TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — The University of Alabama has celebrated its third BCS National Championship in four years on the steps of Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday in front of thousands of crimson- and white-clad fans.
The day began with a parade down University Boulevard that concluded at the walk of champions outside the stadium. Players, coaches and support staff walked through the plaza, which honors every national championship and SEC championship team in the Crimson Tide’s illustrious history, up to a stage set up outside the stadium.
Head coach Nick Saban addressed the crowd on the sunny day, along with UA president Judy Bonner, Director of Athletics Mal Moore and BCS Executive Director Bill Hancock.
“(Saban) is the best coach, in my opinion, in the United States,” Moore said. “Thank God he’s on our side.”
A “2012” etching was unveiled at the base of Saban’s statue Saturday, which already had inscriptions from his previous BCS championships won in 2009 and 2011 at the school.
Saban also won the 2003 BCS championship while coaching the LSU Tigers and is the only coach to win 4 BCS championships in a career.
Permanent team captains Damion Square, Chance Warmack and Barrett Jones were also recognized during the celebration.
“I’ve never been more proud of any group I’ve ever coached than the players and the coaches on this particular team,” Saban said.
Radio broadcaster Eli Gold, who calls the Crimson Tide’s games on the Crimson Tide Sports Network emceed the ceremonies, which ended with confetti, fireworks and a highlight video of Alabama’s 42-14 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the January 7 championship game.
The game was replayed in its entirety on a large video board outside the stadium Saturday morning, as fans filed in before the festivities.
“When this year started, we knew this would be probably our most difficult challenge we’ve ever faced,” Barrett Jones said. “In college football today, repeating is something that’s really hard. But this team embraced the challenge full on and we were able to achieve that.”
Several highly-touted recruits, such as linebacker Reuben Foster and defensive tackle Montravius Adams, were in attendance.
Former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio also took in the festivities. His son, Luke, will attend Alabama in the fall as a preferred walk-on quarterback.
