The Crimson Column presented by Mercedes-Benz

Thank You, Donors!

During last weekend's game against Texas A&M, President Bell and I had the opportunity to recognize some of the families who have contributed significant, leadership gifts to The Crimson Standard. This initiative will transform Alabama Athletics and position us for continued success in the future, but it will only be attained through the generous contributions of loyal supporters. We would like to extend our gratitude again to the following donors: Melinda and Ed Aldag, Kelley and C.T. Fitzpatrick, the Hickman family (Mark Hickman, Staci Hickman Parker, John Hickman and Denny Hickman), Kathy and Mike Mouron, Farid Rafiee, and Sallie and Warren Williamson. Your generosity, along with the support of many others, brings the fundraising total for The Crimson Standard to nearly $159 million. We are grateful for the tremendous response to this initiative so far and are excited about the future of Alabama Athletics. Please visit www.crimsontidefoundation.org or call 205-348-9727 for more information about The Crimson Standard and learn how you can become involved.

Celebration of Champions

We formally recognized our 2018 Southeastern Conference Men's Indoor Track and Field Champions last week in a celebration at the Sarah Patterson Champions Plaza. The team was then honored with its rings during halftime of Saturday's football game. Congratulations, again, to all of our student-athletes, coaches and staff!

Nursing Stations Added to Bryant-Denny Stadium

In case you missed it, our facilities crew did an outstanding job adding two new nursing stations at Bryant-Denny Stadium. They are located in NN-11 and SS-11. We're always looking for ways we can improve your game-day experience, and this is just another example of that.

Tide Tipoff Scheduled for October 15

Our men's and women's basketball teams will take part in the fourth annual SUPE Store Tide Tipoff on Monday, October 15. There will be plenty of entertainment and giveaways along with autographs and on-court activities throughout the night, so make your plans now to join us in Coleman! Doors/autographs begin at 6 p.m. with the event to follow at 7 p.m.

All Sport Speaker

We were fortunate to have motivational speaker and leadership consultant Timothy Alexander talk to our student-athletes recently with a message of drive, determination and hope. A high school football star who was paralyzed following a car accident in 2006, Timothy found his purpose through inspiring others. It was another great program from our Life Skills (@BamaLifeSkills) initiative and one our student-athletes could take a lot away from.

Alberta Head Start Unity Project

More than 20 of our student-athletes and athletics department staffers were on hand at Alberta Head Start last week, as Alabama Athletics donated 250 Crimson Tide lunch boxes. While our staff was setting up the lunch box giveaway, our student-athletes were in the classrooms, helping with snack time and other activities, including reading and singing along with the AHS students. Our Unity Project continues to pay huge dividends for all involved and is a great point of pride for this department, our coaches, staff and especially our student-athletes.

Recognizing our Academic Champions

This weekend we will recognize our 2017-18 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans at halftime of the Alabama-Louisiana game. A total of 11 Crimson Tide students earned the prestigious honor last year, the most in the nation. With last year's total, Alabama is the only school in the country to see its student-athletes earn double-digit Academic All-America accolades each of the last five years. Congratulations to swimming's Laurent Bams, Robert Howard, Luke Kaliszak and Temarie Tomley, gymnastics' Mackenzie Brannan, tennis' Andie Daniell, golf's Kristen Gillman, soccer's Emma Welch, volleyball's Leah Lawrence, softball's Bailey Hemphill and track and field/cross country's Josh Short for representing the Crimson Tide so well both athletically and academically.

Beat Auburn Beat Hunger

Next week the annual Beat Auburn Beat Hunger (BABH) food drive gets underway and continues into mid-November. There will be collection drives at several of our events, so keep an eye out for the donation canisters. A student-run event, Beat Auburn Beat Hunger is in its 25th year and has raised 6 million pounds of food for Alabamians in need since its inception.

University Spotlight

Congratulations to freshman, and Tuscaloosa native, Sara Lang, who was awarded the Congressional Award Bronze Medal, which is presented annually to young people who commit voluntary public service, personal development and exploration. Sara logged more than 200 hours of service over a five-year span, spending time at Verner Elementary School and abroad in Guatemala, teaching English to children and building a nursing home. Great job, Sara!

#RollTideFriday

We've got a little extra #RollTideFriday fun this week as we feature three photos from around the world. Our first two come from Randy and Tanya Wagner on their travels to Italy and India. Our third feature of the week is from Helen, a tour guide, in China.

Randy and Tanya Wagner in Italy

Randy and Tanya Wagner in India

Helen, a tour guide, in China

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

View the list of upcoming events, broadcast information, start times and stat links on our composite calendar. (Note: All times are listed in Central Time.)

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