Tide sixth in preseason gymnastics poll

TUSCALOOSA | Gymnastics coaches expect the University of Alabama to return to the Super Six finals in 2008, according to the preseason coaches’ poll.

The Crimson Tide, which finished ninth last season and failed to make the cut to the final six teams competing for the national title for the first time in a decade and just the second time in the last 25 years, is ranked sixth in the preseason poll and did not receive a first-place vote from any of the 35 coaches who participated.

Three-time defending national champion Georgia is ranked first, capturing 28 first-place votes. Florida is second, followed by Utah, UCLA and Stanford. Utah got three first-place votes, with Stanford receiving two and Florida and Michigan each garnering one first-place vote.

Every team on Alabama’s 2008 schedule is ranked in the top 25. Alabama will face No. 1 Georgia, No. 2 Florida, No. 4 UCLA, No. 5 Stanford, No. 10 LSU, No. 13 Penn State, No. 14 Arkansas, No. 19 Auburn (twice), No. 23 Illinois and No. 24 Kentucky.

The Crimson Tide will open the season at home on Friday, Jan. 11, against Illinois.

Reach Tommy Deas at tommy.deas@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0224.