Nov. 28, 2012
AUBURN - Auburn gymnastics held its inaugural preview meet on Tuesday night and it was the first opportunity for season ticket holders and fans to catch a glimpse of the 2013 squad.
"I thought first off, what we were trying to accomplish, getting used to the equipment, throwing some of our bigger skills, because we are trying to be a more dynamic team, so we have to throw these bigger elements so we had to get them out there," Auburn gymnastics head coach Jeff Graba said. "Then, we also want to get to know our fans a little bit. All three of those things went really well tonight. That was a big accomplishment for us."
Tuesday's event also served as an invaluable opportunity for Auburn's newcomers to get their first experience on the floor in Auburn Arena.
"I think [being in Auburn Arena] was the biggest adjustment," Graba said. "You could tell that the upper classmen loved it and were used to it. They adjusted really quickly. You could also tell the younger ones were still getting acclimated. It's a big adrenaline rush and they have to adjust to it. You have to manage that."
Only five weeks away from the season opener in California, Graba is excited about where the team stands.
"We feel we are ahead of where we were the last two years," the third-year head coach said. "Our goal was to get all the kinks and big stuff out of the way by tonight, by the end of November. Now, we get to spend a month polishing. In the past, we haven't been able to get our big stuff out until right before Christmas because we didn't have an event like this. That forces you into polishing during the early part of the season. We feel like this event really gives us an advantage."
The Tigers open the 2013 season at California in a tri-meet with the Bears and Arizona on January 6. Auburn's first home meet is January 11 against SEC opponent Kentucky.
Season tickets for the 2013 schedule are still available. For more information contact the Auburn ticket office at 855-AUB-2010 or www.AUBTIX.com. For the latest on Auburn gymnastics, follow @AUGymnastics on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AUGymnastics.