Saturday, September 2, 2017 was the start of The University of Alabama's football season. The opening game took place in Atlanta, Georgia and the University's football team faced high-ranking opponents, the Florida State University Seminoles. The game was tough, there were several season ending injuries for both teams, but The University of Alabama's Crimson Tide came out on top with the win over the Florida State Seminoles 24-7. Alabama's fan base stayed involved and present during the game, all the way until they all sang Rammer Jammer at the end of the game. The fans were ecstatic, the players and coaches were elated, and the University was proud. If there is one thing that stands true about The University of Alabama, is that it is one very large support system.

The elation soon turned to heartbreak as Saturday turned into Sunday. Sunday evening, The University of Alabama's Co-Offensive Coordinator Michael Locksley's son, Meiko, was shot and killed in Maryland. Losing a child is one of the worst ways that a heart can be broken, because the love that a parent has for their child is unlike any other. Meiko Anthony Locksley was a youthful 25 years old, he had his whole life ahead of him and he had all of that taken away from him with just the shot of a gun. The Locksley family has suffered an extreme tragedy, they have lost a child and they will never be able to bring him back.

The University of Alabama has, and will, stand with the Locksley family with all of the support that they can give. Coach Nick Saban gave his heart felt condolences to the Locksley family in his press conference on Sunday, he stated, "We'll do everything that we can to support Mike and his family in this time of tragedy." Not only will The University of Alabama's football team and staff be there to support and care for the Locksley family in their time of loss, but the entire University and the worldwide fan base will be there wholeheartedly in every way possible to support and care for this family.

I attend The University of Alabama, and I can tell you that there is no other University like it. Staff, students, parents and fans all rally together to form one enormous support group — no matter what the circumstance is, whether it be a lost football game or a tragedy like that the Locksley's are suffering. I, personally, am utterly heartbroken for the Locksley family, and I can say with all of the sincerity in my heart that I know that The University of Alabama will rally behind the Locksley family and support them in every way possible during this time of their loss. Just one of many reasons to be proud to attend The University of Alabama is the way that we all support one another, casting aside all differences and all outstanding circumstances. And to the Locksley family, I hope that you find peace in this time of loss and heartbreak and I hope that you know that we are all behind you, supporting you with everything that we have.