Aubie the Tiger is not only the mascot for Auburn University athletics, but he also represents something bigger. He unites the university as well as the community, as a symbol of hope and unity. He acts not only as a spirit leader, but also as a goodwill ambassador to the city of Auburn.

Aubie is in his 30th year as Auburn’s mascot, with his debut being in 1979. The Auburn cheerleaders presented Aubie to the fans in a giant box, and seconds later Aubie jumped out. From that point on Auburn tradition was born, with Aubie leading the crowd to cheer on its team. Aubie originated as a cartoon character who first appeared on the Auburn/Hardin-Simmons football cover in 1959. He quickly turned into one of the most recognizable and animated mascots.

Aubie’s appearance has changed over the past 30 years, but his spirit and good luck aura have not. Aubie now wears clothes and partakes in skits on the sideline to encourage and entertain the spectators. This has turned into a tradition that many Auburn fans believe brings good luck and hope to the team.

The fans might be right, because Aubie has been witness to several winning seasons in football and basketball. Even if the teams are not playing well, Aubie does his very best to keep spirits high. In the 2006-2007 season Aubie was one of the first three mascots inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame, he got second place in the National UCA ranking, he won first place in the UCA College Spirit Camp and lastly Auburn was named the Capital One All-American Mascot Team.

In the 2007-2008 season, Aubie won third place in the National UCA ranking, and first place in the UCA College Spirit Camp. The 2009 UCA Mascot National Championship was last week where Aubie won second in the nation. Chip from the University of Colorado won first.

Laura Ferguson, an Auburn cheerleader, said, “I got to see the skit before he performed, and it was really great.”

She said you could tell by watching how much time and energy Aubie put into the skit, and that she was proud of Aubie’s success. The competition was judged by a panel where half the points go toward the skit and the other half go toward a ninety second video entry. Each mascot was allowed to use ten props, and they were judged based on crowd appeal, creativity, animation and prop usage.

Aubie has won a record of six mascot national championships, which is more than any other mascot in the United States. This year Aubie has once again set the standard high when it comes to making a good impression across the nation. He is expected to go on to competitions and represent Auburn well.

The requirements to try out for Aubie reflect the importance of his job. Keeping up with the current dance moves, impromptu skits, use of props and choreography are all essential aspects to Aubie. The 2009 Aubie tryout will be no different, and although they are open to the public, the position requires commitment and dedication. There will be four different orientation sessions in February and March followed by an Aubie clinic, and then finally tryouts which will be held April 6th and 7th.


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