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Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Ben Stansell | @ben_stansell, Managing Editor

All content by Ben Stansell
Alabama gymnastics earns NCAA-best 32nd regional title

Alabama gymnastics earns NCAA-best 32nd regional title

Ben Stansell April 7, 2018

Before junior Ari Guerra performed her vault, no gymnast on any team had posted a score of 9.9 or higher. Although it was only the second rotation, it had already become apparent that scoring would be...

Ari Guerra not done after winning SEC Championship in floor exercise

Ari Guerra not done after winning SEC Championship in floor exercise

Ben Stansell April 5, 2018

After her name was called over the Chaifetz Arena loudspeaker, junior Ari Guerra strode forward to the main stage, where she received a bouquet of white flowers tied together with blue and gold ribbon....

Alabama gymnastics finishes second at SEC Championships

Alabama gymnastics finishes second at SEC Championships

Ben Stansell March 25, 2018

Alabama gymnastics scored a 196.975 to take second place at the Southeastern Conference Championships on Saturday night in St. Louis, Missouri. In placing second, the Crimson Tide recorded its 20th consecutive...

Alabama gymnastics still searching for 'lights out' performance ahead of SEC Championships

Alabama gymnastics still searching for ‘lights out’ performance ahead of SEC Championships

Ben Stansell March 23, 2018

Throughout the course of this season, Alabama’s gymnastics team has been on the cusp of a breakthrough performance. The Crimson Tide’s gymnasts has posted high schools in certain events. The only problem...

Alabama men's wheelchair basketball claims second national championship

Alabama men’s wheelchair basketball claims second national championship

Ben Stansell March 22, 2018

Only eight minutes into the first half of the Men’s Wheelchair Basketball National Championship, Alabama found itself in a difficult–yet familiar–situation. The Crimson Tide was in a hole, down double-digits...

Public relations students using class project to raise money for Alabama gymnast's brother

Public relations students using class project to raise money for Alabama gymnast’s brother

Ben Stansell March 19, 2018

During every meet this season, Alabama’s gymnasts have donned lime-green green ribbons in their hair to support senior gymnast Mackenzie Brannan’s brother, Brian Roberts. Roberts has been fighting...

Gymnastics ties season-high score in vault during senior night

Gymnastics ties season-high score in vault during senior night

Ben Stansell March 17, 2018

Crimson and white confetti rained down on Alabama’s gymnasts as they embraced each other in an emotional group hug on the middle of the floor apparatus. Although the Crimson Tide had just notched a season...

Alabama gymnastics seniors embracing emotions of final home meet

Alabama gymnastics seniors embracing emotions of final home meet

Ben Stansell March 16, 2018

Kiana Winston does not consider herself emotional, but she could not stop herself from tearing up during her graduation ceremony last December. The stirring moment did not come when she walked across the...

Alabama gymnastics faces Auburn in annual Elevate the Stage meet

Alabama gymnastics faces Auburn in annual Elevate the Stage meet

Ben Stansell March 9, 2018

Smiling is one of Kiana Winston’s favorite things. A smile, to Winston, is powerful. “A smile is something that you can always carry with you,” Winston said. “It can brighten up a room if you’re...

Bradley Bozeman gets chance to prove himself at Pro Day

Bradley Bozeman gets chance to prove himself at Pro Day

Ben Stansell March 7, 2018

Former Alabama Center Bradley Bozeman was not too upset about missing out on an invite to attend the 2018 NFL combine in Indianapolis last weekend. Bozeman knew that he would have an opportunity to prove...

Gymnastics overcomes last-minute changes to defeat North Carolina

Gymnastics overcomes last-minute changes to defeat North Carolina

Ben Stansell March 3, 2018

In every practice this week leading up to tonight’s meet against North Carolina, Ari Guerra was not positioned to go first on floor for Alabama. Although Guerra has led the way on floor for the past...

Home meet against UNC begins important month of March for Alabama gymnastics

Home meet against UNC begins important month of March for Alabama gymnastics

Ben Stansell March 2, 2018

Coach Dana Duckworth loves slogans, phrases, mottos – any expression she can use as a rallying cry to motivate her team. One slogan she employs frequently is “you don’t win championships in January.”...

Peyton Ernst thriving after Alabama gave her second chance at gymnastics career

Peyton Ernst thriving after Alabama gave her second chance at gymnastics career

Ben Stansell March 1, 2018

By Ben Stansell | Staff Reporter Peyton Ernst stuck her dismount and thrust her arms skyward. She ran over to her teammates, a triumphant smile on her face, and began dishing out high fives. Ernst had...

Alabama basketball unable to overcome late-game mistakes against Arkansas

Alabama basketball unable to overcome late-game mistakes against Arkansas

Ben Stansell February 24, 2018

After the first few minutes of play, it looked like déjà vu for Alabama. Just like its previous game against Auburn, Alabama struggled out of the gate. However, the sluggish start was not the problem...

Alabama gymnastics posts season-high score in win over Auburn

Alabama gymnastics posts season-high score in win over Auburn

Ben Stansell February 24, 2018

Propelled by a season-high score, No. 7 Alabama defeated No. 16 Auburn 197.3 – 195.4 in Auburn Arena on Friday night. It is the third time that the Crimson Tide have reached a score of 197 or higher...

Alabama basketball remains focused on Arkansas despite external factors

Alabama basketball remains focused on Arkansas despite external factors

Ben Stansell February 24, 2018

A widespread FBI investigation into college basketball has been casting a cloud over the sport for quite some time. Alabama is not impervious to its reach. The Crimson Tide, however, is less focused on...

Mackenzie Brannan suffers career-ending injury in practice

Mackenzie Brannan suffers career-ending injury in practice

Ben Stansell February 18, 2018

Senior Mackenzie Brannan ruptured her achilles today at practice while working on a floor routine, according to an initial diagnosis. The team will confirm Brannan’s diagnosis tomorrow morning. Brannan...

Alabama gymnastics sets season high scores in vault and bars against Kentucky

Alabama gymnastics sets season high scores in vault and bars against Kentucky

Ben Stansell February 16, 2018

On a night in which several Alabama gymnasts set career highs and the team recorded its best scores of the season on vault and uneven bars, coach Dana Duckworth was not satisfied. Duckworth always preaches...

Alabama gymnastics to honor 1988 national championship team on Friday

Alabama gymnastics to honor 1988 national championship team on Friday

Ben Stansell February 15, 2018

Before the 1988 season, things were different. Instead of competing full-time in front of thousands of fans in Coleman Coliseum, the Crimson Tide split home meets between Coleman and the much smaller Foster...

Gymnastics falls at Florida despite posting season-best score

Gymnastics falls at Florida despite posting season-best score

Ben Stansell February 10, 2018

Despite posting a season-best score, No. 9 Alabama was unable to overcome No. 5 Florida in Gainesville on Friday night, losing 197.850 – 197.075. “I’m so proud of the fight this team displayed, coming...

Lexi Graber makes the most of her opportunity

Lexi Graber makes the most of her opportunity

Ben Stansell February 8, 2018

Nicknames are ingrained in sports culture. Some are earned by athletes through their legendary play, such as Wayne “The Great One” Gretzky; others allude to an athlete’s trademark appearance, like...

Alabama gymnastics finishes strong to remain undefeated in Power of Pink meets

Alabama gymnastics finishes strong to remain undefeated in Power of Pink meets

Ben Stansell February 2, 2018

For a moment, it looked as if Alabama’s perfect record in Power of Pink meets was in jeopardy. Heading into the last rotation of the night, the Crimson Tide led the Razorbacks by less than half a point....

Alabama hosts annual Power of Pink Meet against Arkansas

Alabama hosts annual Power of Pink Meet against Arkansas

Ben Stansell February 1, 2018

In a turbulent season dominated by untimely injuries and unexpected circumstances, senior Nickie Guerrero has been a rock. Her consistency in attitude and performance has proven to be a linchpin for Alabama’s...

Alabama Gymnastics prevails over Missouri despite injuries

Alabama Gymnastics prevails over Missouri despite injuries

Ben Stansell January 26, 2018

On a night filled with adversity, Alabama could have easily allowed Missouri to steal a victory in front of its home crowd in Coleman Coliseum. Instead, the Crimson Tide were able to record a 195.850 –...

Fight like hell: Mackenzie Brannan competes for her brother

Fight like hell: Mackenzie Brannan competes for her brother

Ben Stansell January 25, 2018

When Mackenzie Brannan dismounts the uneven bars, she transforms into a blur of crimson, white and sparkles. If you look closely enough, however, a hint of green can now be discerned from Alabama’s traditional...

Alabama gymnastics uses new motto as motivation during 2018 season

Alabama gymnastics uses new motto as motivation during 2018 season

Ben Stansell January 18, 2018

The Alabama gymnastics team's motto, “The Power of One,” has already been put to the test just weeks into the Crimson Tide’s 2018 season. The night before Alabama’s opening meet against the University...

Alabama gymnastics overcomes early set backs to defeat Georgia in first home meet

Alabama gymnastics overcomes early set backs to defeat Georgia in first home meet

Ben Stansell January 12, 2018

Despite coming out to a raucous home crowd, Alabama’s night got off to a shaky start. On vault, Alabama’s first event, sophomore Maddie Desch was penalized for an early start and freshman Lexi Graber...

Alabama gymnastics opens up home schedule with Georgia

Alabama gymnastics opens up home schedule with Georgia

Ben Stansell January 11, 2018

You can certainly say that Alabama has Georgia on its mind. When Alabama gymnastics squares off against Georgia in its first home meet of the season on Friday, it will be the third time that an Alabama...

Alabama gymnastics showcases newcomers in Crimson and White preview

Alabama gymnastics showcases newcomers in Crimson and White preview

Ben Stansell December 9, 2017

Alabama gymnastics fans got a sneak preview of this year’s squad at the Crimson and White Preview on Friday night in Coleman Coliseum. Refusing to let snowy conditions stop them, approximately 500 Alabama...

Swimmer Will Freeman hitting his stride in third year at Alabama

Swimmer Will Freeman hitting his stride in third year at Alabama

Ben Stansell December 4, 2017

If patience were worth its weight in gold, then senior swimmer Will Freeman would be a wealthy man. After struggling with inconsistent results in the pool during his first two seasons at Alabama, Freeman’s...

A trio of juniors lead Alabama Cross Country to Nationals

A trio of juniors lead Alabama Cross Country to Nationals

Ben Stansell November 16, 2017

Vincent Kiprop, Gilbert Kigen and Alfred Chelanga are practically inseparable. The three junior cross country runners live together, eat together and most importantly, run together. Therefore, it came...

UA community encouraged to donate blood at Beat Auburn Blood Drive

UA community encouraged to donate blood at Beat Auburn Blood Drive

Ben Stansell November 13, 2017

University of Alabama students and faculty have the power to help saves lives by participating in the annual American Red Cross “Beat Auburn” Blood Drive. The American Red Cross has partnered with...

Depleted Alabama defense faces strong test in dual-threat quarterback Nick Fitzgerald

Depleted Alabama defense faces strong test in dual-threat quarterback Nick Fitzgerald

Ben Stansell November 9, 2017

A battle will be waged this Saturday between Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald and Alabama’s rushing defense. Standing 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, Fitzgerald possesses a blend of breakaway speed...

Alabama soccer prepares for its third NCAA Tournament appearance

Alabama soccer prepares for its third NCAA Tournament appearance

Ben Stansell November 9, 2017

Alabama’s soccer team made history on Monday by becoming the third group to earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament in program history, but the Crimson Tide’s players are not satisfied yet. Although they’ve...

Soccer earns third NCAA tournament bid in program history

Soccer earns third NCAA tournament bid in program history

Ben Stansell November 7, 2017

Alabama soccer earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in program history on Monday. The Crimson Tide are slated to face off against the Clemson Tigers on the road on Nov. 10 in the first...

Alabama is poised to make the NCAA tournament

Alabama is poised to make the NCAA tournament

Ben Stansell November 5, 2017

After amassing an impressive resume on the field this season, Alabama is poised to be selected as one of 64 teams to compete in the 2017 NCAA women’s soccer championship tournament. If the Crimson Tide...

Alabama defense prepares LSU's 'eye candy' offense

Alabama defense prepares LSU’s ‘eye candy’ offense

Ben Stansell November 2, 2017

Known for his ability to conjure up exotic pre-snap shifts and uncommon formations, LSU offensive coordinator Matt Canada will attempt to distract and discombobulate Alabama’s dominant defensive unit...

Alabama puts winning streak on the line vs Ole Miss

Alabama puts winning streak on the line vs Ole Miss

Ben Stansell October 26, 2017

Two weeks ago, Alabama’s season outlook was turning bleak. The Crimson Tide had just been dealt its fifth SEC loss of the season by in-state rival Auburn, landing it near the bottom in the conference...

Alabama holds off Missouri in overtime

Alabama holds off Missouri in overtime

Ben Stansell October 22, 2017

Even with the pressure of SEC tournament implications weighing on her shoulders, junior Abbie Boswell was calm and collected as she sunk a penalty kick in the back of the net to secure Alabama a 3-2 victory...

Alabama keeps its SEC tournament hopes alive with a win over Arkansas

Alabama keeps its SEC tournament hopes alive with a win over Arkansas

Ben Stansell October 20, 2017

Alabama soccer notched its second straight SEC win with a 1-0 road victory over Arkansas on Thursday night. With her critical goal in the 74th minute of action, coming off an assist from junior Emma Welch,...

Senior Tide soccer players create lasting legacy

Senior Tide soccer players create lasting legacy

Ben Stansell October 19, 2017

When the curtain finally closes on her Alabama soccer career, Celia Jimenez Delgado will not gaze back in wistful reflection. Instead, Delgado will look back on the legacy left by her and other members...

Running wild: Alabama looks to stop John Kelly

Running wild: Alabama looks to stop John Kelly

Ben Stansell October 19, 2017

Alabama’s top-ranked rushing defense will face its most formidable challenge so far this season in Saturday’s clash with Tennessee running back John Kelly, who is amassing more notoriety with each...

Alabama wins its first SEC game of the year

Alabama wins its first SEC game of the year

Ben Stansell October 15, 2017

By the time the ball hit the back of the net, Alabama’s bench was cleared. All of the players had already taken flight, sprinting towards the opposing team’s goal with shouts of jubilation. At the...

Experienced Hailey Brohaugh silently makes big impact on Alabama

Experienced Hailey Brohaugh silently makes big impact on Alabama

Ben Stansell October 15, 2017

At Alabama’s senior night on Sunday, the Crimson Tide’s veteran players will be honored before they play the last few games of their collegiate careers, starting with Mississippi State. For Hailey...

A slimmer Damien Harris blazes past defenders

A slimmer Damien Harris blazes past defenders

Ben Stansell October 12, 2017

When running back Damien Harris broke free in the first quarter of Alabama’s 27-19 win against Texas A&M last Saturday, he was determined not to get caught from behind.  The run against Texas A&M became...

Alabama falls to Auburn 4-2

Alabama falls to Auburn 4-2

Ben Stansell October 11, 2017

 A thrilling second half comeback led by forward Abbie Boswell was not enough for Alabama to defeat Auburn in Tuesday night’s Iron Bowl of Soccer, as the Crimson Tide fell to the Tigers 4-2 in the latest...

Alabama soccer seeking first SEC win against Auburn

Alabama soccer seeking first SEC win against Auburn

Ben Stansell October 10, 2017

The next chapter in the storied Alabama vs. Auburn rivalry will be written on the soccer field today at 6 p.m. when the Crimson Tide square off against the Tigers at the Alabama Soccer Complex. The 25th meeting...

Cat Jorgensen fits her own mold

Cat Jorgensen fits her own mold

Ben Stansell October 5, 2017

Although it’s impossible to tell by watching her play on the soccer field, junior defender Cat Jorgensen is an anomaly. Unlike most Alabama students, Jorgensen does not covet fall Saturdays. Instead,...

From supporter to starter: Maddy Anzelc makes the adjustment

From supporter to starter: Maddy Anzelc makes the adjustment

Ben Stansell September 28, 2017

In the 24th minute of action, playing against No. 3 South Carolina on the road, Alabama’s starting midfielder Kaley Verpeale went down with a severe knee injury that later would be identified as a torn...

Soccer comes up short against No. 6 Florida

Soccer comes up short against No. 6 Florida

Ben Stansell September 24, 2017

Alabama is still searching for its first SEC win of the season after being shut out 3-0 by No. 6 ranked Florida on Sunday in Gainesville. Staying true to character, Alabama came out of the gates firing...

Alabama ties LSU 1-1

Alabama ties LSU 1-1

Ben Stansell September 21, 2017

Even after a statistically dominant offensive performance, Alabama was unable to defeat LSU on Thursday night, drawing 1-1 with the Tigers after two overtime periods. LSU jumped out to an early lead, scoring...

Mouton sisters providing leadership for the Crimson Tide

Mouton sisters providing leadership for the Crimson Tide

Ben Stansell September 21, 2017

When Alexis and Kayla Mouton take the field to square off against LSU at home on Thursday, their parents will be cheering enthusiastically against the college that they both attended and competed for....

Male sexual assault prominent and stigmatized

Male sexual assault prominent and stigmatized

Ben Stansell September 21, 2017

After the final credits of the documentary “Yeah, Maybe, No” rolled off the screen, a reflective silence settled over students seated in the Ferguson Student Center theater. The pensive quiet was soon...

Alabama shuts out UT Chattanooga

Alabama shuts out UT Chattanooga

Ben Stansell September 17, 2017

After being shut out on the road against conference foe South Carolina on Friday, Alabama’s offense bounced back in profound fashion with a 2-0 win against the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga...

Soccer adopts intense play style on offense

Soccer adopts intense play style on offense

Ben Stansell September 14, 2017

When junior forward Abbie Boswell found the back of the net in just under two minutes of action against opponent Kennesaw State earlier this season, Boswell and her teammates reacted with excitement, but...

Alabama defeats Tennessee Tech, earns fifth straight win

Alabama defeats Tennessee Tech, earns fifth straight win

Ben Stansell September 10, 2017

Despite an inability to convert any of their shots into goals, Alabama soccer edged Tennessee Tech 1-0 on Sunday night thanks to an own goal scored by the visiting Golden Eagles. In the fifth minute of...

Return of veteran Jimenez Delgado key to Crimson Tide's success thus far

Return of veteran Jimenez Delgado key to Crimson Tide’s success thus far

Ben Stansell September 7, 2017

When Celia Jimenez Delgado sits down to work on her aerospace engineering homework, she immediately identifies the most difficult problems and quickly works to tackle them. From the soccer pitch to the...

Soccer moves up to No. 22 in latest poll

Soccer moves up to No. 22 in latest poll

Ben Stansell September 5, 2017

After an impressive 5-1 start to the 2017 campaign, Alabama has climbed to No. 22 in Soccer America’s Week Three Women’s College Top 25 rankings. The Crimson Tide moved up two spots from number 24...

App looks to keep UA members safe

App looks to keep UA members safe

Ben Stansell September 1, 2017

Created specifically for The University of Alabama, the UA Safety app contains vital information and tools that members of the University community, Tuscaloosa community and campus visitors can use to...

Sexual assault care facility to be established in West Alabama

Sexual assault care facility to be established in West Alabama

Ben Stansell August 31, 2017

Steps are currently being taken to bring a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) program and facility to West Alabama, according to a statement released from the University of Alabama on Wednesday. ...

Freshman class leads hot start to season

Freshman class leads hot start to season

Ben Stansell August 31, 2017

From a spectator’s vantage point, it is easy to see how perfectly the word ‘special’ defines the class of freshmen who have helped lead Alabama soccer to a 3-1 record and a top 25 national ranking...

Taylor Morgan named SEC Freshman of the Week

Taylor Morgan named SEC Freshman of the Week

Ben Stansell August 28, 2017

After scoring the game-winning goal in Alabama’s historic win over sixth ranked Florida State on Sunday, forward Taylor Morgan was selected as the SEC freshman of the week yesterday.Morgan’s goal,...

Alabama defeats No. 6 FSU, earns first top-10 win in program history

Alabama defeats No. 6 FSU, earns first top-10 win in program history

Ben Stansell August 27, 2017

As the last few seconds of the game slowly ticked off the clock, every member of the Alabama team and coaching staff were on their feet, swelling with excitement over the prospect of a  program-defining...

Alabama falls to USF in overtime

Alabama falls to USF in overtime

Ben Stansell August 25, 2017

Even after out shooting its opponent by a wide margin, Alabama fell to the University of South Florida in overtime 2-1. USF claimed victory over the Crimson Tide by scoring a controversial goal in the...

West Alabama State Fair to occur at Munny Sokol Park

West Alabama State Fair to occur at Munny Sokol Park

Ben Stansell October 18, 2016

The West Alabama State Fair will open its gates this Wednesday at Munny Sokol Park.Regular admission tickets cost $5 and parking is donations accepted. In order to ride the fair rides, an armband or tickets...

Citizens’ Climate Lobby to host Community Meeting

Citizens’ Climate Lobby to host Community Meeting

Ben Stansell October 17, 2016

The newly founded Tuscaloosa 
chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby is set to host the Southern Energy Freedom Tour at its inaugural 
community meeting.The Southern Energy Freedom Tour is traveling...

Hands on Tuscaloosa to provide opportunity for volunteer service

Hands on Tuscaloosa to provide opportunity for volunteer service

Ben Stansell October 14, 2016

The Center for Service and Leadership’s Hands on Tuscaloosa event will give UA students an opportunity to engage the Tuscaloosa and Northport communities through volunteer service this Saturday, Oct....