This past weekend was one of personal growth and team bonding for our Bama Gymnasts. We walked out of the comforts of Coleman Coliseum where we have competed for the last three weeks and learned that to win on the road in the SEC will require a different toughness and intensity by our team.

The LSU Tigers were celebrating 25 years of success under Coach D-D Breaux and they were performing on all cylinders. The difference in the meet came down to stuck landings on dismounts...a good lesson for us as we look ahead towards Championship season...our ladies now know how important every tenth is!

After posting our season high road score in Baton Rouge, we traveled to Birmingham for our "neutral" meet with the Auburn Tigers. We concentrated on "cleaning up" our routines and creating our own excitement within our team. Little did we know at the meet start that we would also deal with adversity as Kristin Sterner sprained her ankle after an awkward landing on vault. Once again, I am reminded of what this team is made of. Andree Pickens rebounded after Kristin's injury with two scores of perfect 10.

The afternoon saw many highlights including a career high of 9.95 for Raegan Tomasek on the uneven bars and a 1-2-3 sweep on floor exercise by our amazing freshmen. Jeana Rice returned to competition with a renewed spark and showed her talents and determination to contribute to this team. The afternoon was a success and our ladies had the pleasure of being with the children from Camp Smile-A-Mile for an autograph session after the meet. Watching these children with cancer interact with our team makes you face life with a renewed spirit and sense of priorities.

Now, we are preparing to face the Georgia Bulldogs and show the Athens fans and faithful, the Bama Gymnasts are ready for a challenge. See you in Athens!

Roll Tide,