AUBURN — Most anyone existing in the ecosystem of Auburn University knows its Creed. George Petrie, the school's first football coach, penned it in 1943. He expressed beliefs in hard work, honesty and the human touch. Most of all, he wrote, "because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it."

John Cohen has tethered himself to it since becoming Auburn's athletics director. In nearly three full years on the Plains, it's everywhere he goes; in view for meetings at Samford Hall, in "almost every room" in Auburn's athletic complex, he said. He even has a copy of it encompassing his office door.

"It doesn't matter if we're recruiting an athlete or if it's a student taking a tour on campus," Cohen told the Montgomery Advertiser . "I think it's somethi

See Full Page