Jumbo Package: Kirby Smart, Pete Golding reminisce about Saban era

Dec 5, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and head coach Nick Saban (left) look on during the second quarter of the 2015 SEC Championship Game against the Florida Gators at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images Happy Friday, everyone. It’s graduation season, and 114 student athletes will be awarded degrees.

Three UA athletes were named College Sports Communicators Academic All-Americans during their career as Emily Jones (women’s swim) won the honor twice and Rachel Rybicki (gymnastics) and Tim Korstanje (men’s swim) earned the honor once Korstanje earned an NCAA postgraduate scholarship Jones and Karly Weathers (women’s basketball) was recognized this year for their athletic and academic achievements, earning SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors Tarsis Orogot (men’s track and field) graduates as a Paris Olympian and a four-time Ugandan national record holder 2019 Cleveland Browns draft pick Mack Wilson will earn his degree. Rachel Rybicki (gymnastics) was also named the 2025 Elite 90 winner Jonathan Griz (men’s golf) highlighted the UA golfers as the two-year captain made an appearance at the 2025 U. S.

Amateur qualifier Great to see Wilson return to school and graduate. Mack is playing out in Arizona now, starting at MLB for the Cardinals. The baseball team walked off Vandy in the series opener last night.

Those two will play afternoon games today and tomorrow. Same deal for softball, who beat South Carolina 3-2 yesterday. Kirby Smart shared a little nostalgia for the peak of the Saban era on the golf course yesterday.