The slogan for this year's gymnastics team is "Leaner, Meaner, Faster, Stronger." As I understand things Junior All-American Andree Pickens came up with this theme; kind of her own personal credo for this year. Well, unfortunately Andree, I just don't see it. Please allow me a minute…

I have no problem at all with the "leaner," the "faster," or the "stronger." Bama (and Andree) has really looked great this year, and it is obvious that they had a tremendously successful off-season training program. It is just the "meaner" that I cannot agree with - can't agree with at all. Here's why.

I was working the door at the Medalist Club reception after last evening's Auburn match, and Andree was about the last person to make it over. She was obviously worn out from another stellar performance over in Coleman Colisum. However, the first thing she did was to reach down and pick up my three-year old son and visit with him for about 10 minutes. Come on, how interested can a young college athlete be in a little kid's ideas on: (1) what his favorite baseball team (the Yankees by the way) is going to do this year, (2) what Pokeman was about today, and (3) his day-school lunch exploits. Obviously, this was an instance of Andree's patience and character. Meaner - NOT A CHANCE! After indulging my son for a while, she proceeding on toward the reception, making it at least five steps before being beseiged by a group of young admiring fans. I am quite confident that each of them enjoyed some quality time with what is obviously a superstar - both athletic and character wise.

Once my "door-duties" were complete, I turned my attentions to "properly schmoozing" all of the guests. It was difficult not to notice the way all of the gymnasts were interacting so wonderfully with the kids at the event. Meaner - NOT ON YOUR LIFE!

As I was driving home after the reception, I thought about a discussion at the previous Medalist Club Board Meeting. We were discussing the fact that the breakfast before the Super-Six Meet lost money. One of the Board members, call them "member X" , made the comment that, "well, this is what the Medalist Club is about." I disagree - Member X, what I saw at the Medalist Club reception on Friday night is "what the Medalist Club is about."

I don't have a problem if the slogan "Leaner, Meaner, Faster, Stronger" helps to motivate the team, if it is the way they think of themselves, if they ride it to achieve great things this year. I just hope that everyone understands that the "meaner" part is not accurate - not accurate at all.