Saban visits Alabama gymnastics team

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WALA) - Crimson Tide head football coach Nick Saban took a few minutes out from preparing for Saturday’s A-Day Spring Game to visit with the 2012 NCAA Seattle Regional Champion Alabama gymnastics team prior to Thursday’s football and gymnastics practices.

Saban congratulated the gymnasts on their latest championship and encouraged them to keep their focus on the process of winning rather than the outcome. He also shared his appreciate for the gymnastics program and the level of consistent excellence the team has maintained over the years under head coach Sarah Patterson.

“I am so appreciative of Coach Saban coming over here and speaking to our ladies and sharing his experience and his philosophy with us,” Patterson said. “I know our ladies love hearing from him and they certainly take his message of what it takes to be successful at the highest level to heart.”

Patterson and company won the Tide’s 27th regional title last Saturday in Seattle, Wash., earning the program’s 30th consecutive berth to the NCAA Championship final site. The gymnasts depart next week for Duluth, Ga. where they will compete for Alabama sixth NCAA Championship and second in a row staring Friday, April 20 in the Arena at Gwinnett Place.

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