In 1995 Auburn began the Tiger Trail, its own athletic walk of fame.

Thirteen Auburn greats were named that first year. They are all names that make the Auburn faithful shiver.

Jeff Beard, Tucker Fredrickson, Rowdy Gaines, Harvey Glance, JImmy Hitchcock, Ralph "Shug" Jordan, John Mengelt, Vickie Orr, Chuck Person, Zeke Smith, Pat Sullivan and Travis Tidwell were all in the inaugural class. The stones show the individual's name, sports and list a few superlative accomplishments.

The first stone installed was Bo Jackson's, which you can see here. The spooky coincidence about this, to me, is that this is image number 34 in this subdirectory. Auburn fans recall, of course, that that was his football jersey number as well. Just sorta happened that way.

Some 14 years later -- as of this writing -- there are now 78 names on the Tiger Trail. They induct them each football season with a breakfast ceremony before a big football game. I don't believe those stains have ever been cleaned from Jackson's stone. Sadly, one or two are cracked and need repair.

The occasional bit of damage to stonemasonry, however, takes nothing away from the accomplishments of the honorees.

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