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12/2/2016 5:45:00 PM | General
Another SEC Championship Game with the Gators
Alabama is headed to the SEC Football Championship Game! When Coach Nick Saban was hired in 2007, his main charge was, "PLEASE, get us back to Atlanta!"
Tomorrow will mark the sixth time in the 10 years he has been here that Alabama will have played in this game. Our team is 4-1 in the five games played thus far. One of the four years we didn't make the SEC Championship Game, we did get selected to play LSU in a re-match in the BCS Championship Game. Alabama beat LSU, 21-0, to win the national title in 2011. It has been said in some parts, it is easier to win a national championship than an SEC championship!
This game tomorrow pits an undefeated Alabama team against a three-loss Florida team. Florida suffered injuries to key personnel during the year, and has not been at full strength for some time. But, be that as it may, this is a Florida team that went into Baton Rouge a few weeks ago and beat the LSU Tigers with the play of a great defense and kicking game. We know very well how hard it is to play in Tiger Stadium.
Like all postseason games, this will be a difficult game that will require our team to play well in all phases. Last week, our Iron Bowl victory over Auburn sealed a 12-0 regular season record. No other Power Five team went undefeated this year. It is a very difficult task to keep college players focused and healthy over the course of a 10- to 15-game schedule. Our coaches have done a great job of recruiting exceptional talent, developing them over the years, and preparing them for our 12 games to date, to compete for 60 minutes and dominate their opponents.
We have been fortunate injury-wise but, again, credit goes to the coaches for the way they recruit, develop, and run practices, our strength and conditioning staff (Scott Cochran), and our nutrition staff (Amy Bragg). Our training staff (Jeff Allen) and team doctors (Dr. Jimmy Robinson and Dr. Lyle Cain) also do an incredible job of dealing with a myriad of healthcare issues. It takes a lot of people to make this Alabama football program successful.
Savoring the Iron Bowl Victory
Much has been written about our 30-12 win over the Auburn Tigers. The thing that stands out to me is that, even though there were early turnovers and a long punt return that set Auburn up three times deep in our end of the field, our defense did a magnificent job of keeping Auburn out of the end zone. As a matter of fact, Alabama didn't allow a touchdown in the entire month of November!
Our offense came out in the second half and dominated Auburn's vaunted defense, controlling the ball and the clock, and leading our team to the 30-12 victory. Bragging rights for the next year belong to the Crimson Tide. As stated in an earlier edition of this blog, in college football, "They remember what you do in November." While there is much good to remember in this past month about Alabama football, December is here, and tomorrow is our chance to win our third SEC Championship in a row. That hasn't happened since 1993-96 when Florida won four straight.
The Best Fans in the Land Never Take Winning for Granted
I would be remiss if I didn't thank our amazing fan base for your part in this undefeated season. You have played a huge role, both at home and on the road, in motivating our players, coaches, and staff to do our best. The enthusiasm, passion and class that you display every game is outstanding. It makes us all want to do our best to make you proud.
To some degree, all of us are guilty of taking this amazing run of success for granted. Believe me, this is a special time in Alabama athletics, and it won't last forever. Let's all give thanks and be grateful for the great work of Coach Saban and his staff, as well as our coaches in other sports whose teams compete regularly for championships, and build champions on and off the field. I look forward to a great crowd in the Georgia Dome tomorrow that outnumbers and outshouts the Gators in the stands. I'm confident our team will make us proud.
Honoring Our Letter Winners in Style
Earlier this week we had a ceremony awarding letter jackets to first-time letter winners in our winter and spring sports, as well as soccer and volleyball. Our coaches presented their student-athletes with the jackets and took pictures with them to commemorate the occasion. Many A-Club members were present to take in the event and to tell the student-athletes how much the University and their sports experience has meant to them over the years.
Current letter winners do not become full-fledged A-Club members until they graduate, but we are making an extra effort to educate our student-athletes while they are in school about what a powerful organization the A-Club can become if we can continue to build it with young graduates going forward. The A-Club will proudly welcome the young men and women who graduate in a few weeks into this prestigious organization, exclusively reserved for varsity letter winners in all sports.
Tommy Ford, with Brian Chandler's assistance, has led the effort to organize and manage our A-Club Alumni Association activities. We are in the process of forming committees in each sport that will be charged with trying to effectively communicate with their letter winners and keep them engaged through web-based activities, as well as getting them back on campus through reunions and other events. The objective is simply to create enjoyable experiences where former letter winners feel welcome coming back to campus and staying engaged with our athletic programs. We have several already in place, and they are working well. You can get a look at our latest letter jacket ceremony here.
Fulfilling the Mission: Volleyball's Krystal Rivers an Extraordinary Student-Athlete
As the volleyball season has come to a close, now is a fitting time to reflect on the amazing Crimson Tide career crafted by Krystal Rivers. The fact that she battled cancer into remission in the middle of her career, while continuing to play at the highest level, is reason enough to count her among the most extraordinary student-athletes in The University of Alabama's storied history.
However, that just scratches the surface of what Krystal has accomplished during her time at the Capstone. She is the all-time career leader in kills at Alabama with 2,148, becoming only the second player in program history to surpass 2,000. More than one of the best players in our history, she is also one of our finest scholar-athletes, earning both All-American and Academic All-American honors during her career. A native of Birmingham, Krystal saved her best for last. After a senior season in which she was in a class of her own, she was voted SEC Player of the Year as well as the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, marking the first time that an SEC volleyball player has earned both honors in the same year. She is Alabama's first conference player of the year in volleyball and only the second to earn the league's scholar-athlete of the year accolade.
Because of all this, and because of her determination, drive and desire, Krystal is the epitome of what we look for here at Alabama and, as the lyrics to "Yea, Alabama" intone, her "pluck and grit have writ her name in Crimson flame."
Fulfilling the Mission: Softball's Haylie McCleney in NCAA Top 10 Honoree
On the field, Haylie McCleney had seemingly limitless range during her four years patrolling the outfield for the Alabama softball team. It seemed she could get to every ball hit into the grassy confines of Rhoads Stadium. Haylie's range was even larger when it came to excelling in other areas of the collegiate experience. A four-year All-American, she was also a three-year CoSIDA Academic All-American (freshmen aren't eligible for the award, or she likely would have been a four-time honoree).
Above and beyond that, she was a two-time CoSIDA Softball Academic All-American of the Year, becoming the first Alabama student-athlete to be named the Academic All-American for their particular sport more than once. She was also named softball's 2016 Senior CLASS Award winner, which celebrates senior student-athletes who use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as community leaders, and was a finalist for NCAA Woman of the Year honors.
Because of all she accomplished on the field, in the classroom and in the world outside of both, Haylie was announced as a member of the highly prestigious NCAA Top 10 this morning. The NCAA Top 10, as the name suggests, goes to the 10 best and brightest seniors in the NCAA last year, regardless of division, gender or sport. It is an award that Haylie is certainly worthy of, and an honor that fittingly caps an incredible career. You can read the whole story on her honor here.
In addition to honoring a tremendous career, Haylie's latest accolade extends our amazing legacy when it comes to the NCAA Top 10. Her selection marks the ninth time in the past 11 years that an Alabama student-athlete has received the award, joining Kim Jacob (gymnastics/2014), Barrett Jones (football/2013), Brooke Pancake (women's golf/2012), Kayla Hoffman (gymnastics/2011), Greg McElroy (football/2010), Brittany Rogers (softball/2009), Beth Mallory (track and field/2007) and DeMeco Ryans (football/2006). Overall, she is the 14th Alabama athlete to receive this prestigious honor. Haylie and the other members of this year's NCAA Top 10 class will be honored in Nashville in late January at the NCAA Convention during the Honors Celebration, an outstanding event that I am looking forward to.
Crimson Tide Foundation Update: Giving the Gift of an Endowed Scholarship
Like many of us as we enter the Holiday season, you may be thinking of ways to recognize a special person in your life with a gift they will cherish, or honor the memory of someone who has passed. A remarkable way to achieve either of those goals is to make a gift to the Crimson Tide Foundation in honor, or in memory, of a loved one. Giving the gift of education by creating a scholarship endowment in someone's name is incredibly meaningful as it ensures a legacy that extends far into the future. However, you are not restricted to a scholarship endowment. Any gift to the Crimson Tide Foundation can be designated in honor or in memory. Additionally, our staff will be happy to send a handwritten card to inform the individual or family that a gift has been made in their honor, or in memory of their loved one. If you have a friend or family member whom you would like to recognize through a scholarship endowment or a memorial/honorary gift of any size, please visit the Crimson Tide Foundation's website for more information. You can also contact the Foundation at (205) 348-9727 and a staff member will answer any questions you have, or can assist you in making your gift.
Sports Updates
Men's Basketball
Tonight, the Tide plays its lone game in the next nine days when we take on the Texas Longhorns in Austin, Texas. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. CT and the game will be televised by ESPNU. After tonight, the Tide will not play another game until it has another road game, this one at No. 21/22 Oregon on Sunday, Dec. 11. That one is scheduled to tip off at 5 p.m. CT (3 p.m. in Eugene) and will also be televised by ESPNU. Earlier this week, our team from led start to finish in a dominant victory over Charleston Southern, 76-46, on Tuesday night in Coleman Coliseum. Three players finished in double figures, led by freshman forward Braxton Key's game-high 14 points. Sophomore guard Avery Johnson Jr. and junior guard Ar'Mond Davis finished with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Redshirt freshman Dazon Ingram had nine points and a game-high four assists, while sophomore forward Donta Hall finished with six points and a game-high seven boards. The Tide's season record improved to 4-2 with the victory.
Women's Basketball
Coach Kristy Curry's squad is off to its second consecutive 6-0 start following Thursday's 93-43 win over Alcorn State. The team is averaging 84.8 points per game, which ranks second in the SEC and 17th nationally. In addition to being one of the most productive teams on offense, the team is also playing stellar defense, leading the nation in fewest points allowed (42.7 points per game) and scoring margin (42.2 ppg). Six different players have led the team in scoring through its first six games, including junior Meoshonti Knight (twice), juniors Hannah Cook and Ashley Williams, sophomore Shaquera Wade and freshman Jordan Lewis. Next up, the Tide will host Kansas as part of the 2016 SEC/Big 12 Challenge on Sunday, Dec. 4, at Coleman Coliseum. Tip is slated for 11 a.m. CT on The SEC Network. If you're in town, we hope you will join us for this exciting matchup.
Volleyball
Coach Ed Allen's team completed its 2016 season last week with a four-set victory at LSU on Saturday. The Tide closed the season strong, winning six of its last seven matches to finish with a 20-11 overall record. Alabama has earned at least 20 wins in three of the last four seasons, the first time that has ever happened in our volleyball program's history. Krystal Rivers took home the league's final Player of the Week honor, announced Monday. Krystal led the team with 65 kills over the two matches of the season's final week, moving into first place on Alabama's career kills list. The weekly award is her fifth of the season and the eighth of her career, the most by any player in Alabama history.
Baseball
Coach Greg Goff wrapped up his first fall in Tuscaloosa last week as the baseball squad closed out its semester with the Tide Challenge last Monday and Tuesday. The Tide Challenge was an end of the year, team-building event that split the squad into four teams participating in various team-building and individual events. Yesterday, the team visited Sprayberry Elementary for the team's annual Christmas party with the students at the school. Recruiting is going well and Greg is very excited about what's in store, as am I. Baseball season will be here soon! Opening Day is set for Friday, February 17, at 5 p.m. against Presbyterian College at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.
Upcoming Action
Here's a summary of athletic events over the next several days (times listed are for the location of the event: CT is Central Time, ET in Eastern Time, MT is Mountain Time, PT is Pacific Time). For a complete look at our upcoming calendar, go to http://www.rolltide.com/calendar.aspx:
Saturday, December 3
| Time | Sport | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 p.m. ET | Football | at SEC Championship Game vs. Florida | Atlanta, Ga. |
Sunday, December 4
| Time | Sport | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 a.m. CT | Women's Basketball | vs. Kansas | Coleman Coliseum |
Where to See, Listen and Follow Alabama Sports
Here's how to follow Crimson Tide teams via TV, radio, rolltide.com, Twitter and Facebook:
Women's Basketball
Live Stats: http://www.sidearmstats.com/alabama/wbball/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlabamaWBB
Twitter: @AlabamaWBB
Football
TV: CBS
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlabamaFTBL
Twitter: @AlabamaFTBL
Catch Alabama Athletics on the SEC Network
Here's a summary of our athletic events to be televised over the next week on The SEC Network and its platforms. Read this schedule closely as some events can be seen via SEC Network +, which is available online via WatchESPN. If you can't make it to our games in person, catch us on radio or TV. (All times listed are Central Time)
Saturday, December 3
| Time | Sport | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 11 a.m. | Football: 25 Years of the SEC Championship | SEC Network |
| 9 p.m. | REPLAY: 2016 SEC Football Championship vs. Florida | SEC Network |
Sunday, December 4
| Time | Sport | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 4 a.m. | REPLAY: 2016 SEC Football Championship vs. Florida | SEC Network |
| 9 a.m. | REPLAY: 2016 SEC Football Championship vs. Florida | SEC Network |
| 11 a.m. | Women's Basketball vs. Kansas | SEC Network |
| 3 p.m. | REPLAY: 2016 SEC Football Championship vs. Florida | SEC Network |
Monday, December 5
| Time | Sport | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 3 a.m. | REPLAY: 2016 SEC Football Championship vs. Florida | SEC Network |
| 11 a.m. | REPLAY: 2016 SEC Football Championship vs. Florida | SEC Network |
| 8:30 p.m. | REPLAY: 2016 SEC Football Championship vs. Florida | SEC Network |
Tuesday, December 6
| Time | Sport | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1 a.m. | REPLAY: 2016 SEC Football Championship vs. Florida | SEC Network |
| 11 a.m. | REPLAY: 1992 SEC Football Championship vs. Florida | SEC Network |
| 1 p.m. | The Process: The Story of the 2015 National Champions | SEC Network |
Wednesday, December 7
| Time | Sport | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 6 p.m. | Football: SEC Inside "SEC Championship" | SEC Network |
Thursday, December 8
| Time | Sport | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1:30 p.m. | Football: SEC Inside "SEC Championship" | SEC Network |
| 6 p.m. | REPLAY: 2016 SEC Football Championship vs. Florida | SEC Network |
| 11 p.m. | Football: SEC Inside "SEC Championship" | SEC Network |
Friday, December 9
| Time | Sport | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 12 a.m. | REPLAY: 2016 Football vs. Southern California | SEC Network |
| 11 a.m. | REPLAY: 2016 Football at Ole Miss | SEC Network |
