Saturday, August 22, 2015

Lady Tide Drops Opening Soccer Match 1-0; Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Woodrow Lowe; 18th Football Practice Yesterday, Scrimmage Today; Tickets Still Available For AdvoCare Classic In Arlington

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Lady Tide Drops Opening Soccer Match To Memphis

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     First year, first game Alabama soccer head coach Wes Hart and the Lady Tide fell to the Memphis Tigers 1-0 in the opening soccer match of the 2015 season. The game was played last night at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex in Memphis, Tennessee. As the score indicates, it was largely a defensive affair, but not without its excitement.

     Hart said, "It's nice to get the first game under our belts. Obviously I'm disappointed with the result, but not with the effort we got from the girls. I'm incredibly proud of the way they battled tonight. They truly left it all out on the field. They were gutted after the game, which is the reaction I would hope to see after a loss. We need to put this one behind us and focus our attention on Sunday's match vs. Troy."

     Junior transfer Celia Jimenez had two shots, and along with freshmen starters Emma Welch and Elena Zang put in over 80-plus minutes, according to RollTide.com. Junior Auburn Mercer got in two shots, with Jordan Meier, Lacey Clarida, Kaylee Semelsberger and Welch getting in one apiece.

     Hart added, "I thought collectively we played a solid game. In the second half, we showed a bit more patience. Our movement off the ball was better, which made it easier for the player on the ball to make good choices. Credit to Memphis; they did not make things easy. They are a good team that will win a lot of games this year."

     The Tide will play its first home game of the season tomorrow when Troy comes to the Alabama Soccer Complex. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. CT and will be available live on SECN+.


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Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Woodrow Lowe


     One of the greatest names in Bama football history was also one of the Crimson Tide's greatest linebackers. Woodrow Lowe, born on June 9, 1954 played for UA under legendary head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant from 1972 - 1975.

     After his high school career in Phenix City, Alabama, Lowe enrolled at the University of Alabama in 1972, becoming an instant star for UA. He was one of only two Tide players to be named an All-American three times (the other being Cornelius Bennett) when he was named All-American in 1973, 1974 and 1975. Lowe was also on four SEC Championship teams as well as one national championship team while at the university.

     Lowe also holds the record for the most tackles in a single season with 134 as a sophomore in 1973. He is third in all-time tackles at the Capstone with 315.

     Lowe was selected by the San Diego Chargers in Round 5 of the 1976 NFL Draft, 131st overall. He played 11 years in the NFL, missing only one game. Lowe was known as a great pass defender, which is somewhat rare for a linebacker. He had 21 interceptions as a Charger, with four returned for touchdowns.

     Coaching was next up for Lowe following his retirement from the NFL. He spent six years in the NFL as a defensive assistant for the Oakland Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs. He then eventually returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach, which also included the Red Devils' 1993 State championship. Then it was on to UAB for five years with the Blazers before becoming head coach at Smiths Station High School. Following a record of 12-19 in three years, the Lee County Board of education removed him from the position in 2008. He then became an assistant coach at Jackson-Olin High School in Birmingham.

     Lowe's latest stop was being named the head coach at his alma mater, Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama. He was relieved of his coaching duties in May 2014.

     Lowe was inducted into the Alabama Football Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach for his contributions to the sport of football.  He was named to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009. His other honors, as a professional football player, were being named to the San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team and the Chargers 50th Anniversary Team.


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18th Football Practice Yesterday, Scrimmage Today

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The University of Alabama football team has their final scrimmage today prior to the start of the 2015 regular season. Bama spent their 18th practice of 28 yesterday in preparation to this second scrimmage scheduled for 1 p.m. CT inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.

     Yesterday's session was approximately two hours in full pads on the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields. The practice session began at 3:30 p.m. Quarterback Jake Coker had a good day, although still not distancing himself from the rest of the pack. Most expect Coker to start, but how long before it is officially decided? (Of course most thought that last season, too.)

     Receiver Chris Black still isn't up to speed. Wide receiver Raheem Falkins appeared about like yesterday, maybe a little better. However, offensive tackle Cam Robinson (sprained shoulder) was looking stronger, as was running back Kenyan Drake.

     Media members will be allowed to view the team during a practice viewing period today. Those attending must report to Gate 3 no later than 12:30 p.m. CT. The practice is closed to the general public.

     Alabama faces Wisconsin in the AdvoCare Classic on September 5th inside AT&T Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. CT and will be aired on ABC.

Photo Credit: RollTide.com
Photo Credit: RollTide.com

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Tickets Still Available For AdvoCare Classic In Arlington

     The 2015 football season is fast approaching, and there are still tickets available for the September 5th match-up between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Wisconsin Badgers. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. CT kickoff at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

     Tickets for the AdvoCare Classic may be still be purchased. Upper deck seating is available for $95 each and may be purchased through TicketMaster or the AT&T Stadium Ticket Office by calling 817-892-5000. Or you may go online to purchase at www.TicketMaster.com .