The landscape of the Iron Bowl has changed. As you well know, the Crimson Tide lost a hard fought, low scoring, defensive bout to the LSU Tigers. The Iron Bowl will not have implications for a National Title, as it has for the past 2 years. Both Alabama and Auburn have been blessed with the opportunity to play for a National Championship, and both schools have seized that opportunity. This is something that few college football fans will ever experience, and to have such a storied rivalry is enviable.
Throughout the history of the Iron Bowl, the passion from both schools has only increased over time. Starting in 1893, Auburn defeated Alabama in the first ever "Iron Bowl" by a score of 32-22. The game was suspended in 1907 due to disagreements between Auburn and Alabama over issues such as how much players should be paid and where the officials would come from. The Iron Bowl did not resume until 1947, with a lopsided win by Alabama over Auburn, 55-0. It has since created more traditions and memories, that will live with fans for the entire lives.
As the end of November approaches, so does the rivalry game between two of the all-time greatest collegiate football schools in nation. However, this game will mean more than in the past. Alabama and Auburn will not be playing for a championship.
On April 27, 2011, carnage was brought to Alabama and tore right through the heart of Tuscaloosa. Homes were destroyed, lives were lost, and the entire Bama nation wept together for our community. During this time, it was evident that people not just part of the University of Alabama community were deeply touched by this tragedy. Universities, charities, even the President came to Tuscaloosa to help. These acts of kindness are not lost on people that are affected by disasters. They understand that we are all humans, we are all Americans, and we need to work together. Yet, there are people that are not as intelligent and understanding of this.
When one rogue Alabama fan poisons the beloved Oak trees on Toomer's Corner, it is a blatant disregard for what is sacred. As you well know, Alabama fans from across the country raised money immediately to help with whatever efforts could be done to save the trees. Those were not only trees that were poisoned; they were history. One deranged fan is not representative of the whole.
To have some bumbling, upset, anarchist destroy property in the name of a school is embarrassing to everyone associated with that school. And yes, there are plenty of people that are not good stewards of Alabama football. And yes, there is a large contingent of the fan base that never attended the University of Alabama. However, true Alabama fans are the ones that silence the other belligerent Alabama fan that berates opponents at a football game. True Alabama fans understand what it means to be a part of the Crimson Nation. It is respect and humility when regarding others, and a quiet personal dignity that exudes throughout life.
However, when Auburn students rally around Toomer's Corner to roll the trees to celebrate Alabama losing to LSU, that is indicative of the immaturity and disrespect of the Auburn fans and student body. Did it ever occur to anyone that this was not just a game? That maybe it was not a National Championship or perfect record that Alabama was playing for? Maybe it was for belief. Belief that Tuscaloosa could rise from the chaos, pick themselves back up, and emerge stronger. The actions of Auburn students to celebrate at Alabama's heartbreak sullies the work and efforts made by Auburn and their alumni to help in Tuscaloosa after the tornado that took 43 lives in Tuscaloosa alone, and injured over 1,500 people.
The Facebook posts from Auburn fans making fun of an Alabama fan crying after the loss are shameful. Yes, in any other town, at any other time, one can make the case that it was "just a game." But maybe people should step back and ask if this was "just a game." What were the fans really cheering for? Was there something deeper than a BCS championship?
When students, the future alumni of Auburn University, take it upon themselves to celebrate Alabama's loss so openly, it is a slap in the face of decent Alabama and Auburn fans alike. This speaks volumes to level of civility and class that can be expected from the future Auburn graduates.
That is why this Iron Bowl will be different. This time, it is not just a rivalry. It will be for the city of Tuscaloosa, the state of Alabama, and the entire Bama nation. For those that lost their homes, lost their friends, lost their families, lost their lives, Alabama is going to bring their memory to Auburn this year. And for those that have laughed and mocked Alabama throughout this time, you will soon meet the Crimson Tide in person.
Tuscaloosa will heal; the people and the campus will be stronger. The University of Alabama and Tuscaloosa are one in the same. They are all affected by the comings and goings of the city throughout time. Auburn, be ready, because here we come, and it is not going to be friendly.
Jared Schnader
University of Alabama '03
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