Alabama gymnastics coach Sarah Patterson announced the signing of four student-athletes to national letters of intent.

Melanie Banville, Cassie Martin, Courtney Priess and Bianca Puello have all committed to the Crimson Tide and will join the Tide for the 2005-06 season.

"We're very pleased to have these young women join our program," Patterson said. "They were all attracted to The University of Alabama by our gymnastics program, but they were additionally convinced that this is the place for them due to the academic opportunities that are available. The honors programs and our rapid rise in the national standings as an academic institution played a role in their decision."

PBAs, one member of Tandem Team and the Salty Dog dropped in at practice on this date following a grueling day's work on the new website design with our favorite computer guru, Barry.  The new look of gymtide.com has about one more week of tinkering before its debut.  Updated roster information, photos of the team and more practice reports will be coming with the new "face" of The Medalist Club website.  Here's how the ladies were looking in the gym today...

We've got a photo album and slide show for the Ghosts and Goblins match

• Photo Album: Ghosts and Goblins
• Slide Show: Ghosts and Goblins

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

80149 kb 44. Coaches and team gather for the result-Goblins Rule!

60753 kb 15. The gleeful ghouls

85695 kb 01. Octobers end means Ghosts and Goblins contend

The University of Alabama Gymnastics Practice Facility, part of the Coleman Coliseum Annex, will be dedicated the "Frances Smith Gymnastics Practice Facility" Friday, November 5 during a ceremony at Coleman Coliseum.

Mr. Steve D. Smith of Tuscaloosa made a one million dollar gift to the Crimson Tradition Fund in honor of his mother, a life-long Alabama fan who "never misses a home gymnastics meet."

"All of my life our family have been loyal fans and spectators of the Crimson Tide," Mr. Steve Smith said. "In 45 years as a local business in Tuscaloosa, we have been the beneficiaries of an extraordinary institution like The University of Alabama. I felt this was my opportunity to give back to a school that has meant so much to us as community members and Crimson Tide fans."

Tide fans turned out in force on Friday, October 29, 2004 to get a peek at the 2005 Alabama Gymnastics Team during the annual Ghosts vs Goblins intra-squad meet.  This festive competition serves as a barometer of the team's progress to date and confirms for the coaches where they need to focus their efforts for the remaining weeks of the Fall practice season.