Auburn's Mascot Story ?

The Auburn Tigers. The Tiger is the official mascot of Auburn University. Aubie "the" Tiger became an on field reality in 1979. Aubie was invented at pen point by Phil Neel around 1959.

War Eagle. Waaaaaaaar Eagle is Auburn's official battle cry and unofficial mascot. The cry rings out at sports events, pep rallies, alumni meetings, and anywhere else Auburn people gather. However, the true origin of the famous cheer is anybody's guess. Several stories have survived through the years and which is fact and which is fable remains uncertain. 

Perhaps the oldest story dates back to the first gridiron clash between Auburn and Georgia in 1892 and centers around a spectator who was a veteran of the Civil War. In the stands with him that day was an eagle the old soldier had found on the battlefield during the war, He had kept it as a pet for almost 30 years. According to the witnesses, the eagle suddenly broke free and majestically circling the playing field. As the eagle soared, Auburn began a steady march toward the Georgia end zone for a thrilling victory. Elated at their team's play and taking the bird's presence as an omen of success, Auburn students began to yell "WAR EAGLE" to spur on their team. Because of this eagle, "WAR EAGLE" became the battle cry and a symbol of a proud Auburn spirit.