Q: Coach this will be what, your third year on the staff? Can you kind of walk us through how you came to be a member of the UA staff? I believe that you were coaching a group within the Bama Bounders and then transitioned over?

A: I began my fifth year in Tuscaloosa back in August and this will actually be my second season working with the U of A team. The summer before the 1999-2000 school year, Sarah and David asked if I would be interested in helping out with the college team. I told them I would have to think about it and half a second later I said yes!!! haha! I'm still coaching the Bama Bounders as well.

Q: Is it a lot different dealing with college-age gymnasts than it was working with the kids on the club team? Or, is "coaching gymnastics" pretty much "coaching gymnastics" at any level?

A: Technically, gymnastics is gymnastics. The main difference between the programs is that in the club program I am dealing with children who are in the developmental stage of their gymnastics careers. Their goals and potentials are very individualized. The college athletes all come to the University with one goal in mind: to win a national championship. Everyone in the gym is working for the same purpose.

Q: I would imagine that your role on the staff is ever-expanding. Can you give us an indication of your main responsibilities, both in the gym and out of the gym?

A: Being the volunteer assistant, my only responsibility is in the gym coaching.

Q: I understand that you were quite a gymnast in your day. Would you please tell us a little something about your gymnastic career?

A: "Back in the day", I competed as a club gymnast on a national level. While I did train and compete at the elite level, most of my success came at the Junior Olympic level. (similar to level 10 for girls)

Q: Do you think having been a competitive gymnast yourself at such a high level helps you deal with the young ladies on the team? If so, could you expand on how or why?

A: I guess having been there and done it, I have experienced many of the same ups and downs that come with the sport. This gives me a great amount of respect for these ladies and how hard they train to be a championship team.

Q: Coach have you projected into the future and made plans regarding your ultimate goals? And if so, would you care to share with us where you see your career going?

A: Ultimately, I would like to coach college gymnastics full time.

Q: Please allow me to shift the focus here. I know that we have a number of gymnasts on the team this year. Does having a relatively large squad cause any kind of problems for the coaching staff - either in practice when you try to get everyone enough repetitions or in building team unity or anything?

A: Not at all. I'm a big believer that there is strength in numbers. Large team....large staff....much strength!!! ROLL TIDE!

Q: Would you care to go out on a limb and identify any of the freshmen we fans really want to watch for this year? Are there any of them who have any "special skills" or tricks we might find exciting?

A: Each one of our freshman is an outstanding gymnast and will be exciting to watch. Without letting the cat out of the bag I'll just say keep your eyes open!!!

Q: Two of this years' freshmen are the twins, Erin and Lauren Holdefer, from Northport. Didn't they come through your club? If so, then I guess you have worked with them for some time now. It must be kind of neat to have two of your former pupils become your current pupils; or something like that! (Laughing) If you can at all interepret this "question" then feel free to answer, if not, well I thought I was trying to make some kind of point here; although I have no idea what it is or was.

A: With the help of my interpreter and re-reading the question several times, I believe I understand what you are asking!! Working with Erin and Lauren for the last four years has been the most painful years of my life.......just kidding ladies!! Actually, Erin and Lauren are not only outstanding athletes but they are wonderful people. I have shared in their dream of competing for the tide for four years now. When the lights go out and they march in to Coleman, we will all three be living a dream!!

Q: The southeast has become kind of a hot-bed for collegiate gymnastics (ladies anyway) because of the success of the SEC schools. However, I am not sure that this is the most furtile grounds for recruiting young talent. Where do you believe the most talented club teams are located? I know that we seem to have young ladies from virtually all over on our roster.

A: There are talented coaches and gymnasts all over the country. While our region hasn't been the strongest, it's getting better every year.

Q: I have heard that all of the ladies came back this Fall in really terrific shape. I know that you coaches can have some sort of contact with them during the summer with regards to their training (given that they are here in school I believe). Can you give us an indication of what sort of training or conditioning the ladies might do during the summer to prepare for pre-season workouts in the Fall? Maybe you could give us an example of one lady who was in summer school and one who was at home?

A: Bryan and the strength and conditioning staff put together an off-season program for the whole team. I noticed a huge difference in Lauren Holdefer this summer. We never used weight training as a part of our conditioning with the club team. After a month or so on the conditioning program I saw a noticeable difference in Lauren's quickness and power.

Q: The University of Alabama is pretty much universally recognized as a premier gymnastics program. From your perspective, can you tell folks what you think the key ingredients to such a super program are?

A: Sarah, David and Bryan! I am convinced there is not a more organized, knowledgeable and genuine staff in the country. When you combine them with the support staff and the athletes, success is inevitable!

Q: Coach Tom, I really appreciate you taking time to do this interview; I know that you are extremely busy. Is there anything you want to add while I have you on the line?

A: I would like to say that I am continually amazed by the Medalist Club and the overwhelming amount of support you give to this program. I am happy to be a part of it! Thanks!!