Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that the State of Alabama recognizes Alabama running back Mark Ingram for his successful 2009 football season; and

WHEREAS, a Michigan native, Mark Ingram was rated the sixth-best player in Michigan high school football in 2007. He ran for 1,700 yards and 24 touchdowns his senior season at Flint Southwestern Academy; and

WHEREAS, during his freshman year at the University of Alabama, Mark Ingram set the Alabama freshman school record with a team-high 12 touchdowns; and

WHEREAS, during the 2009 Alabama football season, Mark Ingram averaged 118.6 yards rushing per game and 6.2 yards per carry while catching 30 passes out of the backfield for 322 yards and three touchdowns. He compiled 1,864 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns. He shattered the Alabama single-season rushing record previously held by Bobby Humphrey in 1987; and

WHEREAS, Mark's leadership help lead the Crimson Tide to a 32-13 win over the Florida Gators to capture the 2009 SEC Championship; and

WHEREAS, On December 12, 2009, Mark Ingram became the first Alabama football player to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy; and

WHEREAS, Mark Ingram is the 40th running back to ever win the Heisman Trophy, but just the eighth since 1985; and

WHEREAS, Alabama fans across the state and nation will be cheering for Mark Ingram and the rest of the Crimson Tide football team on Thursday, January 7 during the BCS National Championship Game in California:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bob Riley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, January 6, 2010, as

Mark Ingram Day in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 5th day of January 2010.

Governor Bob Riley