Tide meets Plains: Alabama Fan Katherine Allen

How did you become a fan? 

I believe it is a genetic thing for me. My maiden name is McDavid, and our family tree is primarily crimson. I’m in the fifth generation of McDavids to attend The University of Alabama. Before that, my great-great-great-great- grandfather, Robert Miller Patton, was the governor of Alabama. He was on the Board of Trustees at The University of Alabama and led the effort to rebuild the university after it was burned by the Union Army during the Civil War. 

What is your favorite Iron Bowl memory?

For each of the four years I was an undergraduate at Alabama, we lost the Iron Bowl. Therefore, I just had to stay for two more years there in graduate school, right? Finally, in 1990, Alabama beat Auburn! It was insanely awesome.

Do you have any game day superstitions?

If we watch at home, the sofas and chairs are set in a precise “game day” shape. The same core group of friends is invited. We do not allow any Auburn fans. It’s an unspoken rule, but all our friends tacitly agree. 

If the game isn’t going well, we all have to change seats. Once, we even sent a guest home to change his shoes to the ones he usually wears. I have a lucky shaker from Pasadena, too! 

I think the biggest addition to my uber-fan status is my Championship Tree. No, it’s not a Christmas tree. It’s a Championship Tree. It’s white with red lights and covered with all Alabama ribbons and ornaments. I’ve had it up during football season for the last two years, so I think it’s working. 

What makes you an over-the-top fan?

I think when I bought removable Crimson Tide toilet decals for our most recent National Championship party, then I knew I was officially over-the-top. But, truly, that was a joke. 

Where do you like to visit while you are in Tuscaloosa?

Beyond the stadium, the Locker Room has nice higher-end Alabama attire, and no trip to campus would be the same if we didn’t drop by my sorority house to see if the famous cheese potatoes are on the menu.