Phil Neel, the man who created Auburn's beloved 'Aubie' mascot in the 1950s, died early Wednesday in Birmingham at the age of 84.
Neel first created Aubie while working as an artist for the Birmingham Post-Herald in the 1950s. Aubie debuted on the cover of the school's 1957 football media guide and appeared on the cover of game programs for the next couple decades before turning into an actual mascot in 1979.
"Phil Neel was a great Auburn man who gave us a wonderful gift when he created Aubie more than 50 years ago," said Jay Jacobs, Auburn Athletics Director. "Thanks to Phil's creative genius, Aubie became the most recognizable and beloved mascot in college sports. While everyone who knew and loved Phil will miss him, his spirit and his love of Auburn will forever live on through Aubie the Tiger as well as his many drawings."
Auburn's home record during the 18 years Aubie appeared on program covers was 63-16-2. Aubie's last appearance on the game program cover was October 23, 1976, when Auburn downed Florida State, 31-19, but Aubie returned to Auburn's cover against Alabama on Dec. 2, 1989, to welcome the Crimson Tide on their first trip to Auburn.
Aubie last graced Auburn's cover against Alabama on Nov. 30, 1991, as he bid farewell to Legion Field in Auburn's last designated home game in Birmingham.
