I apologize for my absence on the website...the start of the season has been more hectic than normal and I feel as if my time and energy have gone directly into preparing our young team for the season. I do promise to do better keeping you, our fans, up to date on the happenings of your Bama gymnasts and coaches.

We were thrilled to start the 2003 season and while I am asked continually about being the defending NCAA Champions, I must be honest and tell you that we have really not ever mentioned it to this particular team. Losing five seniors to graduation and bringing in a freshman class of seven has made this difficult. It is hard to defend something you don't really understand yet!

With that being said, I will fast forward to last week's Super Six Challenge and the excitement that surrounds this team. Of the 24 routines competed at the Super Six, 13 came from freshmen and sophomores. In the pressure-packed UGA arena there is little room to hide inexperience, and our mistakes on the balance beam were mainly that. I knew when we drew the rotation with the Bulldogs on the floor as we competed on the beam, we had probably drawn the hardest rotation of the night, but.....what better way to learn and experience collegiate gymnastics at its best! This youthful team showed me that we have the spirit and determination of champions; we just have to take each week as an opportunity to build and mature! This could be one of our most talented teams....only time will tell.

If you can't join us in Athens for the sequel to last week, join us on the internet...you will be excited with the new routines and skills our ladies will show and only one week's time.

Don't forget "Hey Coach" on Monday nights and the Sarah Patterson television show Thursdays at 5:00 pm!

Roll Tide!