By: John David Barnett
Student Involvement Student Writer
Aubie the Tiger, the embodiment of an elite collegiate mascot, the epitome of a beloved community celebrity, and the figurehead of 45 years of rich history and lore. The iconic tiger, known for his charismatic personality and antics, is more than just Auburn’s mascot. He is a symbol of the Auburn Family, bringing together generations of fans, students, and alumni with a head bobble here, a tail swing there, and for good measure, an 11th national championship trophy.
Now, along with championship number eleven, the university unveiled a new Aubie figure in front of the Melton Student Center on February 24 commemorating his legacy. A central figure on Auburn’s campus for the last 45 years, Aubie is now a permanent fixture in the center of campus.
Before he became the most decorated collegiate mascot in the country, Aubie had to go through his inaugural year of college like every other Auburn student. After years of cartoon depictions on football programs, Aubie came to life on February 28, 1979. The Birmingham-Jefferson County Civic Center had the honor of hosting Aubie’s first appearance, which accompanied an upset victory against Vanderbilt during the SEC Basketball Tournament.
From that point forward, Auburn welcomed Aubie as an official member of the family and recognizes February 28 as his birthday each year. 45 years later Aubie has evolved into the giant spectacle of joy and shenanigans he is now.
A huge part of that 45-year evolution has been Aubie’s rise to the top of the mascot rankings across the country. UCA (Universal Cheer Association) hosts a national championship for collegiate mascots each year. Prior to this year’s competition, Aubie’s two most recent national championships were in 2016 and 2021. Aubie’s return as king of the mascots was never a question of if, but a question of when. The answer to that question turned out to be 2024 when Aubie’s latest effort yielded a record eleventh national title for the program.
The preparation process is intense, and Aubie always needs help from his friends to perform a world-class skit at nationals. Part of that is where the Directors of Aubie come in, assisting him as he polishes his performance and perfects his props.
“It’s a very busy few weeks for us,” Madi McDougald, one of the four Directors of Aubie, said in reference to preparation for nationals. “Just as classes wind down for winter break, we kick into gear and help Aubie prepare his skit. We have non-stop practice for a couple weeks straight to perfect the details. And of course, we have the prop building process, which takes a long time because we have to make sure each prop looks and works perfect.”
Mascots that enter the competition are required to prepare a 90 second skit to be performed alongside a music mix. With those limited rules, Aubie has the freedom each year to craft a one-of-a-kind performance. Aubie’s directors are crucial in the skit preparation process. McDougald emphasized how imperative it is that they help make the skit as smart and funny as Aubie is day-in and day-out.
On January 13, 2024, after months of preparation, Aubie performed his skit before the UCA judging panel and a crowd of enthusiastic fans at Disney World’s Adventhealth Arena. The skit told the elaborate story of Aubie’s Great Escape Room with the help of several complex props, clever sound mixing and a heavily engaged audience. The arena roared with applause when Aubie took his final bow.
“It was truly surreal,” McDougald said. “Knowing that we produced a skit of that quality and that it was able to win – especially when there are so many mascots around the country that excel in their own skits – is indescribable, honestly. It’s amazing to see all of that hard work come to fruition.”
This championship, like the ten before it, is an amazing feat, but nothing compares to a classic appearance from Aubie. The tiger is infamous for being all around the Auburn community when he isn’t winning trophies. From athletic events to a walk down the Haley Concourse, Aubie always finds the perfect way to make each member of the Auburn Family feel seen. While the championships bring Aubie, and Auburn, glory and notoriety, the face-to-face moments are what makes it all special.
Some Auburn students shared what makes a moment with Aubie feel unique.
“I think that Aubie is like every Auburn student’s best friend,” Maddox Legg, junior in accounting, said. “He embodies the auburn spirit. He’s always so fun and knows exactly how to show up and show out. You know it’s going to be a good time if Aubie is there.”
“I could be having the worst day ever,” Sawyer Courington, a sophomore in speech, language and hearing sciences, said. “Then I hear the really loud music blaring from his golf cart and there’s Aubie behind me having the time of his life. It just instantly makes my day better.”
Auburn University is 168 years old, so in the grand scheme of things, Aubie is a relatively modern Auburn staple. Despite this, Aubie has quickly cemented his legacy as one of the greatest collegiate mascots in the country and a key member of the Auburn Family.
The Aubie figure is the newest way to celebrate Aubie’s legacy and ensures he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It also signifies that the future is bright for both Aubie and Auburn University. A pedigree of national championships boosted by his unique characterization makes him the ultimate image of Auburn, and it also makes him the ultimate friend to compliment a lifetime of being an Auburn Tiger.
All Photos: Elaina Eichorn | AUinvolve