Two local Auburn University students had a huge presence at Jordan-Hare Stadium in the fall, and thanks to their entrepreneurial spirit they will soon make a huge impact on another playing field.

In the fall, Pelham graduate Daniel Dreher, Briarwood Christian School graduate Hunter Harris and Nashville native Rob Silverii came up with the idea to make Trooper Towels, inspired by the energetic, towel-waving Auburn assistant head coach Trooper Taylor.

When the three approached Taylor about the idea after the opening game of the 2009 season, Taylor loved the idea and agreed to give a percentage of the profits to a charity of his choosing.

The three students and Taylor presented the charitable donation at halftime of the Auburn-Arkansas basketball game Feb. 20 in the amount of $3,512 to the Miracle League, a special-needs baseball league.

“To see all the kids out there on the court, they were elated,” said Dreher. “For many of them, it was their first time at an Auburn sporting event. The kids loved it, I loved it and I know Trooper loved it.”

Dreher said at the beginning of the season he was amazed at how quick Trooper Towel sales took off.

But after meeting with Taylor several times and seeing his passion not only for football but also for helping others, Dreher said he had no doubt the Trooper Towels would be a success.

“Coach Taylor’s been a great help for us. He’s always done what he can do to help,” Dreher said. “Trooper, he brings that energy every day. He’s always just fired up, ready to work and make people better.”

And now that 2009 was a success for the Trooper Towels, the 2010 season is right around the corner with spring practice beginning in four weeks and A-Day scheduled for April 17.

Dreher said the three students and Taylor have already begun talks for a new towel and design that should be ready before the 2010 home-opener Sept. 4 against Arkansas State.

“We plan on keeping it going as long as we can,” Dreher said.