History Begins With ‘A’

Thanks to the generosity of my new neighbors, my family and I were given the opportunity to tour the newly renovated field house at the University of Alabama.

Jeff Springer moved from LSU to accept the Equipment Manager’s position at Alabama. He and his lovely wife Anna Kay moved in next door and offered us a Sunday afternoon tour to see where Coach Saban’s Process begins.

The renovations are stunning, but the deeper meaning behind many of the designs are incredible. When you enter the common area where players can relax, play ping pong or shoot pool, you must first pass a curved hallway designed to emulate the ridges and valleys of the crystal football that sits atop the National Championship Trophy.

One central theme resonates in every single room: the iconic ‘A’. While standing in the Wide Receivers meeting room, surrounded by the crimson letter emblazoned across the head rest on each of the stadium-style seats, I began to see the purpose of stamping that ‘A’ into every facet of an Alabama player’s training.

For those who haven’t committed, it’s an invitation and for those who have, the letter serves as a reminder that the chosen few should never forget the honor, not the other way around.

You don’t wear Alabama. Alabama wears you. If you’re a player who believes you’re better than the sum of her parts, you probably aren’t the right fit for the Tide’s program. But if you want to be apart of the collective greatness that echoes from decades past, then have a seat.

During my tour with Jeff and Anna, I came to understand those who don’t stand directly beneath the hot glare of Alabama’s spotlight are the unsung heroes of our football program. The amount of organization and effort required to ensure the team and their coaches are ready each Saturday is staggering.

From the obvious (uniforms) to the mundane (shaving cream), much is required of the man in charge who prepares our warriors for battle (I can hear my conversation with Coach Saban now, ‘Don’t get up, Coach. I’ll show myself out.’).

If this year's journey ends underneath shower of confetti and crystal, know the first step was taken in the field house and the history we made all began with the letter ‘A’.