High Tide: January 2016

Friday, January 29, 2016

Women's Basketball Loses To Texas A&M; Gymnastics Team To Face No. 1 Florida; Softball's McCleney & Osorio Named Preseason All-SEC; Men's Tennis To Face 29th Ranked Seminoles Today; Nick's Kids Foundation Funds 16th House; Eight New Tiders Are Early Enrollees

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Women's Basketball

Tide Suffers Loss To 10th-Ranked Aggies 59-56

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

It was a gut-wrenching loss for the Alabama women's basketball team last night. After having put on a valiant defensive effort, the Lady Tide fell to the 10th-ranked Texas A&M Aggies 59-56 in Foster Auditorium. The loss drops the Crimson Tide to 13-8 overall, 2-6 SEC while the Aggies improve to 15-5, 5-2 SEC.

In a statement following last night's contest, Tide head coach KRISTY CURRY said, "That's a tear-filled locker room that I just left. On that I have a lot of respect and love for and a lot of appreciation because I thought they played their hearts out tonight to the No. 10 team in the country. I can say this. This program is headed in the right direction. It's a tribute to the character in that locker room."

Sophomore QUANETRIA BOLTON led the Tide with 16 points on the evening, the most against a conference opponent during her career. Bolton also led the Tide in rebounds with five. Also scoring in double figures for Bama was KARYLA MIDDLEBROOK. Middlebrook and MEOSHONTI KNIGHT led the team in assists with three each.

Curry complimented the fans, saying, "Our crowd is doing a phenomenal job of being a great basketball crowd and making this the toughest home court advantage in the SEC. For that, our team just wants to thank them. We always look forward to being home. We've got games coming up here against Ole Miss and Auburn in the same week. We hope everyone will come back out and support us."

Up next for the Lady Tide is a trip to Knoxville, Tennessee to take on the No. 19/23 Volunteers.

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Alabama Gymnastics

No. 5 Tide Battles No. 1 Gators In Gainsville

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

Today's gymnastics battle should be one of the best all season long for the 5th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide gymnastics team. The Lady Tide are in Gainesville, Florida at the O'Connell Center for an evening showdown with the No. 1 Florida Gators beginning at 6 p.m. CT. This will be Bama's fifth meet of the young season and the third away from home.

Tide head coach DANA DUCKWORTH said, "This is a wonderful rivalry and there’s nothing like an away meet when you know it’s going to be an intense environment and that you’re going up against the best. Our goal is to be the best and this gives us an opportunity to see where we stand."

The last five NCAA Championships and last seven Southeastern Conference titles have come by way of the Alabama and Florida gymnastics teams. Florida has captured the national title the past three consecutive years, with the Tide having brought home the hardware in 2011 and 2012. Alabama won the last two SEC Championships for a total of four: 2009, 2011, 2014 and 2015. Florida won three straight years: 2010, 2012 and 2013.

This season the Crimson Tide sports a 2-2-0 record while the Gators are undefeated with a 3-0-0 slate.

Following today's meet the Tide will return home to host the Kentucky Wildcats in the 12th annual Power of Pink meet on February 5th.

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Softball's Haylie McCleney Alexis Osorio Honored

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Named Preseason All-SEC

Two members of the Alabama Crimson Tide softball team have been named to the Preseason All-SEC softball team. Senior HAYLIE McCLENEY and sophomore ALEXIS OSORIO were announced yesterday by the league office.

Eleven seniors, one junior and two sophomores make up the preseason team. Only four schools placed multiple players on the squad, of which Alabama was one. Incidentally, McCleney and Osorio were named All-SEC at the end of last season, and Osorio was honored as the league's Freshman of the Year. McCleney was honored as Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Congratulations, ladies!

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Men's Tennis Faces Seminoles Today

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

The Crimson Tide men's tennis team just returned from a trip to Florida, and today is right back. Perhaps this time the Sunshine State will live up to its name. Bama tennis (5-1) faces No. 29 Florida State this afternoon at the Scott Speicher Tennis Center. The match is scheduled for 4 p.m. CT and will be streamed live on ESPN3 and the WatchESPN app.

This past weekend's trip was not sunshiney and bright. Oh wait! Yes it was, the Crimson Tide won. Though the tournament was shortened by rain, the Bama men did well at the North Florida Invite. The Tide was 2-0 for the weekend, first defeating Miami 4-1 and then host North Florida 4-2. The contest with UNC-Wilmington was cancelled.

What does today's contest look like for the Tide? The Seminoles have Benjamin Lock, ranked 15th in the country, as well as Marco Nunez who is ranked 14th in doubles with Jose Garcia. Terrance and Terrell Whitehurst are the 55th-ranked doubles duo.

Alabama will then return home with No. 2 Oklahoma, Troy and Lipscomb next weekend.

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Nick's Kids Foundation Funds 16th House

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

A 16th home is coming...through Nick's Kids Foundation. The foundation is the official charity of the NICK SABAN family.

As a part of the 16 for 16 Project with Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa, Nick's Kids Foundation plans to build a new home to honor Alabama Footballs 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship. The Crimson Tide captured its 16th national title with a 45-40 victory over the Clemson Tigers back on January 11th.

In an issued statement, MS. TERRY SABAN said, "This project is a true testament of the limitless possibilities when our volunteers and Nick's Kids members commit to make a difference in the lives of others." Ms. Saban is the co-founder and CEO of Nick's Kids Foundation.

The new homeowners will be the Anthony Taylor family, consisting of Anthony, his wife, Angel, and two children, 12 year old Zion and 11 year old Zaria. Anthony works all night as a bus driver at the University, delivers newspapers and is studying to become a minister at Stillman College.

Anthony said, "I know if you stay true to God, his blessings will continue to come. Thank you to Coach Saban, Ms. Terry, their family, Nick's Kids and to Habitat for Humanity. Roll Tide!"

Habitat for Humanity Executive Directory Ellen Potts said, "With so many in need in our community, it is exciting that 16 families, displaced by the devastating tornado, now have a home."

Ms. Terry add, "We are so proud of our football team and grateful to them for allowing us to honor their efforts with this labor of love on House Sweet 16!"

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Eight New Tiders Are Early Enrollees

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

Eight student-athletes have begun classes at the University of Alabama. These eight will now be eligible to participate in spring practice with the Tide.

These enrollees include junior college offensive lineman CHARLES BALDWIN (Windsor, Connecticut/ASA College), linebacker CHRISTIAN BELL (Hoover, Alabama/Hoover), tight end MILLER FORRISTALL (Cartersville, Georgia/Cartersville), quarterback JALEN HURTS (Channelview, Texas/Channelview), defensive back SHAWN JENNINGS (Dadeville, Alabama/Dadeville), offensive lineman CHRIS OWENS (Arlington, Texas/Arlington), wide receiver T.J. SIMMONS (Pinson, Alabama/Clay-Chalkville) and offensive lineman JONAH WILLIAMS (Folsom, California/Folsom).

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Nick's Kids Foundation Funds 16th House

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Nick's Kids Foundation Funds 16th House

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

A 16th home is coming...through Nick's Kids Foundation. The foundation is the official charity of the NICK SABAN family.

As a part of the 16 for 16 Project with Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa, Nick's Kids Foundation plans to build a new home to honor Alabama Footballs 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship. The Crimson Tide captured its 16th national title with a 45-40 victory over the Clemson Tigers back on January 11th.

In an issued statement, MS. TERRY SABAN stated, "This project is a true testament of the limitless possibilities when our volunteers and Nick's Kids members commit to make a difference in the lives of others." Ms. Saban is the co-founder and CEO of Nick's Kids Foundation.

The new homeowners will be the Anthony Taylor family, consisting of Anthony, his wife, Angel, and two children, 12 year old Zion and 11 year olf Zaria. Anthony works all night as a bus driver at the University, delivers newspapers and is studying to become a minister at Stillman College.

Anthony said, "I know if you stay true to God, his blessings will continue to come. Thank you to Coach Saban, Ms. Terry, their family, Nick's Kids and to Habitat for Humanity. Roll Tide!"

Habitat for Humanity Executive Directory Ellen Potts said, "With so many in need in our community, it is exciting that 16 families, displaced by the devastating tornation, now have a home."

Ms. Terry add, "We are so proud of our football team and grateful to them for allowing us to honor their efforts with this labor of love on House Sweet 16!"

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Men's Basketball Vanquishes Volunteers; Bama Softball Ranked 5th Preseason; Tide Offers DT Kivon Bennett For 2017; 2016 A-Day Is Set; 2016 Football Predictions

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Men's Basketball

Crimson Tide Snaps 3-Game Losing Streak
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Defeats Tennessee Volunteers 63-57

Photo Credit: RollTide.com/Kent Gidley

Things were not looking good for the Alabama men's basketball team last night. A three-game losing streak and trailing one of their rivals 48-33 in the fourth period could suck the life right out of some teams. But in Coleman Coliseum last night the young men from Bama sucked it up, put on a 30-9 run and defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 63-57.

For the first time since January of last year two Alabama players finished a game with 20-plus points. Senior RETIN OBASOHAN pumped in a game-high 22 points followed by junior SHANNON HALE with his season-high 20 points last night.

Head men's basketball coach AVERY JOHNSON said, "I am really excited for our guys. We got off to a very slow start in the game. It was somewhat of a hangover from our last game. I didn't scream at them in the first timeout, I thought I needed to love them up because we have a team with a lot of character. I am proud of our guys, how we finished the first half and obviously, I am proud of how we finished the game. Fortunately, they missed some shots. They are a well-coached team. I love coach [Rick] Barnes, but I am just really happy for our guys. It has been a rough couple of days. We had a very, very hard practice yesterday and they carried over into today's game. We were mentally and physically tough and focused for a good part of the game. It is exciting that we got a win. I may sound like worn out record to a lot of you guys, but thank you again to our students for showing up tonight in bad weather. The student section was packed and rocking tonight, so thank you, thank you thank you."

That "very slow start" mentioned by Johnson was a mere four points by the boys from Bama in the opening 10 minutes of the contest. It was punctuated by 11 turnovers in the first half for the Tide and only 18 percent shooting beyond the arc.

Sophomore RILEY NORRIS had 13 rebounds to lead the Tide, followed by Hale with eight, DONTA HALL with six, ARTHUR EDWARDS and MICHAEL KESSENS with four each, and then with one rebound each were JIMMIE TAYLOR, Obasohan, and JUSTIN COLEMAN.

When asked what he had to say to the players when down by eight points and only four minutes to play, Johnson said, "Well the first thing, I was talking to Arthur Edwards and I said, 'Do you remember when you came here on a official trip with your parents? We brought you in because we needed your shooting.' He was open two times and he didn't take the shot. I said, 'Will you please just shoot the ball?' So, fortunately, he shot the next one, a big three for us, and he made it. I was just begging him to shoot.

"I just think, fortunately, we were able to change our defenses. Retin [Obasohan] made some plays so that enabled us to get back and play some man, play some zone, trap a little bit. You know, we came in this game basically, I wouldn't say terrified, but we were very concerned about [Kevin] Punter and Detrick Mostella. They were major points of emphasis. Coach [Rick] Barnes has done a nice job with this team and they won a big game. That was a big win for them in their last game, so they were up. When you win a game, you're a hot team. We're fortunate to get some stops, change our defenses, and Arthur finally took and made a shot for us."

The Crimson Tide won last night's rebounding battle 42-38, putting Bama at 6-1 on the season when out-rebounding opponents. The Tide was 85 percent last night from the free throw line, a season high for the team, finishing 11-of-13.

Alabama's record improves to 11-8 overall, 2-5 SEC while Tennessee's record falls to 10-10, 3-5 SEC.

Alabama travels to South Carolina next. Bama does battle with the No. 20 Gamecocks this Saturday, January 30th at 5 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.

Photo Credit: RollTide.com/Kent Gidley

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Bama Softball Ranked 5th Preseason

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

As the 2016 softball season nears, the Crimson Tide softball team is ranked No. 5 in both the USA Today/NFCA coaches' poll as well as the ESPN.com/USA Softball media poll. Alabama received one first place vote in both polls.

Florida, the defending national champions, will open the season ranked at No. 1, followed by Michigan and LSU. There's a split between the two polls after that. Auburn is fourth in the Coaches poll while Oregon holds the spot in the media poll.

The Southeastern Conference has nine schools represented in the top 25, the most of any conference in the country. The nine from the SEC are: representing the SEC are: Florida (1/1), LSU (3/3), Auburn (4/6), ALABAMA (5/5), Tennessee (8/9), Georgia (12/14), Missouri (15/12), Kentucky (18/18) and Texas A&M (NR/24). Outside the top 25 the SEC has one school receiving votes in both polls, Mississippi State.

The Crimson Tide has finished in the top 10 for 11 consecutive seasons dating back to 2005, and has a formidable schedule to extend that streak. Alabama has 25 games this season against top 25 opponents to face. There are, of course, the conference opponents listed above, but also highly-ranked non-conference opponents such as No. 9/8 Oklahoma, No. 13/15 Arizona, No. 17/17 UCF, No. 19/21 James Madison and No. 25/NR South Alabama.

Alabama finished the past season ranked sixth in the nation in both polls. They went to the Women's College World Series for the tenth time.

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Alabama Offers 2017 Prospect DT Kivon Bennett

Photo Credit: 247Sport.com

Everyone remembers Alabama great Cornelius Bennett, former star linebacker with the Crimson Tide from 1983-1986. "Legend" is often associated with the name. Bennett later went on to an impressive National Football League career with the Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts.

This week the University of Alabama made an offer to his son, KIVON BENNETT, a three-star defensive tackle out of St. Thoma Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The young Bennett is a class of 2017 recruit, and Bama is interested.

This tweet from Kivon earlier:

"Extremely humbled to receive an offer from Bama #SEC #likefatherlikeson #legacy #RollTideRoll"

— kivon bennett (@kb_versace)

Most are expecting Kivon to follow in his dad's footsteps and wind up at Alabama.

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2016 A-Day Is Set

The University of Alabama has announced the date and time for the 2016 Alabama football spring game. A-Day is now scheduled for April 6th, with the game scheduled to begin 1 p.m. CT in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Admission will remain free to everyone. The last A-Day had an attendance of 65,175.

Television coverage for the 2016 A-Day game will be determined at a later date.

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2016 Football Predictions

It would appear that the Alabama Crimson Tide football team is "sitting in the catbird's seat."

According to the sports book, Bovada, the Tide has opened as 7-1 favorites to win the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship, the best of any college football team for this next season. This, of course, means Bama is picked to win the SEC. LSU is second choice to win the conference title at 14-1 odds, followed by Ole Miss and Tennessee at 22-1.

Now, not everyone is picking the Crimson Tide to repeat as the national champs. They are picked number one by a few, but many have them second behind the Clemson Tigers.

Just as last season, Bama is returning 11 starters from the national championship team. But other good news is...numerous other players received a lot of playing time throughout the season. And no one is quite as capable at "reloading a team" as head coach NICK SABAN.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Remembering The Bear; Bear Quotes; 2016 A-Day Set; Men's Basketball Hosts Vols Tonight; Women's Basketball Falls 67-52; Track & Field Nationally Ranked; Korey Banks Considers Alabama

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Celebrating Life On Anniversary Of Death

Just one month after coaching his last college football game, PAUL WILLIAM "BEAR" BRYANT died of a massive heart attack on this date, 33 years ago.

Bryant was born on September 11, 1913 in Moro Bottom, Arkansas. Though he coached at Maryland, Kentucky, and Texas A&M he is best remembered as the head football coach at the University of Alabama. Oh, he had attention as the man who took the boys to the Junction at A&M...and brought Kentucky their only Southeastern Conference football championship, but he's still best known as the man that won six national championships at Alabama.

At the time of his retirement, Bryant had the record for the most wins in college football at 323. Yes, that number has been eclipsed, but his legend has not.

Bear was the 11th of 12 children born to William Monroe and Dora Ida Kilgore Bryant. As all his fans know, he earned his nickname from agreeing to wrestle a bear in a traveling circus.

Bryant returned home to mama, the University of Alabama, in 1958 as head coach and athletic director. He won national championships in 1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978 and 1979. It is said that in some years he also coached the second best team in the nation with the second string of Alabama's dominating football teams.

The Bear retired in 1982, and less than one month later died of a heart attack at Tuscaloosa's Druid City Hospital on January 26, 1983. President Ronald Regan posthumously awarded Bryant the Presidential Medal of Freedom the following month.

Bryant was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986, and the College Football Coach of the Year Award was renamed in his honor. In 1999 he was named the coach of the Sports Illustrated all-century college football team.

Gone.

Certainly not forgotten.

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Bear Quotes

Here are several of the numerous quotes made popular by Alabama's Paul William "Bear" Bryant:

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2016 A-Day Set

The University of Alabama today announced the date and time for the 2016 Alabama football spring game. A-Day is now scheduled for April 6th, with the game scheduled to begin 1 p.m. CT in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Admission will remain free to everyone. The last A-Day had an attendance of 65,175.

Television coverage for the 2016 A-Day game will be determined at a later date.

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Men's Basketball Hosts Vols Tonight

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

The Alabama men's basketball team is hoping to snap a three-game losing streak tonight in Coleman Coliseum when the Crimson Tide hosts the Tennessee Volunteers in Southeastern Conference action.

The Tide lost its third straight game in the loss to LSU this past Saturday, 72-70. Alabama had more than one opportunity to tie or win the game but were not able to get it together. In terms of opponents played thus far in the SEC season, Alabama has played the second-toughest schedule in the league.

Alabama has played five ranked opponents during the 2015-16 season with a 3-2 record. Additionally, Bama has face two more opponents who were receiving votes to be ranked at the time they played, bringing the total to seven to be ranked or receiving votes.

Alabama head coach AVERY JOHNSON and the Crimson Tide are once again stirring interest in the men's basketball program. In his first season as the Tide's head man, Bama has had two sellouts in nine home games this season. UA men's basketball currently ranks fourth in the SEC in attendance, averaging 12,940 fans per game. Reports are that the upcoming game with Auburn in Coleman Coliseum on February 27th is also a sellout.

Tonight's Alabama-Tennessee contest can be seen on the SEC Network at 8 p.m. CT.

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

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Women's Basketball Defeated 67-52

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

The lead changed hands...from Bama to Vandy and back to Bama. Unfortunately, it didn't stop there. The lead and the win changed back to Vandy as the Vanderbilt Lady Commodores defeated the Lady Tide 67-52 in women's basketball action in Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tennessee last night. The Tide falls to 13-7, 2-5 SEC while the Commodores improve to 14-5, 3-3 SEC.

Alabama head coach KRISTY CURRY commented, "You have to credit Vanderbilt. I thought Rachel Bell was unbelievable down the stretch. She shot the ball really well and countered whatever we were taking away. We've got to have someone step up and defend every possession. You have to fight so hard to get back in, and I wonder sometimes how much we have left in the tank to continue to get over the hump. I thought we fought so hard defensively to get back in the game that it affected us on the offensive end. Conditioning will be important as we continue to work on those things."

Leading the Tide in scoring with 13 points was sophomore HANNAH COOK, followed by sophomores QUANETRIA BOLTON and MEOSHONTI KNIGHT with 12 each.

Alabama shot 38.2 percent (21-55) as compared to 45.0 percent (27-60) for Vanderbilt. Bama was outrebounded 44-24.

This Thursday the Tide will host Texas A&M in Foster Auditorium at 6 p.m. CT. The game will air on SEC Network+.

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Men & Women Track & Field Nationally Ranked

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

Both the Alabama men's and women's track & field teams are ranked in the top 20 of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Nation Team Computer Rankings. The men are ranked No. 17, and the women jumped to No. 15.

The USTFCCCA also released its first Regional Team Index rankings this season. Both the Alabama men's and women's teams are ranked No. 3 in the South Region. The men follow Tennessee and Georgia, while the women trail Auburn and Miami.

The Southeastern Conference is the top-rated conference for both men's and women's teams. The SEC places eight women's teams and seven men's teams in this week's top 25.

The Crimson Tide is scheduled to travel to Bloomington, Indiana to compete in the annual Indiana Relays January 29-30.

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Prospect Korey Banks Considers Alabama

Photo: Korey Banks Twitter Acct.

Three-star wide receiver prospect KOREY BANKS tweeted "Another great weekend. Had the time of my life #RollTide until next time Ttown" from his Twitter account.

It seems that Banks, a North Carolina commit since July, is interested in the Crimson Tide. After leaving Georgia to become the offensive coordinator at Alabama, JEREMY PRUITT contacted the Banks family to gauge their interest in Alabama.

According to AL.com, Alabama head coach NICK SABAN told Banks during his official visit that Alabama is recruiting him as an athlete. The determination as to whether to play him as a wide receiver or defensive back would be made upon a commitment.

Men's Basketball Hosts Vols Tonight; Women's Basketball Defeated 67-52; Men & Women Track & Field Nationally Ranked; Prospect Korey Banks Considers Bama; 33 Years

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Men's Basketball Hosts Vols Tonight

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

The Alabama men's basketball team is hoping to snap a three-game losing streak tonight in Coleman Coliseum when the Crimson Tide hosts the Tennessee Volunteers in Southeastern Conference action.

Tonight's Alabama-Tennessee contest can be seen on the SEC Network at 8 p.m. CT.

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

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Women's Basketball Defeated 67-52

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

Leading the Tide in scoring with 13 points was sophomore HANNAH COOK, followed by sophomores QUANETRIA BOLTON and MEOSHONTI KNIGHT with 12 each.

Alabama shot 38.2 percent (21-55) as compared to 45.0 percent (27-60) for Vanderbilt. Bama was outrebounded 44-24.

This Thursday the Tide will host Texas A&M in Foster Auditorium at 6 p.m. CT. The game will air on SEC Network+.

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Men & Women Track & Field Nationally Ranked

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

The Southeastern Conference is the top-rated conference for both men's and women's teams. The SEC places eight women's teams and seven men's teams in this week's top 25.

The Crimson Tide is scheduled to travel to Bloomington, Indiana to compete in the annual Indiana Relays January 29-30.

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Prospect Korey Banks Considers Alabama

Photo: Korey Banks Twitter Acct.

Three-star wide receiver prospect KOREY BANKS tweeted "Another great weekend. Had the time of my life #RollTide until next time Ttown" from his Twitter account.

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33 Years

33 years ago today a legend died. Well, the legend itself lives on, and always will in the hearts of the Alabama football family, but the man himself left us. The man we call "Bear" died of a massive heart attack on this day 33 years ago. Most of us remember it like it just happened.

More later today on the life of this great man, Paul "Bear" Bryant.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Women's Basektball Faces Vandy Tonight; Tide Wrangles The Longhorns In Women's Tennis; Alabama Hosts A Boat-Load Of Recruits; 2016 Football Recruiting Class; Frozen Tide Wins Iron Cup Over Auburn

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Women's Basketball Faces Vanderbilt Tonight

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

The Alabama Crimson Tide women's basketball team (13-6; 2-4 SEC) heads to Nashville to play the Vanderbilt Commodores (13-5; 2-3) in Memorial Gymnasium. This is the first of three games to be played by the Lady Tide this week, with this one tipping off at 6 p.m. CT this evening.

Tonight's game will be the 45th meeting between the two schools, the 19th in Nashville. Vanderbilt holds a commanding 32-12 lead in the series, but the Crimson Tide won the last meeting in Nashville in February 2014. That, incidentally, was the first win in Alabama history at Memorial Gymnasium.

The last six games between Bama and Vandy have been decided by 10 points or less. Earlier this season Vanderbilt defeated Alabama in Tuscaloosa 54-48.

Tonight's contest will be broadcast on the SEC Network. Brenda VanLengen will be handling play-by-play duties and Carol Ross as analyst.

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Tide Wrangles The Longhorns In Women's Tennis

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

In their annual Power of Pink match, the 15th-ranked Alabama women's tennis team (2-0) handed the 40th-ranked Texas Longhorns (1-1) a defeat on Sunday. The Lady Tide has earned a spot in the 2016 ITA National Women's Team Indoor Championship for the fourth consecutive season by virtue of their 4-3 victory.

Head coach JENNY MAINZ said, "What I feel best about is that we showed so much grit, so much fight, and so much tenacity. My message was going to be the exact same to the team, whether we won or lost. Those are things we focus a lot on, so I'm really proud of the team today. I just loved the spirit they competed with."

Winning for the Tide were sophomores ARYN GREENE and BENNETT DUNN, juniors JOANNA NENA SAVVA and DANIELLE SPIELMANN in doubles competition. In singles competition it was Savva, Daniell and senior NATALIA MAYNETTO.

The Crimson Tide will be one of 16 teams competing in the 2016 ITA National Women's Indoor Championships. The event will be hosted by the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin February 5th - 8th. Draws and match times are yet to be announced by the ITA.

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UA Hosts A Boat-Load Of Recruits

L to R: Lyndell Wilson, Nick Saban & Ben Davis

Lyndell Wilson Twitter

Here is the list of football recruits/prospects that were on the campus of the University of Alabama this past past weekend:

3-star WR Korey Banks
4-star CB Shyheim Carter
3-star LB Ben Davis
4-star DL Raekwon Davis*
4-star OL Landon Dickerson
4-star RB B.J. Emmons*
4-star OLB Terrell Hall
5-star ATH Mecole Hardman
4-star LB Demetrious Jackson
4-star DL Kobe Jones
5-star LB Mique Juarez
3-star JUCO DL Jamar King
4-star CB Nigel Knott
4-star LB Jaleel Laguins
4-star OL Tramonda Moore
4-star RB D'Vaughn Pennymon
4-star WR Ahmmon Richards
5-star DE Jeffery Simmons
5-star DB Nigel Warrior
4-star LB Lyndell Wilson

*Crimson Tide Commitments

Saban Doing The Dab With Lyndell

Lyndell Wilson Twitter

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2016 Football Recruiting Class

This is the complete list of 18 prospects committed to the University of Alabama's 2016 football recruiting class as of 1/25/16.

Raekwon Davis, DT (6'7", 315 lbs), Meridian High, Meridian, Mississippi
T.J. Simmons, WR (6'2", 185 lbs), Clay-Chalkville High School, Pinson, Alabama*
Jonah Williams, OL (6'5", 283 lbs), Folsom High, Folsom, California
Brendan Scales, TE (6'4", 230 lbs), Lafayette, Ballwin, Missouri
Chris Owens, OL (6'3", 312 lbs), Lamar High, Arlington, Texas
Deonte Brown, OL (6'3", 330 lbs), Austin High, Decatur, Alabama*
Joshua Perry, DB (6'3", 190 lbs), Amite High, Amite, Louisiana
Kendell Jones, DT (6'4", 360 lbs), Shoemaker High, Killeen, Texas
Charles Baldwin, OL (6'5", 305lbs), ASA College, Brooklyn, New York
Jalen Hurts, QB (6'2", 208 lbs), Channelview High, Channelview, Texas
Riley Cole, LB (6'3," 210 lbs), Oneonta High Schol, Oneonta, Alabama*
Miller Forristall, TE (6'5", 220 lbs), Cartersville High School, Cartersville, Georgia
Quinnen Williams, DL (6'4", 265 lbs), Wenonah High School, Birmingham, Alabama*
B.J. Emmons, RB (5'11", 230 lbs), Freedom High School, Morganton, North Carolina
Shawn Jennings, DB (6'2", 218 lbs), Dadeville High School, Dadeville, Alabama*
Trevon Diggs, ATH (6'0", 186 lbs), Avalon School, Rockville, Maryland
Tyler Simmons, WR (5'11", 194 lbs.), McEachern High School, Powder Spring, Georgia
Shawndarius Jennings, S (6'2", 218 lbs.), Dadeville High School, Dadeville, Alabama*

*In-state recruits

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Frozen Tide Hockey Wins Iron Cup Over Auburn

Photo taken from Bing.com

Three games. Three wins.

The University of Alabama hockey team defeated the Auburn Tigers this weekend to capture the Iron Cup for the 15th consecutive time. The Frozen Tide won 9-1 on Friday, 9-2 on Saturday and 16-4 on Sunday afternoon at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena.

Alabama freshman forward DYLAN TEED was named the Iron Cup's Most Valuable Player. Both the Tide and Tigers participate in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). Alabama is a Division 1 ACHA team while Auburn is a Division 3 team.

Sunday, January 24, 2016

LSU Men's Basketball Slips Past Bama 72-70; Quanesha Burks Sets Another Record; National Championship Celebration With Photos; Tide Women's Tennis Shake The Quakers 5-0

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LSU Men's Basketball Slips Past Bama 72-70

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

Alabama men's basketball 10-game home win streak over LSU came to a crashing halt in front of a sold out crowd in Coleman Coliseum in the final seconds of last night's game 72-70.

"I am proud of our team tonight (Saturday)," commented head men's basketball coach AVERY JOHNSON. "I thought we gave a maximum effort. They were emotionally into the game. We executed our game plan, but unfortunately we caught a couple of bad breaks there at the end. There was an offensive rebound by (Tim) Quarterman, what a great defensive stop, be we didn't get the rebound. We missed free throws here and there and a little bit of poor execution when we needed it there at the end of the game."

With just over 33 seconds remaining in the game, Quarterman made a put-back layup to give the Tigers a two-point 72-70 lead. A game-tying layup was missed with seconds to go, but at least a tie-up with LSU defenders gave Bama another chance. The Tide controlled the jump ball with 17.1 seconds remaining. A timeout was called, then senior RETIN OBASOHAN had a second chance at a layup to send the game into overtime. Unfortunately, he missed that one too and the Tigers were able to get the rebound to end the contest.

Obasohan had 20 points on night, along with five rebounds and four assists. It was his seventh 20-point game of the season. ARTHUR EDWARDS put in 17 points, with RILEY NORRIS adding 10 to complete the double-digit scoring. JIMMIE TAYLOR had eight points, SHANNON HALE added seven, JUSTIN COLEMAN and MICHAEL KESSENS with three each and with two points DONTA HALL finished the scoring.

Norris led with 10 rebounds, followed by the five from Obasohan, four from Edwards and Hall, three from Taylor, Hale and Kessens the then the one from BRANDON AUSTIN.

Johnson continued, "We won our share of close games this year, unfortunately we did not win this one. But I am just proud of our team. There is no surrender in us. We are going to get back to work (Sunday) and play with a lot of energy on Tuesday night, especially feeding off such a great crowd that we had tonight. I am really proud of our guys and they are going to win some more of these close games and I am going to make sure I do a better job of helping them in those situations."

Alabama's record falls to 10-8 overall, 1-5 in the SEC. LSU improves to 12-7, 5-2 SEC.

Alabama forward Riley Norris said, "As a competitor you want to win in everything you do. I give LSU credit, as they made plays down the stretch when they needed it. Like coach said, 'we're going to shake this off and get back to work tomorrow' (Sunday)."

Next up for the Crimson Tide are the Tennessee Volunteers. The Vols come to town on Tuesday, January 26th, with the game scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.

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Bama's Quanesha Burks Sets Another Record

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

Alabama track & field junior long-jumper QUANESHA BURKS has set another record. The holder of the school outdoor long jump record has now added the record for the indoor long jump to her already impressive resume. Burks claimed the title at the Birmingham CrossPlex on Saturday with a jump of 22-0 1/4 (6.71m) in leading the Crimson Tide men's and women's track & field teams to a good day in the inaugural Conference Clash. Of the six evens won by Bama, four were in the field events.

With that incredible jump, Burks breaks a March 29, 1986 record set by Bama's FLORA HYACINTH. The previous record was 21-3 1/4 (6.48m). She has also tied the top spot in that event for the Birmingham CrossPlex facility record.

In addition to Burks, five others stood out for Bama. Scoring for the Tide were freshmem STACEY DESTIN, WILL HERRSCHER and RACHAEL REDDY as well as juniors KYLE FELPEL and VANESSA CLERVEAUX.

Head coach DAN WATERS stated, "This was a tremendous event to be a part of. Anytime you can get this many talented athletes and teams at one meet, it's going to be exciting because anything can happen. I think we learned a lot about ourselves this weekend, which is beneficial this early in the season. Obviously we had some really great results, highlighted by Quanesha's record-breaking performance. She's continued to work hard following last year's outdoor success, so this is well-deserved for her. But we also had some misses in a few events that were unexpected. A meet of this caliber really challenges your entire team."

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National Championship Celebration

Photo Credit: RollTide.com/Amelia B. Barton

Saturday, January 24th was a day of parades, speeches, food and fun with fellow Crimson Tide football fans. It was laughter, memories, reflection on this season just ended and even a brief mention of the future.

Mostly, though, Saturday was a day of allowing Alabama Crimson Tide fans to show their love to a team that battled back, and as head coach NICK SABAN said, faced "12 elimination games" following the loss to Ole Miss in this same town. The team that the other football conferences wanted to see fail had risen from the ashes of destruction to the pinnacle of the mountain once again, proving the Crimson Dynasty lives!

Everyone kept the speeches brief, from the college dignitaries to the trophy-presenters to the team captains and right up to the head coach himself. But it was all heart-felt. Anyone listening to Nick Saban on Saturday shouldn't doubt where his "football heart" is.

The Voice of the Crimson Tide, ELI GOLD, did his usual excellent golden-throated announcing job introducing all the dignitaries, team captains, the team and Saban. Gold spoke of how remarkable this senior class was, posting a 50-6 record over four seasons, an SEC record and one that also ties the NCAA four-year record. He pointed out, too, that this class has been part of three Southeastern Conference championships, four New Years bowl appearances and two national championships.

Yes, the University of Alabama now has its 16th National Championship in football. And this one championship for this particular team was the one stressed by Nick Saban. One only had to listen to the emotion along with the words to tell the head coach was filled with pride and love for this group.

Eli Gold introduced the team captains one by one, briefly telling a little something about each one. He stressed what an honor it was to be voted a team captain by your own team mates.

Quarterback JAKE COKER was the first of the four Tide captains to briefly speak. He thanked everyone for coming out, then said, "...I've never had so much fun playing football in my life, and ya'll (the fans) have been the biggest part of that, and I can't say how much I appreciate ya'll coming out. Thank ya'll for this year and thank ya'll for everything.

Next up was linebacker REGGIE RAGLAND, who said, "If it wasn't for my team mates this year I wouldn't have had the year I had. They supported me through the good times and the bad times. They know I had a lot of bad times, and if it wasn't for them I wouldn't be where I'm at now. Roll Tide."

Center RYAN KELLY was next and thanked everyone for coming out. He said, "You know, I'm very fortunate that I can always call this place my home. It's because of all the people in the stands today, all the fans who made playing here so special, all the guys who are standing behind me (the team) who are truly brothers to me, all the coaches who have put so much work into making us into men. So, I'd just like to say thank you for everything so far. It's been an incredible opportunity and Roll Tide."

Then came running back DERRICK HENRY who immediately thanked everyone for coming out. He said, "I love these boys...love our brothers. It's been a fun year. It's unbelievable. You know, God's been good to us. Plus won the SEC two years in a row, the national championship, me bringing Alabama the second Heisman Trophy and it's been unbeliveable...the coaches, the team, the nutritionists, the trainers...it's just an unbelievable year. God's been very good to us. I've been very fortunate. Roll Tide."

Eventually it came time for Saban to speak. He was presently the national championship trophy and then addressed the crowd.

Saban thanked the fans for coming out, the dignitaries and the usual greeting...including "braving the cold" and the conditions of the morning. He said that this kind of spirit, though, "exemplifies what the University of Alabama stands for, and that kind of spirit characterizes what this team was all about this year.

"You know, I've said it many times how much I love this team. The togetherness that this team had was something special and unique...and I think they accomplished what they did because they traded 'I' and 'me' for 'we' and 'us', and there was no selfishness on this team. And everybody helped everybody be accountable to do what they needed to do so that we could improve and accomplish something of significance that can create a memory for the rest of all of our lives."

He then went on to explain that those memories were for the players, coaches, the fans, the people who support the program and everyone.

He then spoke of the hard work and sacrifice made by this team and how the fans should appreciate it. Saban said all should really appreciate facing "12 straight elimination games, after the Ole Miss game. The resiliency, the competitive character that this team showed in being able to do that...and even coming from behind in a national championship game I think really shows the spirit that made this team something special. And I hope everybody appreciates that.

"So, I hope we all remember this team not only for the skill that we have, the great players that we had, the great coaching job that our staff did, but you also remember this team for the heart that they played with and the character they showed as competitors in winning this championship that I think is really the most special of all...because of what this team was able to accomplish.

"So, this celebration is really not about all the other championships we won, or how many we won, or how many we won in the last seven years. This championship and this day is for this team...and what they were able to accomplish and what they were able to do. So, we are here to show gratitude for this team, this group of guys and all that they did to make it an exciting year for all the fans and all of us as coaches and it will give us a memory that will live even beyond our lives."

He then referenced the Walk Of Champions and the championship plaques representing all the championship teams of seasons past. He mentioned how those players had a "memory for a lifetime" but that their "legacy lives on forever" and all of the Alabama fans are able to enjoy that memory created by them. Then he said, "That's something that this team accomplished that will happen too."

He then offered a personal thank you to the administration, the fans, all who supported this team, the players and coaches "who worked so hard to make this experience and this season such a special one."

Saban then concluded, "But with every thank you goes an obligation...something that we owe you...and we owe you a special thanks as a team for all your support, all the spirit you provided, but we've also given you a memory that you can remember for the rest of your life...and hopefully a program that you can be proud of in terms of what we've accomplished, but also in what we'll accomplish in the future. So, thank you very much, and Roll Tide. Thank you."

Saban was of course interrupted a few times with cheering and applause as he spoke, and received a rousing Roll Tide and cheers and applause when he concluded.

It was a great season. It was a great celebration.

Numerous recruits, some of which were commitments, showed up for the celebration. Spotted were Gordo's five-star Ben Davis, Carver-Montgomery five-star Mack Wilson and Torrance, California five-star Mique Jarez, all linebackers. Others there were wide receiver commit Tyler Simmons, Noxubee Country five-star defensive lineman Jeffrey Simmons, West Point four-star offensive lineman Scott Lashley and Starkville four-star defensive lineman Kobe Jones.

Photo Credit: RollTide.com/Kent Gidley

Photo Credit: RollTide.com/Amelia B. Barton

Photo Credit:RollTide.com/Amelia B. Barton

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Tide Women's Tennis Shake The Quakers 5-0

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Meet Texas This Afternoon

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

The Penn Quakers traveled to Alabama yesterday and got all shook up, losing to the 15th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide women's tennis team 5-0. The event kicked off the 2016 dual match season in the ITA Kick-Off Weekend.

Head coach JENNY MAINZ said, "Our crowd was tremendous today. It really creates an exciting, electric aura throughout the facility. Our fans definitely give us a competitive advantage here at home."

Bama winners were JOANNA NENA SAVVA, DANIELLE, ANDIE DANIELL, ERIN ROUTLIFFE and NATALIA MAYNETTO.

Bama moves into tomorrow's championship match against 40th-ranked Texas at 2 p.m. CT. The winner will earn a berth in the 2016 ITA National Women's Team Indoor Championship, hosted by the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin scheduled February 5th through the 8th.

Mainz continued, "We played the big points well today. We were successful on the 30-30s and the deuce points, which tells me that we did a great job of playing decisive tennis. I don't think we necessarily have to play bigger or play better tomorrow (today) against Texas, be we just have to continue to play decisively."