Official practice began Thursday, September 19th for the 2003-2004 GymTide. There was a real air of enthusiasm as the coaches 'took control' of practice for the first time this Fall in Bama's state-of-the-art Coleman Coliseum Annex practice facility.

Prior to Thursday, the coaches were severely limited, under NCAA regulations, as to the amount and types of 'coaching' they were allowed to do - primarily only that needed for safety considerations. And, as with other NCAA sports, the official practice starting date, as well as the amount of practice time allowed, is strictly controlled.

With this in mind, it appeared that a strong emphasis was placed on efficiency and time management during the practice. The gymnasts scurried around to the various apparatuses as if each were trying to ensure a high mark for 'makes good use of time' on her report card.

The Tide begins official practice with the unenviable task of replacing the lost contributions, both tangible and intangible, of last season's lone senior and 2003 NCAA Woman of the Year for the State of Alabama, all-arounder Kristin Sterner. The recipient of many athletic and academic awards, our understanding is that, now that she has completed her athletic eligibility, Kristin is continuing her studies with an eye toward attending medical school next fall.

Some new faces will figure prominently in the effort to fill Kristin's shoes as the Tide welcomes no less than four freshmen to the team this season: Brittany Comeaux from Addis, Louisiana, Johna Gay from Mobile, Meredith Laxton from Papillion, Nebraska, and Erin Rightley from Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. All four were practicing on Thursday and seemed already to be melding nicely with the veterans.

Speaking of the veterans, several appeared to be working on new skills for the 2004 season. In addition, everyone looked to be in pretty good shape or, as a 'highly placed source' on the coaching staff remarked, "soon would be." You don't have to be around these hard-working and talented young women very long to see why they have been so successful.

Practice will continue apace for the start of gymnastics season (the Super Six Challenge will be held in Tuscaloosa in just 111 days, but who's counting?). Along the way there will be an intra-squad meet or two that will be open to the public, not to mention the Medalist Club barbecue and other club events. Stay tuned to GymTide.com for the times and dates of these events.