Blue Angels arrive in Tuscaloosa flying over campus, giving a ride to gymnastics coach

Blue Angels at the Tuscaloosa Airport. (Photo via UA Athletics)
Blue Angels at the Tuscaloosa Airport. (Photo via UA Athletics)

TUSCALOOSA,Ala. — At about 10 a.m. Thursday morning, most people at the University of Alabama had no idea what that noise was after a roar shook the windows of campus buildings. Those that didn’t see the announcement of the Blue Angels doing a fly-over wondered if the campus was having an earthquake.

It was the world famous Blue Angels, providing a much-needed fly-over that didn’t happen during football season.

The day before buzzing the quad and Denny Chimes, Alabama gymnastics coach Dana Duckworth received a ride in one of the jets. Chosen as one of the “Key Influencers” from the Tuscaloosa community, Duckworth strapped into a Blue Angel just days removed from the Alabama gymnastics team winning its second consecutive SEC Championship. This conference title is the team’s first under Duckworth in her inaugural season as head coach.

The team will travel to Auburn on April 4 for the NCAA Regionals as the No. 1 seed.

The Blue Angels are in town appearing at the Tuscaloosa Air Show on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets can be purchased here.