The 1957 Iron Bowl

Submitted by "IV"

There is no doubt that my favorite Iron Bowl was the 1957 edition for several reasons. Of course, it was our biggest beat down ever on Alabama, 40-0 and it was the first and only father-son Iron Bowl for me and my dad. That was the final game of a wonderful undefeated season that saw Auburn win a national championship and it also was the coldest I have ever been at a football game. Alot of the Alabama fans left at halftime as the score was 34-0, so did alot of the Auburn fans due to the cold. This was before they enclosed Legion Field and the end zones were open to a strong wind that seemed to have sped up after entering from the North, making the stdium like a wind tunnel. I went to the rest room at halftime and it was all I could do to make myself want to go back to my seat and the freezing weather. By the way, I got in as a student for $1.00 and Dad's ticket was $5.00. Boy, how times have changed.

Back in those days, there was a trdition that all freshmen should wear an orange and blue rat cap until Auburn beat Alabama in something. I had my rat cap on that day. When we went up on the Tide at the half by such a large score, I just knew it was about time to say goodbye to that rat cap. In the second half, Coach Jordan played all of the troops that were dressed out that day, preferring not to continue to run the score up on Alabama. Coach Jordan was a great coach and a fine gentleman as well.

Dad and I enjoyed ourselves that day immensely, but we never went to another Iron Bowl together again. He died all to soon and I miss him just as much today as I did the day he left us. Dad never went to school at Auburn, having only an 8th grade education. Even though Dad exited school early to go to work on his father's farm, he still was one of the smartest people I have ever known. He was an Auburn man through and through.

The best part of that day was at the end of the game, I threw my rat cap high in the air, never to see it again. I was truly tired of that thing after having worn it just about every day for 3 months. I sure would like to have it back again, but more than that, I wish to the deepest part of my soul and being that I had my Dad back again. He and I would go to many Iron Bowls together. After all, I learned more from him about life and love for Auburn than anyone else I know.

Just for you III, WAR EAGLE, I love and miss you so very much.

IV