Decatur, Ala. | Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Font Size: A A A A

Several thousand Tide fans gather to welcome team home
Associated Press/Dave Martin
Alabama fans gather at the Tuscaloosa Regional Airport on Tuesday to watch the Crimson Tide team return from a 42-14 win over Notre Dame in Miami Gardens, Fla.

TUSCALOOSA — Vicki Richardson was at the airport to greet the University of Alabama's national champion football team when players and coaches arrived home Tuesday, just as she was after last year's team won it all.

And decked out in white overalls painted with Crimson Tide designs, Richardson said she already is planning to be on hand for next year's championship homecoming at Tuscaloosa Regional Airport.

"I think they can do it again," Richardson said.

Several thousand cheering fans gathered at the small airport for the team's arrival home after its drubbing of Note Dame in the BCS title game in Miami on Monday night. Chants of "Roll Tide!" went up as coach Nick Saban stepped off the plane; a pilot waved a Bama flag from an open window after the charter jet rolled to a stop.

Fans standing behind a fence screamed and waved when Saban walked over to greet them, waving just like a politician working a crowd. Richardson, a Tuscaloosa resident, was right there among them.

"I'm excited. I think it's awesome," she said.

Alabama beat Notre Dame 42-14 for its second BCS title in a row and its third in four years. Saban said team members appreciated the warm welcome.

"I think it's great for our players. It really makes them feel good," Saban told reporters.

The university has held stadium rallies to celebrate the past wins, but school officials didn't immediately announce plans for one this year. The school's crystal BCS trophy will be displayed at a Walmart store near campus on Friday under a sponsorship agreement.

E-mail this
Print this
You must be logged in to post a comment. click here to log in.
Follow Us On Twitter 
Decatur Daily @DecaturDaily
High School Sports @DecaturPreps
Living @DecaturLiving
Seth Burkett @DD_SethBurkett
Bill Campbell @DD_BillCampbell
David Elwell @DD_DavidElwell
Deangelo McDaniel @DD_Deangelo
Eric Fleischauer @DD_Fleischauer
Briana Harris @DD_BrianaHarris
Bayne Hughes @DD_BayneHughes
Ben Montgomery @DD_BMontgomery
Cody Muzio @DD_CodyMuzio
Meredith Qualls @DailyMeredith
Mary Sell @DD_MarySell
Ronnie Thomas @DD_RonnieThomas

Alerts The Way You Want Them
Sign up for our any or all of our alert services & receive breaking local news, daily updates, sports, weather & more in your inbox or mobile device.
Mobile Devices
View our site on your smartphone or tablet devices.
Text Alerts (Subscribers Only)
Breaking news, bible quotes, weather, sports, horoscopes, stocks & more sent to your mobile devices.
Email Newsletter
Receive breaking local news, daily updates, sports, weather & more. Enter your e-mail address below.




Most Read
Most Recent
Most Commented
Events Calendar
Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 see all events
  • Wed
  • 19
  • Thu
  • 20
  • Fri
  • 21
  • Sat
  • 22
  • Sun
  • 23
  • Mon
  • 24
  • Tue
  • 25
The Helmet Project
Carnegie Visual Arts Center
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Helmet Project
Carnegie Visual Arts Center
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Peggy Towns Speaks at Decatur Public Library
Decatur Public Library
6:30 PM
The Helmet Project
Carnegie Visual Arts Center
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Madison City Farmers Market
Madison City Farmers Market Lot
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
The Helmet Project
Carnegie Visual Arts Center
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
CAMP PRINCESS 2013: FOLK MUSIC
Princess Theatre
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The Helmet Project
Carnegie Visual Arts Center
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
CAMP PRINCESS 2013: FOLK MUSIC
Princess Theatre
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Poll
Should Decatur build one, two or no new high schools?