The War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen have been the official hosts of Auburn University since 1935, serving many roles.
"On gamedays we have multiple responsibilities," said Sam Poteat, a senior in finance. "Three couples show up three hours before game time to the Alumni tent where we help assist the Alumni Association and mingle with alumni. Everybody else shows up two hours before game time for Tiger Walk, where we stand at the end of it right inside Gate 10 and cheer on the team."
WEGP have the honor of hosting private parties for the Auburn family and are recognized on Pat Dye Field inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.
"When you turn away from the field and look into the stands and see the 87,451 fans, you realize that you are truly blessed to have this unique perspective and serve the University in this way," Poteat said.
He said as a senior this year, it will be difficult to see a new group next year on the field, and he feels that he has taken this experience for granted.
President of WEGP Stuart Stone said he agrees that the experience of gameday is incredible and indescribable.
"To get to feel the electricity in the stadium is awesome," Stone said. "It puts a completely different perspective on being in Jordan-Hare to get to look up from the field to the stands and to hear the fans during the build up for the game."
Being a part of WEGP offers many opportunities to learn behind the scenes information on Auburn as well as improve personable skills.
"I enjoy knowing how the intricate workings of our University administer the community and their dedication to bettering our University," said Leesa Marie Koestler, WEGP vice president of alumni.
Poteat said he enjoys having the opportunity to meet and greet Auburn's Board of Trustees and many other public figures.
"These people are at the top of Auburn's structure and with that you sometimes forget that they are normal down-to-earth people," Poteat said.
Stone said it is just a joy getting to serve Auburn in whatever way it needs.
Koestler said she has mostly learned people skills and appreciates the communication techniques she has gained.
"Communication is such a valuable tool to have in a skill set," Koestler said. "In terms of serving our University as a leader, it is much more vital to be able to understand others, rather than to be understood."
Poteat said being a Plainsman has played a large role in his life, and he has learned so much in the past two years.
"I'm not a Plainsman because I get to where a cool orange jacket on a weekly basis," he said. "I'm a Plainsman because I have a love for Auburn and a desire to serve and give back to this institution that has given me so much."
Stone said for those interested in trying out for WEGP, tryouts will be February 2010.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
