I have used the screenname "auhusker" for a long time. It is a combination of my two favorite schools, Auburn University in Alabama and the University of Nebraska. My support is even reflected in my little fish tank up top with the scarlet, white, orange and blue fish. I was raised as a Cornhusker. I learned the fight song right along with my ABCs and I was saddened by the switch to the West Coast offense from the option after Tom Osborne's departure. I was introduced to Auburn during a week-long trip of college campus visits during high school. When I became an Auburn Tiger, I jumped right into the traditions as overwhelming school spirit emerged shortly after my acceptance. I proudly wear orange and blue with my heels every Saturday in the fall. When I travel outside of Alabama wearing Auburn clothing, I am often asked to clarify the confusion about our mascot. We are the Auburn Tigers, and Aubie graces the sidelines at all the games in his tiger suit, but we yell "War Eagle!" (or in some cases, for the extremely proud, "War Damn Eagle!"), and an eagle circles the stadium before every home football game while the crowd vocalizes the battle cry until the eagle lands in centerfield. So, for those interested, here is some clarification.

There are many stories on the possible origin of "War Eagle," but the version often told is of a Civil War soldier who kept a wounded eagle as a pet after finding him on the battlefield. The soldier brought the eagle to the football game against Georgia in 1892, and Auburn was trying to come from behind for a win. The eagle left the soldier's shoulder and began circling the stadium as Auburn moved the ball down the field and scored a touchdown to win the game. After the victory, the eagle took his final dive and perished on the field. The eagle died, but his spirit has stayed with the Auburn faithful through the years, and if you are lucky enough, you will see the eagle circle the field before each home football game on the plains.

You can read other versions of the "War Eagle" origin here: www.auburn.edu/admissions/auburn/traditions.html . There are several videos on YouTube of the eagles who have flown over the years, including a special flight at the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah. It is a very moving tradition. I tear up with emotion and pride every time I see the eagle fly. I am unaware if visitors to Auburn get the same feeling when they witness the pregame flight, but it is a amazing sight for those who are privileged to see it.

War Eagle! And Go Tigers! Who is your favorite team?