Changing the Game

TELL YOUR STORY

Whether you shout Roll Tide or Go Dawgs, this story will surely have you saying War Eagle, at least for one Auburn Football Player. Former All-American National Champion, Don Braswell reflects on how stepping out on the field led him to scoring touchdowns throughout his life.

BY KELSIE ANDERSON

There's nothing like stepping foot onto the crisp green turf of a football field before game time. Although it's been several years since he last played the game, Don Braswell recalls his moments as a player on Auburn's undefeated 1957 football team as if they happened yesterday.

Don is affectionately known as 'Coach' by his friends and family and with good reason. Coach's inspirational career with the Tigers has the ability to motivate anybody. Although having just one eye, Coach played guard for the historically undefeated team.

Coach played football in junior high where his skills were quickly noticed. Initially, Coach was known for his speed but later his talents in defense shined through. He had a rare ability to successfully play both offense and defense.

During football season, Coach says he and his teammates gave it all they had. Although the practices were tough, and he and his friends endured various injuries, Coach says he enjoyed almost every minute of it.

"It's wonderful really,

" Coach said. "You know, if you work enough a certain way, you got a chance to win and that is surely a fact.

His experiences at Auburn University taught him how to improve himself both physically and mentally.

"You will feel the results, " Coach

says.

"Auburn proved that to me, that's why it was so good.

His passion for the game continued after the season inevitably ended. After he finished playing the sport he loves, Coach became a coach.

Did you know... Auburn's undefeated national championship team of 1957 and 1958 finished 9-0-1.

Coach became a role model and taught future football players for more than 35 years. His advice for future football players and coaches is simple yet, powerful.

"You got to have a team to practice together, "

Coach emphasizes.

"You got to have some speed and you got to have some determination.

Teamwork, talent, and dedication are essential to any group of people's success story. Coach Don Braswell was inducted into the Albany Sports Hall of Fame in 1994 and his knowledge and insight of the game he loves continues to shine through the players he coached. In spite of our best efforts and nudging, Coach still remains true to his Auburn roots and refuses to say 'Roll Tide. ' Instead, with kindness and pride, he grinned and said 'War Eagle.

It's just a great feeling when you step out onto the field.

-COACH DON BRASWELL AUBURN FOOTBALL CHAMPION