Throughout the history of college gymnastics, there have always been some fierce and powerful rivalries. In a new series, FloGymnastics is taking an in-depth look at some of the best NCAA gymnastics rivalries in history. Last week, we highlighted Utah vs. Georgia, and next up is the newly intensified rivalry of Alabama vs. Auburn.

Alabama vs. Auburn 

One of the most intense rivalries in all of college sports is between Alabama and Auburn. Although for over 30 years, this rivalry has favored one team, it has still been significant to both teams. However, with the rise of the Auburn program, the last five years have been a different story. The Auburn Tigers have turned their program into a national championship contender since 2013, making this rivalry more competitive.

In 2015, Auburn finally was able to break its 117-meet losing streak against Alabama, beating the Crimson Tide 197.275-197.25. This marked the first loss for Alabama again Auburn since 1979. This rivalry carries the same name as the football rivalry: the "Iron Bowl of Gymnastics." 

The Coaches 

Auburn Tigers head coach Jeff Graba

Current Auburn head coach Jeff Graba came to the Tigers in 2010. Prior to Auburn, he was an assistant coach at Utah. Graba hiring at Auburn was the game changer that the program needed. He is an outstanding coach who came with a vision and a plan for the progress that needed to be made each year. His plan for success included a focus on team culture, training techniques, and nutrition.

In just a short amount of time, Graba was able to get his athletes to buy into his plan and believe they were no longer the underdog. In 2015, the Tigers' belief they were serious contenders carried over onto the mat, where Auburn broke or beat a total of 52 records to have a historic season and qualify for the Super Six. Following that historic season, the Tigers had another great season in 2016, reaching the NCAA championships.     


Alabama head coach Dana Duckworth

Dana Duckworth is the current head coach at Alabama, following the retirement of legendary head coach Sarah Patterson in 2014. Unlike Graba at Auburn, Duckworth began her reign as head coach with a program that has been a national championship contender and powerhouse for over 30 years. Although only in her third season as head coach, Duckworth is experienced with Bama's tradition and rivalries. In fact, she was a part of all of the Crimson Tide's 117 straight wins over Auburn either as an assistant coach under Patterson or a former gymnast for Alabama.

Duckworth led her team to an SEC championship in her first season as head coach in 2015 and continues to bring great passion to her coaching and success to the Alabama program. 

Duckworth on the Alabama/Auburn rivalry

"Alabama-Auburn is one of the greatest state rivalries in the nation. It does not matter what it is, both sides are at their best when they meet in competition."   

The Numbers: 

118-10 in overwhelming favor to Alabama
Graba: 72-95-1, 1 Super Six Appearance 
Duckworth: 52-16,0, 1 SEC Title, 2 Super Six Appearances

Former Auburn Tigers gymnast Megan Walker on the Auburn/Alabama rivalry: 

"Alabama and Auburn competing in gymnastics is just like the rivalry that exists in football. It's the kind of competition that brings lots of fans in to watch, pushes gymnasts to compete their very best, and gets everyone excited to put on a show. In my time at Auburn, we helped change the tide (pun intended). Being able to make that rivalry competitive again and show our school that we were ready to beat our biggest rival is a big deal. It was always the most exciting dual meet of the year."

Stay tuned to FloGymnastics to learn more about the great rivalries in NCAA collegiate gymnastics.


Related: 
Inside NCAA rivalries: Georgia vs. Alabama 
Inside NCAA rivalries: Utah vs. Georgia