So far, Pinkel not so serious

As it turns out, Gary Pinkel just might have something in common with former French Queen Marie Antoinette.

Showing a long-rumored lighter side of his personality, Pinkel ended his weekly news conference Monday with the media by doing something he’s never done before.

He let them eat cake.

Pinkel purchased a birthday cake for two members of the media and led the group in a rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

The cake said “Happy Birthday to my media friends” in black cursive with a picture of a Tiger on it.

In recent weeks, the question has been raised whether Pinkel is starting to show more of his personality in public and with the media.

“I’m probably just the same old me,” Pinkel said. “The more I’m around the players and the program, the more the trust you build. I’m a pretty trusting person. It’s hard for me to open up to anyone if I don’t trust them.”

Modesty aside, Pinkel has kept things light during the preseason. The last two-a-day practice was shortened to one practice and the team took a field trip to the movies to see either “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby,” “Miami Vice” or “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.”

Martin Rucker said this season has been a lot more fun than last season.

“Two-a-days this year, like I mentioned, coach Pinkel took it a little easy on us this year,” Rucker said. “Took us to the pool, took us to the movies, things like that when we were supposed to be practicing. It helps the morale. It keeps guys fresh and everybody excited.”

Rucker added that one of the reasons for the lower stress level this season is because of better communication between the players and coaching staff. Rucker said players have been allowed to provide more input during some meetings, which has kept the team’s attitude fresh.

Pinkel said he didn’t know if he was more comfortable with this team, which seems to be filled with more outgoing personalities, but so far it appears his comfort level is higher than season’s past.

“I like these kids,” Pinkel said. “I like the leaders, I like the work ethic and doing the little things, and we’ve talked about communication a lot. Other than that I’m probably the same old boring guy.”