The Auburn and Auburn University sports communities have lost a unique and well-regarded member. Coach Anthony "Sonny" Dragoin died December 28th at Bethany House Hospice in Auburn. Born in Shady Grove, AL, March 12th 1928 to Anthony and Odessa Dragoin, Coach Sonny claimed Cowarts and Dothan, AL as the home towns that shaped his life. While in school in Dothan, Sonny refined his love of and talent in Baseball, playing in the Dr. Pepper Semi-Professional Baseball League. After graduating from Dothan High School, Sonny attended Birmingham Southern University before joining the U.S. Navy. His military service took him to the Corona, CA Naval Base. There he became a medic and proudly helped wounded soldiers returning from WWII. His time in California was highlighted by his meeting of his life-long love and future wife, Joan Elizabeth Gillespie of Laguna Beach. Called to Auburn University by head coach Arnold "Swede" Umbach, Sonny found himself a member and later assistant coach of Auburns wrestling team. While at Auburn Sonny was a 4 time SEIWA wrestling champion and took fourth in the Nation in his weight class. After his collegiate wrestling career Sonny served as a NCAA wrestling referee. Sonny graduated with a B.S. and M.S. from Auburn and a PhD. from the University of Alabama in Physical Education. He taught every physical education course available at Auburn, as well as many Health and Human Performance courses. His students included former A.U. Athletic Director David Housel, a valued friend. In addition to his many awards and honors as an athlete and coach, Dr. Dragoin was also honored as Teacher of the Year for the School of Education. Athletic Director Jeff Beard appointed Sonny head coach of the men's golf team (1959-1983). In golf Sonny found his calling. He loved both the game and his players, including Dothan greats Morris and Betts Slingluff, and Glenn Northcutt all of whom became life-long friends. Coach Dragoin also had the privilege of coaching Mr. Bob Dumas of Auburn, who also became a life-long friend. Under his leadership Auburn won their 1st and 2nd SEC Golf Championships and Coach Dragoin was awarded SEC coach of the year honors in 1976 and 1981 respectively. Sonny was inducted into the Wiregrass Sports Hall of Fame as well as the National Golf Coaches Hall of Fame and has an Auburn Tiger Trail placard on College Street in downtown Auburn. After the death of wife Joan in 1982, Sonny retired from Auburn University. This same year Sonny found a new talent, crafting greeting cards from pressed flowers he grew and collected. Gathering these pieces of nature, Sonny shared his original greeting cards with family and friends. His artistic talents grew to include wood carvings of native birds and Seagulls which he mounted on pieces of driftwood from the gulf coast. Coach Dragoin is survived by his daughter Catherine and son-in-law Paul of Auburn; brother Bill Dragoin and wife Carlanda of Americus, GA, sister Shirley Dozier of Gonzales, TX, several nieces and nephews from the Dragoin, Walsh, and Long families, and close family friend Mrs. Liz Baker. A graveside service will be held Thursday, January 7th, 3:00pm at Auburn Memorial Cemetery. Dr. George Mathison, pastor of Auburn United Methodist Church will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lee County Humane Society or For Paws Rescue in honor of Coach "Sonny" Dragoin. A graveside service will be held Thursday, January 7th, 3:00pm at Auburn Memorial Cemetery. Dr. George Mathison, pastor of Auburn United Methodist Church will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lee County Humane Society or For Paws Rescue in honor of Coach "Sonny" Dragoin.