THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019 SERVING THE UNIVERSITY VOLUME 126 | ISSUE 16 OF ALABAMA SINCE 1894 LOW DOWN 11 DIRTY 12 SNITCHES 13 A CW sports writer gives The sports editor of We’re no snitch: it’s been the lowdown on which of Tennessee’s student 12 years since Tennessee Alabama’s players fans should newspaper tells the dirty beat the Tide. See what’s watch closely on the third truth on the Vols’ season and happened in the world Saturday in October. matchup against Alabama. since the year 2006.
‘MAN, I HATE TENNESSEE’
CW / Joe Will Field
SPORTS | SOFTBALL McCleney gets her chance on the international stage and triples (16). She is a three-time City, an improbable dream was great. It was something I would BY JAMES BENEDETTO First-Team All-American and is the realized: McCleney was selected never forget.” ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR second player in program history to to the USA Olympic roster. With Through the fi ve-minute @JAMES_BENEDETTO receive First-Team honors as both one email, she became the fi rst whirlwind of excitement, one of an All-American and an Academic Alabama softball alum in 10 years McCleney’s fi rst Facetime calls was ew names are etched into All-American. to be selected to the Olympic team to her parents. But there was an FAlabama sporting lore as With the long list of records and – the fi rst since Kelly Kretschman issue. It was 8:35 a.m., her parents deeply as Haylie McCleney’s. honors, there is one aspect of her donned the USA jersey for the were both at church, and it was That lore is part of the reason that career that has been missing: a Beijing games in 2008. prime Sunday school hour. her picture presides over Rhoads chance to be an Olympian. “I made sure I was by myself. I “I texted my mom, and I was like, Stadium from the centerfi eld wall: “I didn’t think [being an Olympian] was down at the hotel breakfast, ‘Hey, I’m trying to Facetime you. She was just that good. was a possibility until after I found a quiet space, Facetimed my You probably need to answer.’ She McCleney’s career speaks for graduated college,” McCleney said. fi ance, opened the email at 8:30, saw said OK, and she stepped out of itself. She is the all-time program “... I never even dreamed it because my name at 8:31 and went to a team Sunday school, and I said, ‘Mom, ... leader in batting average (.447), on- I didn’t even think it was possible.” meeting at 8:35,” McCleney said. “It base percentage (.569), walks (199) On Oct. 6 at 8:30 a.m. in Oklahoma happened pretty quick, but it was SEE PAGE 8 THURSDAY 2 October 17, 2019 SCENE ON INSTA
@samschilling29: @lakynxsailer “There’s never a bad time for low fi ves #forthekids”
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culture editor Meghan Mitchell [email protected] assistant culture editor Leah Goggins FIND US: sports editor James Ogletree WHAT’S INSIDE [email protected] assistant sports editor James Benedetto ONLINE photo editor Joe Will Field NEWS Tuscaloosa’s Central High School is the cw.ua.edu assistant photo editor Hannah Saad fi rst school in the state of Alabama to off er a multimedia editor Addison Cossey yearlong course on African American history. lead page designer Madison Ely 3 social media editor Kyndall Stoker FACEBOOK ADVERTISING STAFF OPINIONS A staff columnist and the CW The Crimson White ad representatives Alyssa Sons opinions editor debate placing blame for Alexis Craft climate change and what people can do to fi x it. Nataleigh Dang 4,5 creative services Tricia Ownby TWITTER Becky Haber CULTURE After starting a shirt company in @TheCrimsonWhite Rayven Lane Hailey Cortina his dorm room as a freshman, an Alabama Thomas Radke 7 alumnus has seen his business fl ourish. Katy Coe INSTAGRAM Jayden Messner @thecrimsonwhite Jaime Cortina Bentley Sims EVENTS THIS WEEK The Crimson Whit is the community newspaper of The University of Alabama. The Crimson White is an editorially free newspaper produced by students.The University of Alabama cannot infl uence editorial decisions and Oct. 17 Oct. 17 Oct. 18 Oct. 18 Oct. 19 editorial opinions are those of the editorial board and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 8-11 p.m. 9-11 a.m. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 5 p.m. do not represent the offi cial opinions of the University. Advertising offi ces of The Crimson White are in room 1014, Student Media Building, 414 Campus Drive East. Free fl u shots Fright Mania Save A Life Blankets and Rising Tide The advertising mailing address is P.O. Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. Training Brownies Tailgate (S.A.L.T.) The Crimson White, USPS #138020, Copyright © 2019 by The Crimson White. The Crimson White is published twice weekly, Mondays and Thursdays, August through WHERE Ferguson WHERE Ferguson WHERE 1140 WHERE 3111 WHERE The Quad April when classes are in session by The University Student Center Student Center Northeast Medical Ferguson Center of Alabama, Student Media, 414 Campus Drive East, Building Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. Business and Editorial Offi ces: Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, Accounting and Circulation Offi ces: Student Media, Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, Call 205-348-7257 to subscribe. DETAILS The DETAILS University DETAILS S.A.L.T. DETAILS In honor DETAILS University Periodicals postage is paid at Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Crimson University of Programs will be training teaches life- of Breast Cancer Programs will White, Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. Alabama Nursing hosting Fright saving techniques Awareness Month, host a tailgate for School will be Mania with haunted in the event of an join the WGRC to the Alabama vs. All material contained herein, except advertising or where administering free houses, trick-or- emergency on make blankets for Tennessee football indicated otherwise, is Copyright © 2019 by The Crimson White and protected under the “Work Made for Hire” and fl u vaccinations for treating, free food campus or at home. people undergoing game with free “Periodical Publication” categories of the U.S. copyright students, faculty and more. cancer treatments. catered food laws. Material herein may not be reprinted without the and staff . and drinks. expressed, written permission of The Crimson White. EDITOR Rebecca Griesbach [email protected] NEWS October 17, 2019 3 ‘History of Us’ course transforms local classroom
It’s not every day that high school students can learn about the hidden history within their state, or even in their city. But a new class at Central High School is working to change that.
JAVON WILLIAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER @JAVON_CW
frican American history Ain high schools across the nation is often reduced to Black History Month. Every February, students learn about infl uential fi gures like Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., but most students are taught little about the history in their own communities. This year, Central High School teamed up with over a dozen community partners, including UA associate professor of history and African American studies, John Giggie, to answer this question. “History of Us” is a yearlong course created in hopes of getting students engaged in learning about African American history and UA professor John Giggie instructs Central High School students in a year-long course on African American history. CW / Joe Will Field understanding civic engagement. “I want [the students] to become characterized as hangings; they can the Klu Klux Klan. Some students, Hines said. historians in their own right,” also be shootings or other lethal like Devin, a junior at Central High, Chadwick and Hines said they Giggie said, noting that his goal was hate crimes motivated by broken noticed that while the Tuscaloosa are glad to see their students are to see them “asking questions and racial codes. community has progressed from its gaining the ambition to grow and imagining solutions to problems The course opens up local violent past, the information learned learn more about their hidden that are often not discussed” and historical documents for the in class still holds relevance. history. They hope to see students investing in “recovering lives that students to interpret. In a lesson “I feel like it’s something that grow to be leaders in their schools have been lost.” last week, Giggie showed students really should be pushed towards and communities. Not only is this course the only a rare fi nd: a death certifi cate other students everywhere,” “We want to have a tsunami yearlong African American history that showed a truth behind most he said. effect, not just a ripple effect, course in Alabama public schools, lynching cases, in which the names “History of Us” covers slavery, the but one shake in [Central High] but it’s also the only course in the of the deceased and the causes of Civil War, Reconstruction, Jim Crow and it spreads everywhere,” country that centers the curriculum death were not easy to interpret. and the Civil Rights Movement Chadwick said. on experiences of racial violence. Giggie said documents like these within the Tuscaloosa area. Not Although this is the fi rst time Throughout the course, students show an “overt attempt to erase only are the students able to engage this course has been taught, the learn about the hard truths of memory from public record.” in the classroom, but they also have instructors plan to expand the Tuscaloosa’s past, such as its “This person never had a proper the opportunity to tour the Civil program to the two other city high history of lynching. As taught burial,” Giggie said. “His life was Rights Trail in Tuscaloosa. Led by schools next year. in Giggie’s course, the students taken away and was never meant to the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights Task “We’re carrying the torch for civil learn that lynchings aren’t only be uncovered.” Force, the trail outlines important rights in Tuscaloosa,” Devin said. Because the course is sponsored hidden landmarks throughout the Follow the class and their work by the University, the students are city, such as sites where a lynching by searching @us_tuscaloosa on able to use UA resources to do their took place and where angry Twitter and Instagram. research through online databases. mobs gathered to protest African During class meetings, Giggie, American freedom. In an effort to protect the privacy of along with UA graduate student “This is a really cool way to expose minors, coordinators of the program and co-producer Margaret Lawson our kids to their culture and just to have requested that the last names of and Central High history teacher be able to see some commonality,” students not be published. Jessie Chadwick, demonstrate how Central’s IB Coordinator Jennifer the knowledge being presented to them can affect their everyday lives. “Embedding this course into their curriculum ... is wonderful because RETRACTION: then [the students] become leaders In an article printed in the Oct. 14 issue of the CW, a source within the school and share their mistakenly identifi ed a person whose identity we did not knowledge with the community,” Chadwick said. fact-check. This is an error on all parties involved, and we The instructors said they hope are sincerely sorry for not taking the extra precautions to every session allows the students identify the person in the article. In an eff ort to protect their to take a piece of knowledge with reputation, the person’s name has been removed from the them that they can share among story. The Crimson White sincerely regrets the factual error their friends and communities as that ran in print and will work diligently to do a better job leaders. The course requires the students to be engaged, interactive of confi rming facts with sources in the future. Thank you to and inquisitive about what they those who keep us accountable for when we make mistakes are learning. and to those who give us grace when we learn from them. One of the facts students learn in We love serving the Tuscaloosa and UA communities and this course is that Tuscaloosa was hope to continue to be a trusted news source for our readers. CW / Joe Will Field once the national headquarters of OPINIONS 4 October 17, 2019 TWITTER REACTIONS
Most Alabama students were between the ages of 4 and 8 years old the last time Tennessee beat the Tide. What do you remember from that time?
Andrew Littlejohn @AndrewLittlej19 CW / Nicholas Coker I remember the Leafs not COLUMN: CLIMATE CHANGE making the playoffs for Blame companies for climate change seven years... may be coming along right behind many kilotons we could be at now? BY HEATHER GANN it. However, National Geographic This situation seems helpless. STAFF COLUMNIST reports that the levels of greenhouse After all, what can we as Maddy O’Connor gases in our atmosphere have individuals do to combat these @MaddyOConnor5 ctober has begun, and with not been this concentrated in powerhouses of industry? The Oit came my expectation over 800,000 years. The weather answer is simple: companies will I remember going to Ireland of apple cider Sundays and the is setting all kinds of new records not produce what people will and Paris and then coming release of my sweaters from in the meteorology world. So what not buy, so the answer lies in their SpaceSaver bag prison. As do we do? Unfortunately, Hydro alternative forms of energy. The back and telling my class all of you can see, that is not the Flasks, recycling and carpooling battle against climate change is that it was boring. Don’t take case this year. Today, well into will only get us so far. dependent on finding new forms of young kids abroad folks. the beginning of our Autumn, energy since 28% of our emissions I am still sporting shorts and come from burning fossil fuels and T-shirts to class, and I see others energy use. wearing much of the same. The [I]f every individual This may not seem like a lot, temperatures remain so stifling but it is more than any other My Tweets that if parading around in took small steps, like single cause. The Environmental @5theyeblind swimsuits was socially acceptable, being more involved Protection Agency has to monitor campus would look more like these emissions, but since so many People still looked up to Gulf Shores. in the global energy environmental policy changes Chris Brown In an everlasting summer such discussion, we could have occurred over the last two as this one, it is unreal to me presidencies, the guidelines are that people still do not believe in save ourselves. constantly in review and remain global warming. It feels like the fairly lax. President Barack Hannah Saad sun is present on Butler Field Obama created a Clean Power at band practice every day. To Plan but it never got the chance @hannah_saad21 put it simply, this is happening A collection of about 100 large to go into full effect before Trump Dora the Explorer was a because of the greenhouse effect, companies contribute to around issued his own plan. when pollution and deforestation 71% of the world’s greenhouse I am not telling you to sell your cartoon and not a live action caused by humans emit gas emissions. The four highest of car tomorrow and convert your movie greenhouse gases like carbon these are ExxonMobil, Shell, BP and home to 100% solar energy, but dioxide, methane and nitrous Chevron. Some fault other countries if everyone took small steps, like oxide into our atmosphere. because these are international being more involved in the global These gases trap and absorb corporations, but the United energy discussion, we could save Jake Stevens heat, causing an unprecedented States is second only to China in ourselves. The key is in uniting rise in temperatures and leaving greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. against these huge companies for @jake_stevens15 them twice as high as they were produces 6.34 million kilotons of the common cause of a healthier, Taylor Swift’s performance in on average 50 years ago. There emissions annually. This statistic is longer-lasting planet. are those who like to talk about from 2012, when the Clean Air Act the Hannah Montana movie how Earth’s weather is cyclical, that was in full swing. With President Heather Gann is a sophomore this is simply another wheel in the Donald Trump’s policies, emissions majoring in news media. Her machine and that another Ice Age have been rising, so who knows how column runs biweekly.
EDITORIAL BOARD WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS Send submissions to [email protected]. Submissions The Crimson White reserves the right to edit all Savannah Bullard editor-in-chief Carly Farmer visuals editor must include the author’s name, year, major and guest columns and letters to the editor. The opinions Ben Stansell managing editor David Palmer chief copy editor OPINIONS daytime phone number. Phone numbers are for contained on this page do not represent the editorial Ryan Riha digital editor Brett Hodges opinions editor verification and will not be published. position of The Crimson White Media Group. OPINIONS October 17, 2019 5 Consumer freedom is the key to ending climate change conglomerate violating our planet even have to look outside of the U.S. Contrary to popular belief, solar BY BRETT HODGES in the worst possible way or our to see how harmful this government and wind energy are not even OPINIONS EDITOR imaginary puppy basher, I, along intervention can be. 100% emission-free. In times when with my fellow consumers, are more solar panels and wind turbines are f there was money to be made than capable of putting our money not producing enough energy, we Iby stomping puppies to death, where our mouths are. This freedom don’t simply go without electricity. there’s no doubt that somebody in will be the driving force in ending the We instead rely on backup energy our free-market society would fill that climate change crisis. As a consumer, Nobody is holding a supplies generated by natural gas. niche. Now, before you work yourself I can buy an electric car. Nobody is While California’s emissions will be into a frenzy, I’m not advocating for holding a gun to my head and telling gun to my head and lowered, their wealth inequality and this business in any way (though me that I need to use petroleum telling me that I need environmental smugness remain I have always been more of a cat products. Similarly, I could buy a at some of the highest levels in person). Something such as this barrel of oil every day and burn it in petroleum products. the nation. brings with it a litany of problems, my front yard because I find the smog The only emission-free energy with the most glaring being that it produces to be pretty. Most people is, of course, one that is stifled there is no demand for such a service. would find this abhorrent for one almost entirely by government If there was a demand, there would reason: There has been a rapid shift regulation and blatant consumer be someone out there with a pair of in consumer preferences towards In the state of California, all new misinformation: nuclear energy. steel-toed boots desperately trying sustainable and environmentally houses that are constructed after Here we can see quite clearly that to feed his family. I, for one, can’t friendly products. Yes, Becky might 2020 must have solar panels. Now government restriction of consumer demonize someone for attempting to be pretentious about her Hydro that’s a state government that choice, along with the overregulation support themselves and those they Flask, but her purchase is indicative has its act together – or at least it of corporations (which are nothing care about, and you shouldn’t either. I of something greater: consumers would be if this wouldn’t help to more than the pooling of capital can, however, at least say I would not banding together in a manner exacerbate the already sky-high resources, not the biblical evil they be paying for this service. that is both environmentally and housing prices the state suffers from. are portrayed as by many) is to blame My lack of investment in such economically friendly. After factoring in housing costs and for our current climate crisis. Once a business serves as my voice, The argument that the free market other basic necessities, a whopping our government, those bureaucrats a sort of vote in the democratic is not capable of ending climate change 19% of Californians are considered whose lives are dedicated to world of industry. The beauty of without government intervention is, impoverished by the U.S. Census controlling the lives and the futures the free market and capitalism as a at best, incredibly harmful. While Bureau. Solar panels aren’t cheap, of not just others, but also our planet, whole is that I am never forced into government intervention could, and allowing a wealthy, liberal upper allow consumers to decide how supporting a cause that I do not in the short run, help to offset the class to dictate what products we we will care for our planet, we will personally stand for. Be it a devilish greenhouse gas emissions of the are allowed to use “for the sake of finally be free of climate change. pharmaceutical company bent on worst offenders, it is unable to do the planet” is akin to China forcing prolonging the opioid crisis for so without irreparably harming the a one-child policy on its citizens “for Brett Hodges is a junior majoring in generations to come, a natural gas economy as a whole. One doesn’t the good of the People’s Republic.” finance. EDITOR Meghan Mitchell culture@cw,ua.edu 6 October 17, 2019 CULTURE WAWC clinic defenders provide support to patients Clinic defenders combat a spectrum of protesters in order to guide abortion patients into the West Alabama Women’s Center. Though the job is sometimes dangerous and mentally exhausting, defenders say helping women feel comfortable in the midst of what can be a distressing time is uplifting. two years. She said that although MEGHAN MITCHELL the protestors have a physical CULTURE EDITOR line, they’re not allowed to cross @POMEGRANATE_27 to come near the building since their presence can be upsetting to patients. he West Alabama Women’s “If I could tell a patient, ‘I know they’re yelling at you, but I promise TCenter (WAWC) clinic The clinic defenders help guide patients at the WAWC past anti-abortion rights defenders are a group of volunteers you they cannot cross that line. I activists, whose words can be hurtful. Courtesy of Helmi Henkin who, among other things, walk am here to make sure they do not patients of the center from their cross that line and you are going to “One of our escorts got hit by a appointment at. cars to the clinic. With anti-abortion be safe,’ it felt really good,” Mellon car while I was standing right next “We immediately bring them back rights protestors often present at said. “It felt like I was taking this to her,” Henkin said. “I could’ve into the hall and say, ‘We don’t see the clinic, this role is one that allows issue from one that I felt really totally been hit if I hadn’t moved you on our schedule. I don’t know if patients to more comfortably enter strongly about in an ideological out of the way. I kept a list in my you just walked in or if you have an the facility. sense and turning it into something pocket for months of people that the appointment possibly somewhere The WAWC is one of three real, into concrete action.” FBI had said threatened to bomb else, but we just want you to know clinics that provide abortions in Mellon didn’t always feel strongly our clinic.” what we do for free, which is the the state. As such, it sees patients about reproductive rights advocacy. But violence won’t stop Henkin free pregnancy test and the free who travel from all over Alabama to Going into high school, she said, from standing up for what she ultrasound, and so you’re welcome undergo safe abortions. Upon arrival, she was anti-abortion rights. When believes in. to stay with us. We are glad to have clinic defenders can comfort the Mellon moved out of her parents’ “Abortion is health care,” you here, but we wanted to make patients who might be overwhelmed house, that was when her mindset Henkin said. “And I’m not about to you aware of that,’” Horsley said. by protestors. began to change. shrink myself for my views to fi t a Horsley said the facility aims “When I moved out, I was able to cultural standard.” to assist parents and potential come out as bi,” Mellon said. “As Aside from logistical barriers parents-to-be with resources and soon as I became OK with that, and protestors, there is another parenting courses, but stays out of it became a matter of, ‘OK, if my obstacle Mellon said patients have the mother’s decision to her carry parents were wrong about this, to overcome when opting to abort her pregnancy to term. what else were they wrong about?’ their pregnancy. “We don’t refer anyone for If they [were] wrong about being “[The patients] would talk about abortion,” Horsley said. “I think If I could tell a patient, gay being a sin, then what else is how hard it was to fi nd an abortion that’s the lady’s choice. I don’t not a sin that I was told was a sin?” clinic when all they would fi nd think that’s our position. We think I know they’re yelling It’s not unusual that patients are these fake clinics who would that our job is to offer them the at you, but I promise open up to the clinic defenders. tell them, ‘We’re here to help you opportunity to parent and to bring More rarely, some speak with the make a choice’ and then would life into the world.” you they cannot cross protesters. An abortion patient, actually just trap them and give The facility provides free who was anti-abortion, made a them misinformation,” Mellon ultrasounds for pregnant women the line. I am here to particular impact on Mellon. Mellon said. “How they didn’t know which to see if their pregnancy is viable. make sure they do not said the woman explained to the clinics they could trust.” If they should choose to give protestors that her doctor told her Crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) birth, Horsley said they try to do cross the line and you she would die if she went through are facilities that do not provide anything that could “make their life with the pregnancy due to sickle abortion services, but provide better.” The facility has expanded are going to be safe, it cell anemia. parental resources and are often in the past years and is now able to felt really good. “They told her that she should be religiously affi liated. According provide courses for car seat safety, willing to lay down her life for her to reproaction.org, an abortion sleep safety, nutrition and CPR, as baby,” Mellon said. “And she was and reproductive rights advocacy well as career and resume building just so shook up about it. I get chills group, Choices Pregnancy Clinic, courses for parents. ANNABETH every time I tell that story because located in the same group of “We just do the ultrasounds and MELLON you can’t just tell someone, ‘You businesses as WAWC, is a CPC. we just discuss their options with should be willing to die.’” Director of Choices Pregnancy them,” Horsley said. “Some choose Helmi Henkin, former chair of Protestors are typically vocal Clinic, Sandi Horsley, said that to leave and go do an abortion. We the West Alabama Clinic Defenders on-site, but sometimes they cross because of the proximity, some tell them that we are here for them and a UA alumna, said patients the line into physical violence clients get confused about which should they make that choice. We experience a variety of barriers and threats. pregnancy center they have an are here, whatever they need.” even before they get to the clinic and experience protestors’ scrutiny. “It’s expensive to travel, to have to fi nd childcare, to have to fi nd reliable transportation,” Henkin said. “A lot of people have to fi nd lodging because it’s easier to stay in Tuscaloosa for those 3 days rather than drive back and forth. On top of all these logistical barriers, the burden of being harassed by these protestors, we serve a really important role at the clinic making people feel safe, making sure the environment is as peaceful as possible.” Annabeth Mellon, a senior majoring in gender and media studies and creative media and president of Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity UA (URGE), was a clinic defender for over Clinic escorts try to keep morale up with brightley colored vests and umbrellas and a sense of humor. Courtesy of Helmi Henkin CULTURE October 17, 2019 7 UA alum’s business makes fraternity wear fashionable
Southern Shirt Company Company was founded out of a desire arena in Northport, and I pulled stuff that’s available to students,” founder Bryan Webb reveals to fi nd some spending money and together a couple fraternities … We Pearce said. “We’ve talked about how he leveraged University an unsatisfactory experience with had Eric Church, before he was big, database products and Scout. resources in the creation of his an established apparel corporation and the Marshall Tucker Band [as our We’ve talked about the fact thriving business. while he was ordering shirts for a two acts].” that we loan equipment. We’ve fraternity party. The event proved to be a hit. As talked about the fact that we have “There was someone else that Webb tells it, busloads of people audio, video and print production KYLE ASHLEY was [making T-shirts],” Webb said. were taken from fraternity row to capabilities. We’ve talked about the STAFF REPORTER “I wasn’t happy with the way they Northport. The University would whisper booths.” @KBASHKID handled things, so I went, ‘Hey, I think eventually step in and aid in I can do this myself.’ For me, when orchestrating Greekfest. ust 10 minutes south of campus someone doesn’t do something the Eventually the Costa Greekfest was Jsits a small, brown offi ce building right way or treat me the right way, moved to the fall as a way to kickoff complete with dark-green accents, but has something I want, then I’ll the school year, before being nixed by bright green shrubbery and a roof fi gure out some way that I can just do the Interfraternity Council after the that looks more like a bluff than a it myself.” last show in 2015. For me, when slope. Passing by, it might register Webb immediately began to In addition to eventually developing as a doctor’s offi ce or a real estate design shirts, taking advantage relationships with Comfort Colors someone doesn’t do brokerage, but that’s not it at all. of University resources in his founder Barry Choulinard and Vice something the right Between Hargrove and Palisades new pursuits. President Kevin Camisa, Webb also is the headquarters of a young, but “I went to the D&R Lab at Alabama utilized offi ce hours on campus and way or treat me the fast-growing business: Southern Shirt and taught myself craft design,” Webb various labs and technologies in the Company. The maroon polos, pink said. “I still remember using an old- development of his business. right way, but had sweatshirts and aqua-green swim school mouse with the little scrolly The pool of resources that today’s something I want, trunks that fi ll the room are the bread wheels … I just started out making students can pull from has grown and butter of the young company, simple designs, found [a] local screen exponentially, as James Johnson, a then I’ll fi gure out whose earnings have skyrocketed printer and went, ‘Hey man, give second-year MBA student, noted. from $400,000 in 2010, to $5 million me some good prices, and I’ll grow “Mr. Webb would not have been some way that I can in 2013 and more than $10 million with you.’” here and been able to experience do it myself. last year. The catalyst for Southern Shirt some of the resources that are Bryan Webb, a UA alumnus who was Webb’s founding of Greekfest, available to every student now, some graduated in 2010, founded Southern an annual festival hosted on campus of those being the data analytics BRYAN Shirt Company during his freshman that sported musicians as big lab that opened in spring of 2018 year at the University. as hip-hop legends Bone Thugs- over in Bidgood,” Johnson said. “[As WEBB “If I wanted something, or if I n-Harmony in 2010 and Nelly in a result of a] big donation by Ms. wanted to do something, I didn’t want 2012. Sponsored by Costa Del Mar, Marillyn Hewson, we’ve been able A resource for some students to rely on anybody or ask my parents Webb founded Greekfest with to open up a whole new analytics could, one day, be Bryan Webb. for money or anything,” Webb said the intent of growing Southern specialization … If you’ve never Cognizant of the advantages and “I remember in kindergarten, during Shirt Company. been, I encourage you to check opportunities allotted to him from his naptime, I would bring in toy soldiers – “Eventually I was like, ‘I need an it out.” experiences at the University, Webb I knew which ones that people wanted event that I can sponsor and make all Michael Pearce, director of is now looking for students who are the most, and I’d trade them for the T-shirts for,’ so I reached out to strategic engagement for the interested in a potential internship quarters so I could get extra popcorn Costa Del Mar,” Webb said. “The fi rst UA library system, knows that opportunity, as well as talents who at lunch.” Greekfest was actually not on campus. the resources available to would be interested in modeling That desire and drive to fi nd new There were too many rules and students from all colleges are for future catalogues. Looking hustles would eventually lead Webb regulations to deal with, so we ended wide-ranging. back on his time in school fondly, to bigger things. Southern Shirt up renting an old horse-showing “We’ve got a lot of different Webb wants to provide similar opportunities to students with motivation and drive. “I want to reach back out to some of the professors and things that I worked with,” Webb said. “And on a side note, I think a lot of the things I did made school more interesting and made me want to learn more and do things.”
Employees working with Bryan Webb at Southern Shirt Company have helped take the brand from humble beginnings to major money-maker. CW / Joe Will Field EDITOR James Ogletree [email protected] 8 October 17, 2019 SPORTS HAYLIE MCCLENEY gets her chance on the international stage ... I think they will understand,’” the heck did he do that?’ because McCleney said. “She answered the everyone else in the park thought it call, and I told her, and then I asked was a single, but he had positioned if she could bring Dad out, too, so himself and knew where the ball my Dad also had to step out, too. was going to go before it was even I told both of them, and they were hit. And she is like that.” just super excited.” From her centerfi eld position, McCleney reiterated that her McCleney made a plethora of big parents have been along on this plays in an Alabama jersey that journey to the Olympic team for the swung the momentum of a game. entire way. One such play came against This dates back to her childhood LSU in 2014. Off the bat, the ball in Morris, Alabama. She and her looked like it would land for a hit two brothers would dive for fl y in shallow right fi eld; it was just balls on a cushioned mat with their far enough away from the right dad, a former baseball player for fi elder and seemed just out of reach McCleney becomes the fi rst softball alumna since Kelly Kretschman to be selected to Samford University who coached for McCleney, who would have to the USA Softball Olympic team. Courtesy of UA Athlethics them on the proper technique of the charge in from centerfi eld. diving catch. But oops, there was Haylie “I’d never done that drill before,” spot in center – this time from the “I really wouldn’t be in the McCleney. Just as the ball appeared Habetz said with a laugh. “Normally opposing dugout wearing “USA” position that I am without them, to be hitting the ground, the they are out in the outfi eld and I hit across her chest. so to share that moment with them centerfi elder Superman-dove and to them, but that was too easy for “I’m just super grateful we picked was probably one of the coolest caught the ball in her glove, robbing her. Every day I tried to be more 18 of the best people in the world to things I have ever been a part of,” a hit and most likely a run. creative to try to fi gure out how I be on our roster,” McCleney said. McCleney said. “And the fact that The catch was so impressive that am going to challenge her, because “I’m just so lucky. The more I think they were in church, that is exactly it landed as the No. 4 play on ESPN’s if not, it was going to get boring for about it, that’s how I feel, and I am where you would expect them to be SportsCenter Top 10. her.” ready to get this journey going. I am on a Sunday morning.” Assistant coach Alyson Habetz just so excited.” had her own story about McCleney’s play; this time it was during the future Olympian’s fi rst practice I really wouldn’t be in with Alabama. MCCLENEY’S I’m just super grateful “At the end of infi eld/outfi eld, the position that I am ALABAMA CAREER [Murphy] will always hit fl y balls we picked 18 of the to the outfi eld,” Habetz said. “It without them, so to was day one, and he hits a ball in share that moment PROGRAM RANKING best people in the foul territory in right fi eld, and world to be on our Haylie was in right fi eld, and she with them was probably lays out and gets about three feet of one of the coolest 1ST roster. I’m just so lucky. airtime and is parallel to the ground The more I think about and catches it. I’m like, ‘OK, don’t things I have ever been BATTING AVERAGE (.447), screw this kid up. If I just don’t get a part of. ON BASE it, that’s how I feel and in the way, this kid is going to be PERCENTAGE (.569), I am ready to get this incredible.’” Despite wanting to get out of the HAYLIE WALKS (199), journey going. I am just way and let McCleney develop on MCCLENEY TRIPLES (16) so excited. her own, Habetz could not get away that easily, as McCleney would work On March 31, McCleney will 2ND with her after practice to develop return to the place where her craft. her craft was perfected. STOLEN BASE HAYLIE McCleney became so good that In a scrimmage against PERCENTAGE (.944) MCCLENEY Habetz had to come up with new Alabama, she will take drills to challenge her. Habetz would the familiar jog out to her 3RD It’s only fi tting that the picture line up the outfi elders in front the that commemorates McCleney’s warning track in right fi eld while SLUGGING career at Alabama along the she hit line drives at them from PERCENTAGE (.690) centerfi eld wall depicts her diving the third-base foul line. McCleney to make a catch on a fl y ball. compared it to the distance between 4TH The instincts that were developed home plate and shortstop. in the backyard were some of the The drill tested McCleney’s HITS (313) things that head coach Patrick already gifted fi rst step by training Murphy noticed about her when he her to have the reaction time of a recruited her. shortstop. 5TH “[McCleney] reminded me a lot STOLEN BASES (118) of when Cal Ripken used to play shortstop,” Murphy said. “The announcer would say, ‘Oh, there is a 6TH hit in the 5-6 hole’ and oops, there’s FOUR-TIME Cal Ripken standing there throwing the ball across the fi eld for a 6-3 ALL-AMERICAN putout. They would be like, ‘How in SPORTS October 17, 2019 9 FRESHMAN PHENOM Crooks overcomes injury to start at goalkeeper CW / Hannah Saad
CW / Joe Will Field CW / Madelyn Verbrugge CW / Joe Will Field
A.J. Crooks was named SEC Freshman of the Week after recording six saves in the BY JOEY BLACKWELL team’s 1-1 tie with No. 17 Texas A&M last Thursday. STAFF REPORTER @BLACKWELLSPORTS and the last one out. She wants Crooks, but despite her early to play, and that’s evident in her setback, she has enjoyed every .J. Crooks knows a lot about work ethic.” moment of her time at The Apressure. Crooks’ doctor fi nally University of Alabama. “I like being the last defender, approved her to start practicing “I’ve been working hard and so which sounds really weird, but I time when she initially came with the team, but she wasn’t the has the rest of the team,” Crooks like the pressure,” Crooks said, to Alabama. starter to begin the season and said. “Just being a part of the team Alabama soccer’s freshman “I honestly had no idea what didn’t see much action. culture that we’re building has goalkeeper. “I really liked being was going to happen,” Crooks said. In the 10th game of the fall been so much fun. Seeing it all there for my team in the desperate “Obviously that was my goal – to season, Crooks fi nally got the come together and being a part of times they needed me, and I liked start. That’s something that I’ve opportunity to start against North it is something I wouldn’t trade for being able to make the big saves wanted ever since I was a little girl, Texas. She allowed only one goal anything. I’ve loved every single when they needed me most.” but at the same time I know that and had three saves, playing the minute of this season.” Crooks has had a love for soccer positions don’t come easy and you full 90 minutes in the 3-1 Crimson since she started playing at the age always have to work hard for the Tide victory. of 8. Over the last decade, Crooks position on the team.” In her fi ve starts so far, along with has amassed many accolades, Crooks’ rehab kept her sidelined one game serving as a substitute, including participating in camps for a decent amount of the spring, Crooks has recorded four wins and Obviously that was my for both the U.S. Women’s U-15 and seemingly putting her dreams of one tie with a save percentage of goal – to start. That’s U-17 National Teams. starting at goalkeeper on hold. 0.773. She is currently averaging When choosing which university less than one goal allowed per something that I’ve she would attend, Crooks decided game at 0.88. wanted ever since I on Alabama due to its facilities and Numbers like these are proof that coaching staff. Crooks’ hard work is paying off. was a little girl, but at “I love all of our facilities,” Crooks She was always the “She makes really good saves the same time I know said. “The coaching staff here – at important times in the game, they’re a newer coaching staff – I fi rst one in there and and that’s what we need from a that positions don’t know they have good intentions the last one out. She goalkeeper,” senior defender and with the team, and I know we’re team captain Nealy Martin said. come easy... headed in the right direction with wants to play, and “She’s better than I could have our program. I wanted to be a that’s evident in her imagined a freshman goalkeeper A.J. CROOKS part of something that was in the being, so I’m just really grateful making, and I know that by my work ethic. that she came.” senior year we have the potential With four games remaining in After overcoming her injury, to do amazing things.” the regular season, the Crimson Crooks is expected to start the rest The Spokane, Washington, RILEY Tide is on track to make the SEC of this season and could be the native graduated from Central MATTINGLY Tournament after missing it last Crimson Tide’s next permanent Valley High School early, and year. Alabama is currently tied starting goalkeeper. moved to Tuscaloosa to join the “She came in with the knee for fourth place with Texas A&M, “I knew she had it in her, but team in spring 2019. However, problem, and she worked her tail behind a three-way tie for fi rst when she makes big saves on just a few months before arriving, off getting it right,” sophomore place among South Carolina, the fi eld, it makes my heart so Crooks suffered a knee injury that forward Riley Mattingly said. “She Arkansas and Florida. happy,” Martin said. “You love the didn’t allow her to see any playing was always the fi rst one in there It’s been quite a journey for comeback story, you know?” SPORTS 10 October 17, 2019 ALL OF THE LIGHTS Late kickoff , LEDs bring energy to already bitter rivalry
to have that type of lighting around BY CAREY REEDER in the stadium,” McKinney said. “I STAFF REPORTER think it will create energy.” Alabama’s matchup against the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday will be the fi rst game to @REALCAREYREEDER Alabama’s athletic director debut the crimson LED lights this season. Photo courtesy of Alabama Athletics Greg Byrne and president Stuart has won 12 straight games against the same type of preparation and Bell expressed their displeasure Tennessee dating back to the 2007 respect they would any opponent he Alabama Crimson Tide with the lack of night games in a season, including the 58-21 rout heading into Saturday. Saban Thas played only one night joint statement released in early of the Volunteers last season in said the Volunteers “played their game inside Bryant-Denny Stadium September. The statement must Knoxville. The rivalry gained more best game” in their 20-10 win over in the last 712 days. The wait will have reached the SEC headquarters intrigue when Jeremy Pruitt, then Mississippi State last Saturday. come to an end with an added twist in Birmingham, as the Crimson Tide Alabama’s defensive coordinator, Between the lights, the rivalry on Saturday when the Tennessee was scheduled for back-to-back accepted Tennessee’s head coaching and the long winning streak, there Volunteers visit Tuscaloosa. night games against Tennessee at job in December 2017. is a lot on the line for both teams in Over the summer, 60 colored LED 8 p.m. and next Saturday against However, Alabama is not letting the 102nd installment of the Third lights were added atop Bryant- Arkansas at 6 p.m. the long streak of success or Pruitt’s Saturday in October. Once the game Denny Stadium, in addition to There is arguably no bigger fi rst trip back to Bryant-Denny starts, though, it’s just like any 174 white LEDs that replaced a game to debut the new LED lights. Stadium get in the way of the task other football game. 30-year-old set. The project, which Alabama coach Nick Saban was at hand this week. “I feel like that's all stuff that was completed in mid-August, was not shy this week in describing “It’s still another game, but we the fans look into,” Lewis said. “By designed to enhance the fan and the magnitude of this Saturday’s know the rivalry and what comes the time we're on the fi eld, I don't game experience. matchup with the Volunteers. He behind playing Coach Pruitt and really be thinking about the lights. listed how much this game means to being familiar with those guys,” I might look up and be like, 'Oh the people in Alabama, to the team redshirt junior linebacker Terrell wow, that's pretty cool,' but other and to himself. One of the most Lewis said. “We know the pedigree than that..." memorable moments of the rivalry of the game, but at the end of the Lewis ended with a simple shrug, We know the pedigree was defensive lineman Terrence day, it’s still Tennessee.” showing that he’s here for the Cody’s blocked fi eld goal to beat The Alabama coaching staff theatrics, but he’s more ready for of the game, but at the Tennessee in 2009, affectionately and players are giving Tennessee the game. end of the day, it’s still referred to by Bama fans as “Rocky Block,” which helped the No. 1 MEDIA JOBS IN THE DIGITAL AGE Tennessee. Crimson Tide stay undefeated and go on to win a national championship. Recent alumni from The University of Alabama and TERRELL LEWIS This week Saban used that as a The Crimson White tell you about working in the real world reminder that no win is certain. The new lights include an instant “That play was really signifi cant 11 a.m. Noon on and off switch, and they are in terms of that team and what fully dimmable. The lights are also that team was able to accomplish,” Journalism Jobs Jobs Beyond Journalism connected to a show control system, Saban said. “Sometimes in rivalry which will allow them to function in games, you have those kinds of How to land and navigate jobs in How to make your journalism skills different scenes and effects. tough tests. You have to be ready Junior safety Xavier McKinney for it. You have to complete for local and national media pay off in other fields said he’s only seen the lights on 60 minutes in the game, and we Instagram but looks forward to were very fortunate in that game to Victor Luckerson Stephanie Kirkland seeing them in person for the be able to come out on top.” Journalist working on a book about Oversees communications for The fi rst time. The matchup hasn’t been much of Tulsa’s historic Black Wall Street for University of Alabama’s College of Arts “I think it’ll be great for the fans a rivalry in recent years. Alabama Random House. Formerly at Time and Sciences. magazine and The Ringer. John Davis Melissa Brown Copy editor at the political news outlet Reporter at the Montgomery Advertiser The Hill in Washington D.C.
Abbey Crain Peyton Shepard Women and gender issues reporter for In marketing communications for Shipt Reckon at Al.com in Birmingham.
Laura Testino Marion Stallworth Education and children’s issues reporter Helps create new applications for at The Commercial Appeal in Memphis employees at Delta Air Lines. Friday, Oct 18 216 Reese Phifer Hall SPORTS October 17, 2019 11 PLAYERS TO WATCH ALABAMA VS. TENNESSEE be a repeat of Lewis’ performance BY JACK KENNEDY in College Station, especially TENNESSEE LB Darrell Taylor STAFF REPORTER Tagovailoa has yet to be under @JWKENNEDY24 if freshman quarterback Brian RB Ty Chandler constant pressure for four quarters Maurer ends up starting for With uncertainty at quarterback, the Volunteers. this season, but the offensive ALABAMA the Volunteers might rely on line will once again have a tough WR Jaylen Waddle S Xavier McKinney their rushing attack, specifically task with Taylor, the starting Maurer could be facing the first Chandler, more than they did in addle excelled in both outside linebacker for Tennessee. SEC road test of his young career previous games. Even though his In Tennessee’s first all-around Wpunt returns and receiving on Saturday night, and it is very sample size of rushes is small this against Texas A&M. Tennessee’s defensive performance of the possible that he will be under season, he has averaged 5.1 yards season against Mississippi State, punter averages almost 10 yards pressure and forced into a mistake. per carry. He earned those yards less than Texas A&M’s punter, Taylor was able to get into the McKinney, who already has one against the quality defenses of No.9 backfield easily, including sacking so Waddle might not get the four interception this season and Florida and No. 10 Georgia. With explosive returns that he was able the Bulldogs quarterback twice leads the team in tackles, could the Alabama defense giving up a and forcing a fumble. to get versus Texas A&M. But after be the one who takes advantage. large number of yards in the second catching his first touchdown of McKinneycKinney was a blanket on half, especially ini theth rushing DB Nigel Warrior the year, Waddle will look to be a Texasxas A&M’s receivers last week, game, Chandler couldcou give the large part of the passing game for Warrior, a starting safety for includingluding breaking up one pass. CrimsonCrim Tide Tennessee, is currently playing at the rest of the season. He appears defensedefen trouble. in line to play for much of the the peak of his four-year career. first half against Tennessee on After intercepting just one pass Saturday due to junior DeVonta through his first three years as a Smith’s suspension. Volunteer, he has now recorded two in the past four games, including LB Terrell Lewis one last week against Mississippi Lewis had a career day in College State. His ball-hawking abilities are Station by pressuring Kellen Mond not just limited to interceptions, as 11 times and totaling two sacks. he has recorded five pass breakups Tennessee’s missed assignments on the season, with all of them and poor communication against coming in the last five games. With Mississippi State last week led Tua Tagovailoa throwing his first to a sack and five tackles for a interception of the season against loss. If Alabama’s defensive plans Texas A&M, Warrior will be on allow Lewis or other linebackers the lookout to force him to make to disguise their blitzes, it could CW / Hannah Saad another mistake. SPORTS 12 October 17, 2019 BEHIND ENEMY LINES With The Daily Beacon’s Ryan Schumpert games here late in the year. I think BY JOEY BLACKWELL they’re a team that’s getting better, STAFF REPORTER but still, I don’t think they’re going to @BLACKWELLSPORTS accomplish some of the things they hoped to do before the season. he Crimson White caught up Twith Ryan Schumpert, the sports editor of Tennessee’s student Jeremy Pruitt has a lot of newspaper, The Daily Beacon, to talk Q: history here at Alabama. What is about the Crimson Tide’s matchup against the Volunteers this Saturday. your assessment of his work with the Volunteers this season? Some questions or answers have been edited due to space constraints or for clarity. A: I think - and I think Jeremy Pruitt would tell you this himself off the record - that they just didn’t put Q: What are your thoughts on enough preparation into Georgia Tennessee’s season thus far? State, and I think that was pretty inexcusable. I think they’re going to give him time, which they should. Photo courtesy of Ryan Schumpert A: I certainly think it was a He’s inherited a bad roster, and I disappointing start that not many don’t think there’s a ton of people that if they can salvage things a little so I expect a big game for Quavaris people saw coming with the early right now that are going to want to bit, which I think they have a good Crouch. Nigel Warrior has been losses to Georgia State and BYU, but take the Tennessee job right now chance to do it, my prediction right playing good football at safety – the I think last week’s win was really big anyway. You do see some young, now would be that they can get to best football of his career – but at for them because it kind of still gives talented players. They’re playing five wins, but if they can get to five or the same time, he’s just not gonna them a hope that they could maybe a lot of freshmen. They have two six wins and salvage a little bit of the be able to match up athletically be able to make a bowl game if they freshman offensive tackles, a recruiting class, I think he could still against Alabama’s receivers. A good can get hot and win some winnable freshman at quarterback, and I think be successful here. performance from him would go a long way, but it’s certainly going to be an uphill battle for Tennessee’s Q: Prior to his concussion against defense Saturday. Mississippi State, true freshman quarterback Brian Maurer has had two consecutive solid outings. What Q: What does Tennessee have to can the Crimson Tide expect from do to make it competitive? him this weekend? A: You know, I could say the kind A: I think the Tennessee coaches of traditional things like what I said want to keep it simple for him. He about the Georgia game a few weeks does a good job of getting the ball ago. Just try to shorten the game, be out on time. That’s something that able to run the ball, but at the end Jarrett Guarantano didn’t do very of the day, I think a huge difference well. What’s really surprised me is between Alabama and Georgia is that that he’s been more accurate than I Georgia’s offense is just gonna take thought he’d be and flashed some of what you give them, and Tennessee the arm strength we knew he had. plays “bend, not break.” I don’t think And then to a lesser degree, I think they can do that against Alabama. he’s a decently athletic guy, can run I just think Alabama – no matter a little bit. I’m not sure how much what Tennessee does defensively – is they’re going to include that in the going to score quick. game plan. Q: What is your score prediction Q: Who do you think the and why? key defensive players will be for Tennessee against Alabama, and why? A: I’m going with Alabama 52, Tennessee 17. I think it’s kind of a pick-your-number game for Saban, A: [They’ve had] one backup but I think he’s been at least nice linebacker kicked off the team, and in the past. It’s kind of what Pruitt two others have transferred, so was saying in his press conference they’re razor-thin there. [Henry] Monday. He’s been nice in the past To’o To’o got ejected for targeting in to some people, and he’s been kind the second half of last week’s game, of nice to some former assistants in so they’re having to move a freshman the past, but we certainly remember outside linebacker in to play snaps three games with [former Vols head at inside. I would expect them to coach] Derek Dooley at Knoxville see much crossing routes and quick where that score probably could have RPO slant stuff that Alabama runs, gotten more out of hand than it was. SPORTS October 17, 2019 13 See what has happened since SINCE 2006 Tennessee last beat the Tide Tua Tagovailoa found DeVonta Smith for a 41-yard pass for Coach Nick Saban won his Alabama’s 17th national fi rst national Alabama defeated The Supreme championship and championship LSU 21-0 for its Edward Snowden Court ruled that Saban’s sixth, tying Paul at Alabama, second national leaked information same-sex “Bear” Bryant for most The fi rst iPhone defeating the Texas championship about the National marriage is a national championships was released Longhorns 37-21 under Saban. Security Agency constitutional right of all time by a coach 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017
2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 Barack Obama LeBron James hosted Michael Phelps The ALS ice bucket The Chicago Cubs Meghan Markle, an was elected the “The Decision” became the challenge took over won the World American actress, fi rst African- television special most decorated social media. Series for the fi rst married Prince Harry, American and announced Olympian of time in 108 years. Duke of Sussex. Their president of the he was leaving the all time. wedding was broadcast United States. Cleveland Cavaliers worldwide, attracting for the Miami Heat. 1.9 billion viewers. SPORTS 14 October 17, 2019 PROGRESS Competition remains open at inside linebacker
freshmen, six of whom have played BY JAMES OGLETREE with the fi rst-team defense for the SPORTS EDITOR Crimson Tide this season. @JAMESLOGLETREE “I think when guys don’t have an understanding of [their jobs], you obviously have the opportunity for t the midway point of the mistakes,” Saban said. “But if you Aregular season, Alabama’s do understand it, then you’ve got to two inside linebacker positions are go out and execute it and know that still not completely settled. this is what I’m supposed to do on It’s not a surprise that the two this play and this is what’s going to starters, Shane Lee and Christian help the team defense.” Harris, are still developing, given For the fi rst time in fi ve years, that both are true freshmen fi lling Alabama has allowed at least in for injured veterans. 20 points and 380 yards to three Harris and Lee have been with the conference opponents in the regular fi rst team – Harris at Will linebacker season. Those three opponents – and Lee at Mike – since August, South Carolina, Ole Miss and Texas but there have been expected A&M – rank 72nd, 83rd and 47th in growing pains. points per game. In a Yahoo! Sports story published It doesn’t get easier from here, as last week, an anonymous coach said future opponents LSU and Auburn his team felt it could use different rank No. 1 and No. 40. formations to exploit Lee and The Crimson Tide has three After two season-ending injuries to its preseason starting linebackers, Alabama was Harris’ inexperience. weeks before it hosts LSU and six forced to start two true freshmen. CW / Hannah Saad Alabama coach Nick Saban before it travels to Auburn for the said South Carolina’s offensive Two days later, Saban said open space, and Saban isn’t the only Iron Bowl, which should be plenty formations on Sept. 21 were a that there was no plan for Will one who has complimented their of time to boost the confi dence of its struggle for them, leading coaches linebacker, leaving the door open ability to prepare. youngest players. to simplify the defensive game plan. for Harris to retain the starting job “It says a lot about those two “We’re pleased with the progress or for Kaho to assume it. young men that they have the they’ve made, and we want to Harris has remained the starter, maturity to be the signal-callers,” continue to try to help them but Saban has been asked about his Jeremy Pruitt, Tennessee head improve, because we’re certainly freshman inside linebackers nearly coach said. “They obviously were not satisfi ed with the way we’re They obviously were every week since. good playmakers when they came playing defense,” Saban said. “I On Sept. 18, he said inexperience out of high school, but there’s more think, as a unit, good playmakers “can be a little limiting at times” to it than just being a playmaker. we need to focus when they came out because the defense is only going You gotta have command and be on improving.” to run plays that the players are able to communicate, and they’ve of high school, but comfortable with. obviously done a really nice job there’s more to it than The next week, he said “both have doing that.” the right stuff” when it comes to Lee has made at least fi ve tackles just being a playmaker. attention to detail and preparing in every game, including tying for You gotta have themselves to play in games. the team lead with eight against On Oct. 2, Saban likened teaching Texas A&M, and has repeatedly command and be able young players the defense to an impressed with his sideline-to- Advanced Placement course, sideline athleticism. to communicate, saying, “It’s hard to make an A Harris has four tackles for loss and they’ve obviously in it.” and 15 total tackles in the last Then, last Saturday at Texas three games. done a really nice job A&M, redshirt sophomore Markail “On run plays, they’re coming doing that. Benton played part of the team’s in and hitting gaps real hard,” fi rst drive at Texas A&M, again in senior defensive lineman Harris’ place. Raekwon Davis said. “I mean, JEREMY “It was really to try and get those two young guys are still [Benton] an opportunity, as well as developing and they’re growing PRUITT maybe take some burden off the a lot. They’re doing a much, other guys in terms of what’s on much better job.” “For the things that are pretty their plate,” Saban said. “So if he Davis, however, said the team simple, I think it helps them out, continues to do well, it would be does need to do a better job of and it helps us as a defense,” junior helpful to our team that we have stopping the run. Saban has safety Xavier McKinney said. “I four guys on our defense who can lamented the players’ lack think it can be simple, but it’s not as play winning football.” of discipline to stay in their simple as you might think.” It’s fair to wonder why coaches assigned gap. The team inserted sophomore had the confi dence to start Lee and Of course, knowing, Ale Kaho at two different points Harris despite their unfamiliarity trusting and executing against South Carolina to get Harris with the playbook. Both have made the assignment is “settled down” on the sideline. impactful plays in the box and in more diffi cult for CW / Hannah Saad THURSDAY October 17, 2019 15
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³1RUHSUHVHQWDWLRQLVPDGHWKDWWKH TXDOLW\RIOHJDOVHUYLFHVWREHSHUIRUPHG LVJUHDWHUWKDQWKHTXDOLW\RIOHJDO VHUYLFHVSHUIRUPHGE\RWKHUODZ\HUV´ SPORTS 16 October 17, 2019 PICK ‘EM HOW DO YOUR CHOICES STACK UP TO OUR SPORTS STAFF’S?
JOEY BLACKWELL HALLE BONNER JAMESJAMES BENEDETTO OGLETREE JACK KENNEDY CAREY REEDER JAMES OGLETREE KYNDALL STOKER Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Asst. Sports Editor Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Sports Editor Guest Picker @BlackwellSports @hallebonnerCW @james_benedetto @jwkennedy24 @realCareyReeder @jameslogletree Social Media Editor Record: 30-6 Record: 29-7 Record: 28-8 Record: 28-8 Record: 28-8 Record: 25-11 @kyndall_stoker (IG)
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BAYLOR
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