FanPost

The Gators Come to Town for Alabama Gymnastics

Diandra Miller. - Alabama Athletic Communications

Do you know the words to Yea Alabama? Remember the line "Send the Florida Gators to a watery grave"? No. Then you haven’t been paying attention to the Alabama Gymnastics team sing the song.

The defending NCAA Champion Florida Gators come into Coleman Coliseum tonight for what sets up to be a heavyweight battle. In the latest rankings, Florida is third with Alabama one spot back in fourth. While Florida won at home last year, Alabama defeated Florida in 2012. This meet is always a battle.

"Friday is going to be a very exciting meet," UA head coach Sarah Patterson said. "Anytime you face the defending NCAA Champion it raises the stakes. I have had Florida at the top of my preseason poll the last several years and I think they're the best team in the country right now."

Leading the Tide against the Gators will be senior Diandra Milliner. Milliner was named SEC Gymnast of the week for her performance in the All-Around at the Perfect Ten Challenge last week. For the third time this season, Katie Bailey was named SEC Freshman of the week.

The Gators counter with sophomore Bridget Sloan, the 2013 NCAA All-Around Champion and junior Kytra Hunter, the 2012 NCAA All-Around Champion.

If you want to see championship gymnastics, head to RollTide.com and purchase tickets for this evenings events. The meet tonight has been designated Military Appreciation Night with free admission for all current or former members of the military (Online promo code GYMMIL). Be sure to bring Military ID if you buy a ticket at Coleman.

For Alabama Gymnastics, the UGA Gymdawgs have been the traditional rival. But the Florida Gators are becoming the biggest obstacle in Alabama’s Road to Seven. These are two very well matched teams and students and fans can provide the home gym advantage for Alabama. I doubt Coach Patterson will ever let the MDB play Rammer Jammer after another meet, but they managed it in 2011. The opponent --- those Gators our ladies sing about in the fight song.

As always fans can follow along via live scoring. The live radio broadcast is on WVUA and can be streamed. The meet begins at 7:30pm CT, the broadcast usually starts about ten minutes before the official start. If you’re going to be online, drop back by here and I’ll post updates in the comments as the meet progresses.

Here’s hoping for 24 sticks on the landings and a win for our ladies.

Roll Tide!

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