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Obama congratulates Tide on national championship
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20100309/NEWS/100309547/1007?p=3&tc=pg&tc=ar
Dusty Compton | Tuscaloosa News Buy photo University of Alabama coach Nick Saban, left, watches as President Barack Obama congratulates the Tide on its 13th national championship during the team's visit to the White House on Monday.
By Chase Goodbread Sports Writer Published: Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, March 8, 2010 at 11:05 p.m.
( page 3 of 5 )
WASHINGTON | President Barack Obama hosted the University of Alabama football team Monday at the White House in a congratulatory ceremony for the Crimson Tide's 13th national championship, highlighting a whirlwind, one-day team tour of the nation's capital.
More Photos:Obama congratulates Alabama football team
UA coach Nick Saban did not address the White House gathering, although team captains Mike Johnson and Javier Arenas presented Obama with a Crimson Tide football home jersey with a No. 1 and the president's name printed on the back. They also presented him with a commemorative football and a UA helmet with the No. 13, representing UA's 13 national titles.
“I think it's safe to say the Tide is back,” Obama said as he began his remarks.
More than 120 players and 160 people made the trip, including walk-on players, support staff and university officials. UA President Dr. Robert Witt; Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox; Saban's wife, Terry Saban; and Alabama Sens. Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions were among those whom Obama referenced. He also singled out Butkus Award-winning linebacker Rolando McClain, who was not in attendance, and Heisman Trophy-winning running back Mark Ingram.
Obama also noted Saban's track record as one of the nation's top college coaches.
“There is no question this team is here in large part because of what coach Saban has done,” Obama said. “There aren't many coaches in college who have the knowledge, the motivational skills, the program discipline to win two national championships in six years, let alone at two different schools. I think it's a testimony to his incredible skills as a coach.”
Obama relayed a story about one of Saban's motivational tactics after the Crimson Tide's 2008 season — and a potential national championship — were dashed by a loss to Florida in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game.
“One of the trademarks of this team is being able to focus on what's important,” Obama said. “I know shortly after the 2008 season ended, coach hung a picture of the Florida Gators winning the national championship in the locker room. Not too subtle in what he was saying.
“He asked his players if they want to be good enough to beat their teammates in a drill, or if they want to work hard enough to be the best team in the country. It's pretty clear what choice they made. That's the kind of tone this team sets, on and off the field. It's why — and this is something I'm very proud of — they have the second-highest graduation rate of any team ranked in the top 25.”
Saban and several of the team's top players began their day with a service project, during which they spoke with a D.C.-area youth football team about the importance of staying in school and making good choices. That meeting took place in a room that once served as the presidential Family Dining Room, which is adjacent to the East Room, where Obama delivered his address. Nearby, a small band played the UA fight song, “Yea, Alabama,” as the players toured.
After Saban spoke to the children, team captains Johnson and Arenas spoke, and then the media was asked to leave. Cory Reamer, Julio Jones, quarterback Greg McElroy and Ingram also spent time with the children.
“My dad was the coach of my youth team when I was growing up in West Virginia,” Saban told the children. “And a lot of the lessons I learned when I was playing at that age helped me be successful in life, things like hard work and discipline and making good choices and decisions about what you do and what you don't do.
“And what the consequences of those decisions are, good and bad. And through athletics is what made me realize the importance of education, going to school, and having the opportunity to go to school because of athletics. Getting an education has a significant impact on the quality of your life. I know you have good coaches — they'll be good mentors for you. You'll learn a lot of great lessons. What every coach wants for his players is that you play as well as you're capable of playing. Take advantage of your gifts.”
After a tour of the White House's East Wing, which consists mostly of ceremonial rooms, the UA contingent toured the U.S. Capitol Building, various landmarks at the National Mall and the Pentagon before returning to Tuscaloosa on Monday night.
“It's been cool. It's been interesting, unique and one of a kind all at the same time,” McElroy said while the team toured the Capitol. “We've been very privileged to spend some time with the president.”
Two players who did not make the trip were McClain and nose guard Terrence Cody. According to a UA official, both were continuing preparations for Wednesday's Pro Day workout that will be held in Tuscaloosa before NFL scouts.
Obama congratulates Tide on national championship
Dusty Compton | Tuscaloosa News Buy photo University of Alabama coach Nick Saban, left, watches as President Barack Obama congratulates the Tide on its 13th national championship during the team's visit to the White House on Monday.
By Chase Goodbread Sports Writer Published: Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, March 8, 2010 at 11:05 p.m.
( page 4 of 5 )
WASHINGTON | President Barack Obama hosted the University of Alabama football team Monday at the White House in a congratulatory ceremony for the Crimson Tide's 13th national championship, highlighting a whirlwind, one-day team tour of the nation's capital.
More Photos:Obama congratulates Alabama football team
UA coach Nick Saban did not address the White House gathering, although team captains Mike Johnson and Javier Arenas presented Obama with a Crimson Tide football home jersey with a No. 1 and the president's name printed on the back. They also presented him with a commemorative football and a UA helmet with the No. 13, representing UA's 13 national titles.
“I think it's safe to say the Tide is back,” Obama said as he began his remarks.
More than 120 players and 160 people made the trip, including walk-on players, support staff and university officials. UA President Dr. Robert Witt; Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox; Saban's wife, Terry Saban; and Alabama Sens. Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions were among those whom Obama referenced. He also singled out Butkus Award-winning linebacker Rolando McClain, who was not in attendance, and Heisman Trophy-winning running back Mark Ingram.
Obama also noted Saban's track record as one of the nation's top college coaches.
“There is no question this team is here in large part because of what coach Saban has done,” Obama said. “There aren't many coaches in college who have the knowledge, the motivational skills, the program discipline to win two national championships in six years, let alone at two different schools. I think it's a testimony to his incredible skills as a coach.”
Obama relayed a story about one of Saban's motivational tactics after the Crimson Tide's 2008 season — and a potential national championship — were dashed by a loss to Florida in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game.
“One of the trademarks of this team is being able to focus on what's important,” Obama said. “I know shortly after the 2008 season ended, coach hung a picture of the Florida Gators winning the national championship in the locker room. Not too subtle in what he was saying.
“He asked his players if they want to be good enough to beat their teammates in a drill, or if they want to work hard enough to be the best team in the country. It's pretty clear what choice they made. That's the kind of tone this team sets, on and off the field. It's why — and this is something I'm very proud of — they have the second-highest graduation rate of any team ranked in the top 25.”
Saban and several of the team's top players began their day with a service project, during which they spoke with a D.C.-area youth football team about the importance of staying in school and making good choices. That meeting took place in a room that once served as the presidential Family Dining Room, which is adjacent to the East Room, where Obama delivered his address. Nearby, a small band played the UA fight song, “Yea, Alabama,” as the players toured.
After Saban spoke to the children, team captains Johnson and Arenas spoke, and then the media was asked to leave. Cory Reamer, Julio Jones, quarterback Greg McElroy and Ingram also spent time with the children.
“My dad was the coach of my youth team when I was growing up in West Virginia,” Saban told the children. “And a lot of the lessons I learned when I was playing at that age helped me be successful in life, things like hard work and discipline and making good choices and decisions about what you do and what you don't do.
“And what the consequences of those decisions are, good and bad. And through athletics is what made me realize the importance of education, going to school, and having the opportunity to go to school because of athletics. Getting an education has a significant impact on the quality of your life. I know you have good coaches — they'll be good mentors for you. You'll learn a lot of great lessons. What every coach wants for his players is that you play as well as you're capable of playing. Take advantage of your gifts.”
After a tour of the White House's East Wing, which consists mostly of ceremonial rooms, the UA contingent toured the U.S. Capitol Building, various landmarks at the National Mall and the Pentagon before returning to Tuscaloosa on Monday night.
“It's been cool. It's been interesting, unique and one of a kind all at the same time,” McElroy said while the team toured the Capitol. “We've been very privileged to spend some time with the president.”
Two players who did not make the trip were McClain and nose guard Terrence Cody. According to a UA official, both were continuing preparations for Wednesday's Pro Day workout that will be held in Tuscaloosa before NFL scouts.
They had informed the coaching staff ahead of time that they would not attend the event. McClain is expected to be a first-round draft choice in the April NFL draft, while Cody is considered a first-round possibility. Although many players who made the trip will also work out on Pro Day, McClain and Cody have more at stake in their Pro Day results: McClain because he did not work out at the NFL Combine, and Cody because scouts have questions about his 354-pound weight.
While the Crimson Tide's day centered on a visit with the president at the White House, Obama's day most definitely did not center on a football team. The president's day began in Philadelphia, where he spoke on the hot-button topic of health-care reform. He then flew to the White House to meet with the Crimson Tide briefly, then met with Mauricio Funes, president of the republic of El Salvador. Finally, he and first lady Michelle Obama, in honor of International Women's Day, spoke to distinguished women from around the world at a White House reception. By that time, the Crimson Tide was on its way home.
Reach Chase Goodbread at chase.goodbread@tuscaloosanews.com, or at 205-722-0196.
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20100309/NEWS/100309547/1007?p=3&tc=pg&tc=ar
Dusty Compton | Tuscaloosa News Buy photo University of Alabama coach Nick Saban, left, watches as President Barack Obama congratulates the Tide on its 13th national championship during the team's visit to the White House on Monday.
By Chase Goodbread Sports Writer Published: Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, March 8, 2010 at 11:05 p.m.
( page 3 of 5 )
WASHINGTON | President Barack Obama hosted the University of Alabama football team Monday at the White House in a congratulatory ceremony for the Crimson Tide's 13th national championship, highlighting a whirlwind, one-day team tour of the nation's capital.
More Photos:Obama congratulates Alabama football team
UA coach Nick Saban did not address the White House gathering, although team captains Mike Johnson and Javier Arenas presented Obama with a Crimson Tide football home jersey with a No. 1 and the president's name printed on the back. They also presented him with a commemorative football and a UA helmet with the No. 13, representing UA's 13 national titles.
“I think it's safe to say the Tide is back,” Obama said as he began his remarks.
More than 120 players and 160 people made the trip, including walk-on players, support staff and university officials. UA President Dr. Robert Witt; Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox; Saban's wife, Terry Saban; and Alabama Sens. Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions were among those whom Obama referenced. He also singled out Butkus Award-winning linebacker Rolando McClain, who was not in attendance, and Heisman Trophy-winning running back Mark Ingram.
Obama also noted Saban's track record as one of the nation's top college coaches.
“There is no question this team is here in large part because of what coach Saban has done,” Obama said. “There aren't many coaches in college who have the knowledge, the motivational skills, the program discipline to win two national championships in six years, let alone at two different schools. I think it's a testimony to his incredible skills as a coach.”
Obama relayed a story about one of Saban's motivational tactics after the Crimson Tide's 2008 season — and a potential national championship — were dashed by a loss to Florida in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game.
“One of the trademarks of this team is being able to focus on what's important,” Obama said. “I know shortly after the 2008 season ended, coach hung a picture of the Florida Gators winning the national championship in the locker room. Not too subtle in what he was saying.
“He asked his players if they want to be good enough to beat their teammates in a drill, or if they want to work hard enough to be the best team in the country. It's pretty clear what choice they made. That's the kind of tone this team sets, on and off the field. It's why — and this is something I'm very proud of — they have the second-highest graduation rate of any team ranked in the top 25.”
Saban and several of the team's top players began their day with a service project, during which they spoke with a D.C.-area youth football team about the importance of staying in school and making good choices. That meeting took place in a room that once served as the presidential Family Dining Room, which is adjacent to the East Room, where Obama delivered his address. Nearby, a small band played the UA fight song, “Yea, Alabama,” as the players toured.
After Saban spoke to the children, team captains Johnson and Arenas spoke, and then the media was asked to leave. Cory Reamer, Julio Jones, quarterback Greg McElroy and Ingram also spent time with the children.
“My dad was the coach of my youth team when I was growing up in West Virginia,” Saban told the children. “And a lot of the lessons I learned when I was playing at that age helped me be successful in life, things like hard work and discipline and making good choices and decisions about what you do and what you don't do.
“And what the consequences of those decisions are, good and bad. And through athletics is what made me realize the importance of education, going to school, and having the opportunity to go to school because of athletics. Getting an education has a significant impact on the quality of your life. I know you have good coaches — they'll be good mentors for you. You'll learn a lot of great lessons. What every coach wants for his players is that you play as well as you're capable of playing. Take advantage of your gifts.”
After a tour of the White House's East Wing, which consists mostly of ceremonial rooms, the UA contingent toured the U.S. Capitol Building, various landmarks at the National Mall and the Pentagon before returning to Tuscaloosa on Monday night.
“It's been cool. It's been interesting, unique and one of a kind all at the same time,” McElroy said while the team toured the Capitol. “We've been very privileged to spend some time with the president.”
Two players who did not make the trip were McClain and nose guard Terrence Cody. According to a UA official, both were continuing preparations for Wednesday's Pro Day workout that will be held in Tuscaloosa before NFL scouts.
Obama congratulates Tide on national championship
Dusty Compton | Tuscaloosa News Buy photo University of Alabama coach Nick Saban, left, watches as President Barack Obama congratulates the Tide on its 13th national championship during the team's visit to the White House on Monday.
By Chase Goodbread Sports Writer Published: Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, March 8, 2010 at 11:05 p.m.
( page 4 of 5 )
WASHINGTON | President Barack Obama hosted the University of Alabama football team Monday at the White House in a congratulatory ceremony for the Crimson Tide's 13th national championship, highlighting a whirlwind, one-day team tour of the nation's capital.
More Photos:Obama congratulates Alabama football team
UA coach Nick Saban did not address the White House gathering, although team captains Mike Johnson and Javier Arenas presented Obama with a Crimson Tide football home jersey with a No. 1 and the president's name printed on the back. They also presented him with a commemorative football and a UA helmet with the No. 13, representing UA's 13 national titles.
“I think it's safe to say the Tide is back,” Obama said as he began his remarks.
More than 120 players and 160 people made the trip, including walk-on players, support staff and university officials. UA President Dr. Robert Witt; Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox; Saban's wife, Terry Saban; and Alabama Sens. Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions were among those whom Obama referenced. He also singled out Butkus Award-winning linebacker Rolando McClain, who was not in attendance, and Heisman Trophy-winning running back Mark Ingram.
Obama also noted Saban's track record as one of the nation's top college coaches.
“There is no question this team is here in large part because of what coach Saban has done,” Obama said. “There aren't many coaches in college who have the knowledge, the motivational skills, the program discipline to win two national championships in six years, let alone at two different schools. I think it's a testimony to his incredible skills as a coach.”
Obama relayed a story about one of Saban's motivational tactics after the Crimson Tide's 2008 season — and a potential national championship — were dashed by a loss to Florida in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game.
“One of the trademarks of this team is being able to focus on what's important,” Obama said. “I know shortly after the 2008 season ended, coach hung a picture of the Florida Gators winning the national championship in the locker room. Not too subtle in what he was saying.
“He asked his players if they want to be good enough to beat their teammates in a drill, or if they want to work hard enough to be the best team in the country. It's pretty clear what choice they made. That's the kind of tone this team sets, on and off the field. It's why — and this is something I'm very proud of — they have the second-highest graduation rate of any team ranked in the top 25.”
Saban and several of the team's top players began their day with a service project, during which they spoke with a D.C.-area youth football team about the importance of staying in school and making good choices. That meeting took place in a room that once served as the presidential Family Dining Room, which is adjacent to the East Room, where Obama delivered his address. Nearby, a small band played the UA fight song, “Yea, Alabama,” as the players toured.
After Saban spoke to the children, team captains Johnson and Arenas spoke, and then the media was asked to leave. Cory Reamer, Julio Jones, quarterback Greg McElroy and Ingram also spent time with the children.
“My dad was the coach of my youth team when I was growing up in West Virginia,” Saban told the children. “And a lot of the lessons I learned when I was playing at that age helped me be successful in life, things like hard work and discipline and making good choices and decisions about what you do and what you don't do.
“And what the consequences of those decisions are, good and bad. And through athletics is what made me realize the importance of education, going to school, and having the opportunity to go to school because of athletics. Getting an education has a significant impact on the quality of your life. I know you have good coaches — they'll be good mentors for you. You'll learn a lot of great lessons. What every coach wants for his players is that you play as well as you're capable of playing. Take advantage of your gifts.”
After a tour of the White House's East Wing, which consists mostly of ceremonial rooms, the UA contingent toured the U.S. Capitol Building, various landmarks at the National Mall and the Pentagon before returning to Tuscaloosa on Monday night.
“It's been cool. It's been interesting, unique and one of a kind all at the same time,” McElroy said while the team toured the Capitol. “We've been very privileged to spend some time with the president.”
Two players who did not make the trip were McClain and nose guard Terrence Cody. According to a UA official, both were continuing preparations for Wednesday's Pro Day workout that will be held in Tuscaloosa before NFL scouts.
They had informed the coaching staff ahead of time that they would not attend the event. McClain is expected to be a first-round draft choice in the April NFL draft, while Cody is considered a first-round possibility. Although many players who made the trip will also work out on Pro Day, McClain and Cody have more at stake in their Pro Day results: McClain because he did not work out at the NFL Combine, and Cody because scouts have questions about his 354-pound weight.
While the Crimson Tide's day centered on a visit with the president at the White House, Obama's day most definitely did not center on a football team. The president's day began in Philadelphia, where he spoke on the hot-button topic of health-care reform. He then flew to the White House to meet with the Crimson Tide briefly, then met with Mauricio Funes, president of the republic of El Salvador. Finally, he and first lady Michelle Obama, in honor of International Women's Day, spoke to distinguished women from around the world at a White House reception. By that time, the Crimson Tide was on its way home.
Reach Chase Goodbread at chase.goodbread@tuscaloosanews.com, or at 205-722-0196.