# Auburn football program community initiatives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/auburn-football-program-community-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-08-31T02:56:34.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Under the leadership of first-year head coach Alex Golesh, the Auburn University football program has implemented new initiatives focused on community engagement and culture building.

In late August, the program hosted an alumni day to reconnect former players from various decades with the current squad. This effort, supported by the newly hired director of high school and alumni relations Jeris McIntyre, aims to rebuild the program’s culture through toughness and accountability. 

Following this, the university introduced a new tradition called Victory Day at Jordan-Hare Stadium. This event involves the football team participating in a scrimmage-style session with Lee County Special Olympians and the university’s EAGLES program, allowing athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities to take the field.

## Claims

- Auburn University partnered with Lee County Special Olympians and the EAGLES program for Victory Day 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Alex Golesh said Victory Day signifies the beginning of the season for the team. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Alex Golesh stated he chose Auburn because it is the best place in the country. (single source)
- Alex Golesh expressed his intention to win national championships at Auburn. (single source)
- Athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities participated in a scrimmage-style event at Jordan-Hare Stadium. (single source)
- EAGLES program director Betty Patten noted that the event represents the Auburn family and inclusivity. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Auburn football hosts Victory Day for Special Olympics athletes

Auburn University head coach Alex Golesh led the 2026 Victory Day at Jordan-Hare Stadium, featuring athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a special scrimmage event.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/auburn-football-hosts-victory-day-for-special-olympics-athletes

### 2026-08-22: Auburn football hosts alumni day to reconnect former players

Auburn University hosted an alumni day for over 200 former football players to reconnect with the program and current players as head coach Alex Golesh seeks to rebuild the team's culture.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/auburn-football-hosts-alumni-day-to-reconnect-former-players

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Cite as: Auburn football program community initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/auburn-football-program-community-initiatives