Just a couple weeks after winning the national title and a few hours after the announcement that Kayla Hoffman won the 2011 Honda Award, a devastating tornado hit the town of Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama campus. There are sections of Tuscaloosa that are completely destroyed. Homes and businesses have been leveled and dozens were killed. Many within the gymnastics community including myself have been worried for the Alabama gymnastics family but fortunately they all seem to be okay. Below is a statement from head coach Sarah Patterson: 

 

“All of our athletes and staff made it through the tornado physically and we are extremely grateful for that. Now we are just trying to assess everything else and help make the best decisions for our ladies.

 

For David and I and our family, Tuscaloosa has been our home for more than 30 years and we feel a deep connection to the University and the West Alabama community. The devastation that this storm brought is wide-spread and heartbreaking, but I know that the spirit of Tuscaloosa is extremely strong and resilient, and as a community we will move forward together toward a full recovery.”

 

A few of the gymnasts incurred damage to their apartments but thankfully they were not home at the time. Yahoo is reporting that University of Alabama has canceled students' final exams and postponed commencement ceremonies for graduating students from May 7th to August 6th. 

 

Please keep Alabama and the town of Tuscaloosa in your thoughts and prayers as they recover from this tragedy.