Tag: auburn news

Megan Schofill becomes first Auburn Tiger to win the U.S. Women’s Amateur

Schofill admitted she was in shock after her big victory.

[autotag]Megan Schofill[/autotag] won the 123rd U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship on Sunday, defeating Latanna Stone 4&3 in the 36-hole championship match.

She is the first-ever Auburn woman to win the prestigious event.

“It’s definitely a dream come true, but I’d be lying if I wouldn’t say I’m still in shock,” Schofill said after the victory. “I feel like it still hasn’t set in yet. Latanna [Stone] played a great match. It was really fun to be able to walk the fairways with her and I felt like we both played really solid golf. I can’t put into words the emotions I’m feeling and it’s just such an honor to be able to say that I won this year.”

Auburn head coach [autotag]Melissa Luellen[/autotag] was in attendance and praised the fight she showed during the tournament.

“Just so excited for Megan. She truly played better golf than anyone else in the field this week. She swung the club so beautifully and when she lost a hole she fought right back. I am so honored that I was able to be here this week to witness it.”

Stone, who attends LSU, took an early lead but Schofill seized the momentum back with wins on holes seven and eight. Stone tied it back up with a birdie on No. 12.

Schofill took command of the match by winning holes 15-17 to take a 3-up lead after the first 18 holes.

“I felt like that was huge going into the second 18,” Schofill said. “I felt like the momentum was on my side.”

Stone wasn’t done yet though, she birdied the 24th hole to cut the lead back to 2-up. Schofill quickly extended her lead, winning the next two holes to move to 4-up, and went on to secure the 4&3 championship match victory with a win on the 33rd hole.

With the win, Schofill has clinched spots in the 2024 Chevron Championship, Women’s British Open, Evian Championship and Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

[lawrence-auto-related count=2 category=702301439]

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15.

Auburn basketball announces promotions to key staff memebers

Auburn basketball is promoting Chad Prewett, Mike Burgomaster, Ian Borders and Maddux Jeffreys.

A day after promoting Steven Pearl to associate head coach, Auburn basketball has announced four more promotions.

On Wednesday, the Tigers announced that [autotag]Chad Prewett[/autotag] and [autotag]Mike Burgomaster[/autotag] have been elevated to assistant coaches while [autotag]Ian Borders[/autotag] and [autotag]Maddux Jeffreys[/autotag] were promoted to director of scouting and recruiting and director of operations, respectively.

These moves come after the NCAA passed a rule that allowed basketball programs to have two more assistant coaches, however, they can not recruit off campus.

“When the NCAA rule changes took place, most schools added one or two members to their coaching staff,” head coach [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag] said. “For me, I have always held the belief in promoting from within. We have a very experienced staff to lead our young men in this program including my veteran assistant, [autotag]Ira Bowman[/autotag], newest assistant, [autotag]Corey Williams[/autotag], and director of player development, [autotag]Marquis Daniels[/autotag].”

Prewett came to Auburn in Pearl’s original staff back in 2014 and has had several different jobs for the Tigers, including chief of staff, director of operations, interim assistant coach and special assistant.

“I am delighted to be able to promote Chad to assistant coach,” Pearl said. “Chad has had a tremendous impact on our program on and off the court. He is a great teacher of the game with a great basketball mind. As chief of staff, much of his focus has been off the court with the Bruce Pearl Family Foundation, AUTLIVE and Bruce Pearl Fore the Children Golf Classic, making a huge difference in the Auburn community, our program and the University.”

Burgomaster enters his eighth year with the program having started as a graduate assistant before being promoted to recruiting coordinator and assistant to the head coach. He is in charge of internal operations, scheduling, on-campus recruiting, scouting/game planning and assisting with the team’s offense.

“To be 28 years old and to be an assistant coach at the SEC level speaks volumes about Mike’s talent and work ethic,” Pearl said. “He has one of the best offensive minds of anybody I’ve been around. Therefore, his promotion to assistant coach and offensive coordinator is quite an accomplishment.”

Borders is entering his sixth season on the Plains and is in charge of editing film as well as helping with scouting and on-campus recruiting.

“Ian has done a great job as our video coordinator over the last couple of years,” Pearl said. “The importance of video, in both the scouting and recruiting areas, is vital. This was an opportunity to elevate and recognize his basketball knowledge of evaluating players. He has done a phenomenal job with that for us.”

Jeffreys enters his eighth season with Auburn after being a four-year team manager and then spending two seasons as a graduate assistant before becoming assistant director of operations under Prewett.

“Maddux has been with us the last seven years, serving as a student manager, graduate assistant and assistant director of operations,” Pearl said. “He has obviously paid his dues. He understands our operation and the importance of helping our players be successful. When it comes to Auburn Basketball, it’s always more than just the basketball. There is community service, player development and fundraising. All the things that go into being a really good program.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1365]

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15.

DJ James to host back-to-school giveaway

The event will take place on Saturday, July 22 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Covington Recreation Center in Opelika.

Schools are reopening soon and Auburn cornerback [autotag]D.J. James[/autotag] is doing a giveaway to help local families. James will be giving away backpacks and school supplies to students he announced Sunday on Twitter.

The event will take place on Saturday, July 22 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Covington Recreation Center in Opelika. The Covington Recreation Center is located at 213 Carter Ave., Opelika, AL.

“In an effort to giveback and assist the cities of Auburn and Opelika, I am providing book bags and school supplies to students,” he tweeted. “Truly thankful I am in a position to help!”

The Mobile, Alabama, native is entering his second season with the Tigers after starting his career at Oregon. He is expected to be a starting corner and it is easy to see why he is so popular with the Auburn faithful.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1364]

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15

Auburn volleyball welcomes Jack Burton as assistant coach

Burton was a part of Florida Gulf Coast’s staff last season, which led the Eagles to a 26-7 record.

Just a few weeks after head coach [autotag]Brent Crouch[/autotag] received a five-year contract extension, Auburn has added [autotag]Jack Burton[/autotag] to its staff as an assistant coach.

“My wife Cori and I want to thank Athletics Director John Cohen, Senior Associate AD Joy Vrbka and head coach Brent Crouch for this opportunity,” said Burton. “We could not be more excited to be a part of the Auburn family. I look forward to working with each of these amazing student-athletes and this entire staff to continue building upon the success they’ve already accomplished. It is truly an honor to work here and I cannot wait to get started. War Eagle!”

Burton spent last season in Fort Meyers, Florida as an assistant coach for Florida Gulf Coast and helped lead the team to one of the best seasons in program history.

The Eagles went 26-7 overall and 13-3 in Atlantic Sun Conference play, back-to-back conference titles, and the third NCAA Tournament appearance in program history.

“Jack is going to be a substantial addition to an already deep, first-class staff,” said Crouch. “His expertise will lift all areas of our program from practice planning to recruiting. I’m particularly excited for him to help with the development of our outside hitters and scouting. Jack’s character, integrity and overall demeanor will perfectly fit what Auburn Volleyball is all about. We are delighted to welcome him and his wife Cori to the Plains.”

Auburn volleyball finished with a 22-9 record in 2022, and will look to build in 2023.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=702301948]

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Daniel on Twitter @DanielJLocke

Auburn’s SEC Network takeover to take place on Monday, July 3

Cadillac Williams’ first win as Auburn’s interim head coach headlines a full day of coverage dedicated to Auburn athletics

Football season is getting closer, as SEC Media Days are upon us.

Leading up to the preseason event that kicks off July 17 at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Nashville, SEC Network will showcase each SEC program’s best events during the 2022-23 academic season.

Auburn’s turn on the SEC Takeover will take place on July 3.

Several moments that will be featured include Volleyball’s historic NCAA Tournament win over Creighton, Equestrian’s fifth-straight SEC championship, and [autotag]Cadillac Williams[/autotag]’ first win as Auburn’s interim head coach.

Men’s basketball, baseball, and softball will also be represented during the takeover.

Here is a look at Auburn’s SEC Network takeover schedule, so that you will not miss out on re-living your favorite moments from last season.

Auburn pitching coach Daron Schoenrock has reportedly stepped down

He spent just one season on the Plains.

For the second straight season Auburn head coach [autotag]Butch Thompson[/autotag] is looking for a new pitching coach.

[autotag]Daron Schoenrock[/autotag], who spent just one season on the Plains, has stepped down according to a report by Kendall Rogers of D1Baseball. Rogers added that Schoenrock “wants to be closer to family.”

Auburn’s pitching staff got off to a rough start under Schoenrock but improved throughout the season and was a major reason for their second-half turnaround. The Tigers were also without expected weekend starter [autotag]Joseph Gonzalez[/autotag], who only made one start due to injury.

The pitching staff finished the season with a combiner ERA of 5.76 and 502 strikeouts to 287 walks.

Thompson will now be looking for a pitching coach to pair with assistants Gabe Gross and Karl Nonemaker. Due to NCAA changes, the position will now be full-time and not a volunteer role.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=691343809]

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15

Auburn listed among most disappointing programs by Mike Farrell

Auburn football looks to get back to normal after a few disheartening seasons.

Football has not been the most significant source of happiness for Auburn fans over the last few years.

The resurgence of the baseball, gymnastics, and men’s basketball programs has caused football to be viewed as relatively insignificant compared to past years.

Mike Farrell listed his most disappointing Power Five programs and the Tigers came in fourth.

Farrell’s take on Auburn: “Are they a power program? They are to me with a natty in the last 15 years and another national title game appearance as well. But the Gus Malzahn days at the end were bad, and the Bryan Harsin hire was dumb. Hugh Freeze is a good hire, but it will take time and patience for them to get back to respectable.”

Apart from Auburn, the list from top-to-bottom included the Texas Longhorns, the Miami Hurricanes, and the Florida Gators ahead of the Tigers, with the Virginia Tech Hokies following Auburn.

Auburn will be on a mission to get back to prominence and [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] will lead the charge.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1364]

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Daniel on Twitter @DanielJLocke

SEC reveals Auburn basketball’s 2023-24 conference opponents

The Tigers will play home-and-home series against Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt this season.

Auburn basketball’s 2023-24 schedule is starting to come into focus.

The SEC announced which conference opponents Auburn will play Monday morning and the Tigers will play five home-and-home series against Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt. They will also host Kentucky, LSU, South Carolina and Texas A&M in Neville Arena.

In addition to Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt, they will face Arkansas, Florida, Missouri and Tennessee on the road.

The Tigers went 21-13 overall and 10-8 in conference play last season. In addition to bringing back [autotag]Johni Broome[/autotag] and J[autotag]aylin Williams[/autotag], [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag] has made several key additions over the offseason. They landed five-star point guard Aden Holloway and transfers Chad Baker-Mazara, Denver Jones (FIU) and Chaney Johnson (UAH).

They are set to start the season on Nov. 7 against the Baylor Bears. The game will be played in Sioux Falls, North Dakota.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1365]

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15

Auburn soccer reveals 2023 schedule

The Tigers will open their season on Aug. 17 against Samford.

The Auburn Tigers revealed their 2023 schedule Thursday. The season will be head coach [autotag]Karren Hoppa[/autotag]’s 25th in charge of the Tigers.

“I am excited to start my 25th season on The Plains with what may be the toughest schedule in my tenure here,” Hoppa said. “We have two extremely difficult non-conference trips along with some great home non-conference opponents. The SEC schedule is always a grind, especially in the West division. This schedule is one that will give us the opportunity to compete at the highest level, and we look forward to the challenge.”

Auburn will have 20 matches this season with 10 taking place at the Auburn Soccer Complex. They are looking to improve on their 6-6-6 record from last season.

The Tigers will open their season on Aug. 9 in an exhibition against Mercer. They will then travel to South Alabama on Aug. 12 for their final exhibition ahead of the season.

Their season will officially start with a match against Samford, the reigning SoCon champions on Thursday, Aug. 17. They will then face Troy on Aug. 20 before starting their first road trip of the season.

The Tigers will open SEC play at Mississippi State on Sept. 15 before hosting Missouri on Sept. 21 for the conference home opener.

The final home game will be against LSU on Oct. 22 with the regular season finale coming against Georgia on Oct. 26. The SEC Tournament will start on Oct. 29 in Pensacola, Florida, at the Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex with the NCAA Tournament starting on Nov. 10.

Here is a look at the full schedule.

Date Time (CT) Opponent
Aug. 9 6:30 p.m. Mercer (Exh.)
Aug. 12 6 p.m. at South Alabama (Ech.)
Aug. 17 6:30 p.m. Samford
Aug. 20 6 p.m. Troy
Aug. 24 TBA at Syracuse
Aug. 27 12 p.m. at Army
Aug. 31 6:30 p.m. Wake Forest
Sept. 3 2 p.m. American
Spet. 7 6 p.m. at West Virginia
Seot. 10 11 a.m. at Ohio State
Sept. 15 6:30 p.m. at Mississippi State
Sept. 21 6:30 p.m. Missouri (SEC Opener)
Sept. 24 2 p.m. at Ole Miss
Sept. 29 6:30 p.m. South Carolina
Oct. 5 6 p.m. at Alabama
Oct. 8 6 p.m. Arkansas
Oct. 13 6:30 p.m. Texas A&M
Oct. 19 5 p.m. at Florida
Oct. 22 4 p.m. LSU (Senior Night)
Oct. 26 5 p.m. at Georgia
Oct. 29 – Nov. 5 TBA SEC Tournament
Nov. 10 – Dec. 3 TBA NCAA Tournament

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=702301439]

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15

Brent Crouch signs a five-year extension after leading Auburn to one of the best seasons in program history

In just his third season on the Plains, Crouch led Auburn Volleyball to its most wins since 1998.

After leading Auburn to one of its best seasons in program history, head volleyball coach [autotag]Brent Crouch[/autotag] has signed a five-year contract extension that will run through the 2027 season.

“My plan has always been to be at Auburn long-term and to build a perennial NCAA Tournament team capable of competing for championships,” said Crouch. “In every sense of the phrase, the SEC and Auburn have never been in a stronger position and that strength will only continue to grow. Volleyball on the Plains is on track, in fact, ahead of schedule.

“I’m grateful to Athletics Director John Cohen, Senior Associate AD Joy Vrbka, Executive Deputy AD Rich McGlynn and Deputy AD and SWA Djenane Paul for their continued support of Auburn Volleyball at the highest level. I’m also appreciative of the support staff who have made our success possible. Thank you to our student-athletes who believe in our project and perform on and off the court, and to their families who continue to raise such special young people. Finally, thank you to my wife Marcy and sons Jonathan and William for their unwavering support and tireless efforts.

“There is nothing like the Auburn Family. War Eagle!”

Crouch was named AVCA South Region coach of the year last season after leading Auburn to a 22-9 record which is the most wins for the program since 1998.

Crouch led the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in program history and beat the No. 14 Creighton Bluejays for the program’s second-ever win in the tournament.

Crouch helped [autotag]Akasha Anderson[/autotag], [autotag]Madison Scheer[/autotag] and [autotag]Kendal Kemp[/autotag] earn all-SEC honors. Kemp and Anderson picked up AVCA Region Awards additionally.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=702301439]

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Daniel on Twitter @DanielJLocke