Contributed
(Dec. 31, 2009)

TAMPA, Fla. - The Auburn football team held its final practice of the 2009 football season Wednesday, working out for close to an hour and a half in helmets and shorts under sunny skies and warmer temperatures at the University of Tampa.

Auburn’s final practice opened with the squad fine-tuning all aspects of its special teams before the Tigers worked extensively against the scout teams in preparation for Friday’s game.

Following the workout, head coach Gene Chizik stated that he was pleased with the practice and the effort of his players.

"It was a great day," said Chizik. "The weather was beautiful and hopefully it’s close to this on game day. Today was our final preparation for the bowl and I really thought practice was sharp and they were focused and tuned in. It was a great way to end our last practice of the year."

Wednesday’s activities started with the team attending an FCA breakfast at which former NFL player and coach Tony Dungy was the keynote speaker. Dungy, who makes his home in Tampa and coached the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1996-2001, won a Super Bowl as a player with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1979 and as a coach with the Indianapolis Colts in 2007 before retiring from coaching following the 2008 NFL season.

Dungy encouraged the players during his speech to keep their priorities straight and not lose sight of what really matters in life. He stressed the importance of doing the right things to ensure success after football is over.

"As you’re preparing (for the Outback Bowl), I just ask you to remember one thing," said Dungy. "In the meetings that you have left, the preparation and concentration, in practice and in that game on New Year’s Day, do everything you can to win. But remember, it’s just a game. It’s not life. Don’t win the game, but lose your soul."

In addition to Dungy, both head coaches spoke briefly, as did one member of each team. For Auburn, redshirt freshman quarterback Barrett Trotter spoke to the crowd about his experiences with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

After the breakfast but before practice, Chizik and a small group of players visited the West Tampa Boys and Girls Club. Chizik and Tampa native Dontae Aycock spoke to the group of kids, and Chizik presented a batch of 101 Outback Bowl tickets to the Club so the kids could attend the game, much to the delight of the children. The players also stayed to play games with the children until it was time to leave for practice.

"It’s really neat when you can come to a Boys and Girls Club and give back to these guys," said Chizik. "There are so many guys in our football program that grew up around a Boys and Girls Club or a YMCA, so anytime you can visit with those young people and give the community something back, it’s always special."

It was especially meaningful for Aycock, a freshman running back who played basketball at the West Tampa Boys and Girls Club during his youth.

"It meant a lot to me, because I’m from Tampa," said Aycock. "It was good seeing the kids in the club and not out in the streets doing something they’re not supposed to be doing. They’re here with all their friends playing games and enjoying themselves. It was a good experience for me."