Auburn Tigers
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| Auburn Tigers | |
|---|---|
| Name | Auburn Tigers |
| University | Auburn University |
| Conference | Southeastern Conference |
| Director | John Cohen |
| Location | Auburn, Alabama |
Auburn Tigers. The Auburn Tigers are the athletic teams representing Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. Competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the program fields 21 varsity teams in NCAA Division I sports. The Tigers are renowned for a rich history of success, particularly in football, basketball, and swimming and diving, and are known for passionate fan traditions and intense rivalries.
History
The athletic identity traces its origins to the late 19th century, with the first organized football team taking the field in 1892 under coach George Petrie. The university joined the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1895 and was a founding member of the Southern Conference in 1921. Auburn became a charter member of the Southeastern Conference upon its formation in 1932, a affiliation it maintains. Key figures in its development include football coach Shug Jordan, who led the program for 25 years, and athletic director David Housel. The Tigers' history is marked by periods of both integration and significant growth in women's athletics following the passage of Title IX.
Athletic programs
The university sponsors nine men's and twelve women's varsity teams. The football program plays its home games at Jordan–Hare Stadium and has produced numerous NFL players and Heisman Trophy winners. Men's basketball competes at Neville Arena and has made multiple appearances in the NCAA Tournament. The women's basketball team has also achieved national prominence. Auburn's swimming and diving teams, under coaches like David Marsh and Richard Quick, are historically dominant, having won multiple national championships and producing Olympians such as Rowdy Gaines and Kirsty Coventry. Other successful programs include equestrian, baseball, and women's golf.
Rivalries
Auburn maintains several of the most storied rivalries in American college sports. The annual Iron Bowl against the Alabama Crimson Tide is one of the most intense rivalries in all of sports, dating back to 1893. The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry is with the Georgia Bulldogs, a series that began in 1892. Another significant historic rivalry exists with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Within the state, Auburn has a strong rivalry with the UAB Blazers in various sports. These contests, especially the Iron Bowl, often have implications for the SEC Championship Game and national championship contention.
Championships
Auburn teams have won numerous team and individual national championships. The football program has claimed two AP national championships (1957, 2010) and eight SEC championships. The men's swimming and diving team has won eight NCAA team titles, while the women's team has won five. The equestrian team has secured six national championships. Individual athletes have won a multitude of NCAA titles in sports like track and field, swimming, and gymnastics. Auburn athletes have also earned significant recognition, including the Heisman Trophy, the Davey O'Brien Award, the Dick Howser Trophy, and the Hermann Trophy.
Traditions
Game day at Auburn is defined by unique and enduring traditions. The marching band plays the fight song "War Eagle" as the team enters the field at Jordan–Hare Stadium. The "War Eagle" battle cry, accompanied by a live golden eagle flight pre-game, is among the most iconic in college athletics. Other traditions include the rolling of Toomer's Corner with toilet paper after victories, the playing of "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd during football games, and the "Tiger Walk" where fans line the path for the team. The university's colors of navy blue and burnt orange are displayed prominently.
Notable alumni
Auburn has produced a vast number of distinguished athletes across many sports. In football, Heisman winners Bo Jackson and Cam Newton are legends, alongside Charles Barkley in basketball and Frank Thomas in baseball. Olympic champions from Auburn include swimmers Rowdy Gaines, Kirsty Coventry, and Caeleb Dressel. Notable coaches who are alumni include Pat Dye and Tim Hudson. Beyond athletics, prominent alumni such as Jimmy Buffett, Octavia Spencer, and Kathryn Thornton have excelled in entertainment, academia, and space exploration, contributing to the university's broad legacy.