Auburn University Auburn’s beautiful main campus--graced by greenery and open spaces and highlighted by historic Samford Park--is made up of 375 buildings spread across 1,875 acres. Buildings in the main campus area are within walking distance of each other. Residence halls are only a short walk from classrooms, dining and athletic facilities. Auburn is located in the Southeastern United States in east-central Alabama about 30 miles from the Georgia border. • AU has been ranked in the top 50 of public institutions for the past 15 years by U.S. News & World Report, is among the top 15 percent of colleges ranked by the Princeton Review, and has academic programs that score high in national surveys. • AU invests in extensive national assessments to obtain quality, datadriven information for measuring and continually improving instruction and student preparation. • More than 92 percent of our students and more than 95 percent of our alumni say that if they could start college over again, they would choose Auburn. • A 2005 Harvard survey ranked AU as one of the top six colleges and universities in the country as a place for young faculty to work, which has a lot to do with actively engaging students. • AU is the only university in the country to offer an undergraduate degree in wireless engineering, and the first in the Southeast to offer degrees in software engineering. • AU’s Draughon Library is the largest library in the state, with 2.9 million volumes. The library subscribes to 19,000 journals and 256 electronic databases, provides library instruction and tours to students, prospective students and parents, and serves as an instructional resource for faculty. Auburn People Auburn faculty and alumni are world-class achievers in practically every arena. Here are just a few examples: • AU has graduated more than 210,000 students since it began in 1856. Currently, we have more than 193,000 alumni living around the world. • There are more than 94 Auburn clubs around the country who have raised more than $220,000 for scholarships. Two clubs have endowments of more than $100,000 and the Alumni Association Endowment stands at more than $2.3 million. • The Student Alumni Association, with membership of 2,700 students, recently established a student scholarship for it’s rising senior members. • The Auburn Alumni Association has more than 47,000 members and contributes more than $95,000 each year toward professorships and other faculty awards.
Auburn University AUBURN PEOPLE Auburn faculty and alumni are world-class achievers in practically every arena. Here are just a few examples: • AU has graduated more than 210,000 students since it began in 1856. Currently, we have more than 193,000 alumni living around the world. • There are more than 94 Auburn clubs around the country who have raised more than $220,000 for scholarships. Two clubs have endowments of more than $100,000 and the Alumni Association Endowment stands at more than $2.3 million. • The Student Alumni Association, with membership of 2,700 students, recently established a student scholarship for it’s rising senior members. • The Auburn Alumni Association has more than 47,000 members and contributes more than $95,000 each year toward professorships and other faculty awards.
Did You Know? Auburn was named one of the top 10 places to live in the country by U.S. News and World Report in its 2009 rankings One of the state’s fastest growing cities, Auburn has a population of about 47,000. An adjacent twin-city, Opelika, has a population of about 30,000. Atlanta, Ga., is only 100 miles to the northeast via Interstate 85; Birmingham is 100 miles to the north via U.S. 280 or I-85/65; Montgomery is 50 miles to the east via I-85; and the Gulf beaches are about 200 miles away. The university enjoys the advantages of security, seclusion and clean air and water. Auburn is a clean city with a mild climate that offers many cultural opportunities.
113
Auburn Athletics
Auburn had 44 athletes combine to earn a total of 113 All-America honors during the 2008-09 season
52
A total of 52 Tigers were named to All-Southeastern Conference teams last season
22
Auburn swimmers and track athletes won 22 individual SEC titles
6
Auburn swimmers and track athletes won six individual NCAA titles
4
Four Tigers were named the SEC Athlete of the Year in their respective sports: DeWanna Bonner (women’s basketball), Dan Mazzaferro (men’s diving), Candace Schepperle (women’s golf) and Matt Targett (men’s swimming)
Auburn men’s A swimming won s the t SEC title t in February 2009 F and a followed up u with its eighth NCAA e title in March The Tiger women’s basketball team posted a 30-4 record en route to winning its first SEC title since 1989 Auburn rallied from behind on the final day of the SEC Tournament to take the 2009 SEC Women’s Golf title
Auburn Athletics
17
Auburn had 17 of 21 programs compete in postseason action during the 2008-09 season.
Mission Statement
Since the 2004-05 academic year, Auburn has won 10 national championships (Men’s Swimming & Diving [5]), Women’s Swimming & Diving [3]), Equestrian, Women’s Outdoor Track and Field) and 13 SEC Championships (Football, Women’s Basketball, Women’s Golf [3], Men’s Swimming & Diving [5], Women’s Swimming & Diving [3] and three divisional titles (Football [2] and Soccer).
We have a two-fold purpose: To enable our student-athletes to be successful in all areas of their lives, athletics and academics, and personal endeavors, both now and in their future careers, by providing them with the best resources available in academics, facilities and coaches: And while meeting the needs of our student athletes, to represent and promote Auburn University in a positive manner in all that we do. The Auburn Athletics Department’s absolute values are to always tell the truth and to treat others as we would like to be treated. We will also adhere to the timeless values of the Auburn Creed. We will lead the way to integrity, diversity, communications, both internally and externally, compliance and customer service. We will function as a team, helping each other to be successful, rather than focusing on personal success. We will work for the benefit of others and for Auburn, not for personal gain. We will have an attitude of constructive discontent; always striving to be better.
Mascot Aubie Inaugural Mascot Hall of Fame Member Six-Time UCA National Champion
Aubie Facts First Year as Costumed Mascot: 1979 First Costume Designer: Brooks-Van Horn Costumes, New York, N.Y. Other Costume Designers: Bienville Costumes, Mobile, Ala.; BTS Productions, Auburn. First Appearance: Auburn men’s basketball vs. Vanderbilt, February 28, 1979 at SEC Tournament at Birmingham County Civic Center National Championships: 1991, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2006 Mascot Hall of Fame Inductee: Aug. 15, 2006 Capital One All-American Mascot Team: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Current Aubie: Michael Young (head Aubie), Cumming, Ga; Brandon Bodie, Mobile; Tyler Weldon, Pinson.
War Eagle Auburn’s Eagles For over 100 years, eagles have been associated with Auburn University’s football program. From a static presence on the sidelines to rousing flights over the field, WAR EAGLE has become an Auburn icon. The role of Auburn University’s eagles is to promote wildlife conservation as a part of the education initiatives of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Southeastern Raptor Center. The USF&WS permits the Raptor Center to house eagles and use them on hundreds of educational presentations each year – including Auburn’s home football games. Currently, three flighted eagles and numerous other non-releasable raptors are used for these educational programs. Eagles stir emotions in many people as they have come to symbolize strength, power and courage as well as other important values such as freedom, American heritage and the preservation of our environment. Golden Eagles Tiger (War Eagle VI), Nova (War Eagle VII) and Spirit (a Bald Eagle) are the eagles who have inspired football fans with their graceful flights over JordanHare Stadium.
“War Eagle”
Auburn’s battle cry, not Auburn’s nickname. There are several legends concerning the origin of the War Eagle battle cry, dating back to 1864 and the Civil War at the Battle of the Wilderness in Virginia.
Auburn Fight Song War...Eagle, fly down the field, Ever to conquer, never to yield. War...Eagle fearless and true. Fight on, you orange and blue. Go! Go! Go! On to vic’try, strike up the band, Give ‘em hell, give ‘em hell. Stand up and yell, Hey! War...Eagle, win for Auburn, Power of Dixie Land!
Toomer’s Corner
The Tig ers January following the ir victor 3 y over L first hom 0, 2009. The SU vic e victor y over L tory was Aub on u SU sinc e 2003 rn’s .
“Rolling the Corner”
Toomer’s Corner The center of town where the Auburn University campus meets the City of Auburn. Toomer’s Corner, where College Street intersects Magnolia Avenue, has long been the gathering place for Auburn athletic celebrations. After any football win, and significant victories in other sports, Auburn students and citizens alike join forces to “roll” the trees (and anything else that doesn’t move) at Toomer’s Corner with toilet tissue. Celebrations after significant victories can go on for hours and leave the heart of town looking like a blizzard passed through. This traditional celebration makes Auburn the only city in the country to have toilet tissue removal as a part of its annual budget.
Auburn Alma Mater On the rolling plains of Dixie ‘Neath its sun-kissed sky, Proudly stands, our Alma Mater Banners high.
Creed & Alma mater
To thy name we’ll sing thy praise, From hearts that love so true, And pledge to thee our Loyalty the ages through. We hail thee, Auburn, and we vow To work for thy just fame, And hold in memory as we do now Thy cherished name. Hear thy student voices swelling, Echoes strong and clear, Adding laurels to thy fame Enshrined so dear. From thy hallowed halls we’ll part, And bid thee sad adieu; Thy sacred trust we’ll bear with us The ages through.
Auburn Creed I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on
w We hail thee, Auburn, and we vow what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work. To work for thy just fame, I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work w And hold in memory as we do now wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully. Thy cherished name. Composed by Bill Wood ‘42 Word revision 1960
I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men. I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports to develop these qualities. I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all. I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all. I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by “doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God.” And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it. - George Petrie (1945)
University Administration JJay GGOGUE
JJay JJACOBS
President P
Athletics Director A
Jay Gogue began his tenure as A Auburn University’s 18th president o on July 16, 2007. The Waycross, Ga., native is a two-time Auburn graduate in horticulture, receiving a bachelor’s h degree in 1969 and a master’s in d 11971. In 1973, he earned a doctorate in horticulture from Michigan State
University. Shortly after returning to his alma mater, Gogue engaged the talent and insight of the Auburn family toward development of a dynamic and forward-looking strategic plan to guide the University for the future. Students, alums, employees, business leaders and other stakeholders contributed to a roadmap that will strengthen Auburn’s academic, research and outreach mission, improve operational efficiency and develop human capital. The Auburn Board of Trustees adopted the strategic plan on June 27, 2008. Gogue arrived at Auburn with ample experience in the top ranks of academia. He was selected president of New Mexico State University in 2000 and, in 2003, named president of the University of Houston and chancellor of the University of Houston System. Gogue worked for the National Park Service from 1973 to 1986, rising to the position of chief administrative scientist for several regions of the U.S. Park system. He began his distinguished career in higher education administration in 1986 as associate director of the Office of University Research at Clemson University, where he also served as vice president for research and vice president/vice provost for agriculture and natural resources. Utah State University selected Gogue as provost in 1995. Gogue met his wife, Susie, in the eighth grade, and they married during their undergraduate years at Auburn. Susie also earned two Auburn degrees. They are the proud parents of three children and have two grandchildren. He is a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key honor societies, Sigma Chi Fraternity, Sigma Xi scientific research society and the National Society of Scabbard and Blade, the honorary military society for all branches of service. Gogue previously served as an accreditation reviewer for the Pacific Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. Auburn Director of Athletics Jay Jacobs has a vision of leading Auburn
Scott S Scot cottt Carr Carr
Senior Associate A.D. for External Affairs
Meredith Mere Me redi dith th Jenkins Jen enki kins ns
Senior Associate A.D./ Senior Women’s
Kayy Ha Ka Harg Hargrave rgra rave ve
Senior Associate A.D. for Development
Rich Ri ichh McGlynn McG cGl Glynn lynn
Senior Associate A.D.
Athletics to becoming the nation’s p preeminent Athletics Department. In his tenure at the helm of the T Tigers’ program, the department has p prospered athletically, academically aand financially. Under Jacobs’ leadership, Auburn Athletics has made major strides b benefitting Auburn student-athletes, b coaches and fans. The department has focused on five strategic goals under his leadership: Winning, graduating student-athletes, managing the department’s fiscal affairs, complying with SEC and NCAA rules and providing a professional game day experience. The Auburn Athletics Department has consistently ranked in the top 10 percent of the NACDA Directors Cup and has claimed eight national championships under Jacobs, including a school-record four titles in 2005-06, along with 14 Southeastern Conference titles. Academically, Auburn has earned five public recognitions by the NCAA for scoring in the 90th-100th percentile nationally in the Academic Progress Rate (APR). Jacobs served as the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Tiger Unlimited prior to his appointment as Director of Athletics and has initiated serveral successful business ventures for the Athletics Department, including a five-year contract with Under Armour Performance Apparel and nine-year extension with multi-media rights holder ISP Sports. During Jacobs’ tenure, Auburn has also moved forward with numerous facility projects designed to benefit Tiger athletic programs and their fans, most notably, the construction of the $92.5 million stateof-the-art basketball arena and practice facility that will open prior to the 2010-11 season. Jacobs was named Auburn’s 14th Director of Athletics on Dec. 22, 2004, after working in almost every area of the Auburn Athletics Department for the previous 20 years. Jacobs earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees in business administration from Auburn in 1985 and 1988, respectively, and was a member of the Auburn football team, earning two letters as an offensive tackle in 1982 and 1983. He is married to the former Angie Sapp of Dublin, Ga. The couple has three daughters, Haley, Meagan and Jayne.
Bernard Bern Be rnar ardd Hill Hiill
Senior Associate A.D.
David Davi Da vidd Mi Mine Mines ness
Associate A.D. for Internal Operations
Tim Ti im Ja Jackson ckso ck kson n
Executive Associate Athletics Director
Terry Terr Te rryy Windle Wind Wi ndle le
Senior Associate A.D. and CFO
2010 AUBURN Success Af ter Auburn with... Kristi Boyte Ewasko
“When starting out as a freshman at Auburn, there was no way for me to have known what I was getting myself involved in. I found myself in a place full of heart, dedication, tradition and a willingness to work hard to reach their goals. I am not just talking about Auburn University but more so about the Auburn gymnastics team and coaching staff. The many lessons I learned during my time at Auburn could not be put into a short paragraph so here are a few of the lessons that I still use every single day in my career. The coaching staff taught me how to fight for what I believe in and to work hard toward anything I set my mind to. The Auburn team gave me the chance to learn teamwork, leadership skills and to know how to help others and step-up when they were struggling. The Auburn facility gave me the opportunity to become the best possible gymnast that I could be. Now that I am a collegiate gymnastics coach, I strive to use each lesson I learned from Auburn on a day-to-day basis. Without Auburn and the opportunities it gave me, I am not sure I would be where I am today. I can only hope that I have the same positive impact on my team and leave them with the many lessons that I learned from being a gymnast at Auburn University. WAR EAGLE!!!” Kristi Boyte Ewasko Head Coach- Southeast Missouri State Women’s Gymnastics B.S. Exercise Science, December 2004 12 WE D.I.D
GYMNAS TICS Success Af ter Auburn with... Sarah Wentworth
“From the moment I stepped foot on campus, I knew Auburn was different. My initial visit to Auburn was the weekend of Hurricane Opal...my host didn’t have electricity, and the campus offices were closed, but the spirit of Auburn was vibrant and alive! The people and their love for Auburn helped make my decision clear and changed my life forever. I chose Auburn because excellence is the standard both academically and athletically. We were taught to work with integrity and determination, keeping our eyes focused on the goal. I learned to devote myself to training diligently in the classroom and the gym, and to walk confidently in my faith. These core qualities developed as a student-athlete (discipline, time management, etc.) have enabled me to succeed through veterinary school and in the workplace.” Sarah Wentworth, DVM Caldwell Mill Animal Clinic B.S. Pre-Veterinarian/Zoology, 2000 Auburn Veterinary School-Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, 2004
EVERYTHING MATTERS-EVERYTHING COUNTS
13
2010 AUBURN Table of Contents
Now Starring: The Auburn Tiger Gymnastics Team............ FRONT Television Roster ......................................................... INSIDE FRONT Mission Statement ..................................................................................1 Auburn University ..............................................................................2-3 Auburn Athletics .................................................................................4-5 Aubie ........................................................................................................6 Toomer’s Corner .................................................................................7-8 Creed & Alma Mater .............................................................................9 University Administration .................................................................10 Success After Auburn .....................................................................11-12 TOC/Quick Facts .................................................................................13 Roster/Team Picture ...........................................................................14 Opponent Quick Facts .........................................................................15 2010 Opponents ....................................................................................16 Seniors....................................................................................................17 Krissy Voss ............................................................................18 Carmen Nelms ......................................................................19 Juniors.....................................................................................................20 Katie Hurley .........................................................................21 Leah Vining ..........................................................................22 Rachel Inniss .........................................................................23 Lauren Brzostowski.............................................................24 Sophomores ..........................................................................................25 Laura Lane ............................................................................26 Kylie Shields .........................................................................27 Kelsie Montgomery .............................................................28 Justine Foster ........................................................................29 Kareen Kaveh .......................................................................30 Allyson Sandusky ................................................................31 Kendall Swartz .....................................................................32 Freshmen ...............................................................................................33 Toi Garcia ..............................................................................34 Lindsay DiSalvatore ............................................................35 Pamela Sanasith ...................................................................36 Maya Wickus ........................................................................37 Petrina Yokay .......................................................................38 Alex Christopher..................................................................39 Coaching Staff..................................................................................40-45 Head Coach Jeff Thompson ..........................................40-41 Associate Head Coach Rachelle Thompson ...............42-43 Assistant Coach Kurt Hettinger ...................................44-45 Support Staff ....................................................................................46-48 Volunteer Coach Dawn Schueller .....................................46 Athletic Trainer Janet Taylor..............................................46 Media Relations Contact Scott Kemps..............................46 Administrative Assistant Tiffany Tolnay.........................47 Student Manager Elizabeth Hammer ...............................47 Student Manager Shanna Henderson...............................47 Strength & Conditioning Coach Rich Laird.....................48 Strength & Conditioning Coach Alex Lee........................48 New Auburn Arena .............................................................................49 Auburn Media Relations .....................................................................50 Auburn University Facilities ..............................................................51 “Flip for the Cure” ...............................................................................52 McWhorter Center .........................................................INSIDE BACK 2010 Auburn Gymnastics Schedule............................................BACK Credits to: The 2010 Auburn gymnastics media guide is a publication of the Auburn Media Relations Department. The guide was written, edited and designed by Scott Kemps, Media Relations Assistant. Cover Design by Tyler Trout, Athletics Graphics Designer. Special thanks to the entire media relations staff, student assistants Lynn Mullen, Mae Margaret Davis, Erica Dalton, the coaching staff and the Auburn gymnasts for their assistance. Photos provided by Todd Van Emst and Leffie Dailey, Athletics Photographers and the Auburn gymnasts. Printed by Ebsco Media.
14 WE D.I.D
Aubur n University Location ..............................................................................Auburn, Ala. Founded.............................................................................................1856 Enrollment......................................................................................24,137 Nickname .......................................................................................Tigers Colors ..................................................... Burnt Orange and Navy Blue (PMS 172, 289) Conference .........................................................................Southeastern Arena.................................Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum (10, 500) President ...........................................................................Dr. Jay Gogue Athletics Director ................................................................... Jay Jacobs Associate Athletics Director/SWA ......................... Meredith Jenkins Assistant Athletics Director ............................................. David Mines
Media Relations Gymnastics Contact ...........................................................Scott Kemps Kemps’ Office Phone ......................................................(334) 844-9900 Kemps’ Cell Phone ..........................................................(201) 248-0816 Kemps’ Email .....................................................SKemps@Auburn.edu Media Relations Fax........................................................(334) 844-9807 Media Relations Address .........................................Athletic Complex 392 S. Donahue Dr. Auburn, AL 36849 Website ............................................................www.auburntigers.com
Gymnastics Staff Head Coach (Years at Auburn) ............................ Jeff Thompson (11) Record at Auburn...................................................................... 88-139-1 Alma Mater ....................................................................Kentucky, 1986 Associate Head Coach (Years at Auburn) ................. Rachelle Thompson (11) Alma Mater .......................................................................Auburn, 2004 Assistant Coach (Years at Auburn) .................. Kurt Hettinger (2nd) Alma Mater .........................................................................Illinois, 1999 Volunteer Assistant......................................................Dawn Schueller Athletic Trainer .................................................................. Janet Taylor Administrative Assistant ..............................................Tiffany Tolnay
Gymnastics Information 2009 Record ......................................................................................11-13 2009 SEC Record..................................................................................3-3 2009 SEC Championship Finish .....................................................Fifth Letterwinners Returning/Lost ........................................................ 9/3 NCAA Qualifiers Returning/Lost.................................................. 0/0 All-Americans Returning/Lost ....................................................... 0/0 Inaugural Season ..............................................................................1975 Seasons of Gymnastics ........................................................................35 All-Time Record ...............................................................328-442 (.427) All-Time SEC Record .........................................................46-221 (.179) Training Facility ......................................................McWhorter Center Twitter Account.....................................................AU_GYMNASTICS
Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer
GYMNAS TICS 2010 Aubur n Gymnastics Roster
Back row (left to right): Kelsie Montgomery, Kendall Swartz, Lindsay DiSalvatore, Alex Christopher, Rachel Inniss, Maya Wickus, Laura Lane, Leah Vining, Justine Foster Third row (left to right): Toi Garcia, Pamela Sanasith, Lauren Brzostowksi, Allyson Sandusky Second row (left to right): Krissy Voss, Kylie Shields, Katie Hurley, Petrina Yokay Front row (left to right): Carmen Nelms, Kareen Kaveh
Name
Year
Height Events
Hometown
Club Team
Lauren Brzostowski Alex Christopher Lindsay DiSalvatore Justine Foster Toi Garcia Katie Hurley Rachel Inniss Kareen Kaveh Laura Lane Kelsie Montgomery Carmen Nelms Pamela Sanasith Allyson Sandusky Kylie Shields Kendall Swartz Leah Vining Krissy Voss Maya Wickus Petrina Yokay
Jr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. Sr. Fr. So. So. So. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr.
5’0” 5’3” 5’4” 5’2” 5’2” 5’4” 5’7” 5’4” 5’4” 5’2” 5’1” 5’2” 5’5” 5’2” 5’4” 5’5” 5’2” 5’4” 5’2”
York, Pa. Marianna, Fla. Orlando, Fla. Raymond, Maine Severna Park, Md. Wrentham, Mass. Rio Rancho, N.M. Gaithersburg, Md. Glen Allen, Va. Jacksonville, Fla. Stone Mountain, Ga. Auburn, Ala. Brookeville, Md. Mahopac, N.Y. Tallahassee, Fla. Woodstock, Ga. Paradise Valley, Ariz. Port Washington, Wisc. Cameron Park, Calif.
Prestige Gymnastics Alabama Elite Gymnastics Orlando Metro Gymnastics Atlantic Gymnastics Docksiders Gymnastics Brestyan’s Gymnastics Albuquerque Gymnastics Hill’s Gymnastics Richmond Olympiad Gymnastics Club Starlight Gymnastics Georgia Gymnastics Academy Auburn Gymnastics Academy Hill’s Gymnastics Dynamic Gymnastics Trousdell Gymnastics Center Georgia All-Stars Gymnastics Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics LaFleur’s Gymnastics (Wis.) Technique Gymnastics
VT,BB, FX UB AA AA AA AA VT, BB, FX AA AA BB, FX UB, BB, FX VT, BB, FX AA AA UB UB, BB AA AA AA
Breakdown by Class Seniors (2)
Juniors (4)
Sophomores (7)
Freshmen (6)
Carmen Nelms Krissy Voss
Lauren Brzostowski Katie Hurley Rachel Inniss Leah Vining
Justine Foster Laura Lane Kareen Kaveh Kelsie Montgomery Allyson Sandusky Kylie Shields Kendall Swartz
Alex Christopher Lindsay DiSalvatore Toi Garcia Pamela Sanasith Maya Wickus Petrina Yokay
EVERYTHING MATTERS-EVERYTHING COUNTS
15
2010 AUBURN 2010 Opponents Alabama
Oklahoma
Jan. 8 Auburn, Ala.
Jan. 15 Auburn, Ala.
Location Tuscaloosa, Ala. Enrollment ....................................... 28,807 Conference...........................Southeastern Nickname............................Crimson Tide Colors............................ Crimson & White Arena .......... Coleman Coliseum (14,619) Head Coach .................... Sarah Patterson Record (Years) ......................384-88-4 (31) Assistant Coaches (Years) .............................. Bryan Raschilla (14), Dana Duckworth (11), David Patterson (32) 2009 Record............................................8-5 2008 Conference Finish ....................... 1st 2008 Final Ranking ................................. 2 Letterwinners Returning/Lost ........15/4 Newcomers ............................................... 3 Gymnastics Contact ..... Roots Woodruff SID E-mail ......................roots@ia.ua.edu SID Phone.......................... (205) 348-2088 Website..................... www.RollTide.com
LSU
Georgia
Jan. 22 Baton Rouge, La.
Jan. 29 Auburn, Ala.
Location ............................. Norman, Okla. Enrollment ........................................29,721 Conference........................................Big 12 Nickname.......................................Sooners Colors........................... Crimson & Cream Arena ........................ Lloyd Noble Center Head Coach ............................K.J. Kindler Record (Years) .......................... 69-30-1 (4) Assistant Coach ..........................Loul Ball Tom Haley 2009 Record........................................ 19-14 2009 Conference Finish .....................First 2008 Final Ranking ............................10th Letterwinners Returning/Lost ........ 10/4 Newcomers ................................................4 Gymnastics Contact ......... Phillip Rogers SID E-mail ............ philliprogers@ou.edu SID Phone...........................(405) 880-0794 Website..............www.SoonerSports.com
Location ......................... Baton Rouge, La. Enrollment ........................................29,317 Conference........................... Southeastern Nickname......... Tigers & Fighting Tigers Colors..................................Purple & Gold Arena ..........Pete Maravich Assembly Center (13,215) Head Coach ............................D-D Breaux Record (Years) .................... 562-339-7 (33) Assistant Coaches (Years) ..... Bob Moore (11), Philip Ogletree (10) 2009 Record........................................ 24-12 2009 Conference Finish ..................4-2 (4) 2009 Final Ranking ..................................6 Letterwinners Returning/Lost .......... 8/5 Newcomers ................................................5 Gymnastics Contact ................ Jake Terry SID E-mail ....................... jterry9@lsu.edu SID Phone...........................(225) 578-8226 Website.................... www.LSUsports.net
Location ...................................Athens, Ga. Enrollment ........................................34,180 Conference........................... Southeastern Nickname..................................Gym Dogs Colors......................................Red & Black Arena ..........Stegeman Coliseum (10,224) Head Coach ................................ Jay Clark Record (Years) ....................... First Season Assistant Head Coach...Doug McAvinn, Julie Clark 2009 Record.......................................... 32-1 2009 Conference Finish ........................1st 2009 Final Ranking ..................................1 Letterwinners Returning/Lost ........ 11/5 Newcomers ................................................4 Gymnastics Contact ................. Ben Beaty SID E-mail ......... bbeaty@sports.uga.edu SID Phone...........................(334) 703-0637 Website..............www.GeorgiaDogs.com
Ar kansas
Kentucky
Florida
Denver
Feb. 5 Fayetteville, Ark.
Feb. 12 Auburn, Ala.
Feb. 26 Auburn, Ala.
March 5 Auburn, Ala.
Location ......................... Fayetteville, Ark. Enrollment ........................................18,849 Conference........................... Southeastern Nickname................................ Razorbacks Colors............................ Cardinal & White Arena ....................... Barnhill Arena (8,500) Head Coach ....... Mark Cook, Rene Cook Record (Years) ....................... 88-117-2 (7) Assistant Coaches (Years) ...Tom Farden (1) 2009 Record........................................ 21-14 2009 Conference Finish .......................6th 2009 Final Ranking ..................................5 Letterwinners Returning/Lost .......... 8/1 Newcomers ................................................4 Gymnastics Contact ...... Robby Edwards SID E-mail ................... robbye@uark.edu SID Phone...........................(479) 575-2751 Website..www.ArkansasRazorback.com
Location ............................. Lexington, Ky. Enrollment ........................................27,000 Conference........................... Southeastern Nickname..................................... Wildcats Colors....................................Blue & White Arena ............Memorial Coliseum (7,000) Head Coach ........................... Mo Mitchell Record (Years) ..............................51-81 (6) Assistant Coach (Years) Jackie McCarter (4) .............................. Chuck Dickerson (2) 2008 Record........................................ 10-17 2008 Conference Finish ..............1-6 (6th) 2008 Final Ranking ................................21 Letterwinners Returning/Lost ........ 11/3 Newcomers ................................................4 Gymnastics Contact ......Sara Reichbaum SID E-mail ......................sjreic2@uky.edu SID Phone...........................(859) 257-6846 Website................ www.UKathletics.com
Location ........................... Gainesville, Fla. Enrollment ........................................52,122 Conference........................... Southeastern Nickname.........................................Gators Colors................................. Orange & Blue Arena ................ O’Connell Center (11,120) Head Coach .......................Rhonda Faehn Record (Years) ....................... 123-34-2 (7) Assistant Coaches (Years) Adrian Burde (4) ................................. Robert Ladanyi (5) 2009 Record.......................................... 10-6 2009 Conference Finish .................... T3rd 2009 Final Ranking ..............................6th Letterwinners Returning/Lost ........ 11/1 Newcomers ................................................3 Gymnastics Contact ......... Mary Howard SID E-mail ....maryh@gators.uaa.ufl.edu SID Phone...........................(352) 375-4683 Website..................www.GatorZone.com
Location ............................... Denver, Colo. Enrollment ........................................10,791 Conference....................................Sun Belt Nickname..................................... Pioneers Colors.............................. Crimson & Gold Arena ......................Magness Arena (7,200) Head Coach ... Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart Record (Years) ................... 193-102-2 (11) Assistant Coaches.................Carl Leland, Nilson Savage, Huneth Lor 2009 Record........................................ 13-10 2008 Conference Finish ....................N/A Letterwinners Returning/Lost .......... 9/5 Newcomers ................................................4 Gymnastics Contact ....... Elizabeth Alley SID E-mail ......... elizabeth.alley@du.edu SID Phone...........................(303) 871-4990 Website.........www.DenverPioneers.com
Ohio State
Maryland
George Washington
Yale
March 13 Columbus, Ohio
March 20 College Park, Md.
March 20 College Park, Md.
March 20 College Park, Md.
Location .......................... Columbus, Ohio Enrollment ........................................61,568 Conference........................................Big 10 Nickname....................................Buckeyes Colors..................................Scarlet & Gray Arena ................... St. John Arena (13,000) Head Coach .......................... Casey Fagen Record (Years) .......................... 39-36-1 (6) Assistant Coach (Years) .William Lorenz (6), Meredith Yanoushouis (1) 2009 Record............................................ 6-7 2009 Conference Finish .......................5th 2008 Final Ranking ..............................NR Letterwinners Returning/Lost .......... 9/3 Newcomers ................................................4 Gymnastics Contact ............Emily Meyer SID E-mail ............... meyer.504@osu.edu SID Phone...........................(513) 403-3485 Website... www.OhioStateBuckeyes.com
Location ........................College Park, Md. Enrollment ........................................36,014 Conference............................ East Atlantic Nickname...................... Terrapins, Terps Colors.............. Red, White, Black & Gold Arena ..Comcast Center Pavillion (1,500) Head Coach ........................Brett Nelligan Record (Years) ........................First season Assistant Coaches (Years) ......................... Vicki Chliszczyk (1), Erin Dooley (1) 2009 Record........................................ 15-19 2009 Conference Finish .......................6th Letterwinners Returning/Lost ........ 13/4 Newcomers ................................................4 Gymnastics Contact ...........Rose DiPaula SID E-mail ................ rdipaula@umd.edu SID Phone...........................(301) 314-7066 Website.................... www.UMTerps.com
Location ........................ Washington, D.C. Enrollment ........................................20,001 Conference............................ East Atlantic Nickname....................................Coloniols Colors....................................... Buff & Blue Arena ........................Smith Center (5,000) Head Coach ................................................. ...................... Margie Foster-Cunninhame Record (Years) ........................456-368 (24) Assistant Coach (Years) ............................. ........................................ Barry Kistler (12) 2009 Record........................................ 12-14 2009 Conference Finish .......................6th Letterwinners Returning/Lost .......... 7/4 Newcomers ................................................5 Gymnastics Contact .............Simon Ogus SID E-mail .........ogus@gwmail.gwu.edu SID Phone...........................(202) 994-0339 Website...................www.GWSports.com
Location ..................... New Haven, Conn. Enrollment ..........................................6,100 Conference...............................Ivy League Nickname............................ Bulldogs, Elis Colors........................... Yale Blue & White Arena ................. John J. Lee Ampitheatre Head Coach ....................... Barbara Tonry Record (Years) .........................................37 2009 Record.......................................... 4-17 2009 Conference Finish .......................4th Letterwinners Returning/Lost .......... 8/4 Newcomers ................................................5 Gymnastics Contact .........Trey Chandler SID E-mail .........trey.chandler@yale.edu SID Phone...........................(203) 432-1454 Website www.YaleBulldogs.com
16 WE D.I.D
GYMNAS TICS
Seniors
EVERYTHING MATTERS-EVERYTHING COUNTS
17
2010 AUBURN
Krissy Voss Sr. Paradise Valley, Ariz. Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics
Krissy Voss enters her senior season as an Auburn Tiger after competing in every meet for the second time in her career in 2009. The Paradise Valley, Ariz. native was as solid as can be on the vault in her junior campaign, gathering a 100 percent hit rate. On the bars, she was equally impressive, eclipsing a personal-best of 9.800 on against LSU, Georgia and Arkansas, while she accomplished a career-high of 9.85 in on the floor exercise against Arkansas, Alabama and Ohio State. Voss, who enjoys leisure time when not training or competing, hit a career-high in the allaround in her sophomore season, scoring a 39.175 against Arkansas. Krissy, whose favorite part about Auburn is the people and their passion to succeed, watches Anchorman every time she travels to San Diego. As a freshman, Voss was named the team’s “Freshman of the Year.” Krissy has been the epitome of the term “ student-athlete” while on The Plains, as she has earned numerous academic accolades in being named to the Academic All-American team as well as the SEC Academic Honor Roll three times each.
18 WE D.I.D
GYMNAS TICS
Carmen Nelms Sr. Stone Mountain, Ga. Georgia Gymnastics Academy
After three seasons, senior Carmen Nelms is poised to continue to contribute to the Auburn gymnastics squad. After suffering a season-ending injury her freshman year against Alabama, the psychology major fought her way back to top form in her junior year by competing on bars in six meets, eclipsing a career-high of 9.800 in the event against Alabama. Her junior year was a breakthrough year for the Stone Mountain, Ga., native, as she led off on the floor exercise in every meet for the Tigers, hitting 21-of-23 routines. Nelms, whose favorite Auburn tradition is the flight of “War Eagle” prior to football games, had her best g overall meet of the season against Iowa State, aS tate, where she set career-highs on the bars with a 9.825 in the event to take third and a 9.85 on the floor to tie for second place. She capped off 2009 with another 9.825 on the bars at the SEC Championship, which helped earn her the team’s “Most Improved d Gymnast” award. Her dream job is to o be a sports psychologist, and her favorite food grilled d is g rilled pork chops.
EVERYTHING MATTERS-EVERYTHING COUNTS
19
2010 AUBURN
Juniors
20 WE D.I.D
GYMNAS TICS
Katie Hurley Jr. Wrentham, Mass. Brestyan’s Gymnastics
The bubbly Massachusetts native, nicknamed “Hurls,” is a very versatile gymnast who competes on vault, beam and floor. The 2008 Auburn “Freshman of the Year” saw action in 13 meets on floor and beam, after her Kentucky debut. As a freshman, she led the Tigers on beam with a 9.800 at Oklahoma and a 9.725 against Florida. Katie not only loves being a Tiger athlete, she also loves being an Auburn Tiger in general because of the small town atmosphere, nice people and team spirit. In her first season as a Tiger, Katie competed in the leadoff spot on floor at the SEC Championship, and hit 15of-17 routines on the season in 2009. When she’s not hitting her own routines, she’s watching her favorite NFL player, Tom Brady, of the NewEngland Patriots. During her sophomore season, Katie also added floor exercise to her already solid vault and beam routines, but the extra hustle-and-bustle should not be a problem for a girl who one day wants to be a pharmaceutical sales representative in a big city.
EVERYTHING MATTERS-EVERYTHING COUNTS
21
2010 AUBURN
Leah Vining Jr. Woodstock, Ga. Georgia All-Stars Gymnastics
Leah Vining has athleticism running through her veins; her dad, John, is a former member of the Georgia Tech wrestling team. Leah’s favorite part about being a college athlete is being part of a team. Her enthusiastic attitude and fantastic work ethic have made her a leader on the Auburn team. Leah also is a leader in the classroom and has received many academic excellence awards and honors including the 2009 Wentworth Award, 2009 and 2008 Academic All-America and 2008-2009 Academic Honor Roll member. The Woodstock, Ga., native attributes all of her success to her faith and hopes to one day become a high school math teacher. Her favorite Auburn tradition is watching the eagle soar around the stadium before football games and the “War Eagle” cheer. In her spare time, Leah enjoys playing ultimate Frisbee, reading and spending time with her family. The two-time Georgia state bar champion and 2006 National Team alternate, lives by the motto: “think hard and think well.”
22 WE D.I.D
GYMNAS TICS
Rachel Inniss Jr. ď ˇ Rio Rancho, N.M. ď ˇAlbuquerque Gymnastics
Rachel is no stranger to working as part of a group, being the middle child of seven. And while moving from her family in Rio Rancho, N.M. to Auburn University must have been a big adjustment, Rachel says that the she knew it was the place for her and that she was welcomed with open arms. Rachel truly was a integral addition to the Auburn team, as she competed in eight meets and exhibitioned on the beam at LSU. After her debut on floor at Georgia, this lasagna-loving marketing major, registered a third-place finish on floor with a 9.875 at Oklahoma. Rachel kept the momentum going during her sophomore year, by scoring a career-best 9.900 on floor at the opening meet against Illinois-Chicago and matched this score against LSU. She also had a career-best on beam against Florida with a 9.875. While gymnastics is obviously her strong-point, her fans should also know that Rachel placed second at State in the 100 meter dash and was a member of a competitive dance team in high school. Rachel still loves to dance and has even met Young Joc. Inniss is a bit of a celebrity herself in the gymnastics world as she was ranked among top-20 in floor exercise nationally for seven consecutive weeks last year.
EVERYTHING MATTERS-EVERYTHING COUNTS
23
2010 AUBURN
Lauren Brzostowski Jr. York, Pa. Prestige Gymnastics
Lauren Brzostowski, or “Stowce” as her teammates call her, arrived at Auburn from the Keystone State of Pennsylvania three years ago. While Lauren loves donning the Auburn uniform, given the choice, she’d be outfitted in designer shoes and dresses from her favorite high-end stores on the cover of Glamour. The fashion merchandising major also looked great on the vault and beam as a sophomore, seeing action against Denver, Illinois, Arkansas and Georgia. Lauren scored a 9.800 on beam at Denver and a 9.775 on vault at Arkansas. As a sophomore, she led off on beam in 11 meets and on vault in six with a personal-best of 9.850 on the beam at Alabama. When she’s not making magic on the beam, Lauren enjoys reading the Harry Potter series. Lauren’s highest finish during her sophomore year came against Alabama and Ohio State, where she captured fifth place on beam. Lauren has other ways of catching her audience’s attention as she can also play the violin. When Lauren’s not working on her technique, she can be found enjoying the scenery outside of her favorite place on campus, the new student center.
24 WE D.I.D
GYMNAS TICS
Sophomores
EVERYTHING MATTERS-EVERYTHING COUNTS
25
2010 AUBURN
Laura Lane Soph. Glen Allen, Va. Richmond
Laura is returning this year after a seasonending injury that prevented her from participating last year. The self-described driven and dedicated sophomore was a three-time Junior Olympic Level 10 qualifier and six-time Regional qualifier in high school. Laura also excels in the classroom and is majoring in applied math with an actuarial science option. The Glen Allen, Va., native says that her favorite vacation spot is not the tropics, but her grandmother’s house in Snug Harbor, N.C. Laura was enticed by the Southern atmosphere that she experienced when visiting Auburn, and says that Auburn’s great gymnastics program, beautiful campus and reputation for both academic and athletic excellence also contributed to her final decision. She’s a four-time Virginia beam champ and two-time floor state titlist loves to escape to her room, because of its colorful décor and relaxed feeling. Even though Laura says that her dream job is to one day open her own gym, she envisions herself using her degree to become an actuary, which should be a piece of cake for this academic All-American.
26 WE D.I.D
GYMNAS TICS
Kylie Shields Soph. Mahopac, N.Y. Dynamic Gymnastics The sophomore from Mahopac, N.Y., was a quintessential part of the Auburn squad as a freshman. Kylie’s gymnastics career started when she was only 4 years old. Her experience is seen in her versatility, competing on vault, bars and beam in her freshman season. Kylie vaulted in all 13 meets for the Tigers and competed on beam in 12. In her spare time, Kylie is an avid tennis player and loves vacationing at Lake George. She had a career-best on vault with a 9.825 at Alabama, and her favorite Auburn tradition is the eagle flying around the stadium before football games. Kylie is something to watch, herself, as she tallied a 9.85 on beam on four occasions and earned a 9.8 or higher in seven performances. This self-described “unique” athlete enjoys eating mangos, rock climbing, ping-pong and learning different languages—especially German. On March 2, 2009, Kylie entered the NCAA South Region’s top-10 rankings on beam and ended the year ranked No. 11 in the region. Before graduating, Kylie hopes that she will help her team win an SEC Title and NCAA Championship.
EVERYTHING MATTERS-EVERYTHING COUNTS
27
2010 AUBURN
Kelsie Montgomery Soph. Jacksonville, Fla. Starlight Gymnastics
Athleticism runs in the Montgomery family. Kelsie, the only person in her family that has not attended the University of Alabama, is expected to lead off on floor and beam for Auburn this year. The Jacksonville, Fla., native, whose younger brother has committed to Alabama for baseball, and her younger sister is also an elite gymnast. Her older sister, Amanda, just recently graduated thus ending her Alabama gymnastics career. Kelsie has found another family in her teammates. The sophomore marketing major, who did not participate last year due to a pre-existing injury, says that committing to the Auburn gymnastics team has been the most defining moment of her life so far. While Auburn might have captured this gem of a gymnast, Kelsie has captured a few titles herself. In 2004, Kelsie captured the Florida state floor title, and in 2005 & 2008, the avid baseball fan won a pair of titles on beam and claimed fourth place on floor at the 2008 Junior Olympics. In her downtime Kelsie enjoys taking naps, playing with her puppy, and laying out—preferably on the beach. Even though she misses her mom’s lasagna, the aspiring marketing director is thrilled that she can zip over to her favorite place in Auburn, Toomer’s Corner, sip tea, and chat with her teammates.
28 WE D.I.D
GYMNAS TICS
Justine Foster Soph. Raymond, Maine Atlantic Gymnastics Unable to compete because of a torn ACL in 2009, Justine Foster helped cheer her team on during her freshman season. The Maine native is not afraid of a challenge, as she carries a double major in international business and marketing. During her high school career Justine was the 2005 Junior Olympic National Level 10 floor champ and vault runner up, a 2006 Junior Olympic National Level 10 floor runner up and Regionals AllAround titlist. She also captured bars and beams titles at the 2008 Regionals, while finishing as vault runnerup. Justine prefers the warm Auburn climate and vacationing in the Caribbean to Maine’s cold weather, but still enjoys eating lobster when she can. During her sophomore season she is expected to compete in the All-around. Her strengths are tumbling, beam and vault, but Justine also has a knack for drawing. As a child, Justine enjoyed going to the airport with her dad to watch the planes; and as a gymnast, she enjoys the vault. When she is not practicing, Justine loves watching the New England Patriots and Tom Brady.
EVERYTHING MATTERS-EVERYTHING COUNTS
29
2010 AUBURN
Kareen Kaveh Soph. Gaithersburg, Md. Hill’s Gymnastics The sophomore marketing major was unable to compete during any meets in 2009 due to injury. However, Kareen played a major role as a team cheerleader, by encouraging her teammates and decorating the locker room before meets. In high school, she was named Maryland’s Most Outstanding Level 10 gymnast in 2006, placed third on beam and fifth on floor and all-around at the 2007 Junior Olympics, named to Region 7 all-star team in 2007 and finished fourth on beam and sixth on floor at the 2008 Junior Olympics. The Maryland native, who is of Spanish and Persian descent, also used to be a swimmer and enjoys going to the beach every summer with her best friends. Kareen came to Auburn as a top recruit and is expected to compete on the all-around this year. She fell in love with Auburn’s campus and the atmosphere, and she enjoys being recognized as part of the Auburn gymnastics team. Self-described as sweet, loud and trustworthy, Kareen wouldn’t mind being Beyonce for a day and inspire young teens, as her favorite part about being a collegiate athlete is being looked up to by younger children.
30 WE D.I.D
GYMNAS TICS
Allyson Sandusky Soph. Brookeville, Md. Hill’s Gymnastics As a freshman, Allyson competed in all 13 meets on the bars and in 12 meets on vault. She was able to hit 29-of-30 routines on vault, beams, and bars, earning a pair of career-highs at the SEC Championships with a 9.9 on bars and 9.8 on beam. Growing up the youngest of five in Brookeville, Md., Allyson has become a huge fan of the Washington Redskins. Even though Maryland is famous for crab cakes, Allyson says that she hates seafood. However, she loves the beach and says that the warm weather was definitely a factor in her coming to Auburn. The Auburn gymnastics team was happy to receive the two-time Region 7 All-star, 2008 Junior Olympic National Team member, and 2008 National bars champ. While her resume is impressive, Allyson enjoys her down time and loves to chill on the couch and watch TV or her favorite movie and Disney classic, Mulan. In 2009, Allyson was named the SEC Freshman Gymnast of the Week in February for her performances on the vault and bars against LSU. After college, Allyson hopes to one day own her own business.
EVERYTHING MATTERS-EVERYTHING COUNTS
31
2010 AUBURN
Kendall Swartz Soph. ď ˇ Tallahassee, Fla.ď ˇ Trousdell Gymnastics
Many will find it surprising that a girl who broke her back a couple of years ago in high school competed in 11 meets as a bars specialist and registered a 100 percent hit rate, as a freshman. However, this Sunshine State native is full of surprises when it comes to gymnastics. Kendall was able to capture two event titles as a freshman, her first being against Arkansas with a 9.9 and then again a week later against Kentucky with a 9.85. With scores like those, Kendall is attracting a lot of attention, and if given the chance, she would love to grace the cover of People magazine alongside her favorite celebrity, Kourtney Kardashian. Kendall is a very consistent scorer for the Tigers, having repeated her 9.85 on bars at LSU to tie for second place. While her 9.9 at Arkansas is her most defining moment as an athlete, Kendall says that just moving from Tallahassee, Fla., to Auburn University and living on her own is her has been the most defining moment in her life so far. On the side, Kendall also enjoys shopping and hopes to one day be a buyer for a top designer or department store, and own her own boutique.
32 WE D.I.D
GYMNAS TICS
Freshmen
EVERYTHING MATTERS-EVERYTHING COUNTS
33
2010 AUBURN
Toi Garcia Fr. Severna Park, Md. Docksiders Gymnastics
Toi Garcia has had an outstanding career prior to Auburn. The freshman from Severna Park, Md., placed fifth at Jr. National’s as a junior in high school. The journalism major who has been described by her coaches as a humorous, hardworking, and great-spirited addition to the team, lives by the motto: “dream big.” While her talents are obvious, as she has been competing as a level 10 gymnast for the past five years, something that her fans may not know about Toi is that she is related to Toni Braxton. Toi is famous in her own right, having been the Maryland State Champion and recipient of the 2009 Outstanding Senior Award, and she would love to work in the entertainment industry or become an attorney. Maybe she could snag an interview with or represent her favorite athlete, David Beckham, or idol, Raven Simone. Toi loves visiting the Caribbean, and her favorite vacation spot is Jamaica, which she goes to every year. If she were ever to get stranded on an island, Toi would insist upon having her phone, food and a television.
34 WE D.I.D
GYMNAS TICS
Lindsay DiSalvatore Fr. ď ˇ Orlando, Fla. ď ˇ Orlando Metro Gymnastics
Coming back from an ankle injury, the freshman from Orlando has a lot to offer the Auburn Tiger team. In 2006, Lindsay won the title of Region 8 All-Around Champion. Even though she was well-known in the Orlando area for her gymnastics ability, Lindsay decided to come to Auburn because of its people, gymnastics team, and beautiful campus. The move was an easy transition for this fun-loving Patriots fan. Lindsay looks forward to bringing her unique style on floor and beam to the Auburn team. As a three-time national qualifier, Lindsay was recognized in 2007, for fifth place on beam, and again in 2008, when she came in fifth on floor. Aside from gymnastics, Lindsay enjoys hanging out with her friends and family, as she is one of five children. If given the choice to take on another college sport, Lindsay would choose track because she likes to run. Speaking of running, this music-loving 18-year-old has had many run-ins with famous people, including the drummer of her favorite band, The Maine, and her favorite athlete, Dwight Howard.
EVERYTHING MATTERS-EVERYTHING COUNTS
35
2010 AUBURN
Pamela Sanasith Fr. Auburn, Ala. Auburn Gymnastics Academy
Pamela Sanasith not only feels at home here at Auburn, she is at home. The Opelika native started gymnastics when she was 3 years-old and has been coached by the Thompson’s for the past eight years, excelling in tumbling. Recipient of the John Bedford Scholarship for academic excellence, Pam is also a star outside of the gym. The premed major is both the Senior Superlative and 4.0 GPA award winner. When she’s not hitting the mat or books, Pam enjoys vacationing in Cozumel, eating stir-fry and watching the Atlanta Braves. One day Pam wants be an orthopedic surgeon or work in sports medicine, perhaps enabling her to meet her favorite athlete, Shawn Johnson. The four-time regional qualifier says that her favorite parts of being a collegiate athlete are getting all the free apparel and the opportunities to meet other athletes. You may not know it, but Pam is actually doublejointed with the ability to bend her pinky finger backwards, and can’t go a week without texting. Pam goes by the motto, “live and learn,” and says the best advice that she has received so far is to never give up and always give 100 percent.
36 WE D.I.D
GYMNAS TICS
Maya Wickus Fr. Port Washington, Wis. LaFleur’s Gymnastics Starting her first season as a member of the Tiger team, Maya is expected to lead the way on vault. While attending Port Washington (Wis.) High School, Maya was also a member of the diving and track teams. At Auburn, Maya will contribute on floor in addition to the vault, which should be no challenge to this 5 year level 10 gymnastics veteran. While Maya’s gymnastics talents are obvious to her fans, a little known secret about her is that she can actually belly dance. The pre-med major was attracted to Auburn because of its school spirit, size, and fun atmosphere. The fivetime Wisconsin state vaulting champ and four-time Regional qualifier rivals her love ve as of gymnastics, which began when she was 6, with her love of ice cream. In fact, Maya ya says that the headline of her life story so far would be entitled, “Bottomless Tub of Ice Cream.” However, she must have stopped eating at some point as she found time to not once, but she qualified twice for the Junior Olympics.
EVERYTHING MATTERS-EVERYTHING COUNTS
37
2010 AUBURN
Petrina Yokay Fr. Cameron Park, Calif. Technique Gymnastics
The California native is causing quite a buzz even though she hasn’t even participated in a meet at Auburn. The incoming freshman is only the third Auburn Tiger to have captured the title of National Champion in all-around during high school, and Petrina was only a sophomore when she did so in 2007. In 2007, Petrina also captured the floor championship at Jr. Nationals. Petrina or cha has been described as a powerful h gymnast with an “interesting” personality by her coaches. Petrina attributes her winning to a pair of lucky socks that she wears at every meet. The premed major started her gymnastics career when she was 2 gy years old and says that the most y defi d e ning moment of her life so far was when she started level 10. In her spare time Petrina enjoys hanging out, watching TV and listening to her iPod. Petrina also enjoys cooking, which she says is a talent that few people know about. In 2009, Petrina placed fifth at Nationals on floor and was the vault champion at Regionals. Even though she is a long way of California, Petrina takes comfort in Auburn’s small and friendly atmosphere and the opportunities that Auburn University offers. 38 WE D.I.D
GYMNAS TICS
Alex Christopher Fr. Marianna, Fla. Alabama Elite Gymnastics Alex started gymnastics when she was 3 years old. One of three children, Alex was attracted to Auburn because of the family atmosphere and the supportive nature. Although she is from Marianna, Fla., Alex is no stranger to gymnastics in the Yellow Hammer State. In high school, she trained at Alabama Elite Gymnastics under Janet Skaggs and Bud Gill. Alex lives by the motto: “do what you love and love what you do.” In her spare time, the sushi loving gymnast enjoys traveling to her favorite vacation spot —the Bahamas. Alex is as talented outside the gym as she is in it. The freshman is up for the challenges that being a college athlete and her major, biomedical sciences, will present. Not only is she academically talented, being a member of the National Honor Society, Alex is also an award winning artist. Alex enjoys painting, and her artistry has been recognized in her home state. In her spare time, you can find Alex at home in front of her T.V., watching one of her favorite horror flicks.
EVERYTHING MATTERS-EVERYTHING COUNTS
39
2010 AUBURN
Jeff Thompson Head Coach 11th Season
Jeff Thompson enters his 11th season as the head coach of the Auburn gymnastics program. Under the tutelage of Thompson, the Tigers have appeared in seven consecutive NCAA Regional Championships and one NCAA Championship. Thompson has coached five regional champions and six individuals to nine NCAA Championships appearances. The accomplishments of Thompson’s gymnasts have twice earned him SEC Coach of the Year and Central Region Coach of the Year honors. Thompson will lead 13 returning gymnasts from 2009 and brings six new faces to the Auburn program for the upcoming season. In 2009, Thompson guided the Tigers to their seventhconsecutive NCAA Regional Championship after compiling a 11-13 overall mark and an even 3-3 record in SEC competition. Auburn placed fifth at the SEC Championships, where for the second time in Thompson’s tenure the Tigers scored higher than 196 with a score of 196.350. The mark was the highest score the Tigers have scored at the meet with Thompson at the helm of the program. After being ranked as high as fourth in the nation near the start of the season, and in the top-10 for the first nine weeks of the season, his Tigers closed out the season ranked 11th in the country after a fourth place finish at the NCAA West Regional. The 2008 campaign saw Auburn’s gymnastics history turn another page with awards garnered, records shattered and a return to the NCAA Regional Championships. Highlighting the season was star-studded senior Julie Dwyer as she became the first gymnast in the program’s 34-year history to qualify for a fourth-straight NCAA Championships appearance. Junior Lindsey Puckett was named Central Region Gymnast of the Year in 2007, SEC Gymnast of the Year in 2006 and SEC Freshman of the Year in 2005. Dwyer holds the current top score in Auburn history on vault and all-around and she also ranks among Auburn’s top-10 all-time on beam and floor. Outside of the gym, Dwyer was a four-time academic AllAmerican, four-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and was named 2007 SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year. During the 2007 season, Thompson guided Auburn to a season-high national ranking of 13th and a third-place finish at the NCAA Northeast Regional. The Tigers posted wins over nationally-ranked teams of Missouri (18) and Kentucky (25). Thompson’s squad registered the then-team record on vault with a 49.400 against Illinois-Chicago. Throughout the season the squad contributed to Auburn’s records twice more on vault, once on bars and registered a team high score against Kentucky.
400 W WE ED D.I.D .II.D
GYMNAS TICS Thompson’s work might begin in the gym, but it continues outside of competition. Thompson places a heavy emphasis in the classroom, which is why he produces true student-athletes. Thompson has had 36 Academic All-Americans, 46 gymnasts named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll, two SEC Scholar-Athletes of the Year and two NCAA Woman of the Year nominees. He has also coached two Leah Rawls Atkins Award winners, the highest honor for an Auburn female athlete and two H. Boyd McWhorter Scholarship nominees. Thompson’s coaching career began at his alma mater in 1986 as a graduate assistant at Kentucky, a position he held through the 1989 season. He later coached at Wisconsin and Illinois and then became Junior Olympic Program Director at the Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy in 1993. Thompson became an assistant at LSU in 1994 before coming to Auburn in 1999. The 2006 campaign saw Thompson’s Tigers consistently ranked among the top-15 nationally in each event and cracked into the nation’s top-10 ranked squads at ninth. Auburn won the Hearts Invitational and took fourth at the NCAA Northeast Regional. Dwyer and Puckett advanced to the NCAA Championships in the all-around and vault, respectively, with Dwyer earning AllAmerican accolades. Auburn just missed qualifying for the national championships in 2005 at Thompson’s third-straight trip to the NCAA Regional Championship. The Tigers still advanced four individuals to the NCAA Championships. Highlighting the NCAA Championships was Dwyer, who was a freshman, earning All-American honors on the vault. Dwyer joined Courtney Puckett (2003) as the second All-American under Thompson.
A native of Highland Heights, Ky., Thompson played rugby at Kentucky before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1986, and earned his master’s degree in biomechanics in 1995 from UK. Thompson is married to the former Rachelle Fruge of Baton Rouge, La. The couple resides in Auburn with their two children, Parker, (14) and Griffin (12).
Prior to Thompson’s arrival as Auburn’s fourth all-time coach in 2000, the Tigers had finished a dismal 3-14 and last in the Southeastern Conference. In just three seasons, Thompson was selected as SEC Coach of the Year in 2003, after taking the Tigers to the NCAA Championships for the first time since 1993. Courtney Puckett became the first AllAmerican gymnast under Thompson with a seventh-place finish on bars. That same season, Thompson was tabbed as the co-Central Region Coach of the Year after the Tigers placed second at the NCAA Central Regional Championship. In 10 years at Auburn, Thompson’s gymnasts have set all-time team highs in the vault (49.50 - 2008), uneven bars (49.50 - 2000), balance beam (49.60 - 2004), floor (49.60 - 2004) and total score (197.00 - 2004). In the 34 seasons of Auburn gymnastics, all 10 of the highest scores, events and team, in school history have come in the Thompson era.
Jeff Thompson playing rugby for the University of Kentucky
Individually, Thompson’s gymnasts have forever engraved their names into the Auburn record book. In all five individual events, at least four of the top-five all-time scores have come under Thompson. He has coached three gymnasts, Sarah Wentworth (bars - 2000), Sally Cantrell (beam – 2002) and Rachael Tarantino (beam – 2004) to the ultimate score of a perfect 10.
EVERYTHING MATTERS-EVERYTHING COUNTS
41
2010 AUBURN
Rachelle Thompson Associate Head Coach 11th Season
Rachelle Thompson begins her 11th season as part of the Auburn coaching staff and her fifth as the Tigers’ associate head coach. She was previously a full-time assistant for three years and a volunteer assistant coach for three years. Thompson’s primary responsibilities include coaching the balance beam and floor, and handling the choreography for both events. Thompson was honored as the NCAA Central Regional Assistant Coach of the Year two seasons ago. With Thompson leading the way on beam, numerous records have been set individually and as a team. Every year, higher challenges are established from the season prior, only to be defeated during the season at hand. Thompson has coached Auburn gymnasts to all of the current top-team scores on beam and floor, including the majority of the individual high scores on her respective events. She has also coached two Tigers to perfection with a pair of 10.00’s on beam. The beam and floor scores during the 2009 campaign reflected what Thompson has accomplished in the past. The Tigers were ranked as high as No. 2 in the country on floor exercise during the 2009 season, and were ranked as high as No. 4 on the beam. Thompson was also instrumental in senior’s Lindsay Puckett being ranked No. 6 in the nation on the floor exercise and Puckett being named to the Second-Team All-SEC squad. Fellow senior A.J. Mills was ranked consistently in the top 25 on beam throughout the season. Thompson also led sophomore Rachel Inniss to her first-career floor exercise meet title against Illinois-Chicago with a personal best of 9.900. In 2008, three of the highest performances on beam came during the season, including a 49.425 at Denver. It was that same meet that Auburn legend Julie Dwyer earned the school’s secondbest beam score with a 9.950. Juniors Lindsey Puckett and A.J. Mills each notched a 9.925 in 2008 to put their names among the distinguished at Auburn. All three were scattered throughout the national rankings. Dwyer was ranked second on beam for three straight weeks, while Puckett bounced around the top-10 for four weeks and Mills was listed among the top-20 nationally. As a team, Auburn closed out the season ranked fourth nationally on beam and 12th on floor. Thompson coached Dwyer to a 9.950 on floor in 2007. Her efforts landed her name in the record books with the second-best score in Tiger history. Puckett also earned her spot among the best on floor in 2007 with a 9.925. The Tigers’ maintained national prominence on beam throughout 2007, consistently being ranked among the top-10 nationally.
42 W WE ED D.I.D ID
GYMNAS TICS The trio of Dwyer, Puckett and Mills found great success under Thompson’s guidance. Combined, their names appear six times for best beam scores and three times on the floor. Dwyer earned All-American accolades in 2006 on beam, only the second gymnast in Auburn history to accomplish such a feat. As a team in 2006, the Tigers were consistently ranked as one of the top-12 beam teams in the country, coming in as high as fifth. On floor, Auburn was rated as high as 10th and finished the season with a No. 11 national ranking. Thompson helped the Tigers qualify a school-record four individuals: Dwyer, Courtney Puckett, Rachael Tarantino and Aimee Goheen, for the NCAA Championships in 2005. Auburn produced the beam champion and runner-up of the NCAA Central Regional, in Tarantino and Julie Dwyer, respectively. Dwyer went on to earn All-American status on vault. For the second year in a row, Tarantino tied her career high on the floor with a score of 9.950 against Texas Women’s University. Her scores of 9.950 rank second for the highest score in Auburn history. During Thompson’s tenure, the Tigers have set new school records on the beam and the floor. Both marks occurred during the 2004 season when the Tigers scored a 49.600 on the beam at Centenary and a 49.600 on the floor against Florida.
Thompson family (l-r): Jeff, Griffin, Rachelle and Parker
Thompson has coached two Auburn gymnasts to a perfect 10.0. Sally Cantrell recorded a flawless score on beam against Centenary. Two years later against Centenary, Tarantino mirrored the feat with a 10.0 on beam. The seasoned coach and former competitor brings a wealth of competitive and coaching experience to the Tigers’ staff. Thompson’s knowledge of the sport and reputation as a choreographer have been visible with the scores posted by Auburn gymnasts. Her vast experience in meet management has helped enhance the image of Auburn gymnastics’ home events. In 2003, 2004 and 2006, the Tigers ranked fifth nationally for highest home meet attendance. Thompson was a three-year letterwinner and All-American for LSU from 1988-91. She won the Southeastern Conference AllAround Championship in 1991, the vault and floor titles at the 1991 NCAA Regional vault, finished fourth in the all-around at the 1990 NCAA Championships and was a finalist for the HondaBroderick Award. Thompson was the first gymnast in LSU history to score a perfect 10.00, doing so on floor against Florida in 1991. A native of Baton Rouge, La., Thompson completed her college degree at Auburn University, graduating suma cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in education. She is married to head coach Jeff Thompson. The couple resides in Auburn with their two boys, Parker (14) and Griffin (12).
Rachelle Fruge competing at the 1990 NCAA Championships as an LSU Tiger
EVERYTHING MATTERS-EVERYTHING COUNTS
43
2010 AUBURN
Kurt Hettinger Assistant Coach Second Season
Kurt Hettinger is in his second season with the Auburn gymnastics program as an assistant coach. Hettinger came to The Plains after five years as an assistant with Kent State’s women’s gymnastics program. In his first year as Auburn’s bar coach, he helped the squad to a fourth place team finish at the 2009 SEC Championships, led by standout freshman Allyson Sandusky’s 9.9. The Tigers ended the 2009 regular season ranked 11th in the country on bars and hit 96.2% (72 of 75) of their bar routines. During his stint at Kent State from 2003-08, Hettinger served as the head bars coach while assisting with technique on vault and floor. He helped guide the Golden Flashes to three team records, four individual top-10 scores on bars and eight individual titles on his respective events at Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship meets. Hettinger played an integral role in Kent State’s three NCAA Regional Championships appearances, two MAC Championship titles and three consecutive regular season titles in his five years on staff. Kent State’s 2007 bar squad, led by 2007 and 2008 MAC bar champion Kristin Peters, spent the entire season ranked in the Top 25, ending with a final regular season ranking of No. 22. Peters went on to finish 4th on bars at the NCAA Central Regional Championships that year and spent the season ranked in the top-20 nationally. Off the competitive floor, Hettinger served as Kent State’s recruiting coordinator and summer camp director. Hettinger spent the 2003 season at his alma mater as an assistant for the University of Illinois men’s gymnastics program, recruiting and preparing daily workouts. The Fighting Illini finished the season with five All-Americans and placed fifth at the men’s NCAA Championships.
44 WE D.I.D
GYMNAS TICS Prior to Kent State, Hettinger spent five years at the Champaign County YMCA, assisting with the development of levels 8-10 girls for two years, and spearheading the development of the junior boys program, shaping Class VI through Elite level gymnasts. A two-time member of the USAG Region V Junior Elite Boys Team Coaching Staff, he guided former University of Illinois standout Jon Drollinger to the top of the junior ranks, which included competition in floor, still rings and all-around finals at the 2001, 2002, and 2003 Junior Olympic National Championships. Drollinger went on to earn NCAA All-American honors on still rings in 2008. Hettinger was a four-year letterwinner on the University of Illinois men’s gymnastics team from 1996-99. He was a part of the 1998 squad that placed third at the NCAA Men’s Gymnastics Championships. A native of Tuscola, Ill., he graduated from Illinois in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in history and earned a master’s degree in education from Kent State in 2005. He married his wife Katherine, a counselor at Auburn, in July of 2006. Hettinger and wife, Katherine, who is a counselor at Auburn.
Hettinger’s Coaching Experience 2008-pres.: Assistant Coach, Auburn 2003-08: Women’s Assistant Coach, Kent State 2004-06: Optional Team Coach, Flytz USA Gymnastics 2002-03: Men’s Assistant Coach, Illinois 1998-2003: Boys’ Head Team Coach, Champaign County YMCA
Hettinger participating on the parallel bars in 1997 for Illinois
EVERYTHING MATTERS-EVERYTHING COUNTS
45
2010 AUBURN Dawn Schueller Volunteer Coach Fifth Season
Dawn Schueller is entering her fifth season with the Auburn gymnastics program, with this season being her second as a volunteer assistant coach. Previously, Schueller served as the team’s strength and conditioning coach in her first three seasons on The Plains. Schueller ran track in 1984-85 for the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh before graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee two seasons later. Her and husband Bob have three children; Eric (14), Rebecca (15) and Jake (18). The family resides in Auburn.
Tiffany Tolnay Administrative Assistant First Season
After four seasons competing at rival Georgia, 16-time All-American Tiffany Tolnay joins the Auburn gymnastics program. Tolnay was a part of four National Championships and a pair of SEC titles while in Athens, and her 16 All-America honors tied Agina Simpkins for the most in the history of the storied Georgia gymnastics program. Her efforts also earned her a trio of All-SEC honors in 2006-08. The Grapevine, Texas, native also excelled in the classroom, as she was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll twice, as well as the Georgia Fall Academic Honor Roll her senior year. Tolnay will assist with the everyday operations of the Auburn gymnastics program while completing her degree in recreation & leisure studies. She will graduate from Georgia in May of 2010.
Elizabeth Hammer Manager Third Season
Elizabeth Hammer enters her third season as a student manager for the Auburn gymnastics team, assisting with day-to-day operations of the program and various other tasks. The Suwanee, Ga., native is a member of civil engineering honor society, Chi Epsilon, at Auburn. She is a 2007 graduate of Collins Hill high school, where she was an honor student and was in the marching band. She is the daughter of Roger and Theresa Hammer.
46 WE D.I.D
GYMNAS TICS Shanna Henderson Manager Second Season
Shanna Henderson enters her second season as a student manager for the Auburn gymnastics program, assisting with day-to-day duties of the program. The Reeltown, Ala., native is a member of the Lambda Sigma Honor Society, is a Dean’s List student and is listed among “Who’s Who” among college students. Shanna also sings the Star Spangled Banner at gymnastics meets, as well as softball and swimming contests. She is a graduate of Reeltown High School where she was class salutorian. She also was a four-year member of the school’s softball and swim team. She is the daughter of Ann and Roger Harper, and has two sisters and a brother, Sumer, Chelsea and Cade.
Janet Taylor Athletic Trainer Fifth Season
Janet Taylor is in her fifth year at Auburn University. She works closely with the women’s gymnastics program while supervising the graduate assistant working with AU softball. Last season, Taylor was awarded the Bob Ritenbaugh Award, given to the individual that goes above and beyond to help the Auburn gymnastics team succeed. A native of Washington, N.C., Taylor received her Bachelor of Art Degree in Exercise and Sport Science with an emphasis in Athletic Training from University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 2003. She continued her studies in athletic training and while working as a graduate assistant at Georgia Tech, she completed her Master’s of Science in Sports Medicine from Georgia State University in 2005. During her two years at Georgia Tech, she was a graduate assistant athletic trainer with swimming & diving, men’s basketball and football. Taylor is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), the Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association (SEATA), and the Alabama Athletic Trainers’ Society.
Scott Kemps Media Relations First Season
Scott Kemps is entering his first season as media relations assistant as Auburn, with primary responsibilities lying in women’s cross country, women’s tennis, and gymnastics. Secondary responsibilities include working with football as well as men’s and women’s basketball. The Ramsey, N.J. native joined the staff from Coastal Carolina University, where he served in a similar capacity with the men’s soccer, cross country, women’s track and softball teams. Prior to joining Coastal Carolina, Kemps served as the primary contact for the Kutztown (Pa.) University women’s lacrosse team, as well as working with the nationally ranked baseball and softball teams. A 2007 graduate of Lock Haven University, Kemps served as assistant contact for the 2006 NCAA Division II National Championship softball team, as well as a radio broadcaster. While at The Haven, he also worked alongside the nationally-ranked men’s soccer, wrestling, and women’s lacrosse teams. Kemps stayed active as a four-year starter on the lacrosse team, and served as the team’s vice president for three seasons. He also currently serves as an assistant coach for the Auburn club lacrosse team.
EVERYTHING MATTERS-EVERYTHING COUNTS
47
2010 AUBURN Rich Laird Strength & Conditioning Coach First Season
Rich Laird is entering his first season as a graduate assistant strength & conditioning coach for the Auburn gymnastics team after joining the staff in August of 2009. Prior to Auburn, Laird earned his undergraduate degree from James Madison in exercise physiology while working with the baseball, track and men’s tennis teams. Upon graduation, the Ashland, Va., native completed an internship with the University of Virginia football team during the 2008 season. He is working towards a masters degree in exercise physiology.
Alex Lee Strength & Conditioning Coach First Season
Alex Lee enters his first season as a graduate assistant strength & conditioning coach with the Auburn gymnastics team. Lee arrives on The Plains from North Carolina State University, where he served as a student-assistant strength and conditioning coach. For the Wolfpack, Lee assisted with the baseball, basketball, golf, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, track, wrestling and cheerleading squads. He graduated from N.C. State in 2008 with a degree in nutrition sciences. The Greenville, N.C. native is working towards a masters degree in kinesiology.
Dr. Michael Goodlett Team Physician
48 WE D.I.D
Donna Kennedy Academic Counsler
Tim Chabliss P.A. Announcer
David Mines Assistant Athletics Director
Kelly Rush Statistician
Eli Wilkerson Assistant Marketing Director
GYMNAS TICS On June 29, 2007, the Auburn University Board of Trustees approved the building of a new $92.5 million arena on the Auburn University campus. The conceptual drawings (at right) illustrate an arena with 29,000 square feet of student-athlete space that will seat 9,600. Groundbreaking will occurred on August 29, 2008, with the facility opening prior to the 2010-11 season.
New Auburn Arena
Another facility improvement for the university is The Village, a living/ learning community that is located on the west side of campus, near the new arena. The complex offers approximately 1,680 beds, configured in fourbedroom “super suites� that feature common areas and mini-kitchens in each suite. Also housed in the complex are study areas, offices for faculty/tutors/counselors, and nine classrooms located on the ground floors of the buildings.
New Dorm Layout
EVERYTHING MATTERS-EVERYTHING COUNTS
49
MEDIA RELATIONS Kirk Sampson
Assistant AD / Media Relations
Chuck Gallina
Director of Media Relations
Kendra Lee
Assistant Director
Dan Froehlich
Associate Director
Scott Kemps
Media Relations Assistant
Kathy Harker Administrative Assistant
AUBURN MEDIA RELATIONS HOME PHONE KIRK SAMPSON, Assistant AD/Media Relations(334) 887-0839 Football.......................................................................................... sampska@auburn.edu
CHUCK GALLINA, Sports Information Director(334) 502-0929 Men’s Basketball, Men’s Golf, Equestrian ..................................... gallica@.auburn.edu
DAN FROEHLICH, Associate Director .................(334) 826-2838 Soccer, Baseball ...............................................................................froehdp@auburn.edu
BRAD GUST, Associate Director ............................(334) 501-2239 Football, Track and Field ...............................................................gustbra@.auburn.edu
MATT CROUCH, Associate Director ....................(334) 740-4109 Football, Women’s Basketball, Women’s Golf ............................. mbc0002@auburn.edu
BOB GRANT, Assistant Director ............................(334) 740-0934 Football, Softball .............................................................................grantrs@auburn.edu
KENDRA LEE, Assistant Director ..........................(334) 750-0703 Volleyball, Swimming and Diving, Men’s Tennis........................ kal0014@auburn.edu
SCOTT KEMPS, Media Relations Assistant ..........(201) 248-0816 Cross Country, Gymnastics, Women’s Tennis .............................. skemps@auburn.edu
STEVE SAIN, Video Contact ...................................(334) 750-1388 Video/Satellite feed contact ..............................................................sainste@auburn.edu
TODD VAN EMST, Photographer .........................(334) 740-1380 Still photograph contact .................................................................vanemtj@auburn.edu
KATHY HARKER, Administrative Assistant .......(334) 887-5532 Mailing Address P.O. Box 351 Auburn, AL 36831-0351
Overnight Address Auburn Athletic Complex 392 South Donahue Drive Auburn, AL 36849
www.AuburnTigers.com
Brad Gust
Associate Director
Matt Crouch
Associate Director
Todd Van Emst Photographer
Bob Grant
Assistant Director
Steve Sain Videographer
Media Information The Auburn media relations department considers its work with the media a top priority. The 2010 Auburn gymnastics Media Guide has been prepared to assist the working media in their coverage of Tiger gymnastics. If you need additional information, interview or photograph requests, or have any questions, please contact Scott Kemps in the media relations office at 334.844.9900. Interview Policy Coach Thompson, his assistants and all gymnasts are available for phone and personal interviews by contacting Scott Kemps in the media relations office. Post-meet interviews will be allowed following a 10-minute cooling off period. Credentials Anyone wishing to cover an Auburn gymnastics meet should contact Scott Kemps in the media relations office at least one day in advance in order to make the proper arrangements. Game Day Services Statistics, rosters and meet notes will be provided prior to the match. Box scores will also be handed out during and following the matches. Phones and fax machines are available in the media relations office located in the Auburn Athletic Complex. Video Services Satellite feeds of selected Auburn gymnastics meets are available for the media. A number of studio and satellite services may be arranged for electronic media by calling Steve Sain in the Auburn Media Relations office at 334.844.9809. On the Web The latest news on Auburn athletics can be found on the net at www.auburntigers.com. Gymnastics releases, stories, information and stats provided by the media relations office are available.
FACILITIES Samford Stadium At Hitchcock Field At Plainsman Park
Jordan-Hare Stadium
Student Activities Center
Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum
Auburn University Club at Yarbrough Farms
Auburn University Soccer Complex
Jane B. Moore Field James E. Martin Aquatics Center
en Track Hutsell-Rosen
McWhorter Center for Women’s Athletics
Flip For the Cure
Flip For the Cure During the 2010 season, an ongoing tradition that began in 2003 continued, as pair of teams that are usually rivals came together to support breast cancer awareness, as both Auburn and hosted it’s annual“Flip for the Cure” meet. The Tigers welcomed the Crimson Tide to The Plains on Jan. 9, 2008 at Beard-Eaves Coliseum. A season-high of 6,874 fans took part in a silent auction featuring Auburn memorabilia that raised over $2,000 in support of breast cancer awareness. Additionally, over 600 official pink “Flip for the Cure” t-shirts were sold, matching both squads pink leotards. Representatives from East Alabama Medical Center were on hand to answer breast cancer questions and also distribute literature regarding the cause. This season, the Tigers will host their “Flip for the Cure” meet on Jan. 15 against 2009 Big 12 champion Oklahoma. The Auburn gymnastics program thanks their fans, as well as East Alabama Medical Center for their continued support to all those who are fighting for a cure.