Did you just hear the phrase “War Eagle” and you are wondering how to respond to it? You are probably at an Auburn University game or an alumni of the school just used it. Whatever the case, “War Eagle” has been synonymous with the sports teams at Auburn University. It is a rallying cry used by players, fans, and alumni of the school.
Considering that its application is often used as a catchphrase to inject motivation and energy, I have whipped up 15 perfect responses to give when someone shouts “War Eagle.” These responses can be used whether you are an Auburn University student or someone randomly says “War Eagle.”
War Damn Eagle
The idea of “War Eagle” is to show the spirit and strength of Auburn University’s sports teams. Repeating the phrase is the obvious response to use but if you want to sound a bit cheeky or Gen Z, you can say “War Damn Eagle.” I will recommend this response if you are at an Auburn sports team game and the battle cry is shouted.
About Time, Let’s Ball
If you belong to an Auburn sports team or any team where “War Eagle” is used as the rallying cry, you can respond with “About time, let’s ball.” This response can also be used outside sports settings to suggest agreeing to get things underway or bring one’s A-game. It’s like a supporting reply to say “Let’s get the job done.”
- Now we are talking. Let’s get this done.
- Let’s do it, folks.
Victory Is For The Brave, Let’s Go
You can respond intelligently to a “War Eagle” cry by quoting a famous saying about victory, fight, or resilience. Like the example I cited, “Victory is for the brave” is a good way to respond and there are a lot of other ways you can craft your answer in this direction. I have mentioned a few:
- Victory belongs to the most persevering, and that’s what we are about.
- We’ve got the fight in us, let’s go.
- Small victories are better than none. This is our time.
Yes, We Can, And Onwards We Go
Maybe you are second in command or the 2IC on the team, when the leader shouts “War Eagle,” you can respond in affirmation by saying “Yes, we can, and onwards we go.” Well, this response wouldn’t entirely fit into sports matches or team motivation culture. It is, however, guaranteed to work well in the corporate workspace where you have creative groups and teams set up to achieve company goals.
It can also be used in the Army as it is all about determination and making progress.
- Without a doubt, let’s keep moving.
- Full steam ahead, there’s no stopping us now.
Echo The Battle Cry
You can ask your team to “Echo the battle cry” as a way to respond to someone’s “War Eagle” shout. It could be that a member of the team screamed “War Eagle” or some fan in the stands did so. As the captain or coach, you can urge your players to scream the battle cry. That way your response not only acknowledges the battle cry but infuses the zest and builds the morale of the team.
There’s Only One Goal For Us And It Is Success
Another response to “War Eagle” which is not limited to Auburn University’s sports teams is “There’s only one goal for us and it is a success.” In corporate workspaces, creative teams, and so on, you can use this to respond to the rallying call. It would be an excellent idea if you were a well-respected member of the team in terms of hierarchy and placement.
We Cannot Let Them Play Their Game
“We cannot let them play their game” is another perfect response when someone shouts “War Eagle.” Imagine your team is faced with a difficult game and your opponent is dealing with the team severely. In such a condition, when someone screams “War Eagle,” using this response will further intensify the level of morale and energy needed to see the game through.
- Let’s upset whatever they came here to do.
- We’ve allowed them to play enough. Playtime is over.
The Game Is Not In Their Hands But Ours, Stand Strong
You can also use “The game is not in their hands but ours, stand strong” to encourage the team in response to a player or fan’s scream of “War Eagle.” It is by all standards a good motivational message to give the team especially when it seems like everyone’s strength is failing them. Other ways you can put this include:
- We’ve got the upper hand. Let’s not let this one slip.
- It is a win already but let’s brace ourselves and stay solid.
We Are Bigger Than Eagles, Be Brave
If your team was facing an Auburn University sports team and they yelled “War Eagle,” you can retort with “We are bigger than Eagles, be brave.” The goal of this response is to counter the intimidating cry from your opponent and ensure that their antics do not weary your team. You should follow it up with your team’s rallying cry.
- Let the kids cry, there’s nothing they can do.
- Eagles? That’s not who they are!
It Is Our Time And Nothing Is Changing That
“It is our time and nothing is changing that” is another perfect way to respond to “War Eagle.” The good thing about this response is that it can be used in affirmation to “War Eagle” or as a way to counter the motivation of your opponent. In my opinion, the latter reason is a better scenario to use this response.
- Forget their cries, we are winning this.
- Doesn’t matter whether they are lions, this game is ours.
Victory is Our Only Option
A catchphrase you can use in response to “War Eagle” is “Victory is our only option.” This phrase communicates the need for a determination to come out as winners and no other result is acceptable. You can use this phrase in response to “War Eagle” when you need to emphasize that there can be no other outcomes except winning.
- We didn’t travel down here to lose.
- You know boys, winning is all we do. So, let’s do it here NOW.
Embrace The Challenge And Let’s Triumph Together
Another response to “War Eagle” that is not restrained to only sporting events is “Embrace the challenge and let’s triumph together.” This can be used as a way to let other people know that even though they are facing a difficult challenge, they cannot let it overwhelm them. It also emphasizes the need for teamwork and togetherness which are important prerequisites for the success of any group or organization.
Unleash The Warrior Within, We Can Make It Happen.
“Unleash the warrior within, we can make it happen” is another rallying call to use in response to “War Eagle.” Like the trend of the last three responses, this one can be used both in replying to the battle cry as a supporting statement or to issue a counter cry when you belong to an opposing team. Whichever way, you can always use this response when someone shouts “War Eagle.”
- Warriors!!! Unleash.
- Get some spine. We are warriors and we can make this happen.
We’ve Got All It Takes. Now Is Not The Time To Relent, Press On
As a coach, cheerleader, or fan watching from the stands, you can respond to “War Eagle” with encouragement like “We’ve got all it takes. Now is not the time to relent, press on.” From the statement, the goal is to push the players to seize their opportunities, play more as a team, give their best, and come out with a win.
- You have the upper hand guys. Let’s do this.
- 30 seconds on the clock. Go hard on ‘em.
This Is Our Turf, Not Theirs.
You are getting smacked in your backyard and your opponent screams “War Eagle” or someone on your team shouts in motivation, you can always respond this way. There’s something about playing at home that should inject a sense of superiority and intimidation into your opponent. That’s what this response is about.
- Our court, our rules.
- We decide the play. It is our turf.
- Our backyard is our hunting ground.
Before You Go
Sometimes, someone might shout “War Eagle” not because they are related to Auburn University or because it had something to do with the university. This is why I have ensured that my selection of responses transcends being used only in Auburn University or sports settings. You can use these responses whenever someone shouts “War Eagle” even outside Auburn University.
If you are a student of Auburn University, it is important to know that you belong to a great school with a rich history. Their “War Eagle” cry has become famous around the world and you’ll enjoy getting to know every bit of the school’s history.
