TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The 2009 Alabama Gymnastics team will make its first official public appearance Saturday when it signs autographs on the Quad 3:45-4:45 p.m. prior to the UA-Western Kentucky football game.

The Crimson Tide, which began official practice on Thursday, is balanced between rookies and newcomers this season with seven freshmen and 11 veterans making up the roster. Junior All-Americans Morgan Dennis, Kassi Price and Casey Overton, freshman All-American Kayla Hoffman, senior All-American Brittany Magee and three-time junior Southeastern Conference Champion Ricki Lebegern will all be on hand Saturday.

"Our ladies really enjoy the chance to meet and interact with our amazing fans," head coach Sarah Patterson, in her 31st year leading the Tide, said. "One of the many reasons most of our ladies chose Alabama was its amazing fan support, something our freshmen will experience firsthand Saturday."

Alabama fans will have the chance to meet all the Tide's newcomers, including Julie Cotter, Kara Feeney, Jocelyn Fowler, Erika Pearson, Ashley Priess, Geralen Stack-Eaton and Rachel Terry.

The Tide is coming off its 26th consecutive NCAA Championship appearance last season and its 24th year in the top-6. Sarah and David Patterson, in their 31st season leading Alabama are joined by assistant coaches Bryan Raschilla and Dana Duckworth.

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