The #6 Alabama Crimson Tide and the #7 Auburn Tigers will be competing in Birmingham, AL on Sunday, January 17th, 2016 to start the first of many meetings this season. The two teams, known for stellar gymnastics and a heated rivalry, will take to the floor at 3pm CST. It's been a long time since Auburn has managed to defeat the Tide, but their recent success will make this competition very interesting.

AUBURN

Auburn's 2015 competitive season was one for the books. By the time the season came to a close, the Tigers had broken 52 school records, made the night session at the SEC Championship, qualified for NCAA's, and even made their first appearance at the Super Six in 22 years. They finished sixth at the National Championship, only two slots behind their rival, the University of Alabama. Though Auburn lost many talented seniors, they have gained six new freshman and have many returners that now have the experience of a Super Six run under their belts. Senior Caitlin Atkinson had an exceptional year in 2015, finishing 3rd in the All-Around at NCAA's and taking 8th on beam.



Senior Lexus Demers had an impressive year as well. Since coming to Auburn in 2012, she has drastically improved on every event she competes. She found herself consistently grabbing 9.9's on vault and was All-SEC on beam. Kait Kluz is one of the most consistent competitors Auburn has ever had, and she returns for her senior season as well. Auburn has plenty of other notable returners who should be fun to watch this season. These include Sophomore Abby Milliet and Juniors Kullen Hlawek, MJ Rott, and Kelsey Kopec. Auburn has several freshman that have already had quite the splash. In their first meet of the 2016 season, Emma Engler, Tay lor Krippner, Samantha Cerio, and A'miracal Phillips all competed at least one event for the Tigers, while Tel ah Black exhibitioned on Vault.

Photo: CBS Interactive/Anthony Hall/Auburn Athletics

ALABAMA

 has consistently been one of the top teams in the country for decades. It's no surprise that even with a coaching change, the Alabama Crimson Tide had an overwhelmingly successful run in 2015. The Tide qualified for the Super Six and finished fourth, but their highlight of the year had to be when they won the SEC Championship title. Alabama faced Auburn on several occasions last season and was the victor at every meeting, including Regionals Prelims, and Super Six. Part of that success was thanks to a stellar senior class, but Alabama has some key returners from that Championship caliber team to take the reins this year. Alabama is led by senior Lauren Beers, who is not only an incredible athlete but also a fantastic student. She has won several awards for her efforts in the classroom and happened to become a 3-time Second Team All-American last season alone. She competed in the All-Around at 12 meets last year, making her efforts vital to the team's success.



Besides Beers, Alabama has returned several other gymnasts who will be pivotal in this meet against Auburn. Fellow senior Carley Sims has been a staple in the Vault and Floor lineups, having competed in nearly every meet last season on those two events. Junior Keely McNeer competed 3 events for the Tide in every meet in 2015, rarely earning less than a 9.825 for any routine. Other key returners include sophomores Kiana Winston and Mackenzie Brannan and juniors Amanda Jetter, Katie Bailey, and Aja Sims. In their recent meet against UCLA, Alabama debuted two freshmen; Jenna Bresette and Angelina Giancroce, who will no-doubt play more of a role as the season continues. With four other freshmen still to make their first college appearance, Alabama will introduce six total freshmen to the NCAA Gymnastics scene this year.

Alabama finished last season just shy of a National Title. Auburn made the Super Six and now has a taste of what victory feels like. It goes without saying that both of these teams will be fired up, ready to attack, and most importantly, ready to show what they're capable of. The Elevate the Stage meet should give a display of fierce gymnastics and competition!

Photo: SEC Sports

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