The Extra Point: Has Alabama Become the Premier Program in College Athletics?

Alabama has always been known for success in football but is now excelling in multiple sports throughout the program.

"Football school."

That moniker is what the University of Alabama has been dubbed for a long time. And with 18 national championships, a countless number of former players starring in the NFL, and potentially the greatest coach the sport has ever seen at the helm, who can argue football is not what the university should be known for?

However, with the recent success and performance of Crimson Tide sports teams throughout the program, it's time to acknowledge that Alabama has become much more than just a "football school."

For starters, take a look at what Alabama athletics did just this weekend:

• On Friday, the No. 9 ranked Alabama gymnastics team defeated No. 19 Georgia on the road in Stegeman Coliseum, 197.525-197.325.

• The Alabama basketball team also took on Georgia and continued their historic season on Saturday by demolishing the Bulldogs, 108-59, in the same week the Crimson Tide rose to the No. 1 ranking for the first time in 20 years. 

• On the baseball diamond, Alabama kicked off their season by sweeping the Richmond Spiders, scoring double-digits in every game and winning in dominant fashion.

• Finally, the Alabama softball team went to the Clearwater Invitational, arguably the nation's best early season event, and won four out of five games including three over ranked teams: No. 19 Duke, No. 20 UCF, and No. 7 Florida State.

If one weekend is not enough to prove the point, here's a look at the current ranking or end-of-season ranking for several Alabama sports teams:

• Basketball- No. 2
• Softball- No. 6
• Gymnastics- No. 9
• Baseball- No. 20
• Soccer- No. 4
• Men's Golf- No. 18
• Football- No. 5

That's seven teams ranked nationally and four ranked inside of the top 10. That's not a comprehensive list either with several other programs having great success, proving the overall strength of Alabama athletics.

Now, some of this success can be attributed to the football program and the money and resources that their winning has brought to the athletic department. Even more though, it is a testament to athletic director Greg Byrne and the coaches and athletes that have been brought in to represent the Crimson Tide.

No matter how one looks at it, it's safe to say Alabama has become one of the best college athletics programs in the country, and now more than ever, it's a great time for Crimson Tide fans.

See Also:

Montana Fouts' Complete Game Leads No. 12 Alabama to 2-1 Win over No. 7 Florida State

No. 20 Alabama Completes Opening Weekend Sweep of Richmond

No. 1 Alabama’s Success at Coleman Coliseum This Season Isn’t Ordinary