Alabama Rowing Christens Boats in Honor of Robert E. Witt, Bill Battle
11/16/2017 4:02:00 PM | Rowing
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama rowing recognized two University of Alabama luminaries by christening boats in their honor Thursday at the UA Boathouse at Manderson Landing. The program officially dedicated the Robert E. Witt in honor of former UA President and Chancellor Dr. Robert E. Witt and the Battle Ship in honor of former UA Director of Athletics Bill Battle.
"It was a perfect day to christen two boats and honor two gentlemen who have had a major impact on the University, the athletic department and the rowing program," head coach Larry Davis said.
Witt served as President at the University of Alabama starting in 2003 and transitioned to Chancellor in 2012 before retiring in the fall of 2016. Witt guided the University of Alabama to record levels of enrollment, academic stature, infrastructure enhancement and national visibility. Modeled on the success of the Tuscaloosa campus, Witt assisted UAB and UAH in implementing similar strategies that also resulted in record enrollment numbers for both campuses. Upon retirement, a statue of Dr. Witt was unveiled amidst the new Student Activity Center and Residential Campus, both of which share his name.
Bill Battle's four-year tenure as the Director of Athletics at the University of Alabama from 2013-16 saw unprecedented success, both athletically and academically. The Crimson Tide earned three national team championships and 15 individual NCAA titles along with 10 SEC team championships. Alabama also boasted 43 Academic All-Americans, leading the nation in that category in both 2014 and 2015.
Both the Robert E. Witt and the Battle Ship have already seen action on the water this fall, representing the team's top two Varsity crews at both the Head of the Hooch on Nov. 4-5 in Chattanooga, Tenn., and last weekend's home regatta vs. UCF. The Robert E. Witt also traveled to Boston for the Head of the Charles, earning a top-10 finish at the prestigious regatta, and won gold in the Collegiate 8+ at the season-opening Chattanooga Head Race.
Rowing concluded its fall slate last weekend at home vs. UCF and will resume its 2017-18 schedule against Eastern Michigan in Tuscaloosa on Feb. 24.
For the latest information on the team, follow AlabamaRow on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. General athletic news can also be found at UA_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram and AlabamaAthletics on Facebook.
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