Defending NCAA Gymnastics Champions Release 2012 Schedule
9/2/2011 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
Sept. 2, 2011
2012 Alabama Gymnastics Schedule
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Sarah Patterson, head coach of the defending NCAA Champion Alabama gymnastics team, released the Crimson Tide's 2012 schedule, which includes five marquee home events, on Friday.
"We have once again put together a schedule that has us meeting the nation's best teams," Patterson, now in her 34th season, said. "I think it's a schedule that our fans will really enjoy and one that will certainly prepare us for the championship season.
The Crimson Tide's slate includes 10 regular-season meets, including a five-meet home schedule that starts with Southeastern Conference rival Georgia on Friday, Jan. 13. Alabama also hosts Florida and Arkansas along with non-conference opponents Missouri and North Carolina. Georgia, Florida and Arkansas all advanced to the NCAA Championships semifinals last season, while Missouri advanced to the championships' semifinals site in 2010.
"As the defending SEC and NCAA Champions, I know that everyone team on our schedule will have that meet circled on their calendar," Patterson said. "At the same time, with the rivalries we've developed over the years we are used to having to be at our best to win. That's especially true within the SEC, where you can't have an off night and expect to win."
The Tide's tough home schedule includes a Florida squad that was the only team to beat Alabama last season in either the regular or championship season. After falling to the Gators in Gainesville, Fla., at midseason, the Tide went on to win the rest of its regular season schedule as well as the SEC, NCAA Regional and NCAA Championships.
Alabama's road schedule is equally challenging, featuring Auburn, Kentucky, LSU, Oklahoma and a tri-meet with Penn State and Michigan State. The Tide last faced off against the Sooners during the regular season in 2010 when Oklahoma won the No. 1 vs. No. 2 clash in Norman, Okla.
While the regular season sees Alabama traveling far and wide, with stops in University Park, Pa., Auburn, Ala., Lexington, Ky., Baton Rouge, La., and Norman, Okla., the postseason sees the Tide staying a little closer to home for two of championships. Alabama will seek to defend both its SEC and NCAA titles in Duluth, Ga. As for the NCAA Regional Championships, the Tide could be sent any one of six regional sites.
"The Gwinnet Center has hosted several SEC Championships over the years, so we are familiar with the arena and the area," Patterson said. "We're excited to have both SECs and nationals relatively close by and we hope that will enable our fans to join us as we strive to build on our championship tradition."
Alabama will be going for its sixth NCAA Championship and eighth SEC title this season.
Ticket information for Tide's home "Five Fun Family Fridays" is available online at RollTide.com or through the Alabama Ticket Office (205.348.2262), located in the lobby of Coleman Coliseum.
