Alabama Gymnastics: Much to Discuss

There's a lot going on with No. 3 Alabama's gymnastics team heading into Friday night's home meet vs. No. 4 Arkansas.

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"We're always looking to have the best environment for families and students," said Tide coach Ashley Johnston Friday on The Gary Harris Show. "'Capes and Crowns' will be princesses and superheroes walking around to take pictures with kiddos.'

"It's going to be a great experience for everybody."

Well, that sounds like fun. Giveaway items for kids include Alabama capes and Alabama crowd. That portion of the evening runs 5-6 p.m.

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Johnston continued, "We have great depth right now. The better we handle depth, its really going to help us build during the season. More people in the mix. We've got a really talented freshman class."

There's more: Veteran Super Senior Luisa Blanco was named SEC Co-Gymnast of the Week for her performance in last week's Missouri win after recording three event titles against the Tigers (all-around, uneven bars, floor exercise) and posting the highest all-around score of any SEC gymnast in week-two action (39.675).

Also, Johnston announced this week that Faye Rodio is set to join the Alabama gymnastics program in the fall of 2024. The Durham, N.C., native will compete alongside an impressive, incoming freshmen class that includes Love Birt, Brooke Dennis, Ryan Fuller, Kylee Kvamme and Paityn Walker.

As for the fourth-ranked Razorbacks, Johnston said, “Every competition is an opportunity to improve and grow, and being in the SEC, every team is capable of greatness. Arkansas is a really talented team and is coming off a good first showing at home.

"While we recognize and respect that, we’re going to keep our focus on what we can do, what we can control, how we can get better and keep pushing to be the best versions of ourselves we can be. It’s going to be important that our fans bring their energy and momentum.”

The meet starts at 6:30 and can be seen on the SEC Network.