Auburn coaches, players help provide relief after devastating tornados rip through Alabama

Auburn football coach Gus Malzahn and several members of the Tigers football team deliver supplies on Monday to help those affected by the numerous tornadoes that devastated parts of Alabama and Georgia this weekend.

At least a dozen tornadoes touched down in Alabama and Georgia on Sunday, according to CNN. One tornado touched down in Lee County, Alabama — where Auburn University is located — and killed 23 people, including three children, according to the Opelika-Auburn News. The tornado, which was recorded as an EF4 tornado with 170 mph winds, was the deadliest in the United States since 2013 and cut a path of at least 24 miles long.

Malzahn and nearly 30 players helped deliver supplies to the Providence Baptist Church in Beauregard, Alabama, and the Greater Peace Baptist Church in Opleika, Alabama, on Monday afternoon, according to 247Sports.

“Well our guys really wanted to help any way they could,” Malzahn said, via WVTM’s Kyle Burger. “It’s a tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.”

Auburn is currently working with local authorities to plan more ways to aid in relief efforts, according to athletic director Allen Greene and basketball coach Bruce Pearl — who said he lives near one of the hardest-hit areas.

“I know that Auburn and its leadership both in athletics and the university are working diligently right now to form some action plans to be able to respond, not only short-term but long-term to help our community to rebuild and to heal,” Pearl said, via WVTM. “The devastation is real. I live up on the side of town probably closest to the area ... so obviously it hits home.”

Pearl and the Tigers will take on Alabama in Tuscaloosa on Tuesday night. Alabama coach Avery Johnson said Monday that both the Crimson Tide and Auburn are working to find a way to help victims of the storm through that game.

“We’re in the process of coming up with a game plan to see how we can help those affected by this tornado,” Johnson said Monday. “I think at the appropriate time they’ll have an announcement. (It’s) just very, very sad for a lot of families, people and probably fans of both universities that are going to be playing in this game tomorrow night. Prayers go out to all those affected by this devastating tornado.”

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