By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Senator Richard Shelby (R) from Alabama and Rep. Terri Sewell (D) from Selma both released statements expressing their pride following the Alabama Bowl Championship Series (BCS) winning Alabama Crimson Tide football team’s visit to the White House.
Rep. Sewell said in her written statement, “Today I was delighted to join the Alabama Crimson Tide football team as we celebrated our 2011 BCS National Championship at the White House. For the second time in three years, the crystal trophy calls the 7th Congressional District of Alabama home. We are so proud of Coach Nick Saban, his coaching staff, and all of the players for their hard work and dedication that made this victory possible.”
Sen. Shelby said, “It’s an honor to see the Crimson Tide recognized at the White House as the undisputed college football national champion for the second time in three years. This team’s dominance and class is a credit to the University of Alabama’s coaching staff and administration. Their impressive achievement casts a proud reflection upon the State of Alabama.” Senator Shelby is a Tuscaloosa resident and is a University of Alabama Alum who holds both an undergraduate and a law degree from the University.
President Barack H Obama congratulated the University of Alabama football team and Coach Nick Saban for their victory over the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers in the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) College Football National Championship Game at an official ceremony in the White House. Alabama defeated LSU 21-0 in the game in New Orleans, Louisiana. This is the second time that Nick Saban has won a national championship in his tenure at Alabama. Coach Saban has also won a BCS Championship when he was the coach of LSU.
Following the victory in January, both U.S. Senators Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) and Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) introduced a resolution commending the team for their achievement.
Sen. Shelby announced to the Senate at the time: “I congratulate the University of Alabama Crimson Tide for winning the 2012 BCS National Championship Game. The University, the Crimson Tide faithful, and the entire State of Alabama can be proud of this team not only for winning, but for representing us on the national stage with integrity and class. Alabama was led by a suffocating defense as evidenced by the shutout win. However, under Coach Saban’s leadership, the Tide played extremely well in all phases of the game, demonstrating that this was truly a team victory. I am proud to represent a state whose esteemed universities have brought home the national title for three years in a row and counting. I would also like to offer my congratulations to LSU on a great team and an outstanding season.”
Senator Sessions said, “I am proud to once again congratulate the University of Alabama for being crowned the number one team in college football. This year’s BCS National Championship game marks the second time in three years that the Crimson Tide has brought the crystal football to the Capstone. I commend Coach Nick Saban, Athletic Director Mal Moore, and President Robert D. Witt for their leadership, determination, and drive in guiding these stellar athletes to yet another championship season –the most of any team. Most importantly, I congratulate the truly outstanding collection of young men who won the trophy on the field of contest. No one can dispute the Tide’s amazing performance on defense that prevented the LSU Tigers from even crossing the 50-yard line until late in the fourth quarter. Nor will anyone soon forget the final score – 21 to 0—an unprecedented shutout in BCS National Championship history. Not only did these young men dominate the field, but that same tenacity translated off the field with Alabama leading all SEC schools with 38 football players on the fall SEC academic honor roll. Alabama’s national championship win reinforces the fact that the schools in our state have become the standard by which college football success is measured.”
To read Sen. Shelby’s Statement in its entirety:
To read Rep. Sewell’s statement in its entirety:
