Normally Auburn football players are shielded between the chalk lines on the football field or the walls of the Auburn Athletic complex, but one day every year Auburn fans are able to meet with players at Fan Day along with Aubie, cheerleaders, soccer players and volleyball players.
Auburn was at it's best as hundreds of Auburn fans met, greeted and otherwise interacted with the team and head coach Gus Malzahn, a fun day for fans and a day of encouraging interaction for the athletes.
"It goes back to what the Auburn family is all about," Director of Athletics Jay Jacobs said. "These guys represent the alumni and the fans. It's important, even though it's brief, that they have a chance to meet them because they are all about the same mission and goal and that is to represent Auburn the best way they can."
Fans of all ages come out to try and catch a glimpse of their favorite player. This is their one chance to tell the players they are behind them no matter what happens once the orchestrated chaos known as SEC football begins.
"I like to make a weekend out of Fan Day, and I like to get up and personal with them and tell them good luck and I've got your back," said Auburn fan Raymond Jones.
Fans do all kinds of fun things with the players during fan day. They let them sign their old lucky t-shirt, football or even their most prized possessions, their children.
Parents bring their children dressed in their little Auburn jerseys or cheerleading uniforms hoping to get a picture with the next stars of Auburn football.
"The fun thing about all of this is seeing the fans under 16, the little Auburn fans. You can see it in their eyes," Jacobs said. "Our guys are so appreciative of our fans and obviously our fans are appreciative of our team, so it's a fun day and it's a great day for Auburn."
After last season's dismal 3-9 record, you would think fans would be expecting a rebuilding year, but this is not the case. Auburn fans are extremely happy with new head coach Gus Malzahn and the work he's done so far. Which includes hiring a stellar coaching staff and signing a top-10 recruiting class.
Fans expect success and they expect it now.
"He's not a new coach to us he's just a new head coach. We know who he is and we know what he represents," Jones said. "I'm always expecting 14-0, and I don't expect anything less. The coach doesn't and I don't either."
With the conclusion of the preliminary tradition of Fan Day, game one of the 2013 season against Washington State inches even closer for fans as they hope the horror of 2012 will soon be only a distant memory.
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.
