Crimson Column presented by Mercedes-Benz
2/22/2018 2:46:00 PM | General
The DRIVE for Success Networking Night
Our DRIVE for Success initiative hosted its annual Networking Night recently at Bryant-Denny Stadium, where more than 60 junior student-athletes came together with 20 members of the A-Club along with members of our Student-Athlete Enhancement staff to learn about the practical applications of networking. The evening included a keynote speaker to kick off the night as well as several round-robin sessions with the student-athletes moving around to different tables where the A-Club professionals shared their experiences and knowledge gained through their postgraduate experience. Some of the topics touched on included first impressions, creating an impression in a networking environment and business etiquette in the social media realm. It was great to see our former student-athletes come back to make a difference for the next generation of the Crimson Tide, sharing their tips and advice for success after the Capstone.
Alabama Aquatic Center Set for Renovations and Renewal
The University of Alabama Board of Trustees recently approved a $21 million transformation of the Alabama Aquatic Center, home to our men's and women's swimming and diving teams. Long considered one of the nation's fastest pools, this expansion and complete renovation will bring the entire facility up to a championship standard. The changes and additions will give our swimming and diving programs everything they need to be successful at the highest levels as they continue to reestablish the Crimson Tide in the national spotlight.
Home Events Aplenty This Week in Tuscaloosa
Five of our teams will be in action this weekend in Tuscaloosa, so we hope you'll join us on campus to cheer on the Tide! Women's Basketball tips things off tonight against Georgia in its final home game of the season. On Friday, baseball hosts a doubleheader with Washington State and will close out the three-game series on Saturday. Softball welcomes in Florida State, Georgia State and Northern Iowa for the Easton Bama Bash, which will run Friday through Sunday. Rowing hosts Eastern Michigan in its first races of the spring season Saturday morning, while men's basketball returns to the court on Saturday evening against Arkansas.
Track and Field Gears up for SEC Indoor Championships
The track and field teams will send 41 student-athletes (21 men, 20 women) to the 2018 Southeastern Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships, which are being hosted at Texas A&M's Gilliam Indoor Track & Field Stadium. The battle for the SEC crown will get underway on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT, while Sunday's finals begin at 2:30 p.m.
Lee Hodges Claims Medalist Honors at Puerto Rico Classic
Congratulations to men's golf senior Lee Hodges on earning medalist honors at the Puerto Rico Classic on Tuesday where he finished the three-day event with a 7-under par 206. He is the sixth Crimson Tide golfer to bring back medalist honors from the Puerto Rico Classic, following Robby Shelton in 2016.
James "Hollywood" Robinson Selected as Alabama's SEC Basketball Legend
James "Hollywood" Robinson is one of 14 former men's basketball greats to be named to the 2018 Allstate Southeastern Conference Basketball Legends list. He, along with the rest of the class from across the league, will be recognized at the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament in St. Louis in two weeks. We look forward to honoring James at halftime of our first game!
Beth Mallory Lesch Honored as SEC Women's Legend
Former Alabama track and field standout Beth Mallory Lesch has been selected as the Crimson Tide's 2018 SEC Women's Legend. Like on the men's side, the league will honor all of its women's legends at the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament at halftime of the institution's first game in Nashville. Congratulations, Beth, on this well-deserved honor!
More for Swimming and Diving in the Pool and Classroom
In addition to the great news concerning the renovation of the Alabama Aquatic Center, the swimming and diving team had several outstanding performances at last week's SEC Championships, highlighted by senior Christopher Reid winning his second-consecutive SEC 200 backstroke title and Laurent Bams, Robert Howard, Zane Waddell and Braxton Young winning the 200 freestyle relay. We also learned that senior Luke Kaliszak was voted the SEC Male Swimming and Diving Scholar-Athlete of the year by a vote of the league's coaches. It marked the third year in a row that a member of the men's team has won this particular honor after 2017 graduate Connor Oslin earned back-to-back awards in 2016 and 2017. Luke is an NCAA Champion, 10-time All-American and Academic All-American, who carries a 3.9 career grade point average while pursuing pre-med studies. Overall, Luke earned our 32nd such honor over all sports over the last seven years.
CTF Days
During the month of February, the Crimson Tide Foundation (CTF) celebrated the contributions of donors to Alabama Athletics during CTF Day events at men's basketball (Feb. 10) and gymnastics (Feb. 16). Tonight, women's basketball will celebrate the contributions of donors during CTF Day as well. Featured supporters have participated in various activities including watching warm- ups, cheering the teams from the tunnel, special seating and photo opportunities. The CTF and the generosity of our supporters were featured throughout the games with videos and graphics. Our marketing department and Crimson Tide Foundation have scheduled CTF Days at baseball (March 31) and softball (May 6) as well. This is an opportunity for us to recognize the tremendous impact made by those who give to Alabama Athletics through the Crimson Tide Foundation and communicate with fans on game day about the importance of supporting our program and outstanding student-athletes. For information about the CTF or to make a contribution, please visit crimsontidefoundation.org.
University Spotlight
The University of Alabama Dance Marathon raised $341,000 over the past year for the Children's Miracle Network Hospital, which was announced at the organization's Main Event on Feb. 17. UADM had an outstanding turnout from the students as well as more than 1,000 participated in the 13.1-hour dance marathon.
#RollTideFriday
In this week's #RollTideFriday photos, we have Griffin Smith showing everyone who No. 1 is, and Naomi Williams decked out in Alabama.
Griffin Smith
Naomi Williams
Remember to use the hashtag #RollTideFriday in your social posts and tweet your photos to me at @Greg_Byrne. We will select two photos to feature in each blog and add even more to our #RollTideFriday Fan Hub.
Upcoming Schedule of Events
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