BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - If University of Alabama Board of Trustees had any question about what Birmingham leaders felt about UAB athletics, then they received a loud and clear statement today when supporters and fans filled the chamber in a rally to save Blazer football.



The chamber today was filled with supporters as council members unanimously approved a resolution supporting UAB football and urged officials to save the program.



Today's regular council meeting was dominated by UAB as students, former players and boosters stood with city leaders in their rally to preserve the team.



"It's not just about the football team. It's about the students. It's about quality of life for those students," said Council President Johnathan Austin, who sponsored the resolution.



UAB supporters were alerted to possible trouble for football earlier this month when they learned that a university-wide strategic plan could recommend ending the program.

In addition supports were alarmed by the lack of a scheduled non-conference game beyond 2016.

Today's meeting took a nonpartisan and nonpolitical tone as the council, Mayor William Bell and Rep. Jack Williams stood united in support of the Blazers and UAB.



"Sometimes there are those large overarching issues on which we can lock arms," said Williams, R-Vestavia Hills.



Williams said city, county and legislative leaders are united in support of UAB.

For example, Rep. John Rogers, D-Birmingham, in 2012 sponsored a bill that would have created separate boards for both UAB and UAH.

Councilwoman Sheila Tyson praised UAB football and the team's community partnerships in her district. Tyson also restated her pledge to support legislation to bring fairness when it comes to UAB board representation.

As a symbol of her commitment, she pulled out a UAB cap and wore it throughout the meeting. It was the first of several rounds of applause that roared through the chamber.

Councilwoman Valerie Abbott expressed often heard frustration that the Board of Trustees, dominated by Tuscaloosa graduates, is disinterested in UAB.

She also used the moment to challenge UAB supporters to step up in support of the program.

"If everyone in Birmingham would buy a ticket and go to the game, that just might wake everyone in Tuscaloosa up," Abbott said.

Councilwoman Lashunda Scales told the players that they have a partner with the city in their fight for UAB athletics.

"You don't have to feel like you're in this fight alone," she said "We're going to fight this fight with you. Most importantly we're going to win this fight."



The meeting was spirited and at times emotional, as speakers described the importance of the athletic program and the school itself.

Tim Alexander, a UAB player who was paralyzed in an auto accident, took the lectern to lobby for his school and former team.

Alexander, who graduated and will attend graduate school, said the program transcends athletics and is about teamwork and family.

Alexander received a standing ovation as other players lifted him out of his wheelchair to let him stand for the end of the presentation.

Some in the audience held back tears as Alexander made his dramatic statement of support.

Bell restated support for his alma mater, saying there are just a few detractors who do not want to see the institution thrive.

On the other hand, he has said the preservation of UAB will require far-reaching commitments from the public and private sectors to build better facilities.

Bell today said the issue is more than football and the elimination of the sport would also affect other athletics.

Bell said it is up to UAB supporters to do what University President Ray Watts cannot do, noting that the last president to speak forcefully for UAB athletics is no longer in her seat.

In response, Williams said he would work through the legislature to create rules to take away the bridle on UAB officials and give them more freedom to advocate for their institution.

The presentation ended with the showing of a new television commercial seeking support for UAB.

"What's good for it is good for us all," the narrator concludes in the spot.