University of Alabama's Mark Ingram Wins The Heisman Trophy

Along with many historic treasures, unique attractions and destinations, Alabama is home to exceptional sportsmen and women like Mark Ingram of the University of Alabama. Congratulations goes out to Mark for becoming the 75th winner of the Heisman Memorial Trophy as the Most Outstanding College Football Player in the United States for 2009. Ingram won the award over Toby Gerhart of Stanford by only 28 points in the closest finish in the 75 year history of the Heisman. Previously, the closest race was in 1985 when Bo Jackson defeated Chuck Long by just 45 points.

The victory for the 5´10", 215-pound Ingram marks the first time a member of the Crimson Tide has won the Heisman Trophy. Leading the Crimson Tide to an undefeated (13-0) regular season and a No.1 National ranking, Ingram was named the AP Offensive Player of the Year and the SEC Offensive Player of the Year. His rushing total established a single season record at Alabama. Additionally, Ingram led Alabama to a berth in the BCS Championship Game on January 7th against Texas where he will face off against fellow Heisman finalist, Colt McCoy.

The 1987 Heisman Trophy winner from Notre Dame, Tim Brown was on hand to make the announcement of the finalists for the 75th Annual Heisman Memorial Trophy Award live on ESPN's edition of the SportsCenter. Alabama running back Mark Ingram was among the outstanding athletes that included Stanford running back Toby Gerhart, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow nominated for the award. These contenders later appeared in New York for the live Heisman Announcement on ESPN, presented by Nissan.

Did You Know? - This is the first time five finalists were invited for the presentation since 2004.

The Heisman trophy is awarded to the most outstanding college football player in the United States as determined by 870 media representatives, 55 living Heisman winners and one overall fan vote through a partnership with Nissan, Heisman's presenting sponsor. Ingram is the first athlete from the University of Alabama to take home Alabama´s first Heisman Trophy award. He thrilled Crimson fans as he powered through SEC defenses all season to be the top rusher in the league. This season he rushed for 1,542 yards on 249 attempts with 15 touchdowns. The last Alabama player to be nominated for the Heisman Trophy was quarterback Jay Barker in 1994. And, the previous year wide receiver David Palmer finished third, which was Alabama´s highest showing in the Heisman race.

Learn More: To learn more about the Heisman trophy and previous winner visit www.Heisman.com. For more information on the upcoming Crimson schedule and The University of Alabama visit their website. These are among the many festivals and tributes to be held throughout the state of Alabama in honor of our nation's Veterans. To learn more about the events and attractions to explore throughout Alabama visit www.tourism.alabama.

By Melody Schubert & Leroy Worley