"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:"

The Alabama Gymnastics team, NCAA Runner-up a year ago, is third in the national preseason coaches' poll released this week.

"We're obviously pleased to be ranked in the preseason top 5," head coach Sarah Patterson said. "But we also know that it's not where you start but where you finish. If we can stay healthy we can achieve our goal of being on the floor the last night of the season with a chance to win a national title."

Defending NCAA Champion UCLA is ranked No. 1 by the coaches while Georgia, who finished third in 2003, is second. Utah and Michigan are fourth and fifth respectively.

The Alabama Gymnasts will join in at The Medalist Club's annual Preseason BBQ Sunday, December 14th from 4 - 6 p.m. in the Scholarship Room of Bryant Denny Stadium.

The Medalist Club is the booster organization for the four-time NCAA Champion Crimson Tide. The BBQ is open to members of the Medalist Club only, but memberships can be obtained and renewed at the door. The BBQ costs $8 per person..

2004 info for TenTroupe

• Alabama Gymnastics TenTroupe: The Tradition Continues!

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

• ChalkTalk: Thursday, December 11, 2003

Every year since the Crimson Tide's new practice facility opened in 1996, the Alabama Gymnastics team has invited the children of the Stallings RISE Center over for a holiday get together. This year was no different, as the gymnasts took sometime away from training for the upcoming season and studying for fast approaching exams to spend some time playing in the facility with their young friends. Even Santa took a break for getting ready for the holidays, stopping by to hear a few Christmas lists.

We've got a photo album for the 2004 Rise Party

• Photo Album: HC Parade (Sunday, October 26, 2003)

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

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Alabama's coaches will tell you that recruiting "never stops" when it comes to the sport of gymnastics. The annual plethora of Level 10 and Elite Level competitions around the country offers them several opportunities to analyze potential gymnasts throughout the year. Assistant Coach Bryan Raschilla, who is in charge of recruiting for the Crimson Tide, set the bar high when he arrived on campus in 1996, vowing to go anywhere and everywhere to nab the best for Alabama's storied program. In 2000 his eye was caught by a gymnast in Texas that was a Level 10 standout on the floor and vault. She also had big-time all around skills that all three coaches felt would mesh very well with the Tide's philosophy of clean yet powerful gymnastics. Her name was Shannon Hrozek and, like Alexis Brion, she made an immediate impact on the Alabama team as a freshman. In 2002, Shannon earned 1^st Team All America honors on the balance beam and also contributed a key uneven bars routine to help seal the national title on the second night of competition.

Alexis Brion is one of Alabama's most celebrated recruits. Back in 1995 at age 12, she was poised on the brink of international stardom as a junior elite. Despite competing at only 4 feet - 1 inch, she was tumbling spectacular passes on the floor that included a double layout, a full-in pike, and a whip to triple twist. She was also the first gymnast to successfully compete a double twisting double back in the pike position on the floor. But the years of pounding eventually took their toil and her dreams of making the Olympic Team were shelved to allow for her body to heal. There was a time between ages 16-18 that she considered giving up elite gymnastics altogether but fortunately for the Bama faithful, she continued training and competing, with her eyes on a college scholarship. When Alexis narrowed her choices to Georgia and Alabama, Tide fans who knew of her extraordinary talent kept their fingers crossed that she would choose the Crimson and White leo to don for her four years of collegiate competition. Once Alexis committed to the Tide, Coach Patterson vowed to help her re-experience the fun, enjoyable aspects of gymnastics through collegiate team competition.

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.

TUSCALOOSA, ALA -- The Alabama Gymnastics team released its 2004 schedule this week with a message for its fans "Friday nights in Coleman Coliseum are made for families."

We are introducing 'Fun Family Fridays'this year, head coach Sarah Patterson said. All our home meets will be on Friday night, giving families an opportunity to do something together that is exciting and affordable.

The Crimson Tide has five home meets this season and four regular season road trips. Season ticket packages are available through the Alabama Ticket Office (205.348.2262) or online at www.rolltide.com.

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

• Chalk Talk update

It's Ghosts and Goblins time of year
We hope you'll find a way
To visit Bama's practice gym
On Halloween, Friday.

Yes, be there by 1:30
You're sure to get a treat
Of gymnasts throwing 'scary' tricks
And landing on their feet.

Will Goblins take the spooky prize?
Or Ghosts scare up the win?
Either way, we're sure you'll say,
"That contest was a 10!"

-----------------
by: Screamin' Salto (BOO!)
In honor of the GymTide's annual 'Ghosts and Goblins' intra-quad contest this Friday (Halloween) at 1:30 in the practice gym (the public is cordially invited to attend).

We've got a new slide show and a photo album for the HC Parade

• Slide Show: HC Parade (Sunday, October 26, 2003)
• Photo Album: HC Parade (Sunday, October 26, 2003)

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

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• Kristin Sterner on SECkids.com

We've got a new slide show and a photo album for the Rings Ceremony

• Slide Show: Rings Ceremony (Monday, September 15, 2003)
• Photo Album: Rings Ceremony (Monday, September 15, 2003)

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

76 kb 01.Coach Mal and Dr. Witt begin the presentation

86 kb 02.Ashley and Michelle add wattage to the field

106 kb 03.SEC Floor Champ Ashley Miles

"Official practice began Thursday, September 19th for the 2003-2004 GymTide. There was a real air of enthusiasm as the coaches 'took control' of practice for the first time this Fall in Bama's state-of-the-art Coleman Coliseum Annex practice facility.

Prior to Thursday, the coaches were severely limited, under NCAA regulations, as to the amount and types of 'coaching' they were allowed to do - primarily only that needed for safety considerations. And, as with other NCAA sports, the official practice starting date, as well as the amount of practice time allowed, is strictly controlled.

With this in mind, it appeared that a strong emphasis was placed on efficiency and time management during the practice. The gymnasts scurried around to the various apparatuses as if each were trying to ensure a high mark for 'makes good use of time' on her report card."

We've got the 2nd part pf last week's slide show and a photo album for the Gymnasts Poster Signing

• Slide Show: Gymnasts Poster Signing (Monday, September 15, 2003)
• Photo Album: Gymnasts Poster Signing (Monday, September 15, 2003)

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

46 kb 01 Sarah and Johnna Gay and Brittany Comeaux

50 kb 02 Four winning smiles start the poster signing

52 kb 03 Mari and Alexis greet some fans

As Crimson Tide fans know, gymnastics season is a time of accomplishment and accolades at the Capstone and 2003 was no exception. Last season though had a special glow from the very beginning though as Sarah and David Patterson celebrated their 25^th season coaching at Alabama and their team responded with a season-long performance worthy of such a milestone.

The Tide went into the season with one of the youngest teams in the nation, with seven freshmen and three sophomores making up the majority of the 14 athletes on the roster. There was no doubt that the Pattersons, along with long-time assistant coach Bryan Raschilla had their work cutout for them. But 'the kids' soon proved they were alright and looking to make a name of their own in the wake of Alabama's 2002 NCAA Championship.

Among the highlights from last season, and there were many, was the induction of Sarah Patterson into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, making her only the sixth woman and the first women's coach to earn a berth in the hall. As a team, Alabama followed up its 2002 national title with a runner-up finish at the 2003 NCAA Championships. The Tide also won its 19^th NCAA Regional title.

1. Roster for the 2004 season

It's hard to believe, but the 2004 season isn't too far away and being the ultra-organized folks that we are, we already have some dates for the Medalist Club calendar. So mark these dates down and keep an eye out for additions coming soon.

"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)

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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

We have some photos that we did not post during the season. We've combined 2 sets, "Practice on April 19th" and "The Grand Gala" into one photo album.

• Photo Album: "Practice on April 19th" and "The Grand Gala"

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

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August 1999...so let the journey begin!

I'll never forget the day Keith loaded the girls into the car and departed for Tuscaloosa, Alabama. They looked like 'Okies' with all of their possessions crammed into the car, and bikes hanging off the back. The commitment had been made, and we turned our daughter over to the capable and nurturing hands of the Pattersons...and to the entire Alabama support system. Kristin was always a great teenager, with potential to be tapped. The coaches assured us they had a PLAN for Kristin, and boy, did they ever!

I'll never forget how completely the team 'adopted' Kristin and Sara, and never made them feel like underclassmen. Genuine friendships followed, and they will last a lifetime. The first season, by all accounts, was a success. Alabama won SECs, Regionals, and placed 5th at NCAAs in Boise. What an honor to be a part of such a fantastic team. One year under her belt, and we sensed that Tuscaloosa was starting to feel more like 'home' than home!

We've got a new photo album for the Medalist Club Banquet (Saturday, May 03, 2003)

• Photo Album: Medalist Club Banquet (Saturday, May 03, 2003)

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

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We've got a new slide show and a photo album for the SEC Championship

• Slide Show: SEC Championship (Saturday, March 29, 2003)
• Photo Album: SEC Championship (Saturday, March 29, 2003)

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

75 kb 01. Michelle straightlines a giant

109 kb 02. Dana F Giengers to the left

93 kb 03. Jeana transitions to high bar

"I think that every parent harbors the hope that their child will grow up to become an adult that is happy, normal and will make a meaningful contribution to society. Kristin's experiences at the University of Alabama have been a major contributor toward the fulfillment of that hope for me. It would be impossible to try to name all of the people that have had so many positive impacts on her during these past four years and it is apparent to me that I have had the privilege of meeting only a small portion of them. They range from the coaching and support staff, her teammates past and present as well as the Bama family of boosters and University faculty. I have been so impressed with their kindness, caring and enthusiasm. With an atmosphere like that, it is seemingly impossible not to succeed! My personal thanks to all of you for your wonderful and caring support."

"I find it hard to believe that four years could have passed so quickly. It seems much more like only one and a half years! These four years have provided her with a chance for growth and the realization of broadened intellectual vistas and perspectives. It has been a continuation of learning to balance her job as a university athlete against the need for scholarship and trying not to lose sight of the collegiate experience as well. It has given her a chance to be "on her own" while still under the gentle (most of the time) guiding influence of her coaches and their staff. She has teammates that will be lifelong friends every bit as close as her own siblings. She has known the agony of defeat as well as the joy of victory and the realization that just plain hard work can be a reward in itself. Perhaps this is a lesson that is even more a realization for her mother and I. She is the kind of kid that doesn't make much of either a defeat or a victory but is far more inclined to be focused on the next competition or test, realizing that the past is past and the future is where we must focus our efforts. She has shared with me that her proudest moments have been her academic accomplishments while at the university and that she is immensely proud of being introduced as an Academic All American, perhaps even more so than and Athletic All American. "

The Alabama Gymnastics team celebrated the 2003 season Saturday night with the annual year-end Medalist Club Banquet.

The banquet celebrated the Crimson Tide's fifth Southeastern Conference Championship, 19th NCAA Regional Championship and its NCAA Runner-up finish last week in Lincoln, Neb. Alabama also celebrated Sarah and David Patterson's 25th season coaching the Tide.

The squad's lone senior, Kristin Sterner, was named captain for the second year in a row. The Ionia, Michigan native earned three All-American honors during her last season, boosting her career total to 11. She was also named the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

THE MEDALIST CLUB NOMINATION COMMITTEE has recommended the following nominees for board members. The Medalist Club membership will vote at the Annual Banquet on May 3rd, 2003.

LINCOLN, NE - Tonight was Ashley Miles' night.

After shining all season for the Alabama Gymnastics squad in team competition, during individual event finals tonight, Miles capped her rookie season by winning the NCAA Vault title with a 9.9375.

"All season long Ashley has been the exclamation point on our floor and vault lineups," Alabama head coach Sarah Patterson said. "Tonight she put an awesome exclamation point on this championship and her rookie season."

In individual event finals, a gymnast must do two different vaults in front of a six-judge panel. The average of the two vault scores constitutes the final total. Miles scored a 10.0 on her first vault and a 9.875 on her second effort. She was able to fend off 2002 NCAA vault champion Jamie Dantzscher of UCLA for the win. Junior Jeana Rice finished eighth on the vault with a 9.8375

LINCOLN, NEB - The kids are alright.

A very young Alabama team stayed with a tough, veteran UCLA squad tonight, but came up just short here in tonight's Super Six team finals, coming up with an NCAA Runnerup finish.

"I told our ladies to go out and have fun tonight," Alabama head coach Sarah Patterson said. "I told them, 'Let's make a great team beat us tonight,' and a great team (UCLA) did. Tonight, UCLA was the most talented team. I wanted our team to put themselves in a position to win tonight and I couldn't have asked for a better job out of us."

Alabama used six freshmen in its lineup to come up with a 197.275, finishing ahead of third place Georgia, 197.150 and fourth place Nebraska, 197.125. Michigan and Utah finished fifth and sixth on the night with a 196.05 and 195.3 respectively.

LINCOLN, NEB -- While the NCAA Gymnastics team title is on the line here tonight, the lineup of competitors for tomorrow night's individual titles is already set.

The participants for individual event finals comes from both Thursday after sessions, with the top four individuals (and ties) advancing to Saturday night. Alabama has five gymnasts going eight routines.

Junior Jeana Rice will compete on the vault, uneven bars and balance beam. Freshman Ashley Miles will compete on the vault and floor exercise while sophomore Alexis Brion will compete in her second consecutive vault final. Senior Kristin Sterner will join Rice on the uneven bars while freshman Mari Bayer joins Rice on the uneven bars.

LINCOLN, NEB -- Alabama, UCLA and Michigan, all advancing from the afternoon session today, are joined by host Nebraska, Utah and Georgia from the evening in the NCAA Gymnastics Super Six Team Final Friday night here in the Bob Devaney Center.

Alabama will start the night on the second bye and finish on the balance beam, the same rotation that the Crimson Tide won the 2002 NCAA Championship with.

--UA--

LINCOLN, NEB - The Alabama Gymnastics team has once again accomplished their perennial goal. Tomorrow night (April 25) the Crimson Tide will be on the floor the last night of the national championships with a chance to win the title.

Using a 196.775, Alabama finished second in the first of two sessions today, advancing to the Super Six Team finals which will pit six teams against each other for the 2003 NCAA title.

"Tonight was the hardest part," head coach Sarah Patterson said. "We won't hold anything back tomorrow. We'll put the best kids in that can score the highest in the event."

LINCOLN, NEB -The regular season is but a fond memory, the conference and regional championship titles are already won and in the book and the travel, practices and press conference leading up to the national championships are done.

Alabama gymnastics is ready to defend its NCAA Championship.

That defense starts today (Thursday, April 24) at 1 p.m. To advance to tomorrow night's team finals, No. 5 Alabama has to be one of the top three teams in today's six team session. Also striving for one of three spots from the afternoon session will be No. 1 UCLA, No. 3 Arizona State, No. 10 Michigan, No. 13 Iowa and No. 14 LSU.

Alabama will be led by all-arounders Kristin Sterner, a senior, and Jeana Rice, a junior, along with super-frosh Ashley Miles.

The evening session starts at 7 p.m. and features No. 2 Nebraska, the host team, No. 4 Georgia, No. 6 Stanford, No. 8 Utah, No. 9 Florida and No. 17 Auburn.

Ashton Welborn has been a fan of the Alabama Gymanstics team and since they have gotten to know her, the 2003 Alabama Gymnastics team has quickly become even a bigger fan of the 7-year-old gymnast.

• Girl scores '10' with gymnasts. Source of inspiration 7-year-old student battles leukemia

Still basking in the glow of their 2003 Southeastern Conference Championship win, the Alabama Crimson Tide marched back home to Tuscaloosa to host the Central Regional Championships on April 12, 2003.  Entering the NCAA National qualifying meet as the top seed in the Central Region, the Tide ironically drew what has become their signature rotation (bye-floor-vault-bye-uneven bars-balance beam]. Feeding off the home crowd's vocal support, Bama proceeded to whack the opposition on all but one event.  Enroute they claimed the all around (Kristin Sterner), vault (Ashley Miles), balance beam (Kristin Sterner) and floor exercise (Ashley Miles) titles as well. Despite their celebrated youth, the Crimson Tide called upon all of their members to forge this victory.  There were several key performances that we'll highlight at this time.