"I can't let it go - at least, not yet. Before all the excitement of the incoming freshmen class and the first day of official practice for the 2004 season, I just have to take one more look back at the accomplishments of last year's team. The 2003 edition of the GymTide added yet another honor-filled chapter to Bama's rich gymnastics tradition. And like most of the Tide faithful, I just love to reminisce."

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama head gymnastics coach Sarah Patterson has signed a contract that will tie the four-time national coach of the year to Alabama through the 2008 season according to athletics director Mal Moore. Her base pay for the coming season will be $150,000.

"I am appreciative of the University's commitment to me, my staff and providing us with the opportunity to continue to compete for championships," Patterson said.

The contract was recently approved by The Alabama Board of Trustees and signed by UA president, Dr. Robert E. Witt, Moore and Patterson.

"We are extremely pleased to have coach Patterson under contract through her 30th season at Alabama," Moore said. "She has placed Alabama among the very best in collegiate gymnastics and I think this contract reflects that commitment."

Patterson recently completed her 25th season coaching the Crimson Tide. During her tenure, she has won four NCAA and five Southeastern Conference Championships.

--UA--

Getting a little antsy yet? Maybe feeling a bit of Bama gymnastics withdrawal? How about a quick look at a few gymnastics related stories? This is just for you, of course, I am completely calm and have not missed gym season in the least. (Yeah, right!):

We've got the a new photo album for Camp Smile-a-Mile.

• Photo Album: Camp Smile-a-Mile (Tuesday, June 10, 2003)

Here are a few of the Photos:
(Click on a thumbnail to view a full size picture)

67 kb CampSAMbikecrew.jpg

73 kb CampSAMbikeride-03-rsutton

64 kb CampSAMbikeride-03a-rsutton

Tuscaloosa News writer Anna Maria Della Costa followed David Patterson on his ride for Camp Smile-A-Mile and came away with this peek inside.

• Tuscaloosa News: "Cyclists travel 140 miles for kids: Kids with cancer welcome ëheroes' at Smile-A-Mile"

The ride was no shorter this year, it was still 140 long and hilly miles. Nor was the time of year any less trying in terms of the weather conditions. But for David Patterson, this year's trek for Camp Smile-A-Mile, dubbed "The Ride of Love" by founding rider Stephanie Wilkins, went a little easier.

And the start time, 6 a.m. from the IHoP in Tuscaloosa, didn't get any easier to take, but this year, Patterson knew exactly what awaited him, not only along the ride, but also at the end. He knew the wonderful feeling of riding those last 500 yards into the camp and being greeted by the campers, youngsters dealing with cancer.

"It's a tremendous feeling to cross into the camp and see them there waiting for us," Patterson said. "It makes every mile of training and every mile today worth it."

Cecil Hurt gets the low down on this year's "Ride of Love", the 140 mile bike trek that David Patterson and gymnastics nutritionist Stephanie Wilkins undertake each year to raise money for Camp Smile-a-Mile.

• Tuscaloosa News: "Patterson is riding for love"

We've got the 2nd part pf last week's slide show and a photo album for the 2003 Regionals.

• Slide Show: Regionals 2003 (Part2) (Saturday, April 12, 2003)
• Photo Album: Regionals 2003 (Part2) (Saturday, April 12, 2003)

Here are a few of the Photos:
(Click on a thumbnail to view a full size picture)

63 kb 01.Michelle gets a spot before leading off floor

95 kb 02.Stephanie accelerates in a floor pass warm-up

66 kb 03.Kristin nails her pass right in the corner

We've got a new slide show and a photo album for the 2003 Regionals.

(The 2nd part of this series will be posted next week)

• Slide Show: Regionals 2003 (Part1) (Saturday, April 12, 2003)
• Photo Album: Regionals 2003 (Part1) (Saturday, April 12, 2003)

Here are a few of the Photos:
(Click on a thumbnail to view a full size picture)

109 kb 01.Ashley Miles starts with a Smile

84 kb 02.Kristin shows off her senior smile

41 kb 03.Freshman Mari blasts the judges with her smile