The last roll

Video coverage here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrvVa0CR8X8&feature=youtu.be

As toilet paper flew through the air following A-Day, there wasn’t a shred of sadness in sight nor tear that needed to be wiped.
Auburn fans gathered at Toomer’s Corner in masse before the famous scrimmage was even over, papering not just the Toomer’s Oaks but any plant, pole or large object lining the street toward Thach Avenue and the Ralph Brown Draughon Library.
At 5 p.m., after fans danced to live music by a variety of bands, Auburn President Jay Gogue and Auburn Mayor Bill Ham took the stage to address the crowd and begin the “final roll” ceremony.
“This is a great historic site where generations of Auburn family have come to celebrate victories,” said Gogue. “We just want to say that we’re awfully proud of Auburn.”
Gogue then referenced the poisoning of the trees by Harvey Updyke in 2010, but championed that Auburn would persevere without its beloved symbols.
“We had an unfortunate event a few years back that damaged our trees,” Gogue said, “But nothing will ever dampen the Auburn spirit. War Eagle!”
Bill Ham then spoke, referencing that 83,401 had showed up for the A-Day game and festivities and saying it was a sign of positive influence from new head coach Gus Malzahn.
“There were 83,401 of you in the stadium today, so I want y’all to give yourselves a hand,” said Ham. “What does that say for coach Malzahn, his staff and the Auburn Tigers?”
Ham then thanked the crowd for their support before, during and after A-Day and affirmed that the Auburn spirit was still alive and well.
“I know each one of you love Auburn, so thank you for being here,” Ham said. “I hope to see each and every one of you at every game this coming year.”
Following Ham was Bill Stone, president of the Auburn Alumni Association, and Harrison Mills, newly-elected SGA president.
After leading the crowd in a “War Eagle,” Stone thanked the crowd for rolling Toomer’s Corner and then alluded to a well-kept secret.
“Thank you for rolling Toomer’s Corner one more time,” Stone said. “But you know what? This ain’t the last roll. We’ll be here, and we’re gonna roll and roll and roll this corner. Just as we always have and just as we always will.”
Stone then told the crowd they could purchase parts of the trees as commerative gifts, with all the money going toward scholarships.
Stone and Mills then presented the new design for Toomer’s Corner, which will feature a more open walking space, shaded benches and other tree coverage.
“One thing I can guarantee you is that there will be live trees on this corner,” Stone said.
Former athletic director and Auburn historian David Housel then took the stage, reiterating that although the Toomer’s Oaks were going away, the spirit of Auburn would continue to live on.
“You’ve heard it said that nothing will be the same here in Auburn after these trees come down,” said Housel. “Well I say to you there’s more to Auburn than two oak trees, visible and sturdy as they are.”
Housel then went on to explain how the trees were merely a physical manifestation of everything Auburn stood for.
“These trees are but an outward and visible symbol of what lies in the Auburn heart,” Housel said. “This is not a day of mourning, but a day of celebration and remembrance. A time to celebrate all the good times we’ve had in the past, even graduations and engagements. The whole of the Auburn experience.”
Housel emphasized that despite the difficulties of past years, Auburn will once again prevail over all adversity.
“We will rise again, we will fight again, we will win again, we will prevail again,” Housel said. “Time and time again we’ll gather right here on this hallowed ground at Toomer’s Corner and celebrate the experiences of our life and the experiences Auburn.”
The last ones to speak were Athletic Director Jay Jacobs and Gus Malzahn, who also emphasized the continued spirit of Auburn.
“These trees may be dead,” said Jacobs. “But the Auburn spirit is alive.”
Jacobs then introduced Malzahn as the new leader of Auburn into the future, having been a part of the tradition of Toomer’s back when Malzahn was on the football staff in 2010.
Malzahn said that the high attendance at A-Day was a testament to Auburn’s devotion and promise of a bright future.
“83,000 fans at A-Day today, we made a statement to the rest of college football about the Auburn Family,” Malzahn said. “It is an honor and blessing for me to be back here as your head football coach.”
Malzahn then gave a glimpse of what fans can expect for next fall.
“Here’s the plan in the fall: to give the Auburn Family numerous opportunities to roll these trees in the fall. War Eagle!”
Following all the speakers, the final rolling of Toomer’s Oaks began as the Auburn Spirit Band played and Aubie danced on stage.
Police presence was noticeably visible during the event, as officers stood on top of the roof of The Bank Vault and secured the perimeter along much of Magnolia Avenue and College Street.
A joint press release from Auburn University and Auburn Police recognized the recent acts of terrorism in Boston as a safety concern for the final rolling of the Oaks.
“The safety and security of our fans is always our top priority. Auburn University and the City of Auburn are treating A-Day as a regular football game and post-game celebration from a security standpoint. We believe our plan is a good one. However, the events in Boston this week give us the opportunity to reevaluate all aspects of what we do. It’s important that all fans be vigilant anytime they are in public places and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.”
However, no major incidents were reported and the final roll of Toomer’s proceeded as normally scheduled.