Tradition: Rolling Toomer's
Auburn fans have been rolling Toomer's Corner since the early '60s when Toomer's Drugs was the only place in Auburn with a telegraph.
However, wins looked different, as fans would gather and roll the power lines with ticker tape from the drugstore. It was not until 1972, following the "Punt Bama Punt" Iron Bowl, the ticker tape was swapped for the toilet paper students know today.
Aside from power lines being moved underground, the toilet paper tradition is also often credited to Auburn running back Terry Henley, who claimed Auburn was "...going to beat the No. 2 out of Alabama." This statement came while the undefeated Alabama was ranked No. 2 in the nation.
38 years later, in 2010, Alabama fan Harvey Updyke poisoned the oaks, and following his 2013 trial, the trees were removed and replaced. In 2016, after a win against LSU, Auburn once again replaced two of the oak trees due to fire damage after a man intentionally lit the toilet paper hanging from a tree. The oaks got a final reinstatement in 2023 when they were declared "ready to roll."
Since then, the Auburn Family has gathered at the oaks for wins, tours and even world record attempts.
Auburn University is defined by many traditions. However, the rich history of the oaks will continue to define the Loveliest Village for generations to come.
Workout: The Auburn Rec
It’s no secret that Auburn Athletics provides its athletes with premier training facilities for staying in shape. However, these amenities aren’t just for athletes, as every Auburn University student can access the best place to work out in Auburn: the Auburn Recreation and Wellness Center. Colloquially known as "The Rec," the 240,000-square-foot facility provides students with ample opportunities for fitness, wellness, and other recreational activities.
Built in 2013, The Rec is a sprawling three-floor complex located just south of The Village residence halls and Neville Arena. All Auburn students can access The Rec’s facilities for free, and can enter with their Auburn ID. Once inside, students can drop off any personal items at lockers located all around the complex.
Gym-goers can find abundant weight training machines and free weights located in the main workout hall, along with plenty of treadmills, elliptical machines and cyclers in cardio areas. For runners, the staple burnt-orange 1/3 mile indoor track is located on the third floor, with scenic views of Auburn alongside the path. At the west end of the building, a pair of 50 foot tall rock climbing towers rise up to the ceiling from the ground level of the complex. The Rec is also a haven of team-sport facilities, with eight basketball courts, an outdoor sand volleyball court, several racquetball courts and a multi-purpose court available for use.
Students looking for more personalized experiences can work with a multitude of personal trainers to achieve their fitness goals. For students looking for communal experiences, over 70 group fitness classes are held every week, including cardio, cycling, yoga and more. Outside, a tiger-paw shaped swimming pool, wet climbing wall, jacuzzi, and cold-water baths can be found.
With countless workout opportunities, The Rec is an essential fitness and wellness location for all Auburn students.
Male Athlete: Tahaad Pettiford
After achieving McDonald’s All-American honors his senior year out of Hudson Catholic Regional High School in Jersey City, New Jersey, Tahaad Pettiford joined Auburn basketball in 2024 as the fifth-highest-rated recruit in the school’s history. As a true freshman, the 6"1' guard played a pivotal role as the sixth man on a highly accomplished Tigers squad that won both the SEC regular-season title and the school’s second-ever Final Four appearance in NCAA Tournament history.
Coming off the bench on a loaded Tigers roster, Pettiford gained the nickname “Big Game ‘Haad,” due to his clutch performances against highly ranked opponents, including a 21-point performance in just his second career college game against No. 4 Houston. Pettiford finished his freshman season averaging 11.6 points while shooting 36% from 3-point range, earning All-SEC Freshman Team honors.
Pettiford's most impressive performances came in the NCAA Tournament, when he posted two games of 20 or more points against Creighton in the Round of 32 and Michigan in the Sweet 16.
Pettiford opted to return to the Tigers for his sophomore season. As the team’s only returning rotational player entering the season, he set new career highs as the team’s premier guard, averaging 15.4 points, 3.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks per game.
Off the court, Pettiford has become a fan favorite in his two years on the Plains for his energetic personality and enthusiastic interactions with both fans and fellow Auburn students. While it is unknown whether Pettiford will return for a third season, Big Game ‘Haad has certainly made a strong impression in his two years at Auburn and recently announced he will be returning for a third.
Female Athlete: Sophia Bell
Auburn gymnast Sophia Bell excelled on the mat in her sophomore season on the Plains, recording impressive highlights while making history along the way. Bell made national headlines after becoming the first Tiger to ever land a Yurchenko double, one of the most difficult and highly touted skills in all of gymnastics.
The standout sophomore earned a 9.925 on the historic feat, leading her Auburn squad to a victory over NC State in front of a delighted crowd inside Neville Arena.
Bell was a consistently dominant factor on the floor in addition to vault, posting an average score of nearly 9.9 while regularly leading the Tigers to the top of the stat sheet. Despite a heartbreaking injury amid the season, Bell’s impact remained clear as one of Auburn’s most reliable and elite contributors, helping the Tigers compete against the nation’s best.
Underrated Sport: Equestrian
Since the Bronze age, horses have been companions to humans, participating in humanity's highs and lows, war and work, travel and agriculture. The art of equestrian itself began in Ancient Greece, and this sport has continued into modern times, with the Olympics and the Kentucky Derby.
However, with the rise of the industrial revolution and the invention of cars, the appreciation for the sheer power and majesty of these creatures has faltered. Equestrian, the favorite sport of the former Queen of England, is now a considerably niche sport.
Could this lack of interest be credited to its lack of media coverage or the high budget required to participate?
Equestrian's lack of easy access, due to the need to pay for streaming services and costly tickets, may deter potential fans. Fortunately, many scholarships exist to expand both the audience and field of athletes, as No. 1 Auburn University grants students free access to equestrian events.
However, regardless of the personal reason, the sport is well worth viewing, as many fail to recognize the athleticism required not only of the horse but its rider.
The athlete must possess coordination, balance and core strength, not to mention the fearlessness and patience required to handle a creature over a thousand pounds heavier than them. Furthermore, it is not only an investment of money but also an investment of time, as the athlete spends relentless hours bonding with their equine-partner, earning their trust and practicing choreography together.
Equestrian requires the coordination of a basketball player, the choreography of a ballerina, the core of a swimmer, the balance of a gymnast and the mutual trust between the horse and rider like a doubles tennis player.
This article is featured in The Auburn Plainsman's Summer 2026 print edition.
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Brychelle is a senior majoring in public and professional writing with a minor in information systems, from Huntsville, AL. She has been with The Auburn Plainsman since August 2023, previously serving as the Campus Reporter, Opinion Editor and Newsletter Editor. She is currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief.
Jonathan is a freshman majoring in industrial and systems engineering. He started with The Plainsman in the fall of 2025.
Will is a sophomore majoring in journalism. He started with The Plainsman in the spring of 2025.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @willdembo
