After recording the program's highest finish since 1993 at last year's NCAA Championships, the Auburn gymnastics team is ranked near the top of the nation as the 2016 season draws near.
The Tigers are ranked 10th in the country in the Preseason National Coaches Poll, which is the highest preseason ranking Auburn has ever received.
“I am excited with this ranking,” said Auburn coach Jeff Graba. “Last year, we were ranked No. 12 and was the highest we had ever been ranked up to that point. I think the fact that we exceed this ranking during the year showed that we had more in the tank then people thought."
Auburn was one of eight SEC teams ranked in the top 25, including five in the top 10. Florida, Alabama and LSU are ranked second, third and fifth, respectively, while Georgia was picked just ahead of Auburn at No. 9.
The Tigers will begin their season on Jan. 10 at No. 12 Oregon State, where they will look to begin building on last season's strong finish.
"I think this year the No. 10 ranking show the gains that we have made with regard to respect and reputation, but I also think we have room to improve on that as well," Graba said. "Overall I think this is great for our young team, and we will embrace this ranking as best we can.”
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