Gymnastics Takes on Boise State in Coleman Coliseum Friday
1/20/2011 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
Jan. 20, 2011
Live Stats | Radio Broadcast | Video Streaming
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The No. 11 ranked Alabama gymnastics team returns to action this Friday in Coleman Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. against No. 15 Boise State.
While the two schools have met three times over the last seven years in NCAA Regional Championships, including the 2008 regional in Norman, Okla., this marks the first time the two teams have faced each other during the regular season.
"We have not seen Boise State very often over the year," UA head coach Sarah Patterson said. "But they have a good program that is getting better all the time."
Alabama is 2-0 overall in 1-0 in Southeastern Conference competition after posting a comeback win at Arkansas last Friday. The Broncos are 2-1 on the year after finishing second at the Washington Quad meet to open their season last weekend.
"They scored about the same as we did last weekend," Patterson said. "I expect them to come in here and make it a great meet."
Boise State, led by co-head coaches Tina Bird and Neil Resnick, sports a roster slightly larger than the Tide's, with 18 gymnasts balanced equally between the four classes. Junior Amy Glass enjoyed a strong opening night for the Broncos and is currently ranked fifth nationally in the all-around.
Senior Kayla Hoffman, ranked 12th in the all-around this week, leads the way for the Tide. The Union, N.J., native is also one of four UA gymnasts ranked in the top-10 on the vault, where the Tide is ranked No. 1 as a team. Alabama jumped to the top spot on the vault after scoring a 49.5, the highest score in the country on any event, at Arkansas.
The two teams are on the opposite end of the experience spectrum when it comes to routines in competition. A majority of the Broncos' routines in their first meet, 15 in all, came from the junior and senior class while 16 of the Tide's competitive routines came from the freshman and sophomore class last weekend.
Friday is also Academic Achievement Night in Coleman Coliseum which means city and county elementary school students who made the "A" or "B" honor roll can use the voucher they received at school for free admission for themselves and a guest.
Tickets are available through the Alabama Ticket Office (205.348.2262), located in the lobby of Coleman Coliseum, and online at RollTide.com.
Players Mentioned
