Brenda Ladun, a news anchor for ABC 33/40, is helping get the word out about Alabama Gymnastics' "Drive 4 the Cure" meet to help battle breast cancer.

Ladun, who is a cancer survivor herself, will be helping coach Sarah Patterson publicize not only the meet, but the DCH Breast Cancer Fund, which was created in December 2004. The Fund goes to help West Alabama women in need gain access to medical care for early detection, which is essential in beating breast cancer, and treatment.

WVUA-FM New Rock 90.7 and GymTide radio will have contests this season and great prizes will be won by some lucky fans. To find out how to enter and win, please follow this link:

• Gymnastics Contest Rules

Don't be left out! Time is running short to qualify to win the first prizes, which will be offered during the Super Six Challenge meet on January 6th, live from Baton Rouge.

Roll Tide!!!

Super Six Challenge - Baton Rouge(January 6th)

In January in Baton Rouge, we will stay at Comfort Inn University & Conference Center overnight. We have reserved 20 double rooms. For reserve one, call 225-236-4000 and ask for the Medalist Club block. Cost is $66.67 including tax and includes deluxe Continental breakfast. The bus will cost $39.00 per person. UPDATE: 12/14/2005 - Meet tickets have been purchased for those who will be riding the bus to the Super Six Challenge. The tickets cost $5.00 apiece, which we will collect from you when you board the bus (we will have only limited ability to make change, so please try to bring the correct amount!).

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

• Chalk talk - 12/16/2005

PBAs caught the last major practice before the gymnasts enter final exams this next week. The gals were working out today on every event and PBAs got a chance to view more of the floor choreography that will be presented this year with the help of Dana Dobransky-Duckworth. Rachael Delahoussaye had a small air cast on her arm to help with a stress fracture but she was practicing her beam routine and adding new elements that were exciting to see. Read on for more Tidebits...

We have the second of two pre-season practice reports on how the Tide is looking on the final two events, balance beam and floor exercise. We will post at least one more practice report prior to the Christmas Holidays and a few after the 26^th as the Tide prepares for the opening meet on January 6^th. It should be noted that senior Rachael Delahoussaye has been in an air cast for a few weeks to help her deal with a minor stress fracture in her arm but has not lost any significant training time and is on track to compete by the first of the year.