Mal Moore recognized as nation’s best athletic director

With championships in football, gymnastics, women’s golf and a chance for a few more in 2012, Alabama’s athletic director Mal Moore’s accomplishments did not go unrecognized. The National Football Foundation announced on Wednesday that it named Mal Moore the 2012 recipient of the John L. Toner award.

The award is given annually to the athletic director who “demonstrated superior administrative abilities and shown outstanding dedication to college athletics and particularly college football.”

This is Moore’s first time receiving the award.

“Mal’s leadership of Alabama football has been impeccable,”  NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell said on Wednesday. “The Crimson Tide’s success on the gridiron is undeniable, but his leadership can be felt throughout the University of Alabama and the NCAA as a whole. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

Moore’s leadership at the University of Alabama began in 1999 when he took over the duties of athletic director. Since then, the Tide has won two BCS National Championship Games, two gymnastics championships, a women’s golf championship and numerous other programs have competed for championships in recent years.

After 2012′s successful first few months, it’s easy to see why Moore was given the award. With men’s golf still in pursuit of a championship and the Alabama softball beginning competition in the Women’s College World Series on Thursday, perhaps Moore can add even more championships to his 2012 accomplishments.

Overall, Moore has helped guide the Crimson Tide to five NCAA team national championships and 18 Southeastern Conference team championships. His name is already solidified in Alabama history. This award was well-deserved and well-earned.