AUBURN- The Auburn gymnastics team participated in its third Big Sis/Little Sis program at its Welcome Back party with their younger counterparts from the Auburn Gymnastics Academy for an afternoon of games, food and fun in the McWhorter Center Sunday.

"It's always comforting for our team to know that not only do they have two little sisters here in town, but also two families here who will cheer for them throughout the season," said Auburn head coach Jeff Thompson. "Our team enjoys being role models and helps the younger gymnasts as well. It's a support system where everyone involved will come away with something."

Throughout the year, the team will correspond with their little sisters through email, letters and phone calls. There will be monthly activities with both groups until the season ends in April.

"I think it is important because that is where each of us were 10 years ago," said senior Karmen Pinckney. "We were the little girls that were wanting to be college gymnasts. It also helps us bond with the people in the community. These little girls have the same dreams that we did."