Happy Father's Day
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Defensive Back Maurice Smith Is Transferring
Maurice Smith
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
The ranks of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team's secondary just thinned out. In a big way.
Senior DB Maurice Smith has decided to play his senior year of college football elsewhere. The announcement took most everyone by surprise. According to AL.com, Smith is leaving the Tide and joining another program for his final season as a graduate transfer, making him immediately eligible to play this season.
From all indications he was looking at significant playing time this season, which made the announcement more surprising. No word right now on where the senior plays to transfer.
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Crimson Tide Football Offers Ani Izuchkwu For 2019
Nigerian Freshman Azi Izuchukwu
Photo Credit: SaturdayDownSouth.com
So far he is the only 2019 offer made by The University of Alabama football program. He is Ani Izuchukwu, and he likes the look of UA. And Alabama head football coach Nick Saban must obviously like the look of Izuchukwu.
The young Nigerian native has only been playing football for less than a year. But talent and hard work have brought him far in a short time. Izuchukwu stands six feet, four inches and weighs in at 215 pounds. He says the Alabama offer has caused him to work even harder.
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Alabama Extends Weekend Scholarship Offers
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Invites McDonald & Webb To Play For The Crimson Tide
University of Alabama football head coach Nick Saban and staff have offered scholarships to a pair of young standouts this weekend, one a senior and one a sophomore.
Senior defensive back Kyriq McDonald was extended a scholarship offer on Saturday. McDonald stands 5' 11" and weighs in at 190 pounds. He was a finalist for the state of Alabama's Class 7A Back of the Year.
Another in-state prospect, 6' 2", 295-pound sophomore Clay Webb also received an offer from the Tide this weekend. If he accepts, Webb would be a part of the Alabama class of 2019.
Webb already held offers from Auburn, Georgia, Mississippi State and Jacksonville State University.
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University Of Alabama National Championships: 1961
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
Now we come to the legend that is Paul "Bear" Bryant. No one who is an Alabama Crimson Tide doesn't know that name. Even the young toddlers growing up learning to say, "Roll Tide!", are taught who "The Bear" is. The first National Championship won by the University of Alabama football team under the leadership of Bryant came in 1961.
The 1961 team completed the regular season with a perfect 10-0-0 record and won the Southeastern Conference championship. The big-name, legendary players of the 1961 team were quarterback Pat Trammell, linebacker Lee Roy Jordan, and two-way lineman Billy Neighbors. All three of these names are well-known by the vast majority of Alabama football fans. Talk about a dominating offense, the 1961 Crimson Tide football team outscored their opponents by a whopping 297-25 points that season.
Alabama was then invited to, and played in, the January 1, 1962 Sugar Bowl against the No. 9 Arkansas Razorbacks. The Crimson Tide won that game 10-3 to finish the season at 11-0-0. Outstanding player of the game was Mike Fracchia. Every major organization recognized Alabama as National Champions, with the exception of the Football Writers Association.
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Beautiful Beaches Of Alabama
Sunrise At Orange Beach
Photo Credit: Travel.AllWomenStalk.com
The state of Alabama offers some beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. It wasn't that long ago that many didn't even realize Alabama has beaches. I know for years I made the jaunt to Florida for the beaches of Pompano, Pensacola, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and others. Then I went to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Pleasure Island and others on the Bama Gulf coast.
Alabama's most popular beach is Gulf Shores. Gulf Shores Public Beach is where Highway 59 dead-ends. How's that for directions? Could it get any simpler? One can find beach attendants, open-air pavilions, a picnic area, restrooms and showers. Incidentally, parking is free so no worries about hidden costs nickle-and-diming you to death.
There are plenty of options when it comes to lodging at Gulf Shores. Select from bed-and-breakfast, small beach cottages, large beach homes and even condominiums in driving distance and many even in walking distance.
Besides swimming you zipline, hike/walk the trails, enjoy the pavilions and nice restaurants and even more.
Photo Credit: WalesWest.com
Then there is beautiful Orange Beach. The most popular beach at Orange Beach is Cotton Bayou Gulf State Park. It's located along Highway 182. It offers public facilities, boardwalks and even surfing. And, just as Gulf Shores is free, so is Cotton Bayou. Your best bet for lodging here is a condominium.
While at Orange Beach, check out Canal Road, The Wharf, Adventureland, Fat Daddy's Arcade San Roc Cay Marina and more.
Cotton Bayou Gulf State Park Beach
Photo Credit: WalesWest.com
For a little sexy seclusion try Fort Morgan in Gulf Shores, perfect for the couple wanting some alone-time to reignite that spark...or to fan the flame. Take the family pet along, as dogs are welcome also. Be forewarned, as there are no facilities since this is a wildlife refuge.
As far as accommodations, there are no sprawling condominiums, but there are some beautiful beach houses you'll thoroughly enjoy. Of course there is also the Beach Club and Kiva Dunes for added luxury for a small family.
Check out the Fort Morgan Historical Site while there. Tours are offered all season long, and sometimes you may even be able to catch the Civil War reenactment of the Battle of Mobile Bay. Enjoy bird watching? Then head over to the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge.
Fort Morgan State Park
Photo from Pinterest.com
The stretch of beach along the can at Perdido Pass or Alabama Point is a popular destination among the locals as well as travelling families. Perdidio Pass is located at the Alabama-Florida State line, in the shadow of Perdidio Pass Bridge. You can do some great fishing from that bridge, by the way. There is plenty of parking, as well as a shuttle service. Condominiums and a resort is available for lodging.
Check out San Roc Cay just west of Perdido Pass for some great dining, offering four wonderful restaurants. They also offer boutique shops, a spa, charter boats and more.
Perdido Pass
Photo Credit: Panoramio.com
West Beach in Gulf Shores is away from all the hoopla of the public beach. It offers seclusion, but then you'll have a short drive to shopping and dining. There are some condos available, but your best option is a housing rental. Some houses are for couples or small families while others accommodate multiple families.
So, come on and make your choice...then let's all head to the beach.
