University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban started his bye week by being inducted into the prestigious Alabama Academy of Honor, which recognizes outstanding accomplishments and service in the state and is limited to 100 living Alabamians.

Specifically: “To bestow honor and recognition upon living Alabamians for their outstanding accomplishments and services, the Alabama Academy of Honor was created by the State Legislature on October 29, 1965. Each person elected to membership is a distinguished citizen of Alabama, chosen for accomplishment or service greatly benefitting or reflecting great credit on the State.

“Each year ten members may be elected by the Academy of Honor until its membership reaches one hundred; additional elections will maintain the membership at that size. All living governors of Alabama are automatically members of the Academy.”

Saban has won three national championships with the Crimson Tide since being hired in 2007.

Other members of the Class of 2014 honored Monday the the Old House Chambers at the State Capitol building in Montgomery were:

UA President Judy Bonner
Apple CEO Tim Cook
Children’s advocate John Croyle
Bioscientist Jim Hudson, Jr.
Civic leader Margaret Porter
U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions
Business leader Edgar Welden

Cook, who went to Auburn, heard a loud “War Eagle” yelled out during his turn at the podium.

“Each person here means so much to the state of Alabama,” Gov. Robert Bentley said in his opening remarks. “You have each made an impact in your own way and you all deserve this honor.”