Byrne Notice presented by Mercedes-Benz

State of the Program Update

Before beginning, we hope this message finds everyone well and in good health. It goes without saying that these last few weeks have certainly presented very challenging and unique situations for us all. In the sporting world, we went from business as usual, to playing games with limited spectators, to suspending sporting events and then ending entire seasons in a matter of days. While these decisions were absolutely the right ones made, our hearts continue to go out to our student-athletes, coaches and staff, as well as all of you.

I've said many times before how special it is that we all come together for the Crimson Tide, no matter our background or beliefs. Sports are such a unifying force, and we look forward to being back, cheering on our teams, as soon as possible. There is no manual on how to handle situations such as this one, and I commend our leadership from the SEC as well as our Campus and System for the constant communication and direction. We also appreciate all of our head coaches and staff, who have been working to make sure we are helping our student-athletes to the best of our abilities at this time.

We all share in the efforts to return to action with our fall sports. Please be safe and take care of yourselves, and as Coach Saban said in his video message the other day, "We are in this together, and as one team, we will get through these difficult times."

E.J. Junior Selected for Induction to College Football Hall of Fame

Congratulations to E.J. Junior for being selected for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. E.J. was a unanimous first team All-American in 1980 and helped Alabama to back-to-back national championships in 1978 and 1979. He will become the 19th member of the Crimson Tide to be inducted, joining Cornelius Bennett, Johnny Mack Brown, John Cain, Harry Gilmer, John Hannah, Dixie Howell, Pooley Hubert, Don Hutson, Lee Roy Jordan, Woodrow Lowe, Marty Lyons, Vaughn Mancha, Johnny Musso, Billy Neighbors, Ozzie Newsome, Fred Sington, Riley Smith and Derrick Thomas. Four coaches with stops in Tuscaloosa are also in the Hall including Paul "Bear" Bryant, Gene Stallings, Frank Thomas and Wallace Wade. We look forward to celebrating E.J. at the 63rd National Football Foundation Awards Dinner on December 8 in New York.

All-District Honors for Kira Lewis Jr.

Kira Lewis Jr. continued to earn recognition for another outstanding season on the court. The sophomore point guard was named All-District by both the USBWA and NABC earlier this week and was already voted First Team All-Southeastern Conference after leading us in scoring, assists, steals, minutes and field goals made during the 2019-20 season. Kira has played and started in every game over his two seasons, totaling 65 games in an Alabama uniform before even turning 19.

Jordan Lewis, Classroom Champion

In addition to another standout season on the court, Jordan Lewis led the way in the classroom as well, earning a place on the CoSIDA Academic All-District IV Team and becoming the first member of the Crimson Tide to be voted the SEC Women's Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year. We're extremely proud of all that Jordan has accomplished and look forward to seeing her finish off her career in style next season.

Gymnastics Honors

This past week, two of our gymnasts earned postseason honors when freshman Makarri Doggette was named to the WGCA All-America Team and senior Shea Mahoney was voted the SEC Gymnastics Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Makarri, who earned the honor on the uneven bars, became the 75th Alabama gymnast to be named an All-American at least once in a career. Shea, who is finishing her master's degree in sports management, earned our league-best seventh SEC Gymnastics Scholar-Athlete of the Year honor.

SEC Scholar-Athletes of the Year

With Shea Mahoney and Jordan Lewis both earning SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year recognition for their respective sports over the past few weeks, Alabama's total for the current academic year jumped to six. That total already matches the most in single year for UA, which came in 2012-13. Shea and Jordan joined Zane Waddell (men's swimming and diving), Daija Lampkin (women's indoor track and field), Vincent Kiprop (men's cross country) and Nealy Martin (soccer), bumping our all-time total to 58 since the award's inception in 2003-04.

Major Exploration Fair

Our Student-Athlete Enhancement initiative continues to help guide member of the Crimson Tide toward successful futures. One of the most recent examples came earlier this month when more than 100 freshmen and sophomores took part in our DRIVE for Success program's Major Exploration Fair. These kinds of endeavors are vital to helping our student-athletes make informed decisions about where they want to go in their studies and in their lives beyond Alabama.

Thank You, Donors

Alabama Athletics and the Crimson Tide Foundation (CTF) are extremely grateful for the ongoing support of our loyal donors. In accordance with The University of Alabama's policies on COVID-19 and social distancing, the Crimson Tide Foundation staff will be working remotely during this time. We have procedures in place to continue to communicate with you via email and phone as well as process all contributions made online or mailed to the CTF office. If you have any questions, or if a CTF staff member can be of assistance to you, please email ctf@ia.ua.edu or call 205-348-9727 and leave a message as those accounts are being checked daily. Also, if you normally work with a development officer or another CTF staff member, you are welcome to contact them directly by cell phone or email.

University Spotlight

UA junior Michael Arundel made national news this week after creating Leave It To Us, a nonprofit organization that helps senior citizens practice social distancing by using volunteers to grocery shop for them free of charge. In a week, his organization expanded throughout Chicago and is also moving into other cities. Well-done, Michael!

#RollTideFriday

While these aren't entirely #RollTideFriday photos, I decided to share a few of the submissions I received last week for my #SocialDistancing and #StayingHome swag giveaway. I must say it was quite the response! Here, we have Kenneth Tubbs in the most Alabama shirt I've ever seen and Katherine Chanel decked out in Alabama from head to toe.

Kenneth Tubbs

Katherine Chanel

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. Let's keep these great photos coming!

University of Alabama Athletics