Yes, its time for another 'random thoughts' article. Of course, I get unfairly accused of having nothing but random thoughts. I sure am glad college gymnastics doesn't have a 'BCS'. Wait. . . what was the topic? Oh, yeah, random thoughts:

• Poll Watchers: For the fourth straight year, the coaches have voted UCLA and Georgia 1 - 2 in the Women's Pre-Season Coaches Poll. The GymTide is ranked number three, followed by Utah at number four and Michigan at number five. However, despite the fact that the pre-season top 5 represent 'the usual suspects', I think that 2004 could be a real breakout year for one or more of those 'bottom 20' teams. This would seem especially likely when you consider that each of the top 5 teams will be relying heavily of freshmen, sophomores, gymnasts returning from injuries - or some combination of the three.
• Post-graduate Powerhouse: The Medalist Club has for several years now awarded post-graduate scholarships to support the higher education pursuits of former University of Alabama students who have demonstrated exemplary service to the Alabama Gymnastics program (supported in great part by ticket sales for the annual 'Perfect-10 Grand Gala' - be sure to purchase one or several tickets from a board member at the next club function). Not to be confused with the Medalist Club Post-graduate Scholarship, however, is the real inspiration for our fund, the NCAA Post-graduate Scholarship. Since its inception for gymnastics in 1982, NCAA Post-graduate Scholarships have been awarded to 61 gymnasts representing 29 colleges and universities. The team with the most gymnasts awarded NCAA Post-graduate Scholarships, you ask? Why, your very own Crimson Tide, of course, with 10 (Kristin Sterner, Merritt Booth, Meredith Willard, Dana Dobransky, Katherine Kelleher, Marie Robbins, Kelly Good, Julie Estin, Barbara Mack, and Julie Garrett).
• Marie Madness: In a previous 'random thoughts' article, I mentioned that no less than four GymTiders share the middle name 'Marie' (Rachael Delahoussaye, Shannon Hrozek, Dana Pierce, and Jeana Rice). This year's freshman class, however, is completely 'Marie-less'. Faced with the dire prospect of losing a 'Marie-middler' to graduation next year (Jeana Rice), the coaches were, understandably, desperate to find a replacement. For that reason, I feel certain that the coaches were thrilled when Terin Marie Humphrey agreed to sign with the Tide for 2005. Well, OK, maybe they were pleased with a little more than just Terin's middle name where the 2005 signees were concerned!
• A Few Quick Facts: The Bama gymnast from the most populous city: Ashley Miles, San Antonio, TX (1,144,646). Gymnast from the least populous city: Dana Pierce, Advance, IN (562). Gymnast from farthest away: Mari-Christine Bayer, San Jose, CA (2285 miles). Closest: Lauren Holdefer, Northport, AL (0 miles). Gymnast from city with highest elevation above sea level: Larissa Stewart, Healdton, OK (2872 feet). Gymnast from city with lowest elevation above sea level: Rachael Delahoussaye, Mandeville, La (9 feet).
• Successful Debut for Bessemer Gymnast: University of Alaska Anchorage freshman and former Bama Bounder, La'Nae Rutledge, had a successful first time out in the UAA Seawolves annual "Green & Gold" intrasquad meet. La'Nae carded a 36.675 in the All-Around, good enough for second place, and also took first place on the Balance Beam with a 9.525. La'Nae (or 'Quita', as we remember her) was a very accomplished upper level gymnast with Bama Bounders. However, the Salto family remembers her best from a few years back when she was one of our daughter's teammates on the WinGS age-group gymnastics team in the Eastern area of Birmingham. How thrilling it is to see someone you knew as a little-bitty, dedicated, 'never-say-quit' Level 5 gymnast work her way up to the top levels of her sport. Congratulations, La'Nae, and good luck, Seawolves, in your first year of Division 1 gymnastics.
• Fall is for Community Outreach: Several SEC teams and your Alabama Crimson Tide (both gymnasts and coaches) have been involved in various charity fund-raising and community outreach activities this Fall. It's not only about school and gymnastics, it's about the the community, as well. I think Bama fans are justifiably proud of the gymnasts' and other Tide athlete's efforts in this important endeavor.
• Guess Who?: Time for a little Salto's Spin riddle:

  Everybody calls her 'gnat',
  Not just because she's little,
  Her daughter's a senior this Fall,
  Can you solve my riddle?
  (Click here for a hint, see answer below*)

• West Chester University Gym Team Receives Reprieve: In a budget cutting move, the administration of West Chester University in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania disbanded the women's gymnastics and men's lacrosse teams. Relief was sought and found in the courts, as related in this article from the Monterey Herald.com website. For additional information on this and other efforts to support endangered college gymnastics programs, check out FutureOfGymnastics.org, a tremendously informative, thoughtful, and scholarly website headed up by Eduardo Ovalle, the head coach of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology women's gymnastics team.
• Super Six Challenge in Tuscaloosa, Friday, January 9th: The GymTide's first meet, the 5th annual Super Six Challenge, will also kick-off the 'Fun Family Fridays' campaign. Coach Sarah Patterson talked about this season's home meets in an recent article on RollTide.com: "We are introducing 'Fun Family Fridays' this year. . . All our home meets will be on Friday night, giving families an opportunity to do something together that is exciting and affordable."
• The Hay's in the Barn: Well, almost, anyway. The team has just a little more work before the Christmas break. Judging from the pre-BBQ exhibition the team put on this past Sunday in the practice facility, the gymnasts are right on track to be ready when the season starts. And, by all appearances, the competion for starting slots is so close that the break from the practice facility won't mean much of a break from 'practicing gymnastics' for this bunch. In any case, long before the echos of the last carols have faded in the night, the team will reassemble for the scant few practices remaining before the season's start. So, if not for the gymnasts, the next couple of weeks are a chance for us fans to take one last deep breath . Before we know it, we will be fidgeting through the Georgia meet, worrying over the RQS numbers, and sweating out the Regionals. With that in mind, I think it's time for a few. . .
• New Year's Resolutions: I resolve to remember that gymnastics is a sport and is supposed to be fun (or, as Salsa always says, "Lighten up, Salto!"). I resolve to remember that judges are human and will, therefore, make mistakes - both in the Tide's favor and not. (The best we should hope for is that they will all even out - just not at an inopportune time!) I resolve to treat every gymnast fairly and equitably in my articles; to strive to give each and every one of them the recognition she so richly deserves. (It doesn't make it any less worth doing, but it's harder than it looks!) I further resolve to do my part in upholding the high standards of Bama gymanastics fans; to cheer the loudest, to go the farthest, to show up in droves, to take over every venue where our beloved GymTide appears and make it our own - but above all, as the ol' coach used to say, to "Show your class, always show your class." Roll Tide!!!

* Joan Gnat, Jeanna Rice's mother, who, as many of you already know, was herself an outstanding gymnast on the international scene. Click here and scroll down for short bio of Ms. Gnat featured on the "Where are They Now?" page of the online version of International Gymnast magazine.