No one understands the pressure and frustration of Auburn's football season as much as the Auburn cheerleaders. Every turnover, mistake and miscommunication brings disappointment to the team and frustration to the fans.
It is mic-man Jesse Teel's job to rally the Auburn family and keep the atmosphere positive and hopeful.
"I think we have the best fan base in the SEC," Teel said.
Teel said he was born into an Auburn family and as a child wondered why his blood came out orange and blue. His parents told him it was normal and he believed them.
Teel's high school didn't have male cheerleaders, so he had to cheer from the stands. He said his family tradition came to fruition when he came to Auburn and realized why he bled blue and orange. This is Teel's second year as mic-man and his last year at Auburn.
"Balancing time between cheer and school has been tough this season as I try and wrap up my college career and finish strong," Teel said.
While Teel said he enjoys every aspect of his position, the fans are his favorite part of his job.
"We do well representing the South and the Auburn spirit," Teel said. "I have not seen enough of the rest of the country to make a call on us having the best fans in the nation, but I wouldn't put it past our student section to be number one."
Teel said he feels responsible as Auburn's mic-man to support the fans, encourage them to continue and support and encourage the team during victories and losses.
After Auburn's defeat against Texas A&M, Teel encourages Auburn fans to remain "All In."
From Teel's view, the fans are continuing to support Auburn.
"The crowd this year seems to act more like a family and continue to grow closer together and to Auburn," he said.
Auburn will be back to morning football Saturday, Nov. 3 while playing host to New Mexico State at homecoming. Teel said he is confident the festivities and large crowds will give the team a new and exciting energy.
Teel said the best part of his job is when fans give 100 percent and participate with the cheers. He said "Great to be" is his favorite cheer because, as he said, "It is true after all; it IS great to be an Auburn Tiger."
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