That 2011-2012 athletic year was a special one for Alabama Crimson Tide fans, in so many ways. On the heels of one of the most devastating storm systems to ever hit the state, Tuscaloosans rallied around to support their hometown school even as the students, coaches, and players found an extra level of resolve to win — to give the region something to be proud of: sports as more than sports.
And, over the next 15 months, Alabama athletics gave Tide fans hope in abundance. In began just two months later, when the Gymnastics team won their 5th national title.