Alabama vs. Auburn

Saturday, January 15, 2000 7 pm
Coleman Coliseum

The Auburn gymnastics team certainly has its work cut out for it when they come to Coleman Coliseum on Saturday to compete against The University of Alabama, the Super Six Champions. The Tigers are being lead into a new era by Coach Jeff Thompson. This past weekend the 24th ranked Tigers, scored their highest total in an opening meet with a score of 192.450 against 14th ranked Minnesota, who won with a score of 194.800.

Thompson served as assistant coach at LSU from 1994-1999. In those 5 years, LSU made four trips to the NCAA Championships. He had also assisted at Illinois, Wisconsin and Kentucky. Previously, he coached at Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy, working with five former members of the U.S. National Team. He received a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education, and later a Master's Degree in Biomechanics. Assistant coaches to the team are his wife Rachel, Steve Craig, and Erin Gannon. Gannon is the only coach with Auburn experience. As well as being a student assistant coach last year, Gannon also competed for the Auburn gymnastics team and holds The Tigers vault record.

There are several Auburn gymnasts Alabama fans should take note of at the meet this coming Saturday. Senior Sarah Wentworth led The Tigers strong performance on bars this past weekend, with a score of 9.85. Last season she scored 9.90 on bars a total of four times. Others to watch on bars are Junior Sally Cantrell, and Freshman Cheryl Lancaster. Junior Missy Lauderdale showed her consistency on vault last season, and continued into this year with the Tigers highest score of 9.725. On floor exercise Wentworth and Cantrell led their team with a 9.750 each against Minnesota. And again on beam it was Wentworth with the team's highest score of 9.800. Last year Wentworth won the all round for Region IV, going on to the NCAA Championships, and is starting out strong this year as well. Auburn has three new freshmen, two of which competed this past weekend. Lancaster and Mary Nell Pate could become major contenders as they gain more experience. Both were slated to compete all round this past weekend.

This first Home meet of the season will offer Alabama an early glimpse at the developing Auburn team, which Alabama will meet again on their turf on January 30.

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!