Good night all. This was a weekend of celebration and remberance. It was  for my dad that I threw the first role (API Class of 52) and my mom who I will always remember in her wool dress with the Orange mum with the blue A at our first game in 68 as a family.The second roll was for my boys and my wife, the memories of the many trips we have taken to the plains, the great victories we saw together, and the fact we still couldn’t convert their mom to an Auburn fan, but she faithfully came will us. Cheering on her beloved team in silence, but beaming at watching her boys enjoy themselves. The fourth and final roll is for my brother, his wife Sharon, and daughter Barrett. no greater an Auburn man do I know except for our Dad. War Eagle little brother. We had some hell of football games in the front yard of Pine Crest Road. And finally my most beloved granddaughters Claudia and Aubrey. Claudia has seen the Auburn experience by his following her grandmother to Tuscaloosa for love of  her university. But little Aubrey is destined to be an Auburn Tiger. Upon birth her name has been nothing but Aubs or Aubie, She will be of the Orange and Blue and I will be there to see her walk. . As David Housel said yesterday. We were not there to celebrate the end but the beginning. The Auburn Spirit will remain. Frear less and True. We are and Auburn family and We believe in and love it. War Eagle.

The memories of great times at Toomer’s Corner will live long after the Oaks are gone.  One of my favorite memories happened in 1972.  My mother was getting her hair done at Betty’s Beauty Bar – a salon on College Street.  As the exciting moments of Punt Bama Punt began to take place the attention focused on the radio.  When Auburn had the incredible win, everyone left to roll Toomer’s.  Women will not leave at the half way point of a weekly hair appointment except for an emergency.  This was a family celebration!

27 years later when lung problems made supplemental O2 a necessity for my mama, we took the portable oxygen and together watched the great tradition continue. 

Years of rolling Toomer’s with family and friends followed the memorable score of 17-16.  On quiet days the corner blessed by the oaks was a place to gather. The oaks stood strong as a symbol of all that is right.   Many days would find me there with a camera in hand, with our grand trees framing hundreds of shots.  When the last roll is thrown and the last picture is taken I will remember with smiles and tears the great parents who raised me to love Auburn and the wonderful friendships bound by orange and blue.

KM

AU ‘85

To me, the trees represent friendship.  I’ve stood beneath those trees with old friends and I made new friends as we experienced the thrill of tossing toilet paper and celebrating all that is the Auburn spirit. 

My favorite memory is from December 1985 - my freshman year.   I will never forget barreling out of dorm 5 the night it was announced Bo Jackson won the Heisman Trophy.  My lifelong best friend and Auburn roomie, Katy, and I made a mad dash to Toomer’s Corner (after a quick stop through Samford Hall for toilet paper).  It was a sight to behold and I will never forget the pure joy and pride I felt that night to be an Auburn Tiger.

I am fortunate enough to have my own Toomer’s tree (thanks Katy!) and will roll it with enthusiasm!  And as I do that, I will always be thankful for the friendships and the memories formed beneath those treasured Oaks.

I believe in Auburn and love it!  War Damn Eagle!

Debbie Russell O’Brien ‘89