5 days Ago By JACOB WATERS [email protected]
About eight months ago, it looked like Ian Vachon’s football career was over. Birmingham Southern had just announced it would close at the end of the school year, meaning Vachon’s spot as a kicker for the Panters would dissolve with it. It seemed like his football career, that dates back to when he was a kicker at Madison Academy in Huntsville, had ended.
Vachon thought it was over too. He had no plans to go back to school after Birmingham Southern closes, but everything changed in July. “I was actually working in the summer,” Vachon said.
“I wasn’t gonna go to school. I was just gonna work. Then, I got a call in July, came down here, started kicking, got on the team.
” The call came from Paxton Montgomery, Auburn’s special teams analyst, and it revived Vachon’s football career. His path took another turn this Saturday when Auburn announced that he would take over as Auburn’s starting placekicker against Louisiana-Monroe with Alex McPherson dealing with health issues and Towns McGough being in a slump. It was a solid Auburn debut for Vachon, who knocked in two field goals and booted through all six of his extra point attempts, and an experience he called a “blessing.
” “It’s always a blessing to have the orange and blue on on Saturdays,” Vachon said. “Playing in front of the best fans in the SEC, it was good to kick some balls and get my first experience of it all.” Auburn and special teams coordinator Tanner Burns made the decision early in the week to start Vachon against ULM, but they didn’t inform Vachon about it until later.
They actually called Vachon’s parents first and told them Tuesday night to make sure they would be in attendance to watch their son kick for the first time at Auburn. Everyone kept it a secret for a couple days, and finally on Thursday his parents got to deliver the news to their son that he’d be starting that weekend. “Anytime you get a chance to kick in the SEC, it’s special,” Vachon said.
“Just happy I’m here and happy I get to get it done. The guys up front make it a lot easier for me than a lot of places, so it’s nice.” No one could have predicted the unfortunate issues that have come upon Auburn’s kicking room this year or that Auburn would be down to its third-string kicker late in the season.
But luckily for Auburn, Vachon just kept preparing from the moment he got to campus. “It’s been back and forth, him playing and not playing,” Vachon said. “Just always being ready.
That’s everybody in the room. Everybody’s always ready, so we’re all competitors and love to get out there and compete.” It remains to be seen whether Vachon will start the rest of the season or not with McPherson’s availability being handled on a week-to-week basis.
But either way, Vachon’s path of growing up an Alabama fan, to enrolling at Birmingham Southern, to eventually kicking at Auburn is one he’s grateful for. “When you commit and you sign somewhere, you’re not like, ‘OK, my school is gonna close down,’” he said. “That’s definitely a hard pill to swallow when it happened, but I’m glad it happened, honestly, because I’m here now.
” Young fans line the barriers on Donahue Drive for Tiger Walk before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. A young fan waves a shaker at the barrier on Donahue Drive while waiting for Tiger Walk before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. A fan dangles a shaker over the barrier on Donahue Drive while waiting for Tiger Walk before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Aubie greets fans at Tiger Walk before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn cheerleaders greet fans during Tiger Walk before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn Mic-Man Ben Timm greets fans during Tiger Walk before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Auburn’s Tiger Paws greet fans during Tiger Walk before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze greets fans during Tiger Walk before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze greets fans during Tiger Walk before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter greets fans during Tiger Walk before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn offensive lineman Bradyn Joiner greets fans during Tiger Walk before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. A young fan waves a shaker while sitting on shoulders during Tiger Walk before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze looks on during warm-ups before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze looks on during warm-ups before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn students sing along to “Free Bird” prior to the eagle flight before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
“Independence,” an Auburn Raptor Center bald eagle, flies around Jordan-Hare Stadium before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. “Independence,” an Auburn Raptor Center bald eagle, flies around Jordan-Hare Stadium before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. “Independence,” an Auburn Raptor Center bald eagle, flies around Jordan-Hare Stadium before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
“Independence,” an Auburn Raptor Center bald eagle, flies around Jordan-Hare Stadium before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn cheerleaders perform on the field before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Aubie performs on the field with the Auburn cheerleaders before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Auburn Mic-Man Ben Timm leads the crowd in a chant of “War Eagle” before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn University Marching Band drum major Noah Denton performs with his mace prior to leading the band onto the field before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn University Marching Band drum major Noah Denton leads the band onto the field before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
The Auburn University Marching Band performs on the field before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Auburn University Marching Band performs on the field before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn running back Sean Jackson (44) kneels in the north end zone for a prayer before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Auburn wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (5) kneels in the north end zone for a prayer before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) kneels in the north end zone for a prayer before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn wide receiver Malcolm Simmons (11) returns a punt in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn offensive lineman Izavion Miller (72) drops into pass protection during the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) celebrates with KeAndre Lambert-Smith (5) after a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Auburn defensive back Kayin Lee (4) tackles Louisiana-Monroe wide receiver Davon Wells (3) in the first half of an NCAA college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk (15) sacks Louisiana-Monroe quarterback Aidan Armenta (10) in the first half of an NCAA college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk (15) celebrates after a sack in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne (1) carries in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (5) catches a pass in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne (1) throws in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn kicker Ian Vachon (90) kicks a 22-yard field goal in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn defensive back Jay Crawford (23) dives at Louisiana-Monroe wide receiver Artis Cole (5) in the first half of an NCAA college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Auburn safety Kaleb Harris (18) tackles Louisiana-Monroe tight end Nate Sullivan Jr. (80) in the first half of an NCAA college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Aubie, dressed in a ghillie suit, crawls behind the south end zone during the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Aubie, dressed in a ghillie suit, joins Auburn University ROTC students in the student section during a timeout in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn running back Damari Alston (0) carries in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) drags Louisiana-Monroe defensive back David Godsey Jr. (13) forward at the end of a run in the first half of an NCAA college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) catches a pass in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) celebrates with offensive lineman Bradyn Joiner (55) after a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
An Auburn cheerleader waves an Auburn flag in the north end zone after a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn defensive back Kayin Lee (4) tackles Louisiana-Monroe running back Ahmad Hardy (22) in the first half of an NCAA college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk (15) celebrates after a tackle in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Auburn safeties Jerrin Thompson (1) and Terrance Love (5) tackle Louisiana-Monroe running back Ahmad Hardy (22) in the first half of an NCAA college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn wide receiver Malcolm Simmons (11) fields a punt in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn tight end Rivaldo Fairweather (13) dives forward after a catch in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Auburn wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (5) hops over the goal line after a catch for a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (5) celebrates with Malcolm Simmons (11) after a touchdown catch in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. The Auburn University honor band, comprised of high school students from across the state of Alabama, performs with the Auburn University Marching Band at halftime of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
The Auburn University honor band, comprised of high school students from across the state of Alabama, performs with the Auburn University Marching Band at halftime of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Auburn University honor band, comprised of high school students from across the state of Alabama, performs with the Auburn University Marching Band at halftime of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. An Auburn Superfan dons a hat affixed with American flags in the student section during the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
The Auburn Superfans sing along with music during a timeout in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Fans in the student section pose for a photo during a timeout in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn wide receiver Malcolm Simmons (11) carries after a catch in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Auburn wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (5) carries after a catch in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) catches a pass for a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) celebrates after a touchdown catch in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne (1) celebrates with wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) after a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Aubie performs 31 push-ups with Auburn University ROTC students after an Auburn touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Auburn wide receiver Malcolm Simmons (11) catches a pass before carrying to the end zone for a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn wide receiver Malcolm Simmons (11) carries a catch for a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. An Auburn cheerleader waves an Auburn flag in the south end zone after a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
An Auburn cheerleader holds a “DEFENSE” sign on the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn students wave blue shakers as music plays between the third and fourth quarters of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn students dance to “Swag Surfin’” between the third and fourth quarters of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Aubie dances as Mic-Man Ben Timm fires a smoke machine into the crowd between the third and fourth quarters of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn linebacker Eugene Asante (9) readies for a snap in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn quarterback Walker White (9) takes a snap in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Louisiana-Monroe defensive back Korian Wilson (2) tackles Auburn wide receiver Camden Brown (4) after a catch in the second half of an NCAA college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn running back Damari Alston (0) carries for a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn running back Damari Alston (0) celebrates after a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Young fans pose for a photo in the north end zone stands during the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn defensive lineman Quientrail Jamison-Travis (97) sacks Louisiana-Monroe quarterback Aidan Armenta (10) in the second half of an NCAA college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn defensive lineman Quientrail Jamison-Travis (97) celebrates after a sack in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Auburn running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) carries in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn kicker Ian Vachon (90) kicks a 26-yard field goal in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov.
16, 2024. Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze chats with Auburn offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) on the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Aubie takes photographs on the sideline after an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Get local news delivered to your inbox! {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
.
