On an unusually warm and sunny Saturday in December, Janel Hawkins, owner of Sand Castle University, made an impromptu decision to sculpt a sand tribute to her hometown football team, the Gulf Shores High School Dolphins after they won their first state championship in football.

Despite the weather forecast predicting rain, Hawkins had a vision in her head and was determined to bring it to life. She had a feeling that the weather would cooperate just long enough for her to create her sand masterpiece.

After printing photos and conceiving the design, she began sculpting at 9 a.m. behind Gulf Place. By midday, curious onlookers began to gather, inquiring about her work.

Hawkins was creating a sand sculpture of the team's football helmet. The unseasonably warm weather had her regretting her signature Sand Castle University dri-fit long-sleeve shirt. With temperatures hitting 76 degrees, it felt more like the end of summer than the beginning of winter.

With her dedication, hard work and a lot of sweat, she completed the masterpiece around 4 p.m., just in time for the sun to set and the eerie fog to roll in.

I was able to capture a few photos before the fog completely hid the sculpture. Laughing, I told her this was not the ideal weather for a sunset photoshoot. Her response, "Ya think!?"

As we walked and talked, leaving behind the sculpture, we took bets on whether it would remain intact or whether someone would smash it.

She hoped the thick blanket of fog would save it for all to see the next day. I was a bit more skeptical. It's a football helmet; someone is going to want to tackle that thing.

So, less than 24 hours after the stunning sand sculpture had been constructed, I returned to Gulf Place with my camera to see if it survived.

Unfortunately, it was completely smashed. Surrounded by footprints, only a small amount of blue biodegradable colored sand remained. I immediately called Hawkins and asked her if she had any comments.

She replied, "If they bring home the title next year, I'll invite the entire team to smash the next one."

Game on! Congratulations to the Gulf Shores High School football team for winning the 5A state championship!