We have a new "Chalk Talk" from Coach Patterson:

• Season Greetings! - November 25, 2003

Terin Humphrey's hometown paper, The Examiner, covers the World Champion's signing with the Crimson Tide.

• Humphrey heads south: GAGE gymnast signs with Alabama

University of Alabama Head Gymnastics Coach Sarah Patterson announced the signing of three student-athletes, including two members of the United States National Team, in the early signing period.

The Crimson Tide inked Terin Humphrey, Mindy Weber and Kaitlin White to national letters of intent.

"We are absolutely thrilled by this class," Patterson said. "Not only are they all tremendous athletes, but they are strong students who will be positive members of this program. There were a lot of talented gymnasts in this year's recruiting class, but these three young ladies were at the very top of our wish list. I think it says a lot about our program and the University that each of these young women committed to us immediately after visiting campus. They were all courted by the nation's top programs and we are very excited that they chose to join the Alabama family."

Alabama's annual intra-squad slugfest took place on the scariest day of the year and gave Tide fans in attendance a sneak peek at how the 2004 team is shaping up. The coaches had mostly smiles on their faces throughout the competition as the sophomore gals executed their skills with considerably more confidence this year. And while each of the freshmen showed some nerves at various points on the balance beam they gained valuable experience in the process. The juniors and seniors were providing leadership by example through their impressive routines and will contribute to the team's depth on several events this year. With the exception of junior Michelle Reeser (resting a sore achilles), freshman Meredith Laxton (ACL rehabbing) and sophomore Larissa Stewart (rehabbing a tendon tear in the hand), all of the ladies had complete routines on at least one event and several had complete routines on 3 or 4 events.

We have another peek at what the ladies are working on just prior to Ghost vs. Goblins. Today was also a strength (weights) and conditioning day, so some of the ladies were not observed on certain events.

Kristin Sterner is use to competing against the best of the best.

The former University of Alabama gymnast helped her team to four straight NCAA team finals, including a win in 2002 and a runner-up finish last season, her senior year. She earned 11 All-American honors over her four-year career and helped Alabama to two Southeastern Conference titles and four NCAA Regional crowns.

This weekend though, the competition will be the toughest she's ever faced. She and nine other women from across the nation are finalists for the NCAA Woman of the Year award, given annually since 1991.

The Alabama Gymnastics team gave a sneak peek at the 2004 squad today at the annual Ghost and Goblins Intrasquad today in the Crimson Tide's practice facility.

The Ghosts ran their streak up to three in a row over the Goblins in a tiebreaker. The Ghosts were led by sophomore Dana Filetti and senior Jeana Rice. Filetti and sophomore Ashley Miles tied for high point honors.

This was the best Ghost and Goblins we've had in terms of clean performance and fewest mistakes, assistant head coach David Patterson said.