4-Star Defensive Lineman Quinnen Williams Chooses Bama This Morning; 4-Star LB Tre Lamar Narrows List To 3 Schools; Bama Basketball To Add One More Player According To Johnson; 4-Star QB Recruit Jawon Pass Likes Bama; Tide Athletics In Top 10%; Anthony Grant Joins Donovan In NBA

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4-Star Defensive Lineman Quinnen Williams To Bama

     Four-star Quinnen Williams announced this morning his commitment to the University of Alabama. The 6' 4", 265-pound defensive tackle was very happy with his decision as he made his announcement this morning at Wenoah High School. He is the number 33 player at his position, according to 247Sports.

     Williams had originally committed to Auburn but backed off. He choices for today had been narrowed to Alabama, Auburn, and Mississippi State.

     Roll Tide, Quinnen! Welcome aboard!

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LB Tre Lamar Narrows List To 3 Schools

     6' 4", 240-pound linebacker prospect Tre Lamar has narrowed his list to three schools. Either Alabama, Auburn, or Clemson will get his considerable skills for the next four years. Lamar told AL.com yesterday, "These three schools offer the qualities I'm looking for."

     The four-star prospect is the number eight inside linebacker, according to the 247Sports Composite. He had originally planned to announce his commitment after his senior season but only recently decided to make the announcement this summer.

     Lamar has one scheduled campus visit remaining, and that one to Clemson during their "All-In Cookout" on July 17. He has already visited the Tigers campus five times. He has also visited Alabama and Auburn four times each. Lamar says he believes he'll have his mind made up after this last visit.
   

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Bama Basketball To Add One More

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     There will be one more addition to the 2015 edition of Alabama basketball, according to head coach Avery Johnson. He says that he is not through recruiting for the upcoming season.

      “We’re not through,” Johnson said yesterday during the SEC Basketball Coaches' summer teleconference. “(There’s) going to be one more addition. Obvious you are always on the lookout for a big guy but we’re going to add another wing. Hopefully we’ll have that done by the start of the second semester of summer school. We’re trying to get a fifth-year guy, someone that has some experience.”

     Though the talent level is down, Johnson has been able to bring in help for the squad. The Crimson Tide has available four fresh faces for the upcoming season . There are also two transfers, Nick King and Avery Johnson Jr., who will be sitting out this season but elegible for next.

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4-Star QB Recruit Jawon Pass Likes Bama

     Four-star quarterback recruit Jawon Pass out of Carver High School in Columbus, Georgia is still planning to make his college choice known on July 16. A ceremony is planned for 4 PM at the high school auditorium, according to Pass's high school coach.

     Pass has visited Alabama, Auburn, Louisville, North Carolina, and Virginia Tech this past month. He plans another visit to the University of Alabama July 14-15 following his return from The Opening. Bama is believed to have a slight edge for his services.

     Pass is listed as the nations number two dual-threat quarterback and number seven prospect in the state of Georgia for 2016, according to 247Sports.com

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Defensive Tackle Quinnen Williams To Announce Today

     Defensive lineman prospect Quinnen Williams is set to make the announcement as to which college will get his services this morning at 9 AM CDT at Wenoah High School. His three choices are Alabama, Auburn, and Mississippi State.

     The three-star prospect is a 6' 4", 265-pound defensive tackle. He is the number 33 player at his position according to 247Sports Composite. Williams previously had been an Auburn commit for more than four months, but reopened his recruitment on June 5th.


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Crimson Tide Athletics In Top 10%

     For the seventh time in the past ten years the University of Alabama Athletics Department has been ranked in the top 25 of All NCAA Division I athletics programs in both the Learfield Sports Director's Cup and the Capital One Cup.

     University of Alabama Athletic Director Bill Battle stated, " I'm proud of the way our teams continue to thrive in the competitive arena. A total of nine of our teams finished in the top-20 nationally, including four -- football, gymnastics, softball and men's swimming and diving -- that finished in the top-10. I'm equally proud of the success our students continue to earn in the classroom and the time and effort they devote to helping make the world around them a better place."

     The Learfield Sports Directors' Cup standings, begun in the 1993-94 academic year, encompass the combined men's and women's programs.

     According to RollTide.com, Alabama finished the 2014-15 academic year ranked 25th out of 289 schools in the all-sports rankings. In the Directors' Cup, 20 total teams (10 men and 10 women) can be scored for the final standings. The Crimson Tide has 21 teams (9 men and 12 women) in 17 sports programs. Stanford, this year's winner and the winner of the last 21 Directors' Cups, fields 37 total varsity teams.

     315 points were picked up in the spring by Alabama, with another 282 points in the winter standings, and 158 points in the fall in the Learfield rankings. The SEC led all conferences with seven teams finishing in the top-25. Incidentally, all 14 SEC schools were in the Top 66 overall.

     The Capital One Cup is now in its fifth year, and Alabama's men and women are both ranked in the top-35. On the strength of football finishing fourth, swimming and diving in tenth, the men end up at No. 30. The women were 32nd after top-10 finishes by gymnastics in fourth place and softball coming in sixth.

     Here is a look at the past ten year's finishing positions for the Alabama Crimson Tide:

2002-03	29th
2003-04	41st
2004-05	38th
2005-06	21st
2006-07	43rd
2007-08	25th
2008-09	30th
2009-10	23rd
2010-11	25th
2011-12	23rd
2012-13	26th
2013-14	17th
2014-15	25th

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Anthony Grant Joins Donovan In NBA

     Former University of Alabama head basketball coach Anthony Grant was named an NBA assistant coach for The Oklahoma City Thunder. Grant, as well as two others, was added to the staff of new head coach Billy Donovan yesterday.

Donovan said, "I'm really excited about the vast experience that this staff will bring to our team. The opportunity to bring these coaches together will help us work towards our goal of having a defensive identity, sharing the ball and playing efficiently on both ends. The group delivers an incredible set of individual skills, knowledge and background to the table, and I believe that the impact of their collective efforts will be very beneficial as we continue to build the tradition of the Thunder."

     Grant was fired from Alabama after six seasons back in March, then rejoined Donovan's staff at Florida, and now follows Donovan to The Thunder.

Defensive Tackle Quinnen Williams To Announce Tuesday; Tide Athletics In Top 10% Of Division I Programs; 3 Earn Top-15 Track & Field Finishes

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Defensive Tackle Quinnen Williams To Announce Tuesday

     Defensive lineman prospect Quinnen Williams is set to make the announcement as to which college will get his services Tuesday at 9 AM CDT at Wenoah High School. His three choices are Alabama, Auburn, and Mississippi State.

     The three-star prospect is a 6' 4", 265-pound defensive tackle. He is the number 33 player at his position according to 247Sports Composite. Williams previously had been an Auburn commit for more than four months, but reopened his recruitment on June 5th.


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Crimson Tide Athletics In Top 10%

     For the seventh time in the past ten years the University of Alabama Athletics Department has been ranked in the top 25 of All NCAA Division I athletics programs in both the Learfield Sports Director's Cup and the Capital One Cup.

     University of Alabama Athletic Director Bill Battle stated, " I'm proud of the way our teams continue to thrive in the competitive arena. A total of nine of our teams finished in the top-20 nationally, including four -- football, gymnastics, softball and men's swimming and diving -- that finished in the top-10. I'm equally proud of the success our students continue to earn in the classroom and the time and effort they devote to helping make the world around them a better place."

     The Learfield Sports Directors' Cup standings, begun in the 1993-94 academic year, encompass the combined men's and women's programs.

     According to RollTide.com, Alabama finished the 2014-15 academic year ranked 25th out of 289 schools in the all-sports rankings. In the Directors' Cup, 20 total teams (10 men and 10 women) can be scored for the final standings. The Crimson Tide has 21 teams (9 men and 12 women) in 17 sports programs. Stanford, this year's winner and the winner of the last 21 Directors' Cups, fields 37 total varsity teams.

     315 points were picked up in the spring by Alabama, with another 282 points in the winter standings, and 158 points in the fall in the Learfield rankings. The SEC led all conferences with seven teams finishing in the top-25. Incidentally, all 14 SEC schools were in the Top 66 overall.

     The Capital One Cup is now in its fifth year, and Alabama's men and women are both ranked in the top-35. On the strength of football finishing fourth, swimming and diving in tenth, the men end up at No. 30. The women were 32nd after top-10 finishes by gymnastics in fourth place and softball coming in sixth.

     Here is a look at the past ten year's finishing positions for the Alabama Crimson Tide:

2002-03	29th
2003-04	41st
2004-05	38th
2005-06	21st
2006-07	43rd
2007-08	25th
2008-09	30th
2009-10	23rd
2010-11	25th
2011-12	23rd
2012-13	26th
2013-14	17th
2014-15	25th

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Three Earn Top-15 In Track & Field

     Three University of Alabama sophomores have earned top-15 finishes at the USA Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. The meet was held recently at Hayward Field.

     The 2015 Long Jump Champion, Quanesha Burks, finished sixth. Her best jump was her fourth of six at 22 feet, one inch.

     Hayden Reed posted a second place finish in the discuss at 195 feet, six inches to finish 10th. Jermiah Green placed 14th in the triple jump at 49 feet, one inch on his third jump.

     The USATF Junior Championships were running along with the national championships, and freshman Haley Teel placed 15th in the shot put with her best throw of 44 feet, three quarter inches.

     Congratulations to all.


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3 From Bama Earn Top 15 In Track & Field Nationals; The Paul W. Bryant Museum; Tight End Prospect Thaddeus Moss Eyes University Of Alabama Football; Tide Commit Eddy Pineiro Hits Another Long One

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Three Earn Top-15 In Track & Field

     Three University of Alabama sophomores have earned top-15 finishes at the USA Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. The meet was held recently at Hayward Field.

     The 2015 Long Jump Champion, Quanesha Burks, finished sixth. Her best jump was her fourth of six at 22 feet, one inch.

     Hayden Reed posted a second place finish in the discuss at 195 feet, six inches to finish 10th. Jermiah Green placed 14th in the triple jump at 49 feet, one inch on his third jump.

     The USATF Junior Championships were running along with the national championships, and freshman Haley Teel placed 15th in the shot put with her best throw of 44 feet, three quarter inches.

     Congratulations to all.


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The Paul W. Bryant Museum

     From time to time we look at institutions, monuments, tourist attractions, and people associated with the University of Alabama and/or the state of Alabama. We've taken a look at the Vulcan, Bama football's 15 national championships, and more. Today we'll take a look at the Paul W. Bryant Museum in both word and photographs.

     The Paul W. Bryant Museum is located on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It has become a big tourist attraction for both Alabama football fans, and those tourists interested in the name-sake of the museum. The museum was founded in 1985 and opened in 1988. It's mission was to "house the history of Alabama football, with special emphasis on the legendary coach Paul Bear Bryant.

     It was the suggestion of Bear Bryant himself that brought together a planning committee in 1981. Its purpose was to establish a museum with the purpose of honoring former coaches and players who helped the Bear set the the intercollegiate coaching record for the most victories. Upon consideration, the committee decided upon two missions for the museum: "inclusion of the entire football history from the first team in 1892 and creating a collections component establishing the foundation of our current institution." Approximately a third of the collection is about Bear Bryant. The museum has not become a wealth of information for journalists and writers interested in the history of University of Alabama athletics.

     Not only has the museum been building its collection, it has also been focusing on public programming such as informational and education services and tours for school groups consisting of children of all ages. The museum has become one of the major attractions of the region.

     The museum had its largest attendance in its history back on April 21, 2007. A total of 4,367 were in attendance that day. The crowd was attributed to University of Alabama football's annual A-Day game, which also saw a record 92,138 fans in attendance.
   
     The Paul W. Bryant Museum is a part of the University of Alabama Museums. Among the exhibits housed there are a Waterford Crystal houndstooth hat commemorating the Bear's head wear, as well as the Daniel Moore painting used to create the 32-cent United States postage stamp celebrating the life of the Bear. One can also visit the research room where all of the Crimson Tide's games can be viewed and studied, of which over a thousand are said to be housed.

     A listing of people who were named for Coach Bryant are housed at the museum as well. Many of Bryant's former players, as well as the fans, have named their children Bear, Paul, Paula, and Bryant after the legendary coach. The Paul W. Bryant museum hosts a namesake reunion every September.

     The museum continues to add exhibits and pieces as the legend of Alabama football continues to grow. It will forever be "a work in progress."

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Thaddeus Moss Places Tide In Top 8

     The son of an NFL legend has placed Alabama football in his top eight schools for whom he's interested in playing. Tight end prospect Thaddeus Moss, son of legendary seven-time pro bowler and four-time NFL first-team All-Pro Randy Moss, has recently released his top eight schools of choice. The Alabama Crimson Tide is one of those eight. The other seven are Georgia, Miami, North Carolina State, Arizona State, UCLA, West Virginia, and Oregon.

     Alabama football coaches are still looking at taking a third tight end in the 2016 class.  Already the Tide has commitments from two. They are Miller Forristall of Cartersville, Georgia and Brendan Scales of Ballwin, Missouri. Could Moss be that third?

     Moss, a three-star tight end out of Mallard Creek High School  in Charlotte, North Carolina, received his offer from Bama back on May 22nd, but is now narrowing his prospective schools.

     The 6' 3", 240-pounder is listed as the number 20 tight end in the country according to 247Sports Composite.

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Kicker Eddy Pineiro Hits Another Long One

     It seems of late every time we turn around Crimson Tide commit Eddy Pineiro is putting another long ball through the uprights. We know he has hit numerous field goals of 60 and 65 yards in practice. Now he has hit a 73 yarder in practice.

     Pineiro posted on Twitter yesterday that he broke his personal best record with a 73 yard field goal. A video is also included.

TE Thaddeus Moss Places Tide In His Top 8; Bama Basketball Coach Avery Johnson Honored; Alabama Volleyball Schedule On SEC Network

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Thaddeus Moss Places Tide In Top 8

     The son of an NFL legend has placed Alabama football in his top eight schools for whom he's interested in playing. Tight end prospect Thaddeus Moss, son of legendary seven-time pro bowler and four-time NFL first-team All-Pro Randy Moss, has recently released his top eight schools of choice. The Alabama Crimson Tide is one of those eight. The other seven are Georgia, Miami, North Carolina State, Arizona State, UCLA, West Virginia, and Oregon.

     Alabama football coaches are still looking at taking a third tight end in the 2016 class.  Already the Tide has commitments from two. They are Miller Forristall of Cartersville, Georgia and Brendan Scales of Ballwin, Missouri. Could Moss be that third?

     Moss, a three-star tight end out of Mallard Creek High School  in Charlotte, North Carolina, received his offer from Bama back on May 22nd, but is now narrowing his prospective schools.

     The 6' 3", 240-pounder is listed as the number 20 tight end in the country according to 247Sports Composite.

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Avery Johnson Honored

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Eleven people were inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame last night. Alabama men's head basketball coach Avery Johnson was one of those to receive this honor. He was officially inducted last night night at the Natchitoches Events Center during the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner.

     The New Orleans, Louisiana native was a standout basketball player for St. Augustine High School. He then went on to play at the junior college level, then the university level where he lead the NCAA in assists his final two collegiate seasons. He was named Southwestern Athletic Conference  Player of the Year and the Most Valuable Player of the SWAC Tournament as both a junior and senior at Southern University.    

     Johnson still holds several NCAA Division I records.

     Johnson began his professional basketball career with the Palm Beach Stingrays of the United States Basketball League before joining the Seattle Supersonics as a free agent. In all, Johnson played point guard for six teams in the NBA over a period of 16 years.

     After his years as a player, Johnson went on to a successful coaching career in the NBA. He has a career record of 254-186 (.577). He was with the Dallas Mavericks for four seasons, and just over two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets.

     Johnson later went on to become an analyst with ESPN before being named the 20th head basketball coach at the University of Alabama on April 8, 2015.

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Alabama Volleyball On SEC Network

     The following are the Alabama Volleyball team games to be broadcast on the SEC Network:

September 23       Mississippi State       7 PM CT
October 11           Missouri                    4 PM CT
October 18           at LSU                       2 PM CT
October 25           Georgia                     2 PM CT
October 28           at Missouri                7 PM CT
November 1         at Arkansas               2 PM CT
November 8         South Carolina          2 PM CT
November 15       Auburn                      3 PM CT
November 25       Ole Miss                    TBA


   

Tight End Thaddeus Moss Puts Bama In Top 8; Gaspard Prepping For Incoming Freshman Baseballers; Golfer Emma Talley Again To Be Honored; Crimson Tide Favored In 8 Of 9 Football Games; RB Demetrice Vaughan To Walk-On This Fall

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Thaddeus Moss Puts Bama In Top 8

Alabama football coaches are still looking at taking a third tight end in the 2016 class. Already the Tide has commitments from two. They are Miller Forristall of Cartersville, Georgia and Brendan Scales of Ballwin, Missouri.

     Thaddeus Moss, son of legendary seven-time pro bowler and four-time NFL first-team all-pro Randy Moss, has recently released his top eight schools of choice. The Alabama Crimson Tide is one of those eight. The other seven are Georgia, Miami, North Carolina State, Arizona State, UCLA, West Virginia, and Oregon.

     Moss, a three-star tight end out of Mallard Creek High School  in Charlotte, North Carolina, received his offer from Bama back on May 22nd, but is now narrowing his prospective schools.

     The 6' 3", 240-pounder is listed as the number 20 tight end in the country according to 247Sports Composite.

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Gaspard Prepping For Incoming Freshman Baseballers

     Things have been busy around UA, according to head baseball coach Mitch Gaspard. He reports that things are progressing nicely on the new home for Bama baseball, and they should be ready to do some work on the field in the fall even though everything will not be completed for actual game play.

     "Our incoming freshman will arrive soon in Tuscaloosa, and the process of prepping for another season of Alabama baseball will begin once again," Gaspard said in his blog on RollTide.com. "We're looking forward to building these freshmen athletically, but equally as important is the academic side of their first week at the University."

     Gaspard said all new freshmen will be set up with the academic advisor, Jenny Sanders, and will be informed as to all the academic support UA affords their student athletes.

     "We put each one of our athletes on the track to graduate, and with the early arrival they will be able to get a head start on preparing to become a successful member of this university," Gaspard concluded.

     2015 will be Gaspard's sixth season as head baseball coach at the University of Alabama. He has enjoyed success at every level of his baseball career. Gaspard has been in the dugout for more than 1,800 games, with his teams compiling an overall record of 1,221-669-3 (.645) which includes a 380-277 (.578) record as a head coach.


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Golfer Emma Talley Again To Be Honored

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Emma Talley has had quite a season. She's had a fantastic year in golf, received awards, and more to come.

     Now Emma Talley will be honored during a live telecast of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards Show on the CBS Sports Network at 8 PM CDT on Monday as one of 12 Honda Sports Award winners.

     Presented annually by the CWSA to the top women athletes in 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports, the Honda Sports Award signifies the very best in collegiate athletics. Talley became a finalist for the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year as well as the Honda Cup, which is to be presented during the Monday night program. Talley is the ninth Bama student to earn a Honda Award, as well as the second golfer to do so.

     The Princeton, Kentucky native captured the NCAA Championships at The Concession Club in Bradenton, Florida and became the first NCAA medalist in Alabama golf history. Talley earned first-team WGCA All-America honors this season. In addition, she is only the fifth player ever to win both an NCAA Championship and the U.S. Amateur.

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Crimson Tide Favored In 8 Of 9 Football Games

     According to ESPN, the Alabama Crimson Tide football team is favored in eight of nine games in which the point spread has been established by the Golden Nugget casino. Of course the list was for more than Bama football, but nine of the Crimson Tide games were included.

     It's not that Alabama is picked to lose that one other game, their trip to Georgia on October 3, but rather that it is listed as a "pick 'em" game.

     Here is the list of nine Bama game spreads according to Golden Nugget:

September 5        Alabama is favored by 10 over Wisconsin
September 19      Alabama is favored by 9.5 over Ole Miss
October 3            Alabama vs. Georgia is a pick 'em
October 10          Alabama is favored by 7.5 over Arkansas
October 17          Alabama is favored by 7 over Texas A&M
October 24          Alabama is favored by 10 over Tennessee
November 7        Alabama is favored by 9 over LSU
November 14      Alabama is favored by 9 over Mississippi State
November 28      Alabama is favored by 3.5 over Auburn

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RB Demetrice Vaughan To Walk-On This Fall

     Demetrice Vaughan, a recent graduate from Blount High School, is reportedly going to walk-on for the Alabama Crimson Tide this fall to help shore up the depleted running back corp, according to TideSports.com.  Bama has lost several running backs due to injuries or dismissal from the team.

     Vaughan had originally signed with Mississippi Delta Community College back in February. His Rivals.com profile shows he was recruited by Alabama, Auburn, LSU, South Carolina, and Georgia Tech, but never actually received a scholarship offer from any of them.

     Considering the bad run of luck with the running back corps, it will be good to have Vaughan join the Tide. Altee Tenpenny transferred, Tyren Jones was dismissed from the team, Bo Scarbrough went down due to an ACL tear, and most recently DeSherrius Flowers was declared academically ineligible for the fall.

Alabama And Fresno State To Meet In Football Matchup In 2017; Ex-GA Quarterback Jacob Park To Visit UA; Nia Barnes Receives Academic All-America Honor; Nick Saban To Be Honored Tonight; No UA Players Selected In NBA Draft

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Alabama & Fresno State To Meet

     It's official. The "rumor" of the match-up between Alabama and Fresno State to play a non-conference football game has been confirmed by the University of Alabama. The announcement came yesterday.

     The two have agreed to play on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.  It will be the first meeting between the two schools.

     Fresno State has come on hard times as of late. Last season they limped along to a 6-8 record. But one only has to go back to 2013 to their 11-2 finish to remember some of their better seasons.

     A reported $1.4 million guarantee is being paid out to State by UA.


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Ex-Georgia QB Jacob Park To Visit UA


     Another former quarterback from another institution is taking a look at the Alabama Crimson Tide. This time it's former Georgia quarterback Jacob Park. ESPN's Joe Shad says Park will reportedly visit UA this weekend. He received his release from Georgia on June 11. He has three years of eligibility remaining.

     The 6' 4", 202-pound redshirt freshman was a four-star prospect out of Goose Creek, South Carolina. He was rated the number five pro-style quarterback and the number two overall player in South Carolina during his recruitment. Park threw for 3,665 yards and 33 touchdowns during his high school senior season.



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Nia Barnes Receives Academic All-America Honor

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Another honor for another Alabama student-athlete. Crimson Tide senior Nia Barnes has been named to the 2015 Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-America Track & Field/Cross Country First Team according to RollTide.com. The announcement came yesterday.

    Bama head coach Dan Waters said, "Nia is an amazing young woman who worked tirelessly every day to get the most out of her education and her athletic career. She is a tremendous ambassador for our University and our program, and I'm very proud of what she has accomplished as both a scholar and an athlete." 

     Barnes is a two-time Academic All-American. She earned second-team honors as a junior this past year. She studies telecommunications and film/media production and holds a 4.0 cumulative grade point average.

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Nick Saban To Be Honored Tonight

     University of Alabama football head coach Nick Saban will be honored with the Blanton Collier Award, presented annual to an individual displaying exemplary integrity both on and off the field. The event is to be held in Louisville, Kentucky.

     According to AL.com, Saban is to be honored tonight at the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony to be held at the Brown Theatre in Louisville, Kentucky. The award is named after former Cleveland Browns and Kentucky coach Blanton Collier.

Dr. Kay Collier McLaughlin issued a statement, saying, "Coach Nick Saban lives out our father's characteristic integrity and belief that with hard work you can accomplish anything. Nick is a visionary who will continue to use this in his career as the head football coach of the University of Alabama."

     The ceremony is to begin tonight at 7 PM CDT and will benefit Kosair Children's Hospital.

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No UA Players Selected In NBA Draft

     While ten players from Southeastern Conference schools were selected in the NBA draft last night, none came from the University of Alabama.

     Alabama had two draft-eligible players, guard Levi Randolph and wing player Rodney Cooper. Neither were selected. In fact, NBADraft.net did not rank either among the top 100 prospects in this year's draft.

     This is a area of concern for Alabama basketball that new head basketball coach Avery Johnson is looking to correct. Prospects want to know they have a legitimate shot at making the NBA. Without the proper development, that won't happen as witnessed last night.

     Johnson was a former NBA coach and knows what it takes to make the grade. He has addressed the issue immediately following his hiring, and believes already that knowledge and his own experience has paid off in attracting recent commitments.

   

Coach Nick Saban To Be Honored Tomorrow Night; Quanesha Burks Is Bowerman Trophy Semifinalist; 4-Star DE Khalid Kareem Commits To Alabama Football; SEC Basketball Coaching Salaries; 4-Star CB Jared Mayden Lists Top 7; 5-Star WR Tee Higgins Tweets Top-10

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Nick Saban To BE Honored

     University of Alabama football head coach Nick Saban will be honored with the Blanton Collier Award, presented annual to an individual displaying exemplary integrity both on and off the field. The event is to be held in Louisville, Kentucky.

     According to AL.com, Saban is to be honored tomorrow night at the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony to be held at the Brown Theatre in Louisville, Kentucky. The award is named after former Cleveland Browns and Kentucky coach Blanton Collier.

Dr. Kay Collier McLaughlin issued a statement, saying, "Coach Nick Saban lives out our father's characteristic integrity and belief that with hard work you can accomplish anything. Nick is a visionary who will continue to use this in his career as the head football coach of the University of Alabama."

     The ceremony is to begin tomorrow night at 7 PM CDT and will benefit Kosair Children's Hospital. Ticket prices begin at $28. Tickets may be purchased at www.kentuckycenter.org .


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Quanesha Burks Is Bowerman Trophy Semifinalist

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Ten semifinalists have been named for the annual Bowerman Trophy, collegiate track and field's highest individual honor. Alabama sophomore Quanesha Burks is one of those ten. What makes this and extraordinary accomplishment is that she is one of only three students in the freshman and sophomore classes to make the top 10.

     According to RollTide.com, Burks earned the top 10 designation after winning Bama's first-ever NCAA long jump title at the recent NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

     Alabama gymnastics head coach Dan Waters commented, "Quanesha has had an extraordinary season, a breakout season, this year and while being a semifinalist for the Bowerman Trophy puts her in elite company, there is no doubt she deserves to be there."

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4-Star DE Khalid Kareem Commits To Bama Football

     The Crimson Tide recruiting gurus have done it again; gone into Michigan and pulled another big commit. This one is 2016 four-star defensive end Khalid Kareem out of Farmington, Michigan. The 6' 4" , 260-pounder becomes Alabama's 16th commit for the class of 2016.

     Kareem chose Alabama over Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, South Carolina, and others.

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SEC Basketball Coaching Salaries

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     It would appear that the University of Alabama's new head basketball coach, Avery Johnson, is the second highest-paid coach in the Southeastern Conference. His salary is $2.8 million a year, a distant second to John Calipari at $7 million a year.

     Here is a look at the salaries of (almost) all 14 head basketball coaches in the SEC:

14.  Kevin Stallings, Vanderbilt --- salary not available (private institution)
13.  Billy Kennedy, Texas A&M --- $1 million a year
12.  Kim Anderson, Missouri --- $1.1 million a year
11.  Johnny Jones, LSU --- $1.5 million a year
10.  Andy Kennedy, Ole Miss --- $1.925 million a year
  9.  Mark Fox, Georgia --- $2 million a year
  8.  Mike White, Florida --- $2 million a year
  7.  Frank Martin, South Carolina --- $2.1 million a year
  6.  Ben Howland, Mississippi State --- $2.1 million a year
  5.  Mike Anderson, Arkansas --- $2.2 million a year
  4.  Bruce Pearl, Auburn --- $2.275 million a year
  3.  Rick Barnes, Tennessee --- $2.3 million a year
  2.  Avery Johnson, Alabama --- $2.8 million a year
  1.  John Calipari, Kentucky --- $7 million a year

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4-Star CB Jared Mayden Lists Top 7

     Four-star cornerback Jared Mayden out of Sachse, Texas announced yesterday afternoon that he has narrowed his list of finalists to a top seven. He also says that he will make his choice and his announcement as to which school will get his services in about two weeks at The Opening.

     One surprise was that no in-state schools made the 2016 recruit's top seven list. Here's a look at the seven Mayden posted on Twitter about 4:30 PM yesterday afternoon: Alabama, Florida, UCLA, Oregon, Ohio State, Michigan, and Florida State.

     Mayden's services are highly sought-after, having displayed outstanding talent in his junior season. He boasts 51 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble, one defensive touchdown, and eight pass breakups. All this came despite missing a couple of early-season games suffering from a concussion.


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Tee Higgins Tweets His Top-10

     5-Star Wide Receiver Tee Higgins out of Oak Ridge High School in Oak Ridge, Tennessee tweeted out his Top-10 choices for continuing his football career at the next level. Higgins is a two-sport athlete in high school, which could possibly carry over in college. But his main interest is football.

     Higgins made sure to point out that his Top-10 list was in no specific order. He tweeted last night:

Tee Higgins ‏@teehiggins5

No Order!!!!!!!

Talking About Denny Chimes (Part 3-Walk Of Fame); Bama Coaches Receive Pay Increases/Extensions; Alabama Gymnastics Among Attendance Leaders

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Talking About Denny Chimes (Part 3)

     We're looking at the significance, purpose, and history of Denny Chimes in this three-part series. Today is the final installment, as we take a look at the Walk of Fame.

     Surrounding Denny Chimes is what has come to be known as the Walk of Fame, where the captains of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team have placed their hand and footprints in cement slabs at the base since 1948. There is an annual ceremony as a part of A-Day festivities associated with the placement of the prints. Previous captains are honored at the ceremony.

     Here is a list of the names inscribed on the Walk of Fame:

1947: Harry Gilmer, John Wozniak

1948: Billy Cadenhead, Ray Richeson

1949: Billy Cadenhead, Ed Holdnak, Doug Lockridge

1950: Ed Salem, Mike Mizerany

1951: Jack Brown, Harold Lutz

1952: Bobby Marlow, Bobby Wilson

1953: Ralph Carrigan, Bud Willis

1954: Thomsa Tharp, Sid Youngleman

1955: Nick Germanos

1956: Jim Cunningham, Max Kelly, Wes Thomas

1957: Jim Loftin, Clay Walls

1958: Bobby Jackson, Dave Sington, Bobby Smith

1959: Jim Belvins, Don Cochran, Marlin Dyess

1960: Bobby Boylston, Leon Fuller

1961: Billy Neighbors, Pat Trammell

1962: Lee Roy Jordan, Jimmy Sharpe

1963: Not awarded

1964: Steve Allen, Benny Nelson

1965: Joe Namath, Ray Ogden

1966: Richard Cole, Ray Perkins, Steve Sloan

1967: Bobby Johns, Kenny Stabler

1968: Mike Hall, Donnie Sutton

1969: Danny Ford, Alvin Samples

1970: Dave Brungard, Danny Gilbert

1971: Johnny Musso, Robin Parkhouse

1972: Terry Davis, John Mitchell

1973: Wilbur Jackson, Chuck Strickland

1974: Ricky Davis, Sylvester Croom

1975: Lee Roy Cook, Richard Todd

1976: Thad Flanagan, Charles Hannah

1977: Ozzie Newsome, Mike Tucker

1978: Marty Lyons, Tony Nathan

1979: Don McNeal, Steve Whitman

1980: Alan Gray, Major Ogilvie

1981: Warren Lyles, Randy Scott

1982: Randy Edwards, Steve Mott

1983: Walter Lewis, Eddie Lowe

1984: Paul Ott Carruth, Emanuel King

1985: Thornton Chandler, Jon Hand

1986: Cornelius Bennett, Mike Shula

1987: Kerry Goode, Randy Rockwell

1988: Derrick Thomas, David Smith

1989: Marco Battle, Willie Wyatt

1990: Philip Doyle, Gary Hollingsworth, Efrum Thomas

1991: Siran Stacy, Robert Stewart, John Sullins, Kevin Turner

1992: Derrick Oden, George Teague, George Wilson, Prince Wimbley

1993: Chris Anderson, Lemanski Hall, Antonio Langham, Tobie Shiels

1994: Jay Barker, Tommy Johnson, Tarrant Lynch, Sam Shade

1995: Shannon Brown, Brian Burgdorf, Tony Johnson, John Walters

1996: John Causey, Fernando Davis

1997: Curtis Alexander, Paul Pickett, Rod Rutledge, Deshea Townsend

1998: Calvin Hall, John David Phillips, Daniel Pope, Kelvin Sigler, Travis Smith

1999: Shaun Alexander, Cornelius Griffin, Miguel Merritt, Ryan Pflugner, Chris Samuels

2000: Paul Hogan, Bradley Ledbetter, Kenny Smith

2001: Jarret Johnson, Terry Jones, Jr., Saleem Rasheed, Tyler Watts, Andrew Zow

2002: Lane Bearden, Ahmaad Galloway, Jarret Johnson, Kenny King, Kindal Moorehead, Tyler      Watts

2003: Derrick Pope, Shaud Williams

2004: Todd Bates, Wesley Britt

2005: Brodie Croyle, DeMeco Ryans

2006: Le'Ron McClain, Juwan Simpson

2007: Antoine Caldwell, Rashad Johnson, Darren Mustin

2008: John Parker Wilson, Rashad Johnson, Antoine Caldwell

2009: Javier Arenas, Mike Johnson, Rolando McClain

2010: Greg McElroy, Dont'a Hightower, Mark Barron

2011: Mark Barron, Dont'a Hightower, Trent Richardson

2012: Barrett Jones, Damion Square, Chance Warmack

2013: A.J. McCarron, C.J. Mosley, Kevin Norwood

2014: Amari Cooper, Blake Sims, Jalston Fowler, Landon Collins

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Bama Coaches Receive Pay Increases/Extensions

     Six of the seven returning University of Alabama assistant football coaches received extensions/and or raises yesterday. Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin was the only one that didn't, but that is due to his situation concerning his buyout with the USC Trojans.

Amended Contracts

     Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart received a one-year extension through 2018. His salary increased from $1.35 million to $1.5 million a year.

     Offensive line coach Mario Cristobal received a one-year extension through 2017. His salary increased from $500,000 to $515,000 a year.

     Tight ends, special teams coach Bobby Williams received a one-year extension through 2017. His salary increased from $428,000 to $440,840 a year.

     Strength coach Scott Cochran received a one-year extension through 2017. His salary increased from $395,000 to $420,000 a year.

     Running backs coach Burton Burns received a one-year extension through 2017. His salary increased from $335,000 to $345,000 a year.

     Defensive line coach Bo Davis received a one-year extension through 2017. His salary increased from $450,000 to $475,000 a year.

     Receivers coach Billy Napier received a one-year extension through 2017. His salary increased from $325,000 to $340,000 a year.

New coaches:

     Secondary coach Mel Tucker has two years. He receives $500,000 in 2015, and $600,000 in 2016.

     Linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi has two years at $425,000 a year.

Coaches from other Alabama teams with raises and extensions:

     Volleyball coach Ed Allen received a one-year extension through 2019. His salary increased from $140,000 to $150,000 a year.

     Soccer coach West Hart receives $120,000 a year for the first two years, and $130,000 a year the next two years (initial contract).

     Swimming and diving coach Dennis Pursley received a two-year extension through 2018. His salary increased from $140,000 to $160,000 a year.

     Men's golf coach Jay Seawell received a one-year extension through 2018. His salary increased from $185,000 to $197,000 a year.

     Women's golf coach Mic Potter received a two-year extension. His salary increased from $177,000 to $190,000 a year.

     Women's rowing coach Larry Davis received a one-year extension through 2017. His salary is up from $75,000 to $85,000 a year.

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Alabama Gymnastics Among Attendance Leaders

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The University of Alabama gymnastics team was one of only three women's gymnastics programs in the country to average over 12,000 fans for each event in the 2014-15 academic year. The 2015 edition of the Alabama Crimson Tide gymnastics team captured the Southeastern Conference Championship for 2015, as well as the championship of the NCAA Auburn Regional.

     During 2015 Tide gymnastics drew more than 10,000 fans for every home event. Final average for the year was 12,086. Even more astounding is the fact that Bama, Utah gymnastics, and South Carolina women's basketball were the only collegiate women's programs to average more than 12,000 fans this season.

     First-year Alabama head gymnastics coach Dana Duckworth said, “I have said all along that our fans are our biggest and baddest competitive advantage. From my days as a gymnast right up through the end of this season, our fans have continually helped lift us to ever greater heights. Alabama fans are amazing and we can’t wait to get back out there and hear them roar and see them cheer on the Tide.”

    Alabama ranked first in attendance once again for 2015 among all Southeastern Conference gymnastics teams. They were second among all women's programs, with South Carolina being first.

     The Crimson Tide is the leader with 10 of 18 gymnastics crowds surpassing the 15,000 mark during the past decade. Bama also is the leader with the 25 largest single-meet attendance marks in SEC history.

*Statistics provided by RollTide.com

4-Star Kobie Eubanks Commits To Bama Basketball; Florence LB Erroll Thompson Holding Off On Football Decision; Talking About Denny Chimes (Part 2)

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4-Star Kobie Eubanks Commits To Bama Basketball

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Alabama men's head basketball coach Avery Johnson has announced that 6' 5", 212-pound shooting guard Kobie Eubanks from Fort Lauderdale, Florida has signed to continue his basketball career playing for the University of Alabama. The 2015 four-star signee  is scheduled to enroll at UA in July and will be eligible to play this season. Eubanks said he had known for awhile it would be Alabama he would play for.

     "We're happy to welcome Kobie to our Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball family, " Johnson said. "Kobie has a tremendous amount of talent with huge upside. He's a great kid with really good character. I am thrilled about the opportunity to help him grow and develop academically and athletically."

     Eubanks de-committed from the Baylor Bears back in November. He then chose the Tide over Kansas, Texas, West Virginia, and Oregon. 247Sports Composite Rankings rates Eubanks as the number 15 small forward in the country, and number 91 player overall.

     "For us to come away with such a talented young man, at this stage of recruiting, is a tribute to Bob Simon, my associate head coach, who first introduced me to Kobie," Johnson said. "When Kobie came on his official visit, he had a chance to see what I already know -- what a special place The University of Alabama truly is. Welcome to the family, Kobie, and Roll Tide."

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Erroll Thompson Holding Off On Decision

     Originally planning to make an announcement this week as to where he would play his college football, 6' 2", 240-pound three-star linebacker prospect Erroll Thompson of Florence says he needs more time and won't be making his commitment this week. Thompson made his announcement of the delay over social media this weekend.

     Thompson had earlier narrowed the field to his top five favorites which included Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Louisville, and Michigan. His offer from the Crimson Tide came back in April.
     According to 247Sports Composite, Thompson is ranked as the country's number 17 inside linebacker prospect.

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Talking About Denny Chimes (Part 2)

     This is part two in a short series about Denny Chimes, located on the campus of the University of Alabama. We're looking at its history, significance, and tradition in the three-part series.

     The construction of Denny Chimes was done by Skinner, Maxwell and Company. Final cost of the project was $40,000. The dedication took place on May 27, 1929.

     The tower has a square white limestone base and features pilasters at each corner. There is a recessed bay between each corner. An eagle with partially outstretched wings is perched at each of the four corners on a molded cornice. The limestone base transitions to a brick shaft that gradually tapers to a limestone crown. Featured atop the shaft is a belfry with square pillars separated with neoclassical grills. All is topped by a stepped pyramidal roof of limestone. It should be noted that the limestone was quarried in Alabama.

     The bricks used in the construction came from the state of Virginia in honor of Denny and his home state.

     25 cast bronze bells are featured. The largest bell has a circumference of approximately 11 feet (3m) and a height of 3 feet (1m). When rung the chimes are a beautiful sound indeed. The Westminster chimes ring every 15 minutes. They chime other songs or the alma mater as part of university celebrations or holidays.

     An automatic player that plays roll music is located inside the base. There is also a keyboard console located there that is used on special occasions.

     The bell carillon was converted into an electronic system by 1945, and then updated in 1966.
While today the manual organ is played by both university faculty and students, the organ originally was played by Alabama organ professor Warren Hutton, the carillonneur, for memorial services and special events.
 
     The Walk of Fame surrounds the tower, where the captains of the football team have placed their hand and footprints in cement slabs at its base since 1948. Tomorrow we will take up the final installment of the series.

2012 Football National Championship; Alabama To Face Fresno State In Football In 2017; Talking About Denny Chimes

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2012 National Championship

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The University of Alabama football team claimed its 15th National Championship in 2012. It was the third national title with Bama for head coach Nick Saban.

     The Crimson Tide completed the 2012 regular season 11-1 and defeated the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship Game. Thanks to several upsets at season's end, Alabama got into the national title game with the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame for a dream matchup. The 2013 BCS National Championship Game was held at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

     A.J. McCarron threw for four touchdowns, two of which went to freshman Amari Cooper, and running back Eddie Lacy rambled for 140 yards and another score as the Crimson Tide humiliated previously undefeated Notre Dame 42-14.

     It was after this one that "dynasty" was the key word on the lips of every sportscaster and came from the computers of every sports writer in the nation.

     This isn't the end of the national championships. This is only a pause. The Crimson Tide will be back in the national title game again soon. Very soon.

     Roll Tide Roll!

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Alabama To Face Fresno State In Football In 2017

     The University of Alabama football schedule adds another game for 2017. This one will be a matchup with a non-Power Five conference team.

     According to the Fresno Bee, the Alabama Crimson Tide will host Fresno State of the Mountain West Conference in 2017. Fresno State had several good seasons, including going 11-2 in 2013 and being nationally ranked. Last season, however, they fell on hard times limping to a 6-8 season.

     The deal with Fresno State reportedly includes a $1.4 million guarantee.

     The Crimson Tide is to open the 2017 season in the Atlanta Falcon's new stadium it has just been reported. Bama faces Florida State, pitting Nick Saban against his former coordinator Jimbo Fisher.


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Talking About Denny Chimes

     Today we begin a short series on Denny Chimes. Many don't realize the significance nor history of the University of Alabama landmark.

     Denny Chimes is located on the south side of what is known at "The Quad" at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It stands 115-feet (35 m) tall, as one named in honor of George H. Denny who served as University of Alabama president from 1912-1936, and then again in 1941.

     One of the most visible landmarks on the campus of the University of Alabama, it is equipped with a 25-bell carillon.

     The original idea for the bell tower came about in 1919 as a war memorial for thos3 who fought in World War I. Due to a lack of funding, however, the vision never came to pass.
     
     It was not until the late 1920s that university students were successful in raising the needed funds to construct a tower. However, it was not to be constructed as a war memorial. It was changed to pay honor to university president George Denny when a rumor surfaced that he was planning to leave UA to return to his native state of Virginia.

     More to come over the next several days concerning Denny Chimes. Hope you will join me, as well as enjoy it. Roll Tide!

2011 Football National Championship; Bama Pair Takes U.S. Open Doubles; Stuart Bell New UA President

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2011 Football National Championship

     Alabama's 14th National Championship in football came in 2011. It was the second at the University of Alabama for head coach Nick Saban.

     UA finished the 2011 football season with an 11-1 regular season record, having fallen to LSU at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Bama failed to reach the SEC Championship Game as a result of that one loss, with the honor going to the Tigers.

     Bama was able to enter the championship game as a result of all other undefeated teams falling to losses in the last couple of weeks of the season. So a rematch was in place for the 2012 BCS National Championship Game at the New Orleans, Louisiana Superdome.

     The Crimson Tide left no doubt in the rematch as to who was the superior football team. Alabama shut out LSU 21-0 to capture the 2011 title.


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Bama Pair Takes U.S. Open Doubles

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     More accolades coming to Alabama sports. This one going to men's tennis.

     The U.S. Open National Playoff/Men's Sectional Qualifying Doubles Championship held at the Scott Speicher Tennis Center in Tallahassee, Florida was captured by Bama sophomore Korey Lovett and former number one UA player Ricky Doverspike, according to RollTide.com. They report that Lovett also advanced to the singles final where he was unfortunately edged out in three straight sets.

     The duo won all three of their matches in straight sets, and then dropped only one game in their second match. They then took the finals over John and Bill Cook 6-0, 6-2.

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Stuart Bell New UA President

     Stuart Bell was approved this week as the new Univeristy of Alabama president by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees. He is to replace the retiring Judy Bonner on July 15th. He currently serves as provost and executive vice president at Louisiana State University. He rejoins UA after having previously served as a professor.

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UA All-America Honorees From 2015 NCAA Outdoors Championships

First Team

Women - Quanesha Burks (Long Jump).

Men - Ahmed Ali (4×100 Relay), Tony Brown (4×100 Relay) , Steven Gayle (400 Meters & 4×100 Relay) , Jeremiah Green (Triple Jump) , Tadashi Pinder (4×100 Relay).

Second Team

Women - Quanesha Burks (4×100 Relay), Alex Gholston (400 Meters & 4×100 Relay), Dominique Kimpel (4×100 Relay), Sarah Thomas (4×100 Relay).

Men - Alex Amankwah (4×400 Relay), Justin Fondren (High Jump), Steven Gayle (4×400 Relay), Marlon Humphrey (4×400 Relay), Hayden Reed (Discus).

Honorable Mention

Women - Nia Barnes (Hammer), Filippa Fotopoulou (Long Jump), Katelyn Greenleaf (Steeplechase), Danielle McConnell (Hammer).

Men - Ahmed Ali (200 Meters).

*Stats provided by RollTide.com

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Just want to invite my readers to go to rolltide.com and read this week's article, "The Battle Plan," by Alabama Director of Athetics, Bill Battle. It's a good read and think it would be worth your time.

2009 Football National Championship; Alabama And Florida State Reportedly To Open 2017 Season; 2015 Volleyball Schedule

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2009 National Championship

     2009 was the Alabama Crimson Tide's 13th National Championship, and the first at Bama for head coach Nick Saban.

     The 2009 team finished the season with a 12-0 record. Bama faced the Florida Gators in the Southeastern Conference Championship and handily defeated them 32-13 in a rematch of the previous year.  It was then on to Pasadena, California for the 2010 BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl. Alabama defeated Texas 37-21 to capture the championship. Alabama's Mark Ingram was named the games offensive MVP.

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Alabama-Florida State Open 2017 Season

     The match-up appears to be set. AL.com is reporting that Alabama will indeed open the 2017 football season facing the Florida State Seminoles in the new Atlanta Falcons Stadium.

     This would mark the fifth time that the Crimson Tide has opened a season in Atlanta since 2008. Bama is 4-0 opening in Atlanta, including a 33-23 victory over the West Virginia Mountaineers last season.

     Bama's record with the Seminoles stands at 2-1-1 all-time. Alabama coach Nick Saban and his Crimson Tide lost 21-14 in 2007 when they faced each other in Jacksonville. The 2017 would be the first for Saban and his former coordinator Jimbo Fisher to face each other as head coaches.

     The Crimson Tide opens this season in Arlington, Texas facing the Wisconsin Badgers. The 2016 season opener for Bama will be also be in Dallas facing the USC Trojans.

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2015 Volleyball Schedule

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The 2015 edition of the Alabama Crimson Tide volleyball team has announced its '15 schedule which is slated to begin August 28th. Alabama will be going for its third consecutive NCAA tourney appearance.

     Just over half of the Tide's matches will be played at home this season, 17 of 31. Alabama will host two tournaments in September and play nine Southeastern Conference matches at home. Season tickets will go on sale July 1st.

     Last season was the third straight season Bama has had over 12,000 in attendance for its home matches, and a strong team this year should continue to bring the crowds. The Crimson Tide went 12-1 at home last season.

     Bama opens the 2015 season with Long Beach State and Cal State Fullerton on August 29-30 at the LBSU/CSUF Baden Classic all the way out in Cali. They also play Pepperdine while out there in the closing match of the Pepperdine Asics Classic on August 29.

     The Tide then returns to Tuscaloosa hosting the Bama Bash on September 4-5 facing Northwestern State, Tulsa, Southern Miss and the College of Charleston. Then on September 11-12 Bama hosts the Crimson-White Tournament and will face Troy, Saint Louis, and Virginia. The Tide then travels to DeKalb, Illinois where Northern Illinois will be hosting the Huskie Invitational on September 18-19.

     The Alabama Crimson Tide begins Southeastern Conference play at home September 23 facing Mississippi State at Foster Auditorium at 7 PM CDT. Next up will be Alabama State on September 23, then back on the road against Tennessee on October 2, and then Kentucky on October 4. After a week off Bama returns home to host Missouri on October 11.

    The remainder of the schedule is as follows:

Texas A&M       away        October 16
LSU                   away        October 18
Kentucky           home        October 23
Georgia              home        October 25
Missouri             away        October 28
Arkansas            away        November 1
Tennessee          home        November 6
South Carolina   home        November 8
Florida               away         November 13
Auburn               home        November 15
Georgia              away         November 20
South Carolina   away         November 22
Ole Miss             home        November 25
LSU                    home        November 27

1992 Football National Championship; ESPN Sets Game Times For Bama Vs MTSU & Ole Miss; Point Guard Cierra Johnson Commits To Bama Basketball

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1992 Football National Championship

     And then there were a dozen. Today we take a brief look at University of Alabama football's 12th National Championship.

     The University of Alabama claimed its 12th National Championship in football in 1992 under the leadership of head coach Gene Stallings. The Crimson Tide finished its regular season undefeated at 11-0-0. Next came the inaugural Southeastern Conference Championship game pitting the University of Alabama against the Florida Gators. Alabama won their 20th SEC title against the 12th-ranked Gators 28-21 and brought the Alabama record to a perfect 12-0-0.

     Alabama received an invitation to play Miami in the January 1, 1993 Sugar Bowl and was a heavy underdog. The Crimson Tide humiliated the Hurricanes 34-13 to finish the season at 13-0-0 and capture the national championship. The outstanding player of the game was Derrick Lassic.


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Bama Football Game Times Set For MTSU & Ole Miss

     Game times in the second and third games of the 2015 season have been set for Crimson Tide football. ESPN has announced that the second game of Bama's season vs. Middle Tennessee State University on September 12th has been set for 3 PM CDT on the SEC Network.  The Tide's third game of the season against Ole Miss will have an 8:15 PM CDT kickoff on September 19th and will be aired on ESPN.

     The Crimson Tide's first game of the season is against the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday, September 5th. It will be aired on ABC at 7 PM CDT. The game will be played at a neutral site, the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

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Point Guard Cierra Johnson Commits To Bama 

     University of Alabama women's basketball has picked up the reigning Class 6A girls basketball Player of the Year as a verbal commitment. She is Blount senior Cierra Johnson.

     Johnson, along with her high school coach, Janel Williams, visited UA earlier this month. Within a matter of day Johnson phoned the Bama coaches and committed to play for UA.
   
     Johnson is a 5' 11" point guard, and averages 22 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists per game. She finished second for Miss Basketball honors.

Early Signing Period For College Football Shelved; Bama Football Loses 2 Players; The 1979 Alabama Football National Championship

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Early Signing Period For College Football Shelved

     Although the issue may not be dead, it has been shelved. The Collegiate Commissioners Association has decided to put off the issue of an early signing period for college football.

     In fact, it seems there was "early consensus support" for the early signing period, according to Mid-Atlantic Conference commissioner Jon Steinbracher. However, it has been decided that the talks would be postponed and reconsidered at next year's meeting in June 2016.

     The proposed change, as is currently being discussed, would allow the recruits who wish to to go ahead and sign their national letters of intent during a three-day signing period in December. The change could keep recruits from further "bombardment" of contacts and calls, as well as leave the various college programs more time to deal with the undecideds.

     The current signing period is about two months later, beginning on Wednesday of the first week of February. Currently, football is one of three collegiate sports that do not have an early signing period. The other two are water polo and men's and women's soccer.

     Though the Southeastern Conference has been opposed to the early signing period as presented, the conference would support an early signing period to begin the Monday after Thanksgiving. Supporting the December signing period were the American, MAC, Conference USA, Pac-12, and the Sun Belt conferences.

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Bama Football Loses Two Players

     Alabama football lost two players on Wednesday. Freshman running back DeSherrius Flowers has been ruled ineligible "due to a recently discovered initial ineligibility issue" as reported by AL.com. Privacy laws prevent UA officials from commenting further. It could be said only that Flowers was not going to be cleared to enroll in the fall.

     Flowers was an early enrollee and had begun practicing with the team, even participating in spring drills. He was even receiving some praise from coaches and players alike.

     Multiple reports are now surfacing that Flowers will be transferring to a junior college, though no particular school has been named.

     According to 247Sports, the 4-star prospect was ranked as the fifteenth best running back in the country.

      Flowers departure leaves an already depleted running back corp even more so. Bama still has Derrick Henry, Bo Scarbrough, Kenyan Drake, and true freshman Damien Harris. However, Drake is recovering from an ACL injury (but showing great improvement), as is Scarbrough.

     In addition to Flowers, Bama is without the services of defensive back Jonathan Cook . According to head football coach Nick Saban, Cook is "no longer a member of the team." AL.com reported that Cook was dismissed from the team via a telephone call from Saban yesterday.

     AL.com is also reporting that they had a conversation with Jonathan's mother, Melissa. She reportedly told them that "her son had some issues off of the field, but none was of the legal variety."

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The 1979 Alabama Football National Championship

     The 11th National Championship in football for the University of Alabama came in 1979. This was the sixth and final national championship credited to head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant.

     The '79 Tide went undefeated in the regular season, finishing at 11-0-0, and winning the Southeastern Conference championship. Also, the Tide defeated a pair of Top-20 rivals during the regular season. Bama best the 18th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers 27-17, as well as the 14th-ranked Auburn Tigers 25-18.

     The Crimson Tide then received an invitation to play the 6th-ranked Arkansas Razorback in the January 1, 1980 Sugar Bowl. Bama routed the Hogs 24-9 to finish the season at 12-0-0. The outstanding player of the game was Major Ogilvie.