Crimson Tide Continues To Work Toward Kentucky Contest
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| Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics |
That being said, the Alabama football team was hard at work yesterday to ensure victory in this year's homecoming contest, with a two-hour workout in full pads at the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields in beautiful Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Concentration, dedication, personal assignments and the refinement of the game plan were the main ingredients in this victory cake being baked up in anticipation of a victory Saturday over the visiting Wildcats of Kentucky. These kitties would like nothing better than to spoil a perfect 4-0 season for the nation's top-ranked team and secure some bragging rights sure to last for months or even years.
Kentucky boasts one of the Southeastern Conference's top offensive units, and the Tide defense is hard at work this week to stop or at least slow it down. Bama's boys will need to be on-point and concentrating on assignments, personal responsibility and teamwork on this one.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Blake Barnett was absent from practice and is reportedly transferring. Alabama head coach Nick Saban says he hopes Barnett chooses to remain with the team.
Running back Damien Harris was looking good in practice. His leg was wrapped but participating in all the drills and workouts.
Receivers ArDarius Stewart and Robert Foster appeared to be in good shape.
Alabama and Kentucky will face off this Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with the kickoff set for 6:05 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN, with Dave Pasch and former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy in the booth, along with Tom Luginbill roaming the sidelines for the broadcast.
This will be the 40th meeting between the pair in a series dating all the way back to 1917. The Crimson Tide leads the series at 36-2-1. Alabama head coach Nick Saban owns an 8-1 mark in Southeastern Conference home-openers at the Capstone.
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Alabama Quarterback Blake Barnett Transferring
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| Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics |
Barnett was 11-of-19 in passing with 219 yards and two touchdowns while playing in three of Alabama's first four contests. The youngster was rated by the 247Sports Composite Rankings as the No. 2 pro-style quarterback and the No. 21 overall prospect in his recruiting class.
Alabama head football coach Nick Saban said that Barnett had met with him prior to Wednesday's practice session and that Barnett had expressed "some concerns about his future." When asked if Barnett had officially left the team or is still with the team, Saban said, "I don't know. We'll make a statement when we find out for sure."
Concerning Barnett, the young man as well as the quarterback, Saban said, "Blake is a fine young man. He's done a great job with the program, and we'd love to see him be a part of the program in the future, but we also want him to do what's best for him."
Alabama player's reactions began yesterday on Twitter. Alphonse Taylor said, "Keep God first and do everything in his glory and you can never go wrong my brother! I wish you nothing but the best." Matt Womack writes, "Just wanted to acknowledge a great athlete, leader..." Mac Wilson said, "Remember be great...wherever you go. Good luck big bro."
However there are those who haven't been so kind. A few former players have made their thoughts known, as well as the "usual" mouthy fans. I have chosen not to list their Twitter or other social media comments here. Though leaving after four games is not ideal, one should respect Barnett's decision and realize it wasn't an easy one for him to make. It's possible, of course, he has been speaking with another coach or coaches from various other college teams.
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Tide Senior Linebacker Tim Williams Arrested
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Tide Senior Linebacker Tim Williams Arrested
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| Photo Credit: Robert Sutton |
University of Alabama senior linebacker Tim Williams was arrested earlier today. The charge? Carrying a pistol without a permit, which is a misdemeanor.
The University of Alabama police department made the arrest, and bond has been set at $300, according to Charlie Potter of 247Sports.
According to AL.com, the police officer smelled marijuana coming from Williams' vehicle. While another person in the vehicle took ownership of the marijuana, an unlicensed gun was found under the driver's seat.
No word yet on any discinplinary action.
Alabama Women's Tennis
Daniell & Routliffe Advance To 2nd Round In Charleston
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| Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics |
University of Alabama women's tennis continues national prominence. Year-in and year-out the Alabama women come to the fore-front of college tennis, and this year is no exception. The rising doubles pair of sophomore Andie Daniell and senior Erin Routliffe are making some crimson waves in a tournament this week.
The 34th-ranked doubles duo have advanced to the second round of the 16-team main draw in the ITF 10k LTP Charleston tournament being held in Charleston, South Carolina. We've heard the name Routliffe many times over the past few years associated with Alabama women's tennis, and last season the name Daniell began popping up. Now the two are paired and sure to be making new headlines.
Daniell and Routliffe defeated Akiko Okuda and Mara Schmidt of the U.S. in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3. The Crimson Tide's duo is set to take on Alyvia Jones and Abigail Forbes, also another U.S. pair, today with the mat time still to be determined at the time this article was written. (Update to follow.)
In singles play in Charleston, Daniell fell to Japan's Yukako Noi, 7-5, 7-6(4), before Routliffe lost to Emiliana Arango of Columbia, 6-2, 6-4.
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| Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics |
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Alabama Swimming & Diving To Host
Power Of Pink Event Tomorrow
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| Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics |
Alabama Athletics has developed Power of Pink events for all women's sports to raise the awareness of breast cancer among students and fans. This initiative was begun back in 2009 and has continued annually ever since.
Crimson Tide head swimming & diving coach Dennis Pursley said, "Being a part of Alabama Athletics' Power of Pink initiative falls in line with one of the cornerstones of our program – working to make a positive impact in the community. We're glad to serve as the opening event this year."
The Power of Pink initiative originally started back in 2004 under the legendary gymnastics head coach Sarah Patterson and Alabama gymnastics. The program is now in its eighth season including the full spectrum of the Crimson Tide's women's teams which includes soccer, volleyball, cross country, basketball, tennis, rowing, softball, swimming and diving and track and field, with events planned throughout the academic year.
University of Alabama swimming and diving captain Mia Nonnenberg commented, "As a team, we really love the Power of Pink because it's something we can do to give back to the community. "Whether we have had a family member or loved one with breast cancer or, any other cancer for that matter, it's a great opportunity to show we really support this cause. I think that brings us closer to each other and the community at large."
Crimson Tide swimming and diving's Power of Pink event takes place on the eve of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There will be free tee shirts, shakers as well as pizza available at the event. Alabama Power of Pink dates in October include soccer (October 13th), cross country (October 14th) and volleyball (October 16th).
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Alabama Cross Country Headed To South Bend
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| Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics |
Competing for the Crimson Tide will be nine men and nine women. For the men it will be seniors Antibahs Kosgei, Robbie Farnham-Rose, Payton Ballard, Evan Prizy and Conner Thompson; juniors Andrew Bull, Garrett Bull and Josh Short as well as freshman James Brinvark. For the women it will be senior Hannah Waggoner; juniors Caroline Barlow and Emily Edwards; sophomores Calli Coggins and Rachael Reddy and freshmen Rebecca Buteau, Alexa Cruz, Elisabeth Danis and McKenzie Yanek.
The Crimson Tide women's team is currently ranked No. 4 and the men's team is No. 5 in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) South Region rankings released just two days ago, on September 27th.
Head Coach Dan Waters said, "The break has been good for the team and given us a chance to build up for the finish to the regular season. We have a good feel for where we are as a team right now and I'm looking forward to seeing how we compete this weekend."
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Welcome To The Crimson Tide Center Court Booster Club
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| Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics |
According to RollTide.com, supporters and fans of the program will be introduced to the 2016-17 squad and will be given the opportunity to interact with the student-athletes and coaches in a fun, family atmosphere.
Admission to the event is free, but attendees are being requested to bring a side dish or dessert as well as serving utensils. All bread, meat and beverages will be provided by the team.
The Crimson Tide Center Court membership form can be accessed by going to RollTide.com and clicking on the box labeled "Crimson Tide Center Court Application" and will also be available for those wishing to join at the kickoff dinner.
There are three levels of theCrimson Tide Center Court. Just select the one that best suits you and your budget. They are: Free Throw ($25), 3 Pointer ($100) and All-American ($250). Each level will receive a weekly e-mail newsletter from the team, invitations to Chalk Talk events, invitations to Crimson Tide Center Court events, a digital copy of the team's media guide and an official Crimson Tide Center Court gift. In addition to these benefits, all in the 3 Pointer level will receive an autographed team photograph, a pair of official #CatchUsAtColeman t-shirts and entry into a drawing for a team pregame experience. Those in the All-American level will get everything in both the Free Throw and 3 Pointer levels and will also receive an autographed basketball from Crimson Tide head women's basketball coach Kristy Curry, entry in a drawing for a charter trip with the team and entry into a drawing for a bus trip with the team.
Also, no matter what the level, all Crimson Tide Center Court members will have the opportunity to RSVP for a chartered bus trip, free of charge, to Oxford, Mississippi to watch the Alabama-Ole Miss contest on Sunday, January 22nd at 2 p.m. CT.
In addition, season tickets will be available for purchase at a cost of $45 for reserved general admission, $35 for groups of four or more and $25 for faculty/staff and senior citizens.
Alabama women's basketball opens its regular season on Friday, November 11th at 5 p.m. CT against New Orleans as the front end of a doubleheader with the men's team. That contest will be preceded by an exhibition game against West Alabama on Friday, November 4th at 7 p.m. CT.
