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© 1998 The Auburn Plainsman |
Auburn's historic traditions By Elizabeth Barry Staff Writer Aubie the tiger and Tiger the eagle, what would Auburn be without them? They are as much a part of the University as Samford Hall and Toomer's Corner. But how did these two unlikely characters become the symbols for Auburn? Why is the University represented by not one, but two mascots? And why are they a tiger and an eagle? Though the eagle is a symbol of dignity, the tiger was chosen to serve as the costumed mascot because University officials feared a giant eagle would be mocked. Aubie was given his name in 1960. He was created by cartoonist Phil Neel in the mid-1950s, and graced the covers of football programs from 1958 to 1976. In 1979, Aubie made his first three-dimensional debut. James Lloyd, 1979 SGA director of spirit, raised $1,300 to purchase the first costume. Barry Mask was selected as the first official mascot. Several stories attempt to explain the War Eagle battle cry. The most popular version centers around a 1913 pep rally before the Auburn vs. Georgia game. Standing before a crowd of students gathered at Langdon Hall, cheerleader Gus Craydon looked to the crowd and said, "If we are going to win this game, we'll have to get out there and fight because this means war." E.T. Enslen, a student, saw an eagle pin fall from his hat as he cheered. He shouted that he had found a "war eagle." The cry was carried into the stadium the next day as the Tigers played UGA. The oldest story is from the first Auburn vs. UGA game in 1892. A Civil War soldier had an eagle with him that he had found on a battlefield during the war. During the game, witnesses claim the eagle broke away from his master and circled the field. As he soared above the stadium, Auburn moved to the UGA end zone to win the game. Believing the eagle to be an omen, spectators cheered "War Eagle!" A third legend dates back to 1914. Auburn was playing the Carlisle Indians, whose toughest player was known as Bald Eagle. In an attempt to tire the rough player, the Auburn quarterback kept yelling "Bald Eagle." Fans misunderstood and began yelling "War Eagle" in support. No matter what the real story is, cries of "War Eagle" will be heard across the Plains. Aubie the Tiger and Tiger the Eagle are permanently part of the Auburn's Tradition.
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