Gymnastics Ranked No. 2 in Preseason Coaches' Poll
12/8/2010 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
Dec. 8, 2010
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Alabama gymnastics team is ranked second nationally in the 2011 preseason coaches' poll it was announced this week. The Crimson Tide, which finished last season ranked third nationally, received three first-place votes and 950 points.
"This just goes to show that the success we've enjoyed over the years has created an expectation nationally that no matter what kind of roster we have, whether it's a veteran team like we had last year, or a very young team like we have going into this season, Alabama is going to find a way to be at the top," UA head coach Sarah Patterson said. "This is a team that has lost four All-American seniors, including NCAA Champion Morgan Dennis, to graduation and junior All-American Ashley Priess to ankle surgery. The fact that we were still voted the No. 2 team in the nation despite having to replace 14 of 24 routines from last year's team, it's flattering for our program and a definite challenge to our ladies."
Priess, a five-time All-American, has had surgery on both her ankles and is out of the Tide's lineup for the foreseeable future. Alabama's roster includes seven freshmen and, nine veterans, including Priess.
"We hope to have Ashley available at some point this season, but we have to plan to be competitive without her," Patterson said. "The success of this year's team will depend on the leadership of our veterans and how quickly our seven freshmen adjust and understand the magnitude of their role and how crucial they are to our success."
Defending NCAA champion UCLA is ranked No. 1 with 32 first-place votes and 1035 points while defending Southeastern Conference champion Florida is No. 3 with three first-place votes and 948 points.
Oklahoma and Utah are fourth and fifth respectively with the Sooners picking up two first-place votes and the Utes one. Stanford, which comes in at No. 6 in the poll, also received a first-place vote.
"From top to bottom, I think this could be one of the most competitive years in recent memory," Patterson said. "Especially during the regular season; each meet is going to be a battle. I placed UCLA and Florida at the top of my ballot due to their competitive experience and their overall depth."
Georgia, Oregon State, Michigan and Nebraska round out the preseason top 10, while Southeastern Conference teams Arkansas, LSU, Auburn and Kentucky all figure in the top 25, coming in at 11th, 12th, 15th and 24th respectively.
"There are five Southeastern Conference teams in the top 12 right now and all seven teams are in the top 25," Patterson said. "There's no doubt that the SEC continues to be the nation's premiere gymnastics conference."
Alabama opens the season at home against No. 14 Penn State on Jan. 7 in the first of five Fun, Family Fridays in Coleman Coliseum. The Tide will also host the NCAA Central Regional Championships in early April.
"As a coaching staff we are very excited to have the 'Bama Nation meet the latest edition of Crimson Tide gymnastics," Patterson said. "I know our fans will embrace this young team and help carry them through what promises to be an exciting season."
All 11 teams on Alabama's 2011 schedule are ranked in the top 25, including nine that are in the top 15.
"This poll certainly proves that our schedule is again one of the toughest in the nation," Patterson said. "By the time we get to the championship season, we won't be looking over our shoulders because we will have been tested against the very best."
Season tickets are on sale now through the Alabama Ticket Office (205.348.2262) in the lobby of Coleman Coliseum or online at RollTide.com.
2011 National Gymnastics Coaches' Poll
| Rank | Team | Points | 1st Place Votes |
| 1 | UCLA | 1035 | 32 |
| 2 | Alabama | 950 | 3 |
| *3 | Florida | 948 | 3 |
| 4 | Oklahoma | 881 | 2 |
| 5 | Utah | 853 | 1 |
| 6 | Stanford | 818 | 1 |
| *7 | Georgia | 749 |
|
| 8 | Oregon State | 702 |
|
| *9 | Michigan | 696 |
|
| *10 | Nebraska | 691 |
|
| *11 | Arkansas | 648 |
|
| *12 | L.S.U. | 647 |
|
| *13 | Missouri | 479 |
|
| *14 | Penn State | 456 |
|
| *15 | Auburn | 415 |
|
| 16 | Denver | 361 |
|
| 17 | Illinois-Champaign | 333 |
|
| *18 | Boise State | 311 |
|
| 19 | Arizona | 274 |
|
| 20 | Southern Utah | 195 |
|
| 21 | Washington | 191 |
|
| 22 | Iowa State | 114 |
|
| 23 | Minnesota | 109 |
|
| *24 | Kentucky | 102 |
|
| 25 | Arizona State | 100 |
* 2011 Alabama Opponent
Players Mentioned
