Hoffman should be Hermann Trophy finalist

Of the 11 forwards still in the running for the MAC Hermann Trophy, UCLA junior Chandler Hoffman is the most deserving to be at the St. Louis dinner January 6.

Hoffman, the comeback story of 2011, has numbers that rival every candidate up for consideration, but what sets him apart is his precision and accuracy.

After breaking his leg during the 2010 preseason, Hoffman went from being “completely crushed” to one of the best collegiate goal scorers the West Coast has seen in 20 years.

In his last 29 games at UCLA, Hoffman has scored 24 goals, including 18 times in 23 outings this season. Not only that, but the junior, left-footed striker has put the UCLA Bruins on his back en route to the College Cup in his hometown area of Birmingham, Ala. He has converted on 78.3 percent of his shots on goal (18-of-23), the best percentage of the semifinalists by far. Closest to him is University of Memphis striker Mark Sherrod at 59.4 percent (19-of-32).

Hoffman’s 18 goals have come at the rate of 0.78 per game, and at one point this season he scored on 10 consecutive shots on goal. He currently has scored his last five shots on goal entering the College Cup.

The junior is one of 12 goal scorers this season for UCLA, but accounts for 44 percent of the Bruins’ 41 goals. The only semifinalist to account for more of his team’s overall goals is Sherrod at 51.4 percent among 11 goal scorers.

If the Hermann Trophy is going to go to an offensive goal scorer, then Hoffman should be the front runner. While he and Sherrod seem somewhat even in stats, no player has carried his team this season in the NCAA like Hoffman has the Bruins. Hoffman has scored most goals by one player at UCLA since 1991 while also maintaining a 3.79 GPA in communication studies to be selected as a Second Team All-American by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

How shall we honor the tradition of Toomer's Oaks?

When the news hit about the oaks at Toomer's Corner, we all were angered and crushed. In the days since, I've read and heard numerous comments from fans of what should be done with the oak trees should they die. I say should, because I hold out hope that the tough ole' trees will fight this chemical weapon the same way it has stood the test of time. But if the herbicide is too strong, what shall we do to honor the life of this storied tradition?

Some have suggested to bronze the trees before they die or build a statue of the trees in their place. Others have said to use parts of the tree for a monument in Jordan-Hare or other locations. While all of these ideas seem great, let's not forget what makes this tradition so special.

Auburn is not a place for traditions of statues you gaze at or touch. Auburn is about living tradition: a walk with its fans, a battle cry that extends social/economic standards, a flight of an eagle and the beauty of a tree blowing in the wind filled with toilet paper. Each of these are living traditions passed down through generations. Such should be the legacy of the oaks.

Once the poison is gone from the rich Auburn soil, the best fitting tribute would be to pass the corner of Magnolia and College to the next generation of Oaks. Just as alumni pride themselves in being able to carry on their ancestors tradition of being an Auburn Tiger, so should the seedlings of Toomers' oaks, which are maintained by The School of Forestry and Wildlife Science.

Until that day comes, the Auburn Family has the opportunity to spread the seed of Toomer's oaks across the state and nation, not only in their own yards, but in parks or gardens.

The spirit of Auburn is alive. So shall be the spriit of Toomer's Oaks.