Tiger tradition

By Jim Cook

Published: November 28, 2008

Like many Auburn University freshmen, Matt Buchanan will attend his first Iron Bowl this year.

What sets Buchanan, a pre-pharmacy student and Dothan native, apart from his classmates is the unique family connection he has to the university.

Buchanan is a sixth-generation descendant on his mom’s side of the first cousin of renowned Auburn University president Will-iam J. Sasnett.

Sasnett was a Methodist minister who was the first president of East Alabama Male College (later Auburn) from 1858-1861.

In a coincidence of nature and nurture, Buchanan’s father attended Auburn and encouraged his son to support the university and eventually enroll there.

“That was the only school I was allowed to apply for,” Buchanan said in an interview Wednesday.

“That’s not true,” mom Sally Buchanan quickly replied.

Buchanan said he’s proud of his family’s heritage and has pointed out Sasnett Hall on campus to his friends.

“It’s such an unusual name,” he said. “It’s not like seeing a Smith or Davis Hall and having that name.”

Buchanan said he’s not too optimistic about Auburn’s chances in the Iron Bowl this year, but intends to cheer them on all the same.

“I wouldn’t go if I didn’t have hope,” he said.

Sally Buchanan said she’s glad her son will get to experience an Iron Bowl firsthand.

“I was really excited for him when he told me he got tickets,” she said. “There’s no way to describe the atmosphere without being there.”