Football Practice Begins Today
Classes at the University of Alabama won't begin until August 19th, but the Crimson Tide football team officially begins practice this afternoon. Today is the first of 24 practices prior to the September 5th kickoff between the Tide and the Wisconsin Badgers.
According to AL.com, there will be three two-a-day practices scheduled before classes begin in just 13 days. There will be 10 practices prior to the first scrimmage on August 15th, with the remainder after that and prior to official kickoff of the season. Bama has scheduled two scrimmages for this month.
Of course everyone wonders about the quarterback situation. Bama has several competing for the starting position, but as yet no one has broken out from the pack according to coaches. Most believe that Jake Coker will win the position, but David Cornwell has been working hard and will provide chase.
Fan Day is this Sunday at the Capstone, so fans will have an opportunity to see the Tide on the practice field. The open practice will be held Sunday, August 9th from 2:30 PM until 4:30 PM in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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Seating Changes At Coleman Coliseum
After months of extensive research, discussion, and analysis, the University of Alabama athletics department has announced a seating reconfiguration for Coleman Coliseum beginning this season. The primary reason for the change is to create a more exciting environment, and to help get the student-body more involved at the men's basketball games.
University of Alabama Director of Athletics Bill Battle said, “Our goal in this initiative is to improve the fan experience for all of our great basketball fans. I believe our students will respond favorably to our challenge to them to help us develop the most exciting game day atmosphere in the SEC, and a true home court advantage in Coleman Coliseum. Bringing them closer to the action will not only add to their ability to encourage our team, but will also add enthusiasm that only students can generate to further excite our fan base. And it will definitely enhance the bond that already exists between our players and the student body.”
One of the key findings was that Coleman Coliseum lacked a large number of available seats for the students in close proximity to the court.
Head basketball coach Avery Johnson said, “One of the first things I noticed, and wanted to change, upon my hiring at The University of Alabama was to improve the fan experience at Coleman Coliseum, especially for our students. We have a large population of on-campus students and we want them to create the type of environment that’s needed and seen at the highest level. We are excited for this transition and we appreciate everyone’s support and understanding throughout this process.”
With the plan enacted, the student section will be moved closer to the floor to add more impact and help create a more exciting home court environment.
Johnson added, “Students love to use body paint, to dress in costumes, and other things like that in order to see themselves on television. Their preference is to be close to the court where they can be seen and feel like they are helping their team. It puts them in a better position to cheer for our Crimson Tide team and against our opponent. We feel this is the start of creating a better environment at our games for our students.”
UA will now have the networks shoot from the North side of the coliseum in order to present a better view of the student section during the games.
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Bovada Sportsbook Releases National Title Odds
Most of the paid-professionals are picking Ohio State to repeat as the 2015 National Champions. And with most of its 2014 team returning for 2015 it's a pretty safe bet. Here is a look at the odds for schools in the power conferences to win this year's national championship.
- Ohio State 11-4
- TCU 7-1
- Alabama 7-1
- Auburn 9-1
- USC 16-1
- Baylor 20-1
- Michigas St. 20-1
- Notre Dame 20-1
- Clemson 22-1
- Oregon 22-1
- Florida St. 25-1
- Georgia 28-1
- LSU 28-1
- Oklahoma 28-1
- Stanford 33-1
- UCLA 40-1
- Arkansas 50-1
- Tennessee 50-1
- Michigan 50-1
- Ole Miss 50-1
- Texas A&M 50-1
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Soccer Practice Underway
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
The University of Alabama soccer team held its first practice yesterday morning. The first game of the 2015 season, an exhibition match with Vanderbilt, will be on August 13th.
Bama head coach Wes Hart was only recently named as the soccer team's head man, but immediately began putting everything together for his first season. He is the fourth head coach in the history of Bama soccer.
The first official game of the season will be August 21st at Memphis.
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Tide Swimmer Gkolomeev Records 2nd Top-25 Finish
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
It's another top-25 finish for Kristian Gkolomeev of the Alabama swimming and diving team. He has recorded his second top-25 finish at the 2015 FINA World Championships being held in Kazan, Russia this week. Gkolomeev swims for Greece in the competition.
Gkolomeev took 20th place with a time of 49.12 in the 100-meter freestyle. The time also sets a new University of Alabama school record in the 100-meter freestyle.
Three other swimmers from UA are also competing this week in the world championships. Joining Gkolomeev is Anton McKee, Jack Hadjiconstantinou and Abbas Qali.
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Cam Akers Becomes 6th 2017 Football Commit
The Crimson Tide football program has picked up another major commitment. On Tuesday running back prospect Cam Akers verbally committed to Bama during an unofficial visit, becoming the sixth 2017 commit. In fact, he was able to commit in person with Alabama head football coach Nick Saban.
In a statement tweeted on Tuesday, Akers said, "Right now, 'Bama just feels right. I wanted to get this out of the way because I do not want my decision to be a distraction to my coaches and teammates as we prepare for the upcoming season."
The 5' 10.5", 208-pounder is an overall athlete, able to play running back or wide receiver. He has even played quarterback at times for Clinton High School in Mississippi. Word is Akers will be used at his true position, running back, for the Tide.
247Sports lists him as the number five running back in the country, and number 54 overall player.
How sold on Bama is he? He says he'll try to get some of his friends on board. He will work on getting some of those as yet uncommitted to decide for the Crimson Tide.
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