

Read more at Fox Sports.

Auburn beat Sports reporters for Auburn University decided three years ago to recognize an Auburn student-athlete that has been cooperative and supportive in helping the beat writers complete their coverage of the Tigers. The first Award was won by Walter Mc Fadden in 2009.

The honor is named the 'Good Guy Award' and is modeled after the "Good Guy Awards" that are given out every year by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

This year the writers have voted Auburn Quarterback Clint Moseley as the Tigers' Good Guy. Press-Register Auburn Bureau Reporter Evan Woodbery gave the following press release on the award today:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Auburn sophomore quarterback Clint Moseley has been selected as the winner of the 2011 "Good Guy Award" by the local chapter of Auburn beat writers.

The award, presented annually after every season, is meant to recognize a player who is consistently congenial and professional in his interactions with the media. Linebacker Josh Bynes won the award last year. Cornerback Walt McFadden won the inaugural award in 2009.

"I appreciate it," Moseley said. "I'm honored to be in their company."

The East Alabama Auburn Beat Writers Association of America voted to give Moseley the award for his regular participation in media interviews, friendly demeanor and thoughtful responses to questions.

"Clint never shied away from tough questions, and always tried to give meaningful, well-thought-out answers," said EAABWAA awards committee chairman Evan Woodbery. "That sort of cooperation and professionalism helps reporters do their jobs."

Senior linebacker Eltoro Freeman and junior tight end Philip Lutzkenkirchen also received votes.

Moseley will be presented with a plaque from the EAABWAA at a later date pending approval from Auburn's compliance department.

A native of Leroy, Moseley lost a three-way battle for the starting quarterback position in August. He made his debut as a starter at LSU and has completed 65-of-104 passes for 794 yards and five touchdowns.

"It probably has a lot to do with the fact that I was humbled earlier in the year, and I still think it's kind of cool to go to the interview room, "Moseley said.

The EAABWAA is an informal professional organization dedicated to advancing sports journalism.

End Release.

We at Track Em Tigers congratulate Clint. He is not only a good guy but a good Auburn man as well!

It's amazing how some people can hate and how their hate can make them do things that defy all sense of decency. It's also amazing how their hate can affect people they have never even met.

I speak of the recent posting on You Tube, of a video of former Auburn Offensive Coordinator Gus Malzahn's wife's interview on an Arkansas Religious TV program. It was evident that the tape had been chopped up and edited to portray the woman in the worst possible light.

Several published reports have given the video credit for almost destroying Gus Malzahn's coaching career. Apparently Malzahn as well, believes that it played a major role in his being passed over for the head coaching jobs at North Carolina and Kansas.

No one knew who was behind this cowardly act directed at attacking Coach Malzahn's wife ... until today when the guy was exposed by Birmingham News journalist Kevin Scarbinski. He identified him as John Phillips, a sports agent, attorney, and radio host who not coincidently is also an Alabama alumnus. Who would have guessed?

Let me be very frank here, this piece is not written as an indictment of Alabama fans. I have plenty of close Bama friends that are good people and would never approve of such action. This article is about behavior of one individual who took it upon himself to defame another man's wife.

One can argue that Mrs. Malzahn should not have done the interview to begin with and they would be right. But although coaches are open to public scrutiny, propriety and common decency says that wives and children are off limits. Period!

To quote Scarbinsky,

"Sports agent John Phillips of the Breakthrough Sports Agency acknowledged ... that he put together the edited version that appeared on You Tube. Phillips earned his undergraduate and law degrees at Alabama."

"I made a parody video that went viral," Phillips said by text. "Mrs. Malzahn's interview speaks for itself. It's bananas. I am not in the business of making enemies out of coaches and meant no ill will."

That response sounds eerily similar to Harvey Updyke, when he was exposed. Like Harvey, he tried to hide from the truth of his act of hatred. Then when he became outed he denied any wrong doing or "ill will." If the video speaks for itself then why did Mr. Phillips edit it and put it on the web?

He did it because he hates Auburn University and like Updyke he sought to hurt and embarrass Auburn.

The only difference between this guy and Harvey is that he is suppose to be an educated professional. But the truth is they are both haters seeking to spew out their hatred via poison.

Harvey poisoned trees or some "things" that represent Auburn. Phillips poisoned some "one's" career that (at the time) represented Auburn.

The video would have never had the same effect had he not wanted to embarrass Auburn and therefore edited it to make her look bad.

A Google search of Mr. Phillips reveals he has made a living suing others. Too bad Gus Malzahn has too much class and decency to sue him.

Remember KoolBell's post on November 10th?

He gave us a great idea for the perfect Christmas gift for the Tiger in your family. On that day a month ago, KB announced that Track Em Tigers had teamed up with wareagledvd.com to bring you an exciting offer for the 2010 National Championship Season DVD Collection. This is an opportunity to own the entire magical season on DVD.

The DVD's Exclusive Features Include:

- Every regular season game of the 2010 historic season that included Auburn's 3rd Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton and Lombardi award winner Nick Fairley.

- SEC Championship Game vs. South Carolina Gamecocks.

- The greatest ever Iron Bowl where the Auburn Tigers rallied from 24-0 to shock Alabama 28-27.

- Optional copy of the BCS National Championship last-second win against Oregon.

- Officially Licensed by XOS Digital.

- Presented in Standard Definition with original commentary and commercial free.

KoolBell secured a special rate for our loyal followers. And by using the promo code "KB777," you can receive free shipping. That's right, no shipping cost on this officially licensed product.

Visit wareagledvd.com to get your copy of Auburn's National Championship run.

We want to thank KoolBell for making these arrangements with wareagledvd.com. It's not only the perfect gift but the perfect collector's item. I ordered my copy a few minutes ago.

When you make your purchase, don't forget to use the promo code he set up for us, "KB777," and you will pay absolutely no shipping charges.

Only 15 days till Christmas so order your Championship DVD Collection today at ... wareagledvd.com!

This time of year when the weather turns cool and the autumn leaves show their beautiful colors, most people reflect on what they have to be thankful for. As always I look forward to Jay Coulter's Thanksgiving article here at Track Em Tigers. For my money, no one does it better. He always brings a clarity to the simple and important things in life. And I must say that this year I have had several experiences that made me think just how precious is the time we have on this earth.

Life is certainly short and we need to make the most of it. I was reminded of that fact over the weekend of the Auburn-Georgia game. As I was getting ready for the trek to Athens, I received two unsettling telephone calls. First my godson had, what was later termed by the doctors, "a pre cardiac arrest event." He will be okay but the first few days of hospitalization and recovery were anxious ones.

Then as we were packing the car to go be with my godson I received another disturbing call - which was even worse news. One of my long time friends had passed away suddenly and without warning, reminding me of just what is important in life... and it ain't college football.

Most of us, if we're honest with ourselves, live life like everything will always be the same. "She knows I love her. I don't have to say it." Or, "I'm going to get around to spending some quality time with him," are commonly held sentiments. Yet if we don't make time for those things, life will change and those opportunities will pass us by. I don't think I ever told David how much I admired him or appreciated his friendship. On this Thanksgiving day I can say I am grateful for having known him.

Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful. It always seems to me though, that everyday should be a day to be grateful. On the other hand it's human nature to dwell on what we don't have instead of our blessings. To think about what we have not accomplished instead of what has been achieved. To think about how those around us should treat us instead of how we should treat them. To put off till tomorrow the things we should do today. Things like spending time with family and friends. Things like telling people how much they mean to you while you have the opportunity.

So this piece is not done to usurp Jay's traditional Thanksgiving column. But rather it is the result of a personal reflection on life, prompted by the loss of my friend. With that motivation and with Jay's post yesterday as a cue, I have listed a few of the things I am grateful for on this day.

I am grateful ...

* That my godson is still with us and on the way to better health.

* That when a tornado hit the high school I was in last Wednesday... none of the 1500 kids were hurt.

* For clean drinking water and hot showers at the end of a long day.

* That birthdays, weddings, graduations, and holidays are usually celebrated with cake.

* For family portraits that create lasting memories.

* For rainy days, restful nights, and warm cozy blankets on cool sheets.

* That my faith, like a rock, keeps me steady even in bad times.

* For a wife who loves me, not because of who I am but in spite of it.

* For two sons that are good husbands and fathers. And for their wonderful wives who have been such a blessing to our family.

* That my hero, my cerebral palsied brother, is able to live by himself.

* That unlike my brother I can walk, talk, and take care of myself without assistance.

* For the blessing of living in a country where I can pray openly, and that I can believe what I believe and you can believe what you believe.

* For laughter... especially that of my grandchildren.

* For best friends who love me even when I am unloveable.

* For the TET crew and especially Jay who made this site possible.

* For being a part of the Auburn family.

* And Finally, for the opportunity to tell others they mean a lot to me before it's too late. That includes all of you who regularly stop by to read this site. I still can't believe that anyone would really care enough to read what I might post. I am grateful for that and I am grateful for all of you and wish you a ...

Happy Thanksgiving.