It will be a trial by fire for the Auburn freshman in their first meet of the season this Friday at Coleman Coliseum. The team is young, 8 freshmen in total that can expect to see plenty of action. They will be missing the experience, leadership and consistency that Senior Sally Cantrell has brought to the team in the past few years. Last year Cantrell won the "Rock Award" at Auburn for her consistency, hitting 62 of 64 routines. Earlier this week she tore her right ACL, which will keep her out of competition for the season.

Head Coach Jeff Thompson and his assistants have returned for their second year with the Tigers. Thompson is very excited with the quality of the recruits this season. The promise of a new state of the art practice facility has been an asset in their recruiting efforts. The team has greater depth this year on bars, beam and particularly vault. They have also enjoyed a longer practice season, comparable to other college teams, due to a switch to a semester system. All of which Thompson hopes will lend itself to a strong and very competitive team.

Freshman Erin Gettle from Pennsylvania is a former Elite gymnast who is known for her consistency. Expect to see her performing all around this Friday. The "two Kristi's", Freshman Kristi Boyte from Louisiana and Kristi Oppelt from Florida complement each other wonderfully. Boyte is known for her power vaulting and tumbling, and Oppelt is known for her strength and form on bars and beam. Oppelt has been expected to be Auburn's answer to Sarah Wentworth, who was their senior bar star last year. However, Oppelt may be sidelined for a bit this season with a stress fracture in her ankle. Both Kristi's are capable of competing on all four events. Lael Paschal is a freshman from Florida, who has been known for her consistency on beam in the past. An Early indication suggests she will compete on floor this Friday, and is also expected to be in the vault lineup sometime this season.

The final scholarship freshman may be a familiar face to many of you. Addi Hundley, the Alabama State All Around Champion in 1999 and 2000, is a former member of the Bama Bounders. She has been recovering from shoulder surgery, but recent reports indicate she may be ready to compete all around on Friday. Another local to watch for is junior Terri Brannan, from Northport. Coach Thompson promises an exciting floor routine from this hometown athlete.

Auburn is also sporting three freshman walk-ons this year. Emily Looney and Hannah Littrell hail from Decatur, AL. Looney, is a beautiful floor and beam worker, winning the state beam title in 2000. Littrell, has the reputation of being the "fastest" gymnast on the team, and is expected to make the line-up this season on vault and bars. Marrisa Ford from Connecticut, is recovering from illness. It is expected she will be limited in competition this season.

Returning for her sophomore year, Cheryl Lancaster should continue to be a standout for the team on beam, and could be an asset to the team on bars this season. Senior Missy Lauderdale's strength is on vault. She can score 9.8 or better on the floor, but has had some consistency problems in the past. Last season floor was junior Mary Nell Pate's strongest event, and struggled with falls on beam. Junior Meagan Michaels did not compete last year due to injury. Her strongest events are vault and floor.

Despite its youth, this team appears to be one of Auburn's most talented. Friday's meet will be a test of their physical and mental readiness for the season. Fans, be ready to see yet another group of freshmen shine!

Alabama vs. Auburn
Friday, January 12, 2001
7:00 PM
Coleman Coliseum