After canvassing the attendees at the Pizza Party this past Sunday, we have decided to cancel the second bus trip to Baton Rouge, the one scheduled for Friday, March 3rd, 2006. However, the hotel information shown on the bus trip page for that night is still correct and the 'Medalist Club block' rooms will still be available on a first call, first serve basis through 02/13/2006.

The Alabama Gymnastics team hosted its annual Ghost and Goblins intrasquad today with the Goblins coming out on top by a very narrow margin.

The Crimson Tide coaching staff divided the teams with eye toward making the even. With a two point margin of victory, they were obviously successful. In front of 200-plus onlookers, the Goblins beat the Ghosts 183-181. The Goblins outscored their counterparts on the vault and floor exercise to secure the victory.

Freshman Melanie Banville was the day's high scorer, adding 60 points to the Goblins winning effort. Senior Ashley Miles added 36 points for the Goblins. Rookies Cassie Martin (Ghosts), Ashley O'Neal (Goblins) and Courtney Priess (Ghosts) all tied for third place, scoring 31 points apiece.

For Michelle Reeser, the waiting is almost over.

A senior All-American on Alabama's 2005 NCAA Runner-up gymnastics squad, Reeser found out six weeks ago that she was one of 10 finalist for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award and Saturday night at a banquet held in Indianapolis, she'll find out if she is the first Alabama gymnast to win the overall award.

"I'm very, very excited and I have to say a little shocked," Reeser said. "It has put a really nice finish on a great four years at Alabama. I was looking forward to the trip from the start, but being a top-10 finalist makes it all the better."

This Sunday from 2PM - 3PM [Central], Alabama Gymnastics will once again hit the airwaves with Chad Anderson and Leesa Davis giving you a look inside of the 2006 Gymtide. Make sure you tune in if you're in the Tuscaloosa area on 90.7 FM or on the web if you're out of town at http://www.bcmonsters.com/!

GymTide reminder: Please keep in mind that the time is changing from daylight savings time to standard time early Sunday morning. Be sure to reset those clocks!

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

• Chalk talk - 10/26/2005

We've got a much promised and highly anticipated practice report!

• Practice Report: Sunday, October 23, 2005

Registration forms for Tide Tykes and Teens for the 2006 Season will be mailed out to current members on Nov. 1, 2005.

Current members will have the first chance to renew their memberships until Dec 1, 2005 and new members will be accepted after Dec 2, 2005 on a first come first serve basis.

The Tide Tykes and Teens membership is limited to 100 so if you are a current 2005 and wish to renew please be on the lookout after Nov. 1, 2005 for your renewal application and be sure to have it returned on or before Dec. 1, 2005.

We look forward to a great season with great fun for Tide Tykes and Teens. For more information please contact: Kay Harris - 205-553-5833

• Renewal applications will be accepted FROM Nov. 1, 2005 to Dec. 1, 2005
• New member applications will be accepeted AFTER Dec. 1, 2005

Now that we have your attention, we would like to invite everyone to attend the annual 'Ghosts and Goblins Intrasquad Meet' at the Frances Smith Gymnastics Practice Facility on Sunday, October 30th at 1:00 p.m. Will the Ghosts fly by the Goblins to victory? Will the Goblins scare the Ghosts into defeat? Come early (spectator space and seating is limited) to see witch will prevail. The Practice Facility is located toward the rear of Coleman Coliseum and may be entered from the east (Law School) side of the coliseum. Note that extra care should be taken in this area due to the ongoing renovation of the coliseum. Immediately after the intrasquad, fans and gymnasts alike will adjourn to the Scholarship Room on the east side of Bryant/Denny Stadium for the Medalist Club Membership Drive and Pizza Party at 4:00. Boo!!! (Gotcha!) Roll Tide!!!

PBAs and Salto hit the doors running on this date to get another peek at the 2006 Alabama Gymnastics Team. With the exception of junior walk-on Meredith Laxton, all ladies were present and working out on the four events before hitting the spinning bikes. PBAs learned that Laxton informed the coaches the previous Friday of her decision to retire from gymnastics and focus on her studies for the remainder of her time at the Capstone. The Medalist Club wishes Meredith all the best in her future endeavors.

[ 2006 Membership Drive and Pizza party ]

Fans, come join the gymnasts for the Medalist Club Fall Membership Drive and Pizza Party! The party will take place on October 30th, 2005 at 4:00 p.m. in the Scholarship Room on the east side of Bryant/Denny Stadium.