ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chris Warner lives with his wife and their two daughters in Fairhope, Alabama. A former radio and TV talk show host, he is a noted SEC sports commentator, writer, and guest speaker. He is the author of eight books, countless articles, and several screenplays. Hailing from New Iberia, Louisiana, he holds two degrees from LSU in Baton Rouge and a doctorate from the University of New Orleans. He has appeared on the History Channel, CBS’s College Sports TV, James Carville’s 60-20 with Luke Russert, and the Paul Finnebaum Radio Network, among other national media as an avowed expert on the history of tailgating and other SEC-related topics. A long-time football aficionado, he enjoys traveling the Southeastern United States and never tires of tailgating, talking smack, and watching the schools of the SEC play football.

AUTHOR`S NOTE

Since this odyssey began in 2000 with the first publishing of "Traditions of the SEC: A Tailgater’s Guide to SEC Football," I have come into contact with thousands of fans from across the Southeastern Conference. The nation’s most powerful league has some of the most impressive fans! The visceral connection between Southerners and their favorite SEC teams is evident. That’s because there is nothing that can match the entertainment value of the pageantry and excitement of an SEC football game. From Lexington to Gainesville to Athens to Baton Rouge and all parts in between, SEC Football is always the hottest ticket in town and the driving cultural force of the waking community. In short, Southerners love and live for, their football.      And it is with these devoted, pigskin-loving Southerners in mind that we unveil this third edition of the ultimate tome on Southeastern Conference Football history and tradition as well as the definitive guide to the nation’s toughest league. Like its predecessor, this rendition contains a few subtle changes from the original version printed in 2000. The third volume builds on the copious feedback we have received regarding the first and second editions related to where to go and what to do in each SEC college town. There are even new suggestions for choice accommodations near each campus.      Also, for those road revelers that have a tendency to get a little too rowdy, there are even handy bail bondsman recommendations for each college town. Furthermore, this new version contains dozens of new coach and player profiles as well as updated records and statistics through the end of the 2007 season.      More importantly, the 2008 75th Anniversary (1933-2008) Edition of "Traditions of the SEC: A Tailgater’s Guide to SEC Football" includes a comprehensive preseason breakdown by me, Chris Warner, of how the league divisions will shake out by the end of the season as well as the related rationale behind each school ranking. This exciting augmentation of the product, we feel, is a perfect melding of the past, present, and future of SEC Football into a convenient, entertaining, and extremely readable fan format. Everyone wants to know who the favorites are. We have them here and why. We know you are going to enjoy it, and you can expect similar predictions in future annual volumes.      I said we–this venture has taken on a kindred spirit and talented editor and marketing maven, Gene Bouchillon. Gene, a Mississippi State graduate, has been invaluable in his role as chief editor for the latest revision as well as Director of Sales and Distribution for the book. Gene also is an avid SEC Football fan who shares a nearly unbridled enthusiasm for the rich history and tradition that is Southeastern Conference Football. Much of the new look and feel of this project can be credited to Gene’s tireless focus and dedication to making the product better. You, the reader, will only benefit from his steadfast involvement.      Having said that, I again bid you adieu. "Bon appetit’ et laissez les bon temps roulez" SEC fans! Chris Warner, Author May 2008