The Bama Bounders is a competitve gymnastics team that is affiliated with the Alabama Gymnastics Academy which is a gymnastics program operated by David Patterson, assistant head coach of the University of Alabama women's gymnastics team. David's wife, Sarah, is the Head Coach of the collegiate team. There is no direct relationship between the collegiate team and the Bama Bounders.
The Bama Bounders competitive gymnastics team was started in 1979 with four gymnasts who were traveling to Birmingham for instruction. For the first several years, practice was held in the third floor gym of Moore Hall on campus. In 1983, the University purchased the Ft. Bandon Armory. In the fall of that year, the Athletic Department, the Physical Education Department and the Bama Bounders all consolidated their resouces and moved into the Armory.
The Bama Bounders quickly became the premier program in Alabama. They have produced over 100 State Champions, 12 Southeast Regional Champions, two Elite gymnasts and Alabama's only two National Champions. The coaching staff is committed to maintaining this excellence while providing a fun, positive learning experience for all team members.
