Several fans of this web site have approached me over the season, wondering where my journal entries have been this year.   At the beginning of the semester, I was busy applying for graduate school, trying to get my life in order for the competition season…you know-the same old excuses.

Recently, however, I have had so much free time that I don't quite know what to do with myself.   Two days of classes accounts for a lot of free time.   I guess this is what happens to a senior who only has nine hours remaining to graduate.   Unfortunately, with gymnastics, I am so accustomed to a tight schedule that, in order to accomplish anything, I need to have assignments and deadlines.

Well, Dr. Karr has been nagging me to get on the ball and send him a journal entry.   When this proved fruitless, he then harassed my poor mother, who started nagging me as well.   I couldn't have this, so, here I am, back to the journal that I hear was pretty popular last year.

First of all, I think that you should all know how exciting this season has been for me and this team.   I am blessed to have the opportunity to train and compete with these thirteen individuals.   The one reason that I stayed in gymnastics throughout high school (while my peers were going to prom, playing sports recognized by the school, etc.) was to compete on a collegiate team.   This year's squad epitomizes what I dreamed collegiate gymnastics would entail.   One way I knew this team was special was when we survived our three-day "lock-up" in Athens, Georgia (weekend of January 28, 2000).   That's fourteen girls without even a hint of hair pulling!

The competition against Kentucky this past weekend was another stepping stone for us.   I read the comments in the chat room.   I know that people have been worried about us.   I wish that those of you who could not make the trip could have seen our spirit and our energy.   So many of my teammates stepped up and proved the strength of this team.   This competition gave us a great boost for the season.   And, yes, with regard to the meet that is coming up this weekend, I am glad that we are finally in "Sweet Home Alabama" for the next two meets.   I cannot wait until this weekend.   I especially look forward to filling up the Coliseum, showing everyone what Alabama Gymnastics is all about.   I have been telling people, "If you are going to come to one gymnastics meet this year, clear your schedule for March 4, 2000! I guarantee that this will be the best competition in the SEC, if not the nation." They actually listened to me!

This meet kind of reminds me of the Alabama versus Auburn football game-the best is brought out in both teams.   I can't wait to march out with 15,000 screaming fans chanting "Roll Tide Roll!" We'll do our part, will you do yours? For that matter, you may as well start yelling now…Roll Tide Roll! Roll Tide Roll! Roll Tide Roll! Roll Tide Roll! We love you all!

Lexa