Auburn’s first Victory Day turned Jordan-Hare Stadium into something bigger than a football venue Sunday night. More than 50 combined members of the school’s EAGLES program and the Lee County Special Olympics joined Alex Golesh and his players for a community night built around football, celebration and inclusion.
Golesh didn’t hide how much the event meant to him.
"It's my favorite night of the year," Golesh said.
The setup was simple but unforgettable. Auburn players and Victory Day participants spread across the field in stations for tackling, throwing, ball-carrying and blocking.
A portion of the marching band played from the stands while cheerleaders and Tiger Paws added to the scene in the end zone. When each group rotated south, everyone got a chance to finish the drill with a touchdown celebration.
Some Tigers stayed at their stations all evening. Others served as one-on-one mentors, staying attached to a participant and their family through the night.
Tristan Ti'a’s participant tried on his helmet. Hudson Kaak’s participant wanted to film a TikTok dance.
Cole Best’s participant took a break and spent time talking on Auburn’s bench.
The touchdown moments brought the biggest smiles. Zachary celebrated by dropping down and “rowing” a boat, with Auburn players immediately joining in.
Bryce Deas helped Nick stage a “proposal” celebration after the score, with Nick sliding to one knee and offering the football to a Tiger Paw before giving her a hug. Blake Woodby’s participant scored and then wanted to stick around with the defense and help out.
Betty Patten, the director of Auburn’s EAGLES program, said the night captured what the school is supposed to be about.
"This was an incredible evening," said Betty Patten, director of Auburn's EAGLES program. "It's a representation of the Auburn family, and what it looks like for everyone to truly have a place here and belong."
Golesh’s connection to special education runs deep. After graduating from Ohio State with a degree in education, he focused on special ed, and he has looked for ways to keep that passion alive during his coaching career.
Patten said Golesh was proactive from the start.
"This is the first coach (at Auburn) to reach out to us from the moment he got here to initiate a partnership," Patten said. "You can tell his heart is about developing character and building up the players through these types of experiences."
The idea itself came from Golesh’s time coaching at Iowa State under Matt Campbell, who held the event at Penn State just a few days ago. Golesh wants Victory Day to become something Auburn’s special-needs community can circle on the calendar every season.
Auburn president Dr. Christopher Roberts also praised the move.
"I love the fact that Alex brings a tradition in here he cares so deeply about," said Auburn University president Dr. Christopher Roberts.
"... It's everything I know about Auburn.
I couldn't be more proud of everyone tonight."
After the formal interviews wrapped up, the night still had one more memorable moment. A member of the EAGLES program asked if she could interview Golesh herself, and WTVM 9 handed her a microphone.
She asked about his favorite food, and Golesh revealed his "top secret" pregame meal of spaghetti, parmesan and steak. Then came the question about why he came to coach at her school.
"I chose Auburn because it's the best place in the entire country - and we're going to win national championships here," Golesh said.
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