Gymnastics Hosts Christmas Party for Stallings RISE Center Students
12/9/2011 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
Dec. 9, 2011
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The defending NCAA Champion Alabama Gymnastics team took time out from its normal practice routine to host nearly 100 children from the Stallings RISE Center for its annual Christmas party in the Frances Smith Practice Facility Friday afternoon.
"You can't help but smile and have your spirits lifted when these children hit the gym running," UA head coach Sarah Patterson said. "They have such incredible energy and have so much fun. It is definitely one of the highlights of the year for our ladies."
Patterson and the Crimson Tide have joined with RISE for a Christmas party for more than 20 years and have hosted the party in the UA practice facility since it opened in 1996. As always, the gymnasts and RISE students were joined by a very special guest when Santa Claus made his way to Coleman Coliseum and the practice gym.
The gymnasts start exams next week and will train for a few days after exams are over before heading home for Christmas break. The 2012 season gets underway Friday, Jan. 13 at home against arch rival Georgia. Season tickets can be purchased online at RollTide.com and through the Alabama Ticket Office (205.348.2262).
