Auburn does not play this Saturday, which is probably a good thing considering the carnage of last week’s game. Instead, most AU Trombones will be headed home for Thanksgiving break. A Saturday without an Auburn game probably slows down my aging process and allows me to enjoy other games from the comfort of my own couch. Of course, there is nowhere I would rather be than an Auburn game. And next Saturday at 7 pm on ESPN, it’s on. The Iron Bowl, Nick Saban, that other school.
More on that next week. For now, the trombones are focused on one thing: The Bodie Bowl. The annual full contact, full field, no pads, regulation football game between the trumpets and the trombones. Last year, we were humiliated. 42-7 will do that to you. This year, things are going to change.
It’s a new era in the trombone section. We have a quarterback, unlike last year, when my Heisman hopes were crushed after a countless number of interceptions, sacks, and fumbles. We have a tight end with some of the best hands in the band. We have a receiving corps with speed and great hands. We have a nice supply of running backs, ranging from speedy to punishing. Our offensive line, a sore spot from last year, looks to be much improved due to many a trip to Buffalo Connection. Our defense will not be pushed around this year. Our safeties have a nose for the ball and our corners can shut down the opposition. Our linebackers hit hard. Our defensive line is going to pressure the quarterback.
But enough of that. I said that all last year and we lost. Why, then, am I doing it again? Because it’s a new era. We won’t be pushed around this year. In fact, the trumpets won’t know what hit them. We’ve got some tricks up our sleeves. In a few weeks, it’s time to return the title of “Bodie Bowl Champion” to the Trombone Section.
Click-Clack. I think you hear us coming.
4 Comments
Wow, I just ran across this posting and have to comment. Bodie Hinton is my father and he will get a good laugh when I tell him about this item. During the first few years he was band director at AU the practices were held at 1 pm on the field behind the bleachers (this was long before the many stadium expansions. On one side of the field was the athletic building and he often had coffee with coach Shug Jordon in Shug’s office, overlooking the field. They would spend much of the time watching the band playing (aggressive) touch football with Shug complaining that he lost seve4ral recruits who decided to play in the band rather than try out for football.
I don’t think he is aware of the “Bodie Bowl” but do know he will enjoy the news!
War eagle!
Skip Hinton (Bari sax/wide receiver)
Mr. Hinton,
Wow, I’m amazed you saw this. It’s pretty neat that your dad would go and get coffee with Shug Jordan.
And by all means tell him about the game! I remember he came up to visit last year during one of our gameday rehearsals and it was amazing to have him there.
War eagle!
-Nick
The Bodie Bowl—who knew? I’m the daughter who held a clarinet during marching season and tried not to blow hard enough to produce a sound Doc could hear. It was a relief to get to concert season and my oboe.
When was this “Bowl” named? Hilarious! Makes me want to find my rat cap, or what’s left of it after the night the football players (the real ones)snatched it from my head. You trombones could’ve learned a thing or two about aggression from the band folk who took off after the football players. It was quite a showdown at their dorm! Obviously, I got the hat back….
War Eagle and Go Band!
Cindy Hinton Bivins, ‘73 (clarinet/oboe)
Mrs. Bivins,
I’m not sure when the game was named, or how long it has been occuring for that matter. I think the name came from it being played on the Bodie Hinton band field, even though we have since moved it to the football practice field with the premission of the football program.
The stories you and Mr. Hinton have are just awesome. I can’t imagine the football team and the band having a “showdown” these days. Great stuff.
-Nick