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WAR EAGLE
Auburn University, like the other great colleges in America, has been graced with great tradition around their mascots and symbols. To the outsider, their traditions may at first be confusing and to a naive rival, who make jokes such as "Why do you say 'War Eagle' and your team are the 'Tigers'"? For new Auburn fans or rivals wishing to educate themselves, I offer this clear explanation of our mascot and other symbols of tradition. Our school nickname is the "TIGERS". Aubie, a costume mascot, is Auburn University's official mascot. "WAR EAGLE" is Auburn's battle cry, fight song and universal alumni greeting. Nova, an American Golden Eagle in the care Auburn University, represents the physical embodiment and the living symbol of "WAR EAGLE".
A Word About the Writer
I am a TWO-TIME graduate of Auburn University. I have degrees in Business Administration and History. Here is a little known fact about me: I am an ex-Civil War Reenactor with the 19th Alabama Infantry located in Huntsville, AL. I was a club member from 1986-1989. On the right is pictured a two-piece Confederate officer's belt buckle with the Seal of the State of Alabama from the American Civil War. Say "War Eagle" by Wearing It
Auburn Tigers "WAR EAGLES" The Game Classic Bar Adjustable Cap with Mascot Name
Amazon Price: $16.99 (as of 12/23/2009)
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Live College Mascots Reflect Obsession with Traditions
By Marissa DeCuir, USA TODAY, 9/14/2007
For 18 months, Mississippi State University searched for a leader with confidence, personality, stamina - and a tail. Then Lisa Chrestman, a school veterinary technician, found Ta-Tonka, a 9-week-old English bulldog that carried himself with a charisma befitting the state's largest university."He strutted into the vet school like, 'I'm going to own this place,' " Chrestman recalls of the bulldog that outshined his canine competitors in 2001. "Most are intimidated," she says. "This one was not."
Mississippi State is one of at least 33 Division I-A colleges and universities that will kick off the football season with a live animal as a mascot. Since the 1980s, the number of colleges giving room and board to bird and beast has declined from about 40.
Click Here For More.
Gallery of Live College Mascots
In 2007, USA Today created a WONDERFUL Gallery of live college mascots.
Click Here To View The Gallery.
Display Your Auburn Spirit
Auburn Tigers Auburn Au 3'X5' Flag - NCAA
Amazon Price: $27.95 (as of 12/23/2009)
War Eagle: Its Origins
The origins of when "War Eagle" was first shouted are uncertain but there are legends. The first legend centers around America's 'War Between the States' and the 1892 Auburn-Georgia game. The second origin theory focuses on a student pep rally before the 1913 Georgia game. Lastly, there is a theory "War Eagle" originated during a football game with the Carlisle Indians in 1914. One thing about legends; They all have basis in fact. Also, legends which are more colorful tend to be told more and are most exaggerated. If we follow that line of thought, 'The War Between the States' theory stands at the front of the line. It's true! If you ask and Auburn fans today, many of them tell you 'War Eagle' originated sometime during the American Civil War but don't know the details of the story. There is virtually no mention of the last two theories by Auburn fans. Why? It goes back to what I was saying at the beginning. When a legend is more colorful than the truth. Tell the legend.
Which theory do you think is correct?
Which theory do you think is correct?
The First Theory: The 1892 Auburn-Georgia Football Game
According to the legend in 1864, an Auburn student, fighting at the Civil War's Battle of the Wilderness in Virginia, was left for dead in no-man's land, that stretch of earth between the two armies that belonged to neither friend nor foe. After the battle, all that was left alive there was the Auburn student and a baby eagle. With the eaglet in his pocket, the wounded soldier eventually made his way back home to Alabama. He later returned to Auburn and resumed his education, nurturing the eagle back to health and maturity. Later the man joined Auburn's Faculty after graduation. Learn About the Battle of the Wilderness
The Battle Of The Wilderness, May 5-6, 1864
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Part 2: The 1892 Auburn-Georgia Football Game
Legend has it that football and "War Eagle" came to Auburn the same day, Feb. 20, 1892, when Auburn defeated Georgia 10-0 at Atlanta's Piedmont Park in the first real college football game played in the Deep South. When the train departed Auburn for Atlanta that fateful day, the instructor and the eagle, known to all Auburn people as "War Eagle" because of the circumstances which brought the man and eagle together, were on the train. As the game began, the eagle took to flight and began to circle the field. As the eagle continued to fly up and down the field, he was seemingly watching over his Auburn Tiger team, and supporting their efforts in his only way possible. Soon the crowd began to chant and then shout his name in unison..."War Eagle!" At the end of the game, the old eagle, now almost 30 years old, collapsed and died on the playing field.Learn More About The 1892 Game.
The Second and Third Theories
David Housel is Auburn's first sports historian. A 1969 graduate of Auburn, Housel has been working in the Auburn Athletic Department since 2004, when he retired as Athletic Director. So he knows something of the subject matter. In 1973, he published a book called Saturday's To Remember. In the book, he suggests two more theories where "War Eagle" may have originated. David believes the first time "War Eagle" was at the 1913 Auburn-Georgia game. At a student pep rally prior to the game in Langdon Hall, the head cheerleader Gus Graydon said, "If we are going to win this game we are going to have to get out there and fight because this means war." At that moment, a metal eagle button dropped off the uniform of E.T. Enslen as students went wild from Graydon's comments. When he went to pick up the eagle, a fellow student asked him what it was. Enslen replied, "A WAR Eagle." Auburn and Enslen's "War Eagle" beat Georgia, 21-7. The third theory centers around Auburn's 7-0 victory over the Carlisle Indians in 1914. According to David, "The Indian' best player was a big tackle named "Bald Eagle." Trying to tire the Indian out, Auburn ran several plays straight at him without a huddle. To call the play the quarterback simply yelled 'Bald Eagle,' and the teams lined up. The Auburn crowd thought the quarterback was saying 'War Eagle,' and picked up the rhythm."
Bronze Eagle Sculpture For Your Desk
Bronze Plated Resin Sculpture Eagle Statue 13"w X 17.5"h NEW
Amazon Price: $89.99 (as of 12/23/2009)
Who grants Auburn University permission to use raptors, like War Eagle VII, for their athletic and educational programs?
Drum roll please. The answer: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. All birds used in Auburn's athletic and educational programs are non-releasable due to prior injuries or human imprinting. Any bird capable of surviving in the wild must be released, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which permits Auburn to house the birds.
ALPHA PHI OMEGA
Delta chapter is the fourth chapter of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, and the oldest, continually active chapter. Delta Chapter was established in 1927 at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. Delta served as caretakers of the War Eagle program (War Eagle III, IV, V and VI) from 1960 to 2000 at Auburn.Click Here For More.
Southeastern Raptor Center
On Thursday, April 13, 2000, the Southeastern Raptor Center took over the caretaking duties of the War Eagle line of mascots. The Southeastern Raptor Center, a facility at the College of Veterinary Medicine, is located on the campus of Auburn University and cares for all the raptors living there by permission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Southeastern Raptor Center's mission is to promote wildlife conservation with the educational use of birds of prey, to rehabilitate ill and injured raptors, and to collaborate in raptor research efforts. The center, part of the College of Veterinary Medicine, treats hundreds of birds of prey annually from species such as bald eagles, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, great horned owls and red-tailed hawks.
Click Here For More About the Southeastern Raptor Center.
The Southeastern Raptor Center's mission is to promote wildlife conservation with the educational use of birds of prey, to rehabilitate ill and injured raptors, and to collaborate in raptor research efforts. The center, part of the College of Veterinary Medicine, treats hundreds of birds of prey annually from species such as bald eagles, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, great horned owls and red-tailed hawks.
Click Here For More About the Southeastern Raptor Center.
Great Resources on Raptors
The Raptor: The Physical Embodiment of War Eagle
Raptors are birds of prey that feed primarily on meat taken by hunting or on carrion. The term "raptor" is derived from the Latin word rapere, which means to seize. Auburn's Tiger, Nova and Spirit are members of the raptor family.
Click Here For More About Raptors.
Click Here For More About Raptors.
Nova - War Eagle VII
Greatness. Majesty. Beauty. Freedom. Power. All the following terms describe Nova or War Eagle VII. The seventh in the WAR EAGLE line of mascots for Auburn University was introduced to the Auburn Family on Saturday, November 11, 2006, during the half-time ceremonies of the 110th edition of the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry. Nova was born in captivity in the Montgomery, Ala., Zoo in 1999 and was transferred to Auburn when he was six months old. War Eagle VII weighs a little more than 6 pounds and has a wing span of more than six feet.
Click Here For More.
Learn more about the American Golden Eagle
Golden Eagle: Sovereign of the Skies
Amazon Price: $15.56 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $19.95
Spirit: A War Eagle
Sharing the pre-game flight duties before football games with Nova is Spirit. Spirit, an adult American bald eagle, lives at the Southeastern Raptor Center because his beak makes him non-releasable. Spirit's beak does not curve/hook like an eagle's should; His deformity makes it difficult for him to tear his food. Spirit is believed to have been hatched sometime in 1995. He was found as a young bird injured in Florida with a broken wing and a fractured beak; As you can tell by his flights his wing was repaired.
Click Here For More.
Photographic Resource on the American Bald Eagle
Tiger - War Eagle VI
Serving as War Eagle VI, Tiger, a golden eagle, has represented the university's school spirit since 1986 and has been flying before home football games since 2000. In 2002 she flew during the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, with her flight being seen by millions of television viewers around the world. Today, Tiger has retired to the Southeastern Raptor Center where she continues to serve as a symbol of Auburn University and the accomplishments of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.Click Here For More.
An Auburn Tiger Tradition: The Pre-game Flight of War Eagle
Beginning the 2000 football season, Tiger began a new and wonderful tradition in all of modern-day college football athletics by making flights high above Jordan-Hare Stadium before home football games . With Tiger's retirement in 2006, the pre-flight tradition has been passed to Nova and Spirit. Today, as Nova, War Eagle VII, or Spirit, gracefully circles the stadium, Auburn fans cry out 'Warrrrrrrrrrr Eagle - Hey!' as the symbol of Auburn University lands determinedly at midfield as an unwavering icon of the Auburn Spirit.
The Pre-Game Flight of Nova, WAR EAGLE VII, at the 2006 Auburn-Florida Game
Auburn Florida 2006 - ESPN Introduction
curated content from YouTube
Watch a Video of Spirit's release, during Pre-Game Flight Ceremonies at Jordan-Hare Stadium
Eagle Flight Auburn University
curated content from YouTube
Tiger, WAR EAGLE VI, Greets 80,000 Over Jordan-Hare
The late ESPN sports reporter Adrian Karsten releases Tiger for her pre-game flight sometime prior to the 2005 Football season. Adrian, who provided great color commentary on the football sideline wearing his trademark suspenders, committed suicide on September 2, 2005. We miss you Adrian.
Auburn Tigers Football Tiger VI Eagle Flying`
curated content from YouTube
Aubie: Auburn University's Costumed Mascot and Spirit Leader
Aubie is Auburn University's costumed Tiger mascot. The purpose of this site is to provide the reader with an understanding of Aubie's history and accomplishments.Click Here For More.
Traveling to the Auburn/Opelika, Alabama Area? Check out this Cool Place to Stay.
War Eagle - Auburn University's Fight Song
In 1954, Auburn supporter Roy B. Sewell commissioned two New York songwriters named Robert Allen and Al Stillman to write the words and music for a new fight song. He felt the old Auburn fight song entitled 'Auburn Victory March' was old and something new was needed. After several failed attempts from students and fans to come up with a tune, Allen and Stillman developed a new fight song. Thus War Eagle was born as the new Auburn fight song. Roy Sewell wrote, "Boy, we have a peach of a song," and the new tune was premiered at the Auburn-Chattanooga game in September, 1955 under the band direction of Burton R. Leidner.
War Eagle: The Fight Song Lyrics
War Eagle, fly down the field
Ever to conquer, never to yield
War Eagle, fearless and true,
Fight on you orange and blue
Go! Go! Go!
On to victory, strike up the band
Give 'em hell, Give 'em hell,
Stand up and yell, Hey!
War Eagle, win for Auburn,
Power of Dixie Land!
Ever to conquer, never to yield
War Eagle, fearless and true,
Fight on you orange and blue
Go! Go! Go!
On to victory, strike up the band
Give 'em hell, Give 'em hell,
Stand up and yell, Hey!
War Eagle, win for Auburn,
Power of Dixie Land!
The Auburn University Marching Band Performing "War Eagle"
2006 Auburn University Marching Band: "War Eagle"
curated content from YouTube
Download an MP3 Version of Auburn University's Fight Song - 'War Eagle'
War Eagle (Live)
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War Eagle...the Battle Cry and Universal Greeting of the Auburn Nation
"War Eagle" is the inspirational battle cry whenever Auburn teams compete on the field of play. Today, in addition to being immortalized in Auburn's fight song and cheered at all Auburn sporting events, the battle cry "War Eagle" has become a universal greeting for Auburn men and women. It is said that wherever "War Eagle!" is shouted around the world, another hearty "War Eagle!" will be heard in response as a friendly acknowledgment of the Spirit that binds all Auburn people together. U.S. President George W. Bush's "War Eagle" Moment
George Bush saying War Eagle!!
curated content from YouTube
Lee Corso's "War Eagle" Moment
Lee Corso says War Eagle
curated content from YouTube
An Auburn Family Reunion 'War Eagle' Moment in Alaska
curated content from YouTube
Bless His Heart
Auburn War Eagle Moment Commercial
curated content from YouTube
Voice Your Opinion About My List
Here is a list of some of my favorite Auburn stuff. VOTE, up or down, for your favorites. You can also add items to the list. Do you have a SQUIDOO lens? If so, you can grab my list and add it to your lens.
Auburn University Football Vault (College Vault) by David Housel
War Eagle! In the Auburn University Football Vault more...0 points
A Tiger Walk through History: The Complete Story of Auburn Football from 1892 to the Tuberville Era (Pebble Hill Book) by Paul Hemphill
In this lively and fascinating book, noted writer more...0 points
Stadium Stories: Auburn Tigers (Stadium Stories Series) by Phillip Marshall
In Alabama, they take football very seriously, and more...0 points
Auburn Tigers 2004: Second to None by Montgomery Advertiser
Packed with full-color photos, this eyepopping new more...0 points
Camp War Eagle
Camp War Eagle exists to better orient incoming freshmen to Auburn University through a structured program emphasizing academic and personal success. Students meet faculty, talk with academic advisors, and register for fall semester classes.Click Here For More.
Other College Mascots in the SEC
It's all about love and when you love something enough you'll support it. Fans of college football understand what I am talking about and supporting the symbol of your college, like a mascot, is part of it. Below you will find information on mascots, costume and live, from the SEC. Enjoy!
Uga: The Symbol of the University of Georgia
The seventh in the UGA line of Georgia mascots was introduced to the Georgia Bulldog nation on Saturday, August 30, 2008, during pre-game ceremonies of the Bulldogs' season opener against Georgia Southern. The University of Georgia won that game 45-21.Click Here For More.
Damn Good Dawgs: The History of Uga
Damn Good Dogs! The Real Story of Uga, the University of Georgia's Bulldog Mascots
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Hairy Dog: The University of Georgia's Costume Mascot
Hairy Dog is the costumed mascot of the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. He is an English bulldog dressed in the home colors of the school.Click Here For More.
Mike the Tiger: The Symbol of Louisiana State University
The sixth in the MIKE line of LSU mascots was introduced to the Tiger Nation on Saturday, October 6, 2007, during the pre-game ceremonies at Tiger Stadium against the University of Florida. LSU won the game 28-24 eventually claiming the 2007 SEC and 2008 National Championship. The reign of Mike VI is off to a great start.Click Here For More.
Listen to the Roar: Tales of Mike the Tiger
Mike the Tiger: LSU's Costume Mascot
Mike the Tiger is the costumed mascot of Louisiana State University in Baton Rauge, Louisiana. He is a bengal tiger dressed in the home colors of the school.Click Here For More.
Big Al - The Symbol of the University of Alabama
Big Al is the costumed mascot of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He is a gray elephant dressed in the home colors of the school.Click Here For More.
Are you an alumnus or friend of Auburn University? If so, Join Tiger2Tiger.
Tiger2Tiger, by Affinity Circles, is the Auburn Alumni Association's online social and career network linking AU alumni and friends. Affinity Circles is an online social networking company that services over 140 organizations, including alumni and student groups, fraternities, professional associations and sports teams. You can do all of the following:- Graduates and association members may post a resumé and update their information
- Search for and post jobs
- Contact other alumni in specific career fields
- Upload photos
- Post and/or enter discussion topics
- Create and join special interest clubs and groups.
- Post BLOGs
- Develop your friend's network
- Receive email notifications about birthday notices of friends' in your network and update postings from groups you belong to
This network is open to all Auburn graduates and members of the Auburn Alumni Association. Guess what? It's free! Also, WAR EAGLE FOREVER.COM has its on group on Tiger2Tiger so you may contact other members of the club. Log on at www.aualum.org and join WAR EAGLE FOREVER.COM's Tiger2Tiger group today.
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Show Me Some Love. Tell Me What You Think of This Site.
Readers this is your opportunity to talk about Auburn's War Eagle mascot. Areyou a current or ex-handler? If so, please post your experiences. Are you a fan and have a special story to relay about your experience with War Eagle, tell us about it. Any comments, as long as they are 'clean' and reflect sportsman-like conduct, will be posted, once reviewed by site management. Thank you.
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- JohnNeedham JohnNeedham Dec 9, 2008 @ 12:52 pm
- Steve - Thank you. I invite you to join my fan club on squidoo and if you are an alumnus or fan of Auburn University to join my Tiger2Tiger group located at www.aualum.org or my Facebook group called 'WAR EAGLE FOREVER.COM'. Best, John Needham [in reply to doctorrock]
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- doctorrock doctorrock Dec 9, 2008 @ 12:08 pm
- Great collection of info. Great work. Thanks for sharing. War Eagle Forever, Steve
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- JohnNeedham JohnNeedham Oct 30, 2008 @ 10:41 am | in reply to opalship
- I appreciate your rating and invite you to become a member of my fan club so you can receive squidblasts from me. War Eagle Forever, John
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- opalship opalship Aug 8, 2008 @ 4:10 pm
- Very well presented 5 star site..! Excellent work.
by JohnNeedham
My name is John Needham. I appreciate you stopping by to visit. One of the things I love to do is write about my favorite subjects and one of them is... (more)
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