Tradition. This word itself is defined as the handing down of statements, beliefs, customs, information, etc. from generation. It is the golden spike that anchors indviduals from all walks of life into a corner 'neath the tent of humanity.
For Auburn fans, that golden spike came under attack recently when Harvey Updyke of Dadeville, Alabama poisoned the 130 year old oak trees at Toomer's corner that since the 1950's, have served as a gathering place for celebrations after team victories. His deplorable acts of terrorism sent waves of shock, anger, and sadness throughout the Auburn family and here's a tidbit as to why:
A staple of tradition, these trees are symbolic of an ardent pride that is deeply-rooted in the hearts of those who cheer for the Orange and Blue. As previously mentioned, these massive live oaks have shaded the intersection of College and Magnolia St--a landmark known to Auburnites as Toomer's Corner--for the past 130 years. They've seen the growth and redevelopment of a war-torn community, the evolution of the little-known Polytechnical Institute into the modern day prestigious Auburn University , two world wars, a plethera of collegiate events, two BCS national championships, and more.
For over half of a century, following a team win, Auburn fans would gather beneath the towering oaks to hurl roll after roll of toilet paper, sending it streaming across their branches, creating the imagery of a white paper wonderland by the time it was all over. I am proud to say that I am one of many who've had the priviledge of participating in this time-honored tradition on more than one occasion. To say the least, it was exciting and exhilerating to take part in. Not for the simple act of rolling a tree, but for purpose of celebrating another Iron Bowl win and other team victories--for the pride in honoring an Auburn family tradition. And I freely admit that part of my allegiance the Auburn Tigers once involved carrying at least two rolls of TP to every game in the event that we won.
On January 27th, a Birmingham-based cyndicated radio talk show received a call from "Al in Dadesville." The caller boasted how he poisoned the trees, dousing the soil around them with lethal amounts of herbicide in retaliation for something a group of classless Auburn fans did nearly 30 years ago. (Seriously???) At the end of the conversation, he signed off with "Roll D--- Tide!" That last statement was the salt in the wound for us Auburn fans and from there on, all we knew was one thing:
A Bama fan did this.
For those of you who live on Planet X and know nothing about American college football, here's a quick bit of information: no, I repeat NO team rivalries are as deep-seated as that which exists between the University of Alabama and Auburn University. Therefore, when one enters the state of Alabama, they must quickly decide which team they are for and STICK WITH IT.
Before I continue, I'd like to note that Auburn's past is also littered with a record of tasteless pranks where Tiger fans rolled Toomer's corner the day revered and beloved Alabama coach, "Bear" Bryant died and, more recently, when someone ducttaped an Auburn football jersey with a #2 on it to his statue. (Though, I will admit the latter of the two was kind of funny.)
Going back to the original story where "Al from Dadeville"proved his insanity, Auburn officials quickly initiated an investigation. This past week, it was confirmed that the soil surrounding the live oaks at Toomer's corner was contaminated with large amounts of Spike 80df and that the trees would likely not survive. Arrested and alleged for this disgusting act of ecoterrorism was Harvey Almon Updyke, 62, of Dadeville Alabama.
Mr. Updyke, seriously, what were you thinking? You may've killed our trees, but your attempts to kill the Auburn spirit have proven to be an epic failure! The only thing you have succeeded in is disgracing your fellow Bama fans and further tarnishing their reputation--which I once thought was impossible.
In response, hoardes of Auburn fans (and some Bama fans alike) took to social network sites and blogs to vent and express their anger. Some even gathered to roll the trees "one last time" to mourn. I would like to encourage Auburn fans to show class and remember that not all Alabama fans are as tacky and despicable as Mr. Updyke. In fact, I pity Alabama fans for even being associated in the slightest extent with this total d-bag.
Finally, let it be said that tradition is tradition is tradition! It is not necessarily something that can be touched, seen, or heard. It is something that plants itself deeply and lives indefinitely in our hearts--just like trees of Toomer's Corner. WAR EAGLE!
