The month of October brings the shift in the emphasis of our training. The gymnasts have used the first few weeks of official practice to learn what is expected of them daily in practice. We now begin focusing on the composition of routines and putting sequences together that will enable them to make transition to full routines once the time actually comes. Balance beam routines have been constructed as well as "reworking" some of the upperclassmen's composition. Emphasis is placed on highlighting the gymnasts' best attributes instead of performing stock routines that just meet the general requirements of the code of points.

Dana Dobransky Duckworth has done a terrific job of choreographing our floor routines. The music is spectacular and this event promises to be a "crowd pleaser" for us this year. We made it a point to begin early with our choreography because there were so many different routines to be done. We are over half way in this point and our goal is to complete these routines by the first week of November. It has been challenging to find music that fits each gymnast's personality while creating diversity among each individual routine. I think all Alabama fans will enjoy the uniqueness Dana has created for us.

With Homecoming quickly approaching, don't forget to join the 2002 NCAA Championship Team on the quad for the bonfire and pep rally, 7:00 pm, Friday night. The ladies will be introduced during the pep rally and will also participate in the Homecoming parade Saturday morning. I look forward to seeing you there as we take on the Ole Miss Rebels and enjoy the festivities and spirit of Homecoming at The University of Alabama.

See you there!