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31 (not 21) Years Later...

Some of you may not remember Auburn during the late 70s and early 80s (or may not have been alive), but I certainly do. I was a kid then and my parents and most of my family were diehard Auburn fans all of their lives. We lived in Virginia Beach and would call my grandfather and he would put his phone up to the radio. We would listen to most Auburn games over a speakerphone. I don't remember if the 1982 Iron Bowl was on tv there, or if we came back to Birmingham for Thanksgiving that year, but I remember seeing the game. We were having a much better year than in the past, but there was no way we were going to beat Bama, right? We hadn't won an Iron Bowl since before I was born (I was 8 years old). But I was taught to never doubt. I was taught unconditional love and support of my team. And in an improbable end to the game, Auburn quickly marched down the field and Bo went over the top to win! There were a lot of War Eagles in my family that day!

For Christmas of 1982, my sister and I got Auburn t-shirts from one of our relatives who lived in Alabama. I'd like to say that mine was as cool as my sister's, but I can't. I don't even remember mine. But my sister got a t-shirt with a poem on it called The Bear's Lament, and I still remember it to this day.

Call your Mama boys, the Bear was prone to say.
But as he picked up his check the game had slipped away.
The Auburn boys sent postcards home long before the game.
They had to be prepared, there was a Bear to tame.
They fought hard, brave, and true,
And when the game was over,
Auburn 23, Alabama 22.
November 27, 1982.

Almost 25 years later, my sister and I got to meet Bo Jackson when he was playing for the KC Royals. I got my softball gloved signed and he signed that t-shirt for my sister. I have no idea if she still has it today, but I wish I did!

Happy Anniversary of the 1982 Iron Bowl!! Let it be an inspiration for the team this weekend!

WAR EAGLE!!!

We're all just trying to have a good time here. Don't be a jerk, and we won't have a problem with you. War Eagle!

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