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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

All content by Manisha Ramachandran
Big Al cheers in front of the crowd before the game against Ole Miss on Sept. 23, 2023.

Alamite vs. Sir Big Spur — Past and present live mascots between Alabama and South Carolina

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer October 11, 2024

The University of Alabama and the University of South Carolina both have well-known costumed mascots, Big Al the elephant and Cocky the gamecock, respectively. However, each university has, or had, a version...

Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson (#0) celebrates a sack against Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (#15).

Alabama football continues to be the SEC powerhouse

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer September 29, 2024

Going into Saturday, Alabama had been the only team to defeat Georgia in the past three seasons, making the Bulldogs’ record in that span 45-2. With a new head coach in the picture for Alabama, it was...

Big Al stands in front of the crowd in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Big Al and Uga the bulldog define respective teams’ culture

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer September 26, 2024

This Saturday, the Alabama Crimson Tide takes on the Georgia Bulldogs. Both schools have their own unique mascots that will be cheering on their respective teams at the game, each becoming ingrained into...

A member of the Million Dollar Band walks onto the field.

Tailgating, stomping and singing: Alabama’s game day traditions

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer September 26, 2024

Alabama game days are full of pride, cheer, football, music and more. These make up the many traditions that make Alabama football games stand out among the rest.  “The fans love the traditions....

A dog sits next to its owner at a soccer game.

Meet these Alabama athletes’ furry friends

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer September 25, 2024

While Alabama athletes might be well-known for their athletic prowess, some of the biggest aspects of their personal lives — like their animal companions — can be overlooked in favor of highlighting...

Big Al gives out high-fives to fans prior to the game against Western Kentucky.

The history of Big Al at Alabama

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer September 25, 2024

For countless students and fans, Saturdays in the fall at The University of Alabama consist of cheering on the football team and watching Big Al on the sidelines. However, the beloved mascot was not always...

Alabama gymnast Shallon Olsen vaults during the 2023 NCAA Gymnastics Regional at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma, on April 1, 2023.

Two former Alabama gymnasts make history at the Olympic event finals

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer August 5, 2024

Two former Crimson Tide gymnasts competed for their respective countries in the Paris Olympics. Luisa Blanco (2020-2024) competed for Team Colombia, and Shallon Olsen (2019-2023) competed for Team Canada.  Blanco The...

Former Alabama gymnast competes at the gymnastics SEC Championship on March 23.

Going global: Former Crimson Tide gymnasts face different set of rules at Olympics

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer July 31, 2024

As Alabama fans watch former gymnasts Luisa Blanco and Shallon Olsen compete for Olympic glory with Team Colombia and Team Canada, respectively, it’s important to know the differences between collegiate...

Alabama swimmer Victor Johansson on the blocks during NCAA National Championships at Jean K Freeman Aquatic Center in Minneapolis, MN Saturday, Mar 25, 2023.

Multiple former and current Crimson Tide swimming and dive athletes qualify for Olympics

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer July 10, 2024

A bevy of current and former Alabama swimmers and divers competed for spots on Olympic teams around the world.  Four alumni and one incoming graduate student will join their respective countries’ teams...

Alabama gymnast Cameron Macado performs against Illinois, Minnesota and Talladega.

Alabama gymnastics welcomes two returning seniors as fifth-years

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer July 10, 2024

Although Alabama gymnastics honored four graduate students and three seniors on senior night, two of those athletes are returning to Coleman Coliseum for one final season: Shania Adams and Cameron Machado.  “Alabama...

Alabama Guard Del'Janae "Burger" Williams (51) in action against Texas at Moody Center in Austin, TX during the Second Round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 24, 2024.

Sports to watch this year with Oklahoma and Texas

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer July 8, 2024

The Southeastern Conference will undergo significant changes starting in the 2024-25 season. The University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma will join the SEC. Each of these schools will bring further...

Luisa Blanco earns a perfect 10 during a home meet on March 8, 2024.

Alabama athletes punch their tickets to the Olympics

Manisha Ramachandran and Matthew Mason May 29, 2024

Editor’s note: The photo on this story was updated May 30 to include an athlete mentioned in this story. The story was updated May 31 to correct an error. Eight athletes, not five, from the swim and...

Alabama gymnast Makarri Doggette performs her uneven bars routine against Kentucky on Feb. 2 in Coleman Coliseum.

Makarri Doggette: Competing and leading

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer April 21, 2024

The Alabama gymnastics season ended disappointingly Thursday, and one Alabama gymnast’s career officially ended too. Although she hasn’t competed since February, Makarri Doggette had an undeniable...

Alabama gymnast Cam Machado performs a wolf turn during the NCAA National Semifinal at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX on Thursday, Apr 18, 2024.

Missteps on balance beam ends Alabama gymnastics’ national title hopes

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer April 19, 2024

Alabama gymnastics competed in the NCAA national championship semifinals Thursday, and to advance to the Final Four it needed to place in the top two teams of its session. The evening did not turn out...

Alabama gymnastics set to take the stage at the national championships

Alabama gymnastics set to take the stage at the national championships

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer April 18, 2024

The No. 6 Alabama gymnastics team is set to compete in the NCAA national championship semifinals Thursday at 8 p.m. CT. The team will hope for a top two placing to advance further to the championship finals...

Alabama gymnast Gabby Gladieux jumps on the balance beam during the NCAA Regional Final at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, MI on Saturday, Apr 6, 2024.

Alabama gymnastics keeps on dancing into NCAA championship semifinals

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer  April 7, 2024

Alabama gymnastics was looking for a spot to compete in the national championships this season after a tough end to its season last year, when the team came up short in the regional finals. On Saturday,...

Alabama gymnast Gabby Gladieux performs on the balance beam at the NCAA Regional Championships at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, MI on Thursday, Apr 4, 2024.

Alabama gymnastics posts 197.45 to advance to regional finals

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer April 5, 2024

The No. 8 Crimson Tide gymnastics team took on No. 9 Michigan, Penn State and Kent State in the regional semifinals Thursday to fight for a spot in Saturday night’s regional finals.    After a...

 Alabama gymnast Ella Burgess performs her beam routine against Auburn.

A look into the gymnastics team’s favorite leotards

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer April 3, 2024

Gymnastics is a perfectionist sport, down to the hundredths of points. Along with competing perfectly, the leotards worn must also be perfect. They are made to serve a functional purpose as well as be...

Alabama pitcher Jaala Torrence throws a pitch against UNA on Feb. 21 at Rhoads Stadium.

New club desires to increase attendance at women’s sports

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer March 27, 2024

For the founder of the club, freshman history student Audrey Diczhazy, Hot Shots is personal.   “My mother was an athlete in any women’s sports her high school offered in the ’80s, and she told...

Alabama gymnast Lily Hudson performs her floor routine during the Quad meet on March 8 in Coleman Coliseum.

Lilly Hudson: A Coleman Coliseum fan favorite

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer March 27, 2024

Gymnast Lilly Hudson has been building a name for herself in the Tuscaloosa community since she started her time at the University in 2022.   Friday night gymnastics meets in Tuscaloosa end with Hudson...

Alabama gymnast Gabby Gladieux performs her floor routine at the SEC Gymnastics Championship on March 23 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

No. 7 Alabama gymnastics places second at SEC championships

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer March 24, 2024

No. 7 Alabama scored second in the SEC championships in New Orleans, Louisiana, behind No. 3 LSU, who scored 198.075. Alabama posted a score of 197.75. No. 6 Kentucky placed third, No. 4 Florida placed...

Alabama gymnastics earns third 198 of the season in loss to No. 1 Oklahoma

Alabama gymnastics earns third 198 of the season in loss to No. 1 Oklahoma

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer March 17, 2024

On Sunday afternoon, the No. 7 Alabama gymnastics traveled to Norman, Oklahoma, to face the back-to-back reigning national champions. The meet ended with Oklahoma winning 198.775-198.025. Although this...

Former Alabama gymnast comes back for alumni night to coach her own inaugural team

Former Alabama gymnast comes back for alumni night to coach her own inaugural team

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer March 9, 2024

Former gymnastics head coach Sarah Patterson led the Alabama gymnastics team to several important victories, from SEC to NCAA titles. In doing so, she produced her own legacy and helped build several other...

Luisa Blanco scores two perfect 10s to help Alabama gymnastics clinch quad meet victory

Luisa Blanco scores two perfect 10s to help Alabama gymnastics clinch quad meet victory

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer March 9, 2024

On Friday night, the No. 9 Alabama gymnastics hosted its final meet of the season against No. 17 Minnesota, No. 24 Illinois and Talladega College. Friday marked senior and alumni night for the 2024 season....

Courtesy of UA Athletics
Alabama gymnast Ella Burgess performs her floor routine against LSU on Mar. 1 in Baton Rouge, LA.

No. 9 Alabama gymnastics loses to No. 2 LSU

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer March 3, 2024

On Friday, the No. 9 Alabama gymnasts took on the No. 2 LSU gymnasts in Baton Rouge. The Crimson Tide was searching for a statement win in another top-10 SEC matchup, but LSU won the meet 198.325-197.325.    “I...

Alabama gymnast Ella Burgess performs her floor routine against Georgia during the Power of Pink meet on Feb. 23 in Coleman Coliseum.

Alabama gymnastics earns third-highest score in program history in win over No. 18 Georgia

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer February 25, 2024

Alabama gymnastics earned the third-highest score in program history Friday night in Coleman Coliseum, with a 198.075-196.975 win over the No. 18 Georgia Bulldogs during their 20th annual Power of Pink...

Alabama gymnast Cam Machado performs on the balance beam at Kitty Magee Arena in Denton, TX on Monday, Feb 19, 2024.

Alabama gymnastics wins quad meet with four event winners

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer February 20, 2024

On Monday, No. 9 Alabama gymnastics traveled to Texas Woman’s University to compete in its second quad meet of the season. At the meet, the Alabama gymnasts competed against No. 16 Arkansas and No. 17...

Alabama gymnast Gabby Gladieux performs her floor routine against Auburn on Feb. 9 at Neville Arena.

No. 7 Alabama gymnastics loses to No. 14 Auburn

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer February 11, 2024

The No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide gymnastics traveled to the No. 14 Auburn Tigers on Friday. The meet ended with the Tigers winning 197.725-197.05.   “I think overall we just gave away too many things,”...

Some gymnasts say leotards aren’t the issue. Here’s why

Some gymnasts say leotards aren’t the issue. Here’s why

Manisha Ramachandran and Courtney Larrimore February 7, 2024

When looking at the difference between men’s gymnastics and women’s gymnastics, one of the differences comes in their uniforms. Men don competition shirts paired with either shorts or gymnastics pants....

Alabama gymnast Shania Adams performs her beam routine against Kentucky on Feb. 2 in Coleman Coliseum.

Alabama gymnastics drops first meet of season to Kentucky Wildcats

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer February 4, 2024

No. 6 Alabama gymnastics lost its winning streak at home in Coleman Coliseum against the No. 3 Kentucky Wildcats on Friday night. The Wildcats won with a score of 197.6 to the Crimson Tide’s 196.975.   “I...

Alabama gymnast Lily Hudson celebrates her routine with teammates against Kentucky on Jan. 26 in Gainesville, FL.

Alabama gymnastics notches a statement win against reigning SEC champions

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer January 28, 2024

After a neck-and-neck meet Friday night, the No. 6 ranked Crimson Tide gymnastics defeated the current SEC champions, Florida, 197.575-197.425 in Gainesville, Florida.   “I’m so proud of the team...

Alabama gymnast Jamison Sears performs her floor routine against Arkansas on Jan. 19 in Coleman Coliseum.

Alabama gymnastics ties with Arkansas after a tough matchup

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer January 21, 2024

Coleman Coliseum was filled with capes and crowns Friday night for the gymnastics meet. The score between the No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide and the No. 4 Arkansas Razorbacks ended with a tie at 197.525.  Alabama...

Alabama gymnast Ella Burgess performs her beam routine against Missouri on Jan. 12 in Coleman Coliseum.

No. 4 Alabama gymnastics wins home opener against No. 3 Missouri 

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer January 16, 2024

No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide gymnastics beat the No. 3 Missouri Tigers 197.225-196.475 in Coleman Coliseum on Saturday night.  “I’m really excited about how the team rose to the challenge tonight....

Alabama gymnast Lilly Hudson performs her beam routine against LSU on Feb. 24, 2023, in Coleman Coliseum.

Alabama gymnastics welcomes 4 returning seniors as fifth-years

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer  January 11, 2024

Although the incoming class of 2019 was honored at Senior Night last season, four Alabama gymnasts decided to join the 2024 roster as graduate students. The four returning gymnasts are Luisa Blanco, Ella...

Crimson Tide claims victory at Mean Girls Super 16 Gymnastics Championships 

Crimson Tide claims victory at Mean Girls Super 16 Gymnastics Championships 

Manisha Ramachandran, Staff Writer January 9, 2024

The No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide gymnastics reigned victorious Saturday over No. 5 UCLA, No. 7 California, and No. 17 Auburn with a score of 197.125 at the Mean Girls Super 16 Gymnastics Championships in...

Alabama runner Hilda Olemomoi and Alabama Runner Doris Lemngole on the podium during the 2023 Cross Country National Championship at Panorama Farms in Charlottesville, VA on Saturday, Nov 18, 2023.

Lemngole, Olemomoi propel Alabama cross-country to top 10 finish at championships 

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer  November 20, 2023

The Alabama women’s cross-country team finished seventh overall at the NCAA championships on Saturday, thanks to two top 5 finishes in the 6,000 meter race from freshman Doris Lemngole and sophomore...

Crimson Tide swim and dive achieve school record at Tennessee Invite

Crimson Tide swim and dive achieve school record at Tennessee Invite

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer November 18, 2023

The now-No. 21 Alabama Crimson Tide women’s swim and dive team and the now-No. 22 men’s team competed in the Tennessee Invite this week, each earning third-place spots.     On the opening...

Members of the Alabama Cross Country team in a huddle before a meet.

Alabama cross-country has 6 runners earn All-South Region honors

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer November 12, 2023

The Alabama Crimson Tide cross-country teams each had two individuals advance to the NCAA championships at the NCAA South regional championships Friday in Gainesville, Florida.   The men’s team placed...

Alabama runner Eliud Kipsand leads the pack during the SEC Cross Country Championships.

Cross-country teams achieve top 5 finishes at the SEC championship

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer October 29, 2023

The Alabama Crimson Tide cross-country teams earned top five finishes at the 2023 SEC Cross Country Championships in Columbia, South Carolina, Oct. 27.    The men’s team placed second out of 12...

Rugby players during a game against Tennessee on Oct 20 in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Alabama rugby falls shy of beating the Tennessee Volunteers

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer October 25, 2023

It was a challenging night for Alabama’s men’s rugby club as it faced the Tennessee Volunteers. The A and B sides both fell short against their opponents, with scores of 31-12 and 31-29, respectively.   “The...

Alabama gymnast Luisa Blanco after performing a routine against Michigan State on Jan. 7, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Luisa Blanco earns a spot in the 2024 Olympics as part of Team Colombia

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer October 24, 2023

While competing for Colombia in the Pan American Games for the first time, graduate student Luisa Blanco qualified for a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. She achieved an all-around score of 50.099, making...

 Doris Lemngole (left) and Hilda Olemomoi (right) after crossing the line in first and second place.

Hilda Olemomoi and Doris Lemngole achieve SEC weekly honors

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer October 18, 2023

Cross-country runners Hilda Olemomoi and Doris Lemngole earned SEC weekly honors following their first- and second-place finishes this weekend.     Olemomoi was named the Southeastern Conference...

Alabama cross-country runner Doris Lemngole participating in the Southern Showcase on Sept. 15 in Huntsville, Ala.

Cross-country achieves a top 3 finish at Joe Piane Invitational

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer October 1, 2023

The Alabama Crimson Tide women’s and men’s teams each achieved a third place win at the Joe Piane Invitational in South Bend, Indiana. The No. 22 women’s team earned 73 points, and the No. 27 men’s...

Alabama cross-country finishes top 5 in the Southern Showcase

Alabama cross-country finishes top 5 in the Southern Showcase

Manisha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer September 16, 2023

The Alabama Crimson Tide placed in the top five teams at the Southern Showcase in Huntsville, Alabama. The No. 23 men’s team placed third overall, and the No. 13 women’s team placed fourth.   Freshman...