Dec. 1, 2017
2018 Schedule
AUBURN, Ala. -- The Auburn gymnastics team held its annual Preview Meet Friday night in Auburn Arena, giving the 1300 fans in attendance a glimpse of the 2018 squad.
"I'm just ecstatic with the support we get from this community," head coach Jeff Graba said. "To come out tonight on the eve of the SEC Championship football game means so much and we are so thankful for our fans. Having this crowd tonight will really help our young squad prepare for the season and I hope we put on a good show for them."
Friday's event served as an opportunity for Auburn's six newcomers -- Sydney Bassett, Jada Glenn, Allie Riddle, Ashley Smith, Meredith Sylvia, Drew Watson - to get their first experience on the floor in Auburn Arena.
"The whole goal is to put the team in front of a bunch of people and we threw a monkey wrench in with having judges here as well," Graba said. "I think it got the team a little squirrely which I'd rather have that happen now then at the start of the season. I thought everybody did a good job. I was really watching the freshmen to make sure they were adjusting well.
"We made mistakes that are fixable and a little bit of that was because of nerves," Graba added. "But we'd rather have them get those nerves out of the way now instead of in January."
With only five weeks away from the season opener in Arizona, Graba was happy with the large group of returners that include Abby Milliet, 2017 NCAA All-Around participant Katie Becker, and 2017 All-SEC performers Samantha Cerio, Gracie Day, Emma Engler, and Emma Slappey.
"The returning crew has really stepped up all preseason and is shouldering the load to help these young kids adjust," Graba said. "A handful upgraded bits and pieces of their routines and our injured crew from last season has come back very strong."
The Tigers open the 2018 season at Arizona State, Jan. 6, in Tempe, Ariz., with first vault at 5 p.m. CT. Auburn kicks off its home schedule the following week, hosting SEC opponent Missouri at 7 p.m. CT, Jan. 12, in Auburn Arena.
The squad has five meets in Auburn Arena this season with four against the SEC. Following the Missouri meet, the team caps the month of January at home vs. Kentucky (Jan. 26). In addition to its home meet against Rutgers (Feb. 16), the month of February is full of exciting meets that include Florida (Feb. 2) and Alabama (Feb. 23).
Reserved chair back premium seats for the 2018 season are available for $40 in sections 101-105 and 118. General admission seats are available in sections 106-117 for $20. Auburn faculty and staff tickets are $32 and are available in sections 101-105 and 118, while "Family Four Packs" are priced at $120 and are also available in sections 101-105 and 118.
In addition, fans will be able to purchase single meet tickets beginning Friday, Dec. 1.
For more information, please contact the Auburn Ticket Office at 855-282-2010 or go online at www.AUBTIX.com.
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