View video coverage here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UJQtN-w-wg
After a weekend of celebration and one final roll, fans and students surrounded the Toomer’s Corner oaks Tuesday morning at 7 a.m. while they were being cut down.
There were many emotions among those who gathered to watch as each limb was taken down one by one.
Armond Glidewell, 1984 Auburn graduate, was one of the onlookers.
"There is a sense of sadness this morning because it is the end of an era for what we have had at the university for a while now,” Glidewell said. “It is sad that one person’s misdeeds have led to the loss of a tradition like this.”
Rob and Betty Martin were there on Saturday, April 20, for the final roll and they were also present Tuesday morning. The Martins went to Auburn in the 1960s.
“It is a sad day, but it is going to be okay because Auburn will be Auburn forever,” Betty Martin said. It is sad, but it is also a new beginning because we are both very pleased with the new design that has been produced.”
Rob Martin said the best he has ever seen the corner rolled is after the national championship in 2010.
“I like how the paper went all the way down the street that day and I think that is the way it is going to be with the new design when we spread the area out a little bit,” Rob Martin said.
Michael Hopkins, senior, said he is sad about the trees being cut down, but thinks it was time.
“I walk past them everyday and it is sad to see them the way they are now,” Hopkins said. “So I guess in one way I am glad to see them go because they look sad it reminds me how things have changed.”
Hopkins, like the Martins, thinks the change will ultimately be for the better.
“I like the new design because it will open the space at Toomer’s Corner up for a lot of people to gather after Auburn wins,” Hopkins said.
Ben Gustafson, sophomore, noted the difference between the atmosphere around Toomer’s Corner for the final roll and Tuesday morning.
“Just a few days ago, we were all gathered as close as we could get to the trees and today we are separated from them and in a somber mood,” Gustafson said. “No one is laughing or anything and we are almost a state of disbelief that this is actually happening.”
Despite the sadness, Gustafson said he is looking forward to being part of starting the new tradition at Toomer’s Corner.
“It is exciting and it is a big task,” Gustafson said. “I don’t know what collectively as a body we want that tradition to look like, but I think it will be very similar to the tradition we had.”
Gustafson is pleased with the new design and said he trusts that it was designed with the fans and students in mind.
“I think it is cool to be able to know what it used to be and then also be a part of bringing about a new tradition and experience what it will be,” Gustafson said.
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.
