Miss Wallace State representative Savannah Lynn will head to Samford University June 26-29, 2024, to compete in the Miss Alabama Pageant. (Savannah Lynn)
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Miss Wallace State representative Savannah Lynn is headed to Birmingham June 26-29, to compete in the statewide pageant and Miss America qualifier, Miss Alabama.
It was an unexpected turn of events for Lynn, a seasoned pageant contestant. On Sept 10, 2023, she was not named Miss Wallace State, nor the first runner-up. Instead, she was selected as the pageant’s second runner-up, leaving her third in line to make it to the statewide circuit. However, due to scheduling conflicts for the winner and first runner-up, Lynn was next in line and bravely stepped up to the challenge.
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Said Lynn, “I remember right after that phone call, the first thing I did was pray. I was so nervous and excited at the same time and all I wanted to do, was thank God for this amazing opportunity.”
For Lynn, preparing for the pageant was more than just a routine; it was a part of her family’s legacy. Her two great-aunts, Sonya and Regina White, own the local pageant wear staple, Avenue Bridals. Lynn’s connection to the pageant world was established long before she could even walk, thanks to her glamorous great-aunts and their stunning outfits that always stole the show.
“I have participated in pageants since before I could walk, Lynn smiled. “ Growing up with a family who owned a pageant dress store was such a cool thing to me. I mean, how could I not participate in pageants? I have so much love for the pageant industry and it will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
While moving through the ranks of the pageant sphere and advancing her skills and on-stage performance, Lynn held those familial ties close to her heart. She said her mother, Heather Lynn, has been her biggest supporter through the hours of practice, rehearsing and countless tears, instilling a strong faith and sense of self in the young woman, no matter how tough the criticism or circumstances.
“I wouldn’t even be competing if it wasn’t for her. She has always been my biggest supporter in everything that I do and I’ll forever be thankful for her,” Lynn said emotionally.
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Her mother’s and aunts’ support are what led Lynn to find her philanthropic platform, Back to Business. The platform hopes to bring awareness to and incorporate business skills in STEM courses in public education. Lynn is now next in line to run Avenue Bridals, keeping the storefront in the family. Her passion for business skills in STEM education blossoms from those familial ties and the needs she said she has seen for upcoming owners of small, local and family owned businesses that have lasted decades.
“We are the next generation to take over these small businesses one day,” she said. “I want students to feel prepared and excited about becoming business owners and working in the business industry.”
Lynn will compete in the Miss Alabama Pageant beginning at 7 p.m. on June 26 in the Samford University Wright Center. The pageant will not be broadcast publicly; however, tickets can be purchased online at Missalabama.com.
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Saturday afternoon, one of the SEC’s most storied rivalries will be renewed. Auburn will take on Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium, and the Thursday injury report has been revealed.
Both teams are dealing with notable injuries. On the Crimson Tide side, linebacker Deontae Lawson went down against Oklahoma and will be out for the matchup after undergoing surgery, teammate Malachi Moore confirmed Tuesday. For the Tigers, tight end Rivaldo Fairweather showed up on the injury report Wednesday as a Game Time Decision.
Alabama is looking to bounce back from a loss to Oklahoma last time out. It marked the Crimson Tide’s third loss of the season, leading to questions about their College Football Playoff hopes. Alabama came in at No. 13 in the latest rankings, just outside the 12-team bracket based on projected seedings.
Auburn will look to get revenge after last year’s loss in the final minutes at Jordan-Hare Stadium, but brings momentum into the matchup. The Tigers held on to defeat Texas A&M last week – another one of the upsets around the SEC – and will look to continue playing spoiler in Saturday’s matchup against Alabama.
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Auburn and Alabama will square off Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Here are the Thursday injury reports for both teams.
Full Alabama at Auburn Thursday injury report
Alabama Crimson Tide
Auburn Tigers
Alabama and Auburn engaged in a thriller a season ago at Jordan-Hare Stadium, and it came down to a 4th-and-Goal play from the 31-yard line. That’s when Jalen Milroe connected with Isaiah Bond in the back of the end zone, giving the Crimson Tide what would be the game-winning touchdown in the 27-24 victory.
This time around, the Tigers are going to Tuscaloosa. Cam Coleman had the perfect way to sum up their mentality, as well.
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“Really a revenge tour,” Coleman said, via Jacob Waters of Opelika-Auburn News. “We’re going in their place and we’re really just going to go into their crib and just take over and have fun while we’re doing it.
“This is going to be some of the last memories we make with each other so let’s go make it a memorable game.”
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WHNT) — Former Director of Athletics and student-athlete at the University of Alabama has passed away, according to the university.
William “Bill” Raines Battle III was the former director of athletics at Alabama, a former student-athlete at the university, a collegiate football coach and founder of Collegiate Licensing Company.
According to the University of Alabama Athletics on Thursday, Battle passed away at the age of 82.
(Photo: University of Alabama Athletics)
Battle attended the University of Alabama on a football scholarship and was a three-year starter from 1960 to 1962. Battle played under the legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.
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In 1961, Battle was part of Coach Bryant’s first national championship team and was named UA’s All-Decade Team for the 1960s as a first-team tight end and second-team defensive end.
The university said Battle earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and minored in psychology in 1963 and earned his master’s degree in education at the University of Oklahoma in 1964.
Battle didn’t just earn his degrees, but he served as a graduate assistant at OU under Bud Wilkinson. He was an assistant coach at the United States Military Academy while also serving a two-year military tour in 1964-65.
Following his service, Battle transitioned to be an assistant coach for four years at the University of Tennessee starting in 1966. Battle was named head coach at Tennessee in 1970 and during his seven-year tenure, his teams went 59-22-2 and won four out of five bowl games.
Battle founded the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) in 1981 and served as president and CEO until 2002.
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The athletic department said in 2013, Battle made his return to Tuscaloosa where he was the athletic director for four years where he oversaw several winning titles.
“During his [Battle’s] tenure, Alabama produced three NCAA team national championships, 10 SEC team championships in five different sports,15 NCAA individual champions, 43 Academic All-Americans, including six Academic All-Americans of the Year and 16 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship awardees,” the university said.
Once he finished his time as athletic director, Battle continued his time at UA as special assistant to the University of Alabama president where he helped Dr. Stuart R. Bell with initiatives to benefit the athletic department.
His accolades include;
Battle is a member of several halls of fame including the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (1981)
The National Collegiate Licensing Association Hall of Fame (2000)
The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association Hall of Fame (2008)
The National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators Hall of Fame (2010)
The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame (2011)
The Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame (2016)
The Alabama Business Hall of Fame (2017)
In addition to this, Battle was awarded by the National Football Foundation, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and was the recipient of the 2005 Paul W. Bryant Alumni Athlete Award.
Several big names from the university as well as the SEC Commissioner, former head coach Nick Saban and son of Paul “Bear” Bryant provided quotes about Battle.
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“Bill Battle’s legacy at The University of Alabama is profound and enduring. His generosity and visionary leadership elevated our institution and enriched the lives of countless students and colleagues. His dedication to excellence and steadfast devotion to UA will inspire generations to come. We are forever grateful for his friendship and his lasting impact on our community.”
Stuart R. Bell, UA President
“Coach Battle was a great player and top prospect in the South when he came to Alabama at a time when the program was down. He started for Papa for three years including a national championship. He created the licensing industry that The University and schools nationwide still benefit from today. He was a major donor to The University. When we needed him again, he left retirement to help us as Athletic Director.”
Paul Bryant Jr., Lifelong friend of Coach Battle and son of Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant
“It’s difficult to put into words just how much Coach Battle means to The University of Alabama and college athletics, as a whole. He excelled in so many areas and was a true visionary. Beyond his accomplishments, he was an incredible man, and I am forever grateful for the friendship we built over the years. We will miss him tremendously and are praying for Mary, Pat, Mike, Shannon, Kayla and the entire Battle family.”
Greg Byrne, Alabama Director of Athletics
“Bill Battle was first class in every way. He represented The University of Alabama with tremendous character and integrity. He was an outstanding football player at Alabama, a successful collegiate head coach and visionary who revolutionized the business of college athletics. I got to know him best when he returned to direct the Alabama athletics department where his vision and leadership were driving factors in the Crimson Tide’s success that resulted in our 2015 national championship. Terry and I are saddened by his passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Mary and their entire family. He will be deeply missed.”
Nick Saban, Former Alabama head football coach
“I am grateful for the privilege to have known and worked with Bill Battle. Bill was an innovative leader who had a distinguished career as a coach, businessman, and athletics director, who loved his family and was committed to the special opportunities presented through intercollegiate athletics. In the SEC, we share in the sorrow of Bill’s passing but are thankful for his impact and friendship.”
Alcorn State Braves (0-7) at South Alabama Jaguars (4-3)
Mobile, Alabama; Friday, 11 a.m. EST
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BOTTOM LINE: Alcorn State travels to South Alabama looking to stop its seven-game road losing streak.
The Jaguars are 3-2 in home games. South Alabama is the top team in the Sun Belt with 15.3 assists per game led by Myles Corey averaging 5.0.
The Braves have gone 0-7 away from home. Alcorn State is 0-7 against opponents with a winning record.
South Alabama is shooting 44.6% from the field this season, 0.8 percentage points lower than the 45.4% Alcorn State allows to opponents. Alcorn State’s 33.6% shooting percentage from the field this season is 5.7 percentage points lower than South Alabama has given up to its opponents (39.3%).
TOP PERFORMERS: Corey is scoring 18.4 points per game with 2.1 rebounds and 5.0 assists for the Jaguars.
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Omari Hamilton is averaging 8.6 points for the Braves.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
