Who's Who In Washington Gymnastics

Chapter 9

WHO'S WHO IN WASHINGTON STATE GYMNASTICS (updated 6-2-08)

*denotes pioneer in WA. Gymnastics.
Many thanks to Jim Holt, Eric Hughes, and Dick Foxal for their valuable input.

*Auernheimer, August "Augie" Early Seattle Turner. Graduate of the Normal College of American Gymnastics in Indianapolis, Indiana. (A Turnverein oriented training school now associated with Indiana University.)Early U.W. P.E. teacher; taught gymnastics at the UW in classes.

Nola Ayres Ayres, Dr. Nola Physical Education teacher and girls gymnastics coach from 1970- 2000 at Sehome High School, in Bellingham. Her teams won more state championships than any school in the nation (384-1), 22 state titles. She began teaching at Whatcom Middle School from 1968-70. Nola did not coach for a total of 5 years in that period because of back surgery and four years of graduate work. WIAA High School Assoc. president 1980 and 1981. Returned to coaching in 1999 and 2000. Nola got her BA from Western, her MA from City University and her Ph-D in the Philosphy of Sports Psychology from Warnbourgh, which is internationally ISO accredited. WSGCA Gymnastics Coaches Hall of Fame 1999. National High School Coach of the Year 1986, National Federation Coach of the Year 1985. Inducted into Western Washington Hall of Fame 1991. Since 2000 -Current NAWGJ-WA. State Judging Director. Elite rating in 1997. National rated judge. WIAA Hall of Fame 2006. Optional Judge of the Year 2001, 2002, 2007. USAG WA. Hall of Fame 2006.

*Bare, Claude Born Jan. 17,1923 in Spokane. Graduated from North Central High School. Early interest with gymnastics based on the acrobats at the circus. WWII Vet. (Europe -had shrapnel wound to lower back. When he was discharged, he was told to get a desk job. Instead he became an ironworker and gymnastics coach!) Moved to Kennewick and worked at Hanford. In the 1950's he volunteered with the Kennewick High School Boy's Gymnastics Team. In 1960's he organized and taught gymnastics at the "Y". In the 1970's he was the AAU Junior Olympic Representative for Gymnastics. He put together a girls team that traveled to the Junior Olympic Nationals in Nashville, TN. In 1980's he helped Pasco HS with their gymnastics program, and at Columbia Basin College with a tumbling class. He was still helping at Kennewick High and Southridge HS in the 1990's. Inducted into the WSGCA Hall of Fame 2002. (Died Jan. 23, 2002)

Barrios, Roni ( Meija, Mrs. Roni) PSSG Elite gymnast for Brad Loan. Went on to Cal State Fullerton and to coach club in CA.

*Bates, Lou Early director of physical education at the Seattle YMCA and supported the spread of gymnastics in this state.

*Berthiaume, Sheridan (Sherry) Taught Physical Education at Seattle YMCA 1914-16. When Roosevelt High School opened in 1922, he was hired and had tumbling classes every morning before school started. George Lewis and his brother participated in them. Louis Hall took it over in 1936. Bob Lind continued until 1970.

*Bleker,Tom Owned Blekers School of Gymnastics in Spokane. He came from a circus/vaudeville background. Mike Armstrong bought the gym and renamed it Northwest Gymnastics Academy in the early 1980's. Tom coached in the 70' and 80's. Was quite a character. Suspended his uneven bars from the ceiling.

Bohrmann, Gunter Born in Wiesbaden, Germany, Jan. 7,1940, died Jan. 5, 2006 in Renton, WA. after two-year battle with cancer. Competed on a club team in his hometown and later on the German National Team (1960-1962). After graduating from high school in 1959, he attended the University of Mainz, majoring in English. Gunter came to America and attended the UW. He joined the Husky gymnasts team in 1962, and got his BA in English and in 1967 his Masters in PE. He is a former Pacific Northwest all Around Champion. In 1963 he was Pacific NW champ on Horizontal Bar, P.Bars, Long Horse, and All-Around for UW. Was in the 1964 Olympic Trials. In 1965 he was AAU Junior Champion in floor ex., long horse, and parallel bars. In 1968 he was on the Seattle Gymnastics Club Team that toured Asia. He taught and coached the boy's team (1962-1982) at Kent-Meridian High School. He had 5 league championships, 15 regional championships and 8 state championships. They were ranked #1 in the nation in 1979. Coached the girl's team from 1985 -2000 when he retired. He came back in 2003 to assist with the Sumner girl's team. 3 league championships, 4 district championships and 1 state championship. Gunter was voted High School Girls Coach of the Year 1989 and 2001. Coached at Jerry Penney's Christmas Camps in the 1970's. Coached many future coaches. (Joe Rapp, Gordy, Bert and Kevin Bylin, Mike and Tony Yonomitzu, John Diaz, Tom Hardin (1980 National Team)and Kelly Donyes). WSGCA Hall of Fame 2002. USAG WA Hall of Fame 2005.

Campbell, Annie Elite gymnast from Everett, competed for Leading Edge Gymnastics under Betsy Woodruff. 1st AA, at USAIGC championships. 1st on vault at American Classics. Competed in Mexico as member of the Pacific Northwest All-Stars. Oregon State University gymnast.

Carney, John and Tammy WA. coaches with numerous state, regional and national champions. 2006 and 2007 Regional Coaches of Year. Runner up for 2006 National Coaches of the Year. They have also sent many gymnasts on to the college programs around the country.

*Carter, Max Boys team coach at Shoreline High School in mid 1950's. Under Max, the state of Washington had its first boy's high school gymnastic team in the state in 1957.

Carver, Cleo (Schreifels, Mrs. Cleo) George Lewis' Elite gymnast. 1968 6th at the Olympic Team Trials. (Politics forced her from the team.) USGF Vt. Champ 1969. 1970 World Team, 1972 Olympic Trials.

Crockett, Jeff UW gymnast who won 1st all-around at the 2006 USAG College Nationals. In 2005 he won PB and HB at USAG College Nationals.

Cooley, Melvin UW Hall of Fame. UW gymnast 1975-78. NCAA Champ 1978 on High Bar. All-American 1977, '78. Made cover of IG magazine.

David, Jim Blanchet H.S. State Champ All-Around 1961. UW gymnast 1962-65. 1961 All American 1963, '64, and '65. He toured with the Seattle Gymnastics Club went to Asia in 1968. He was Western U.S. champion in tumbling and floor exercise and second in the nation for three years in tumbling and third in floor ex. Jim was the UW "Athlete of the Year" in 1964. He married Pauline who was also a Club member. He was a member of the clown acts at the club. Those acts were trampoline, hand balancing, and tumbling. UW Hall of Fame inductee in 1987.

*Davis, Rex WSU gymnastics team 1949. Started teaching at Richland in 1955. First boys' competitive team in 1957. First girls' competition 1960-61. Coached at WSU, and then coached tennis. Taught at Gym Kamp.

Dodd, Mylan born 1983 in Seattle. Gymnast at Cascade Elite under Coach Frank Lee. Member of the National Team 1998-2001. 14th on FX and 16th on vault at the 1998 US Championships. 1999 World Team Trials. 16th AA at the 2000 U.S.Championships. As a Freshman and Soph. at U.CA. Berkeley, made the NCAA Championships.

*Coach Dusek Taught tumbling to George Lewis at the Greenlake fieldhouse.

*Dunn, Dr. John Hubert (Hubie) born 11/1/21. Went to Southern Illinois Normal University (now SIU) graduating in 1943. He was an accomplished college gymnast in his own right. Started the men's gymnastics program at WSU in 1947 (until 1962). While there, he got his masters degree and wrote his thesis, called "The Status of Heavy Apparatus and Tumbling For Boys In The Junior and Senior High Schools of the State of Washington." 1951.(It is in the library at the University.) He was called "The Father of Intercollegiate Gymnastics in the Pacific North West". Dunn pioneered gymnastics in the Pacific Northwest and initiated the Pacific Northwest College Meet, and Washington State High School Championship Meet. President 1967-68 and Vice President 1965-1967 of the National Assoc. of College Gymnastics Coaches. Executive Committee of USGF 1967-69. Outstanding Service Award NACGC 1968. Coach of the Year, Western Area 1962. 1981 Honor Coach Award of the C.G.A. Received his Ph.D. in Illinois. He also coached at Northern Illinois University, starting in 1962. In 1973, he was inducted into the Helms Gymnastics Hall of Fame. USAG WA. Hall of Fame 2004. WSU Hall of Fame, 2006

*Erickson, Thor director at Bremerton YMCA and gymnastics coach 1931-32.

Falvy, Gyorgy

Fong, Al Gymnast at Renton HS - on state championship team of 1968. Coached by Dale Shirley. He also worked out at the YMCA. Received a scholarship to Lousiana State University under Ormando Vega. Coached many high level gymnasts, men and women. Al’s wife, co-coach and partner is Armine Barutyan-Fong, originally from the former Soviet Union Republic of Armenia. As a gymnast, she was on the Armenian National Team for nine years and the Russian National Team for eight years.
1977 Meet Director - AAU Junior National Championship
1977 Meet Director - AAU Senior National Championship
1986 Meet Director - Western National Championship
1981-2002 Meet Director - Dragon Invitational
1986-Present Head USA Coach: Pacific Alliance-China, Germany DTP Cup, Catania Invitational-Italy, France/USA, Canada/Australia/USA, Pacific Alliance-Hawaii, World Sports Fair-Japan, Swiss Cup-Switzerland
1989 Asst. Coach – World Championship, Germany
2002 Asst. Coach – World Championship, Hungary
2003 Asst. Coach – World Championship, Anaheim
2004 USA Gymnastics Coach of the Year
2004 Personal Coach, Humphrey/McCool, Athens
More on Al Fong

Foxal, Dick Assistant women's coach at Oregon State University for many years. Up until 1980 he worked with men's gymnastics. Served as a coach for the men's Junior National Elite Team for four years and an American team that competed against the Japan National Team in 1980. Central WA. State College in 1970's. U.W. coach for men 1978-1980. Coached at Jerry Penney's Christmas Camps in the 1970's.

Fluhrer, Caroline Cascade Elite gymnast -three time AA level 10 national champion. U.S. National Team at American Classic, and member of Jr. National Elite Team. Gymnast at Stanford. Pac-10 All Conference team in AA, and vault, 2001. 10th place NCAA championships in vault in 2001.

Fukushima, Sho From Japan. U.W. team member. Went to Kent H.S. one year before UW. One of the best all-arounders to attend UW. Pacific Northwest College Meet All-Around Champion, 1968 and 1969. 5th AA NCAA, 1971. All American 1969. Wrote a book called Men's Gymnastics in 1980. National coach of Denmark after leaving UW, then head coach at Cal. Current head coach for US Naval Academy.

Gable, Patti Lanterman Elite Gymnast for Seattle "Y". 1972 Canadian American Championship AA Champ. 1973 Regional JO 1st AA; Pacific NW JO 1st AA; JO Nationals 1st AA; 1974 Class 1 State 2nd AA; 1974 YMCA Nationals 3rd AA, 1st FX, and 2nd Bars; 1976 USA Olympic Trials qualifier. (She went to Connecticut for 6 months and trained with Muriel Grossfeld in 1975, and then quit competing.) 1981 UW grad, but did not do gymnastics. 1977-'81 Gymnastics, Inc. coach, which she bought from George in 1979. She kept it at SPU, and then moved it in 1981 to Kirkland, across the street from the present gym, and named the gym Northwest Ariels. USAG Washington State Director 1981-2004, 2006-present. Inducted into the USAG WA Hall of Fame 2005.

*Gilles, Cliff Boys coach at Monroe High School in the 1950's. Former Director for the W.I.A.A.

Grajewski, Liz from Kentwood High School, holds the state record for most first place wins (11) at the High School State Meet, during the 2000, 2001, and 2002 meets.

*Green, Clive U.W. student. Coached at the "Y" 1939-'42. After a stint in the war, he worked at the Yakima "Y". He contributed to that areas gymnastics.

*Guttormsen, Pat was instrumental in establishing girl's high school gymnastics in southwest Washington. Pat was a Brevet rated judge and taught many women how to judge in the '70's and '80's. Greatly influenced judge Barb Graisy and also high school coach and past judge Sally Poe.

Hall, Bob UW gymnast from Illinois 1962-65. Pacific Northwest All-Around for 3 years and the Pacific Coast Championship in 1965. He placed second on the side horse and fourth in the all-around in the 1965 National Collegiate meet. All-American in 1964, and '65. After graduation, he earned a berth on the National team. He was Washington States first National team member, 1966, and went to Vienna for the Gymnaestrada, where he won the National all-around championship of Australia and New Zealand. Member of the 1968 Seattle Gymnastics Club touring group to Asia. Member of the Clubs comedy team. Became a dentist. UW Hall of Fame 1988.

Halle, Debbie

Hardin, Tom Kent-Meridian gymnast under Gunther Borhmann. Won all events except rings (took 2nd) at the 1977 high school state meet. Went on to Iowa State University and was on the 1980 National Team, placing 11th at the Olympic Trials.

Hatmaker, Pat "Hattie" (12-6-1941 to 2-14-1999) Born in Kelso and attended Leavenworth High. Grad in 1959. Got her PE degree from W.W.U. in 1963. Taught at Issaquah H.S. since 1963 and head coach of gymnastics since 1975 and head coach at Issaquah Junior High for 15 years. Her teams competed at State Gymnastics Championships seven times with individual competitors nearly every year. Worked in the development of judging in girls' gymnastics. Was a founding member of the Northwest Gymnastic Judging Association. Coached the girls' team at Issaquah High for 35 years. High School Coach of the year in 1995. Inducted into the WSGCA Hall of Fame in 1998. Inducted in the first USAG WA. Hall of Fame 2002. WIAA Hall of Fame 2005. Also was a judge. Very funny lady.

Hayasaki, Yoshi From Japan. Went to Issaquah HS. UW gymnast 1968-1971 and PE major. The UW men's team was a power house in the nation in the late 1960's and the 1970's. In 1967 he won the National AAU All-Around championship, and was named UW's "Athlete of the Year". Yoshi won the National USGF All-Around in 1968. He was the National NCA. champ on HB and All-Around in 1970, and in 1971 he was the All-Around champ. All-American in 1968, 1970, and 1971. In 1968 he toured Asia with the Seattle Gymnastics Club. Inducted into the UW Hall of Fame in 1983. Went on to coach at Illinois which won the NCAA championship in 1989. 2000 Honor Coach Award of the CGA.

*Henderson, Jack Met George Lewis at the Y.M.C.A. in 1939. Did trampoline comedy with Paul Hurd. Served in the Navy during WWII. Coached at Fauntleroy Y.M.C.A. in West Seattle in 1948 - included boys and girls. Diver at U.W. and did flying rings and tumbling. His wife played piano and his daughter Jean was a competitor. Also did Indian Clubs. Sponsored an exhibition group that conducted gymnastic performances from 1949 to 1970. He coached at Ingraham High School from 1981-1984 and at Stealth HS from 1985-86. He was Head Coach at Seattle University for a time. Executive at Boeing.

*Hicks, Jim from Vancouver, Washington, from 1942 to 1958, served as City Recreation Director and also Assistant Director of Physical Education for the Vancouver Public Schools. He held what was known as "Team Shows" - mostly tumbling and trampoline shows. His performers have appeared on The Jackie Gleason and Ed Sullivan TV shows well as in the movie, "Till the Clouds Roll By" in the late 1940's. His daughter was a national competitor in 1958. Opened own club in Vancouver in 1960.

*Hodges, Al Tacoma "Y" 1930's. His involvement in gymnastics helped encourage the growth of this sport.

Holmes, Carolyn "Ping" Pingatore Jr. AA Champ 1967. Was a George Lewis and Dale Shirley gymnast. 1968 USGF AA Champ.1968 Olympic Team alternate. Coached at Jerry Penney's Christmas Camps in the 1970's. 2002 -inducted into the first USAG WA. Hall of Fame.

Holt, Jim Tacoma High School gymnast. W.S.U. gymnast 1970-'74. 1972 placed 4th at AAU Nationals. UW assistant mens coach 1976-80. Head Coach 1980-1989. Assistant coach 1989-1993. Coached Roosevelt High School girls teams. Judges both men and women. Meet Director at Good Will Games in Seattle 1990. "My passion and focus has been on the development of the sport in the "3rd World". I've conducted IOC development courses in 8 different countries including: BOL,CHI,EGY,MEX,NAM,NIG,SWA,ZIM and have coached at the following: Commonwealth Games, NIG,
All-African Games, ZIM, World Championships, BAR-1997, BOL-1991, 1993, 1994, 2001`, 2002, 2003, ECU- 1993,
IRI- 1996, NAM-1999, YEM-2006,2007."

*Hughes, Dr. Eric born 9/1/23. Competed in gymnastics in high school in 1936 at Victoria, B.C. also Victoria Y.M.C.A. Went to college at University of Illinois where he was coached by the great Hartley D. Price. College was interrupted by WWII, and he enlisted in Canada as a pilot. After the war, Eric traveled with a touring acrobatic group called the The Aristocrats of Balance. He also participated in track and cross country as well as gymnastics. Eric finished school then taught at Bemidji State Teachers College in Bemidji, MN. from 1948-1950. Started the gymnastics program there, and also coached the Men's Hockey Team. He went to U.W. in 1950 for their doctorate program and started a children's program. Started U.W. Men's team and it was officially recognized as a varsity sport at U.W. in 1956. His team won the National A.A.U. Championship in 1968 and 1969 and second in the N.C.A.A. in 1965. Eric coached the U.S. team that competed in Czechoslovakia, Poland and Russia in 1961. He was manager of the 1972 Olympic Men's gymnastics Team. Was selected Western Coach of the year twice. Fellow founder of Gym Kamp, held coaches' clinics and invitational, and toured internationally. Wrote two books, Gymnastics for Men and Gymnastics for Girls, plus numerous articles. U.W. Hall of Fame. Some of the more famous U.W. men who Eric influenced were Charley Denny, Mauno Nissinen, Yoshi Hayasaki, Sho Fukushima, Mel Cooley, and Steve Wejmar. Served as Vice President of the National Association of College Gymnastics Coaches and was selected Western Coach of the Year in 1963 and 1965. He was Pacific Northwest A.A.U. Gymnastics Chairman from 1954 to 1963. Eric was Vice-Chairman of the N.A.A.U. Gymnastics Committee and a member of the National Technical Committee. In 1961 he was the coach of the U.S. Team that toured Czechoslovakia, Poland and the USSR. In 1966 He took the Husky Club on a tour of Japan, Australia and New Zealand. In 1968 he took them to Asia. In 1973, he was inducted into the Helms Gymnastics Hall of Fame. 1979 Honor Coach Award of the C.G.A. Inducted into the first USAG WA. Hall of Fame 2002.

*Hurd, Paul Was a "Y" performer in Seattle in the 1940's. While a student at U.W., Paul did trampoline exhibitions. Served in the Navy during WWII. First coached at Ellensburg and then in 1953 at Wapato High School, began a boys high school tumbling team.

Ito, Bob UW Womens coach.

Johnson, Jeff Gymnast at Academy of NW gymnastics in Bellingham under Gordy Bylin. Former UW men's team member. Ring specialist from Seattle and a Boeing engineer. 1st place in Rings at the US Championships in 1998 and 2nd in Rings in 1998 at the Winter Cup Challenge. Took 8th place at the 2002 World Championships -his first international competition!

Kelch, Jim One of the top male gymnasts to come out of Washington State in the 1970's. At the AAU National Jr. Olympics, he took 6th AA in 1970, 3rd in 1971 and 2nd in 1972 behind Bart Conner. He started out at the Yakima Y. His dad would bring him up to Central State University to be coached by Dick Foxal. (Dick coached Jim for seven years.) When Dick moved to Eugene, Oregon, when Jim was about to enter 9th grade, his family moved to Eugene. Jim was the first young boy to learn stalders and was the only one doing them at the time. (Jim's dad opened the first gym for the Mulvihills.) Jim, as a freshman in high school, set an Oregon state record in the AA, to win the state meet. He went on to U of Oregon. At that time, the National meet was 2 days long, with 12 events the first day - compulsory and optionals. The second day was finals - 18 events if you made it through on all events. As a freshman, Jim was on his18th event in two days, and on the HB dismount, he landed stiff legged and tore his knee up. At Pac 10's as a sophomore, he was 2nd AA, and 1st PB and went to Nationals, but didn't do well. That summer he fell on a fence while working for his dad, and tore his other ACL, which ended his career. Dick Foxal considers Jim to have been one of the best gymnasts in the NW.

Kerr, Wayne Co-owner of Cascade Elite. Gymnast at Everett's Cascade High School with Frank Lee. U.W. gymnast. Coached many male national gymnasts.

Kephart, Flansaas McClements, Dale 12/31/44. Moved to Seattle 1959 from Canada. Attended Highline H.S. Also was a Gym Kamper. Turned out for high school gymnastics and also Seattle "Y". Our states most notable woman gymnast and womens international level coach. Named to the AAU All American Women's Gymnastic Teams 1962 in the all around and vault. Graduated from U.W. and U. of Nevada. (Grad work in P.E.) 1984 Choreographed the 1984 Olympic Floor Exercise Compulsory Routine. 1988 Choregraphed the 1988 Olympic Balance Beam Compulsory Routine. Living presently in Alaska. Coached at Jerry Penney's Christmas Camps in the 1970's. Listed in the USGF1973 Who's Who. In 1985 Inducted into the Gymnastics Hall of Fame. 1987 First recipient of the "Spirit of the Flame" Award . 1985-89 Chairman of the Jr. Olympic Compulsory Exercises Committee. Awarded U.W. Hall of Fame, 1999 2003 inducted into WA. USAG Hall of Fame.
Gymnast:
1962 National AA Champion and 1st on vault, 3rd on beam, 4th bars, 6th floor. (Held in Seattle.)
1962 Member of USA World Championships Team, Prague, Czech. 1963 USA Pan Am Games, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Team gold medal, vault gold, bars and AA silver.
1963 National Championships: 2nd AA; 1964 National Championships, 3rd AA. 1964 1st AA at Olympic Trials
1964 Olympic Team Member, Tokyo. Top USA scorer.
1965 UW Women's Club team member. Team attended the first ever National Women's Gymnastics College Championships. 1st vault, bars, floor. 4th all-around. Team placed 2nd. 1965 National Championships. 2nd AA.
1965 Member of USA Team to International Gymnaestrada in Vienna, Austria. 1966 Member of USA Team at World Championships.
Judge - Received International Judges Rating in 1968 (F.I.G. Brevet level judge) Judged 1968 Olympics. Judged Nationally and Internationally from 1968 to 1988. Brevet Judge from 1968-2001.
Coach-
1966 First Women's Pacific NW Collegiate Invitational meet, coached with George Lewis and Dale Shirley. She was Assistant coach at the Seattle YMCA and choreographer for UW Team. 1966 UW has official Women's Gymnastics Team, with Dale and Dale Shirley as coaches. 1967-69 McKnight Jr. High and Hazen High Schools in Renton, WA, and Assistant Coach at Seattle YMCA; 1970-78 U of Nevada, Reno Head Coach. Co-owner/coach Western Gymnastics Foundation Club in Reno; 1972 Manager/ Assistant Coach for Women's USA Olympic Team, Munich, Germany; 1975 Head Women's Coach of USA Pan Am Games Team;
1976 Head Women's Coach USA Olympic Team, Montreal; 1978 Co-head coach PNW Gymnastics Schools, Tigard, OR. 1979-81 Head Women's Coach at UC, Berkeley 1988-95. Coached Jr. and Sr. High School teams in Anchorage, AK.

Kesler, Jen Gymnastics East gymnast. Began gymnastics at age 4 at Jean Hackle's Gym Plus in Snohomish. She went on to NWA and then to Gym East where she was coached by John and Tammy Carney. She won level 5 State AA in 1998, level 7 State AA in 1999 and as a level 8 in the year 2000, she took first AA at State and at Regionals. She took 1st in a meet in Chile. At Regionals in 2001 as a level 9 and again in 2002. In 2003 as a level 10 she took 2nd at State in the AA, and first AA at Regionals. 2004 she took 1st AA at State and Regionals and at the Cancun Classis she took first. In 2005 and 2006 she again won State and Regionals. Won Level 10 National All Around and Vault, 2006. 2006 Level 10 Region 2 Champ in AA, Vault, Bars and Floor. 2007 Level 10 Region 2 Champ in AA, Vault, Bars, Beam and Floor. 2007 Level 10 National Champ and also repeated as National Vault Champ, but added Bars Championship this year. 4 time National JO team member. Scholarship to OSU.

Lee, Frank Born in Seoul, South Korea, Lee grew up in Seattle and attended Cascade High School in Everett. UW Husky men's gymnastics team. Graduated from UW in 1989 with undergraduate degree in zoology. UW assistant women's coach 1999 to 2005. Co-Owner of Cascade Elite Gymnastics in Mountlake Terrace. Olympic coach for Ghardi Gelenhuys in 2000 in Australia. Ghardi was representing her home nation of Namibia. Five of his club gymnasts have been members of US National Teams including Mylan Dodd. Retired from coaching in 2005 to become a Firefighter/E.M.T.

Levesque, Bob Coach of UW Women 1990-2006. In 1997 and 1998 had back-to-back NCAA Championship appearances. Pac-10 and West Region coach of the year. 1998 first NCAA West Regional Championship. Levesque was the owner and director of the American Gymnastics Training Center in Eugene, Ore. 1972 graduate of Fresno State University, had been associated with the American Gymnastics Training Center since 1985. Several Levesque-trained athletes have competed on the national and international level. Six of those were Olympians, including Tracee Talavera and Julianne McNamara from the United States. The others were Karen Kelsall (Canada, 1976 & 1980); Nancy Goldsmith (Israel, 1984); Tarella Javen (Finland, 1980) and Tatiana Fegieredo (Brazil, 1984). Tanya Chaplin Service, currently the head coach at Oregon State, and Leslie Pyfer, both competed in the world championships for the U.S. Five other gymnasts were members of national teams, including former UW national champion Yumi Mordre. Bob was a coach at the National Academy of Artistic Gymnasts in Eugene from 1977 until 1985. Coached at the Fresno Gymnastics Club 1972 -1977. 2007-present coach at LEGA.

*Lewis, George (1920 -1987) Father of Girls Gymnastics in Washington State. Learned gymnastics and tumbling at Green Lake Field House and Roosevelt High School. Coached at YMCA from 1939-1987. Helped coaches and teachers learn the sport of girls gymnastics. George founded Gymnastics Incorporated and moved his club from the Seattle "Y" to S.P.U. in 1972. 1975-76 he coached S.P.U. varsity women's gymnastics team. Laurel Anderson (Tindall) and Debbie Halle, both members of the U.S. National Team were on his team. He also coached Olympians Joyce Tanac (Schroeder), Cleo Carver, Doris Fuchs -Brause and Carolyn Pingatore. Also influenced by George were Avis Tieber Jamieson (NAAU Tumbling Champ 1960; NAAU Vault Champ 1963 and '64; Pan Am FX Champ 1964; 1962 World Cup Team; and 1962 Regional Sullivan Award) Jeanette Boyd (2nd AA at the 1966 USGF and NAAU Championships);and Lonna Woodward (USGF BB winner 1969). Inducted into the Helms Hall of Fame in 1975 and into the first USAG WA. Hall of Fame 2002.

Little, Ivan Started at Tukwilla elementary in 1960. Competed boys age level, went to "Y" in 1964. Competed at UW for Eric Hughes and Dr. Cutler. Coached the boy's team at Foster High School from 1965-1969. He made a horse and balance beam. Taught in Renton and coached at McKnight, Dimmit, Hazen and Lindberg. Started a club program in 1975 with Carol Jacobs.

Litton, Bob Started coaching gymnastics in 1974 at age 43 in Oregon. Before that, he was a diving coach. He came to Spokane in 1988 and coached at North Central High. He coached there till 2000. Bob was very involved with representing his district in the WA. Coaches Assoc., and was President in 1996 and 1997. While he was at North Central, they hosted the Inland Empire Cup All-Around Invitational for 10 years. Inducted into the WSGCA Hall of Fame 2001.

Loan, Brad 1967-1968 turned out with the girls team under Maggie Trimble at Auburn High, because there was no boys team. Brad graduated in 1972 from WSU - competed on the men's team. (3rd on vault at Pac 8's.) 1975-1976 coached girl's team at WSU. Owner of Puget Sound Gymnastics club which produced elite gymnasts such as Roni Barrios, Yumi Mordre, Kelly Baker, Catherine Williams, Julie Mountford, Christi Clifford, Heidi Prosser, Onnie Willis, Stephanie Roy, Emily Pritchard, Tammara Diles, Malinda Wong (first full-in double back in WA. 1982), Melissa Griffeth, Marylin Anderson, Cheryl Chambliss and Elli Moulding Jr. and Mike Meyers. His best gymnast was Yumi Mordre who was the 2nd alternate to the 1984 Olympic team. USAG WA Hall of Fame 2006.

Lufi, Dubi Exceptional WSU gymnast. Israeli Olympic Team Member 1976 and 1980. He averaged 9.23 for all events at the Olympic Trials. Competed in six World Championships (1970-1983) becoming the first person to do so. All American Honors on PB 1974 and 1975. Pac-8 PB Champ 1975. He also coached at Jerry Penney's Christmas Clinics in the 1970's. WSU Hall of Fame. W.S.U. men's team gymnast (graduated Phi Beta Kappa). All American 1974 and 1975 in Paralled Bars. Pacific -8 Conference Champ, 1975 in Parallel Bars. Pacific-8 conference "Scholar-Athlete" award 1975. Inland Empire Sportswriters and Broadcasters Association "Athlete of the Month" May 1974. Pacific Northwest AA Champ 1974,1975,1976, and 1978. Dirtector of Community Children's Gymnastics Program 1975-1979. Dubi was the assistant coach at W.S.U. 1975-1978. Masters degree in 1977 from U. of Idaho. PhD. 1979 from WSU. Winner of many regional ;gymnastics championships and national AAU competitions. Nominated several times by his former W.S.U. coach, Bob Peavy, into the WSU Hall of Fame, which he was finally inducted into in 1989. (He is the only gymnastics personality in the WSU Hall of Fame) Bob Peavy notes that Dubi was a "folk hero". Dubi went on to become an international judge (1985 World Championships in Montreal). National Technical Director of Gymnastics in Israel. And Head Coach at Wingate Institute in Israel. Dubi placed 33rd AA in the 1980 USDF International Invitational. Dubi is noted as oldest competing international gymnast who retired in 1984 at age 35.

*Lucero, Donna (Snohomish,Level 10, State NAWGJ Board 19 -2004, former SJD) Former NAWGJ State Judging Director in the late 1980's and early 1990's. West Seattle High School student. Started judging 1971, high school. Pat Hatmaker and Kay Canedy got her into club judging. 1977-1989 12 Year Executive Assistant to Washington State Judging Director.1989-1994 5 Years Washington State Judging Director. 1984-1996 15 Year Region 2 Championships Judge. 1974-1998 25 Year Washington State Junior Olympic Championship Judge. Junior Olympic National Championship Judge. 1979 Junior College National Championship Judge. 1978-2008 Mentor Judge for more than 30 years in Washington State. 1974 Founding member NAWGJ WA . Inducted into the USAG WA Hall of Fame 2008.

Luna, Sergio Sr. Olympian for Ecuador in 1968. Coached at Jerry Penney's Christmas Camps in the 1970's. Franklin High School coach. His sons Sergio Jr.and Daniel became outstanding gymnasts.

*Mackenroth, Jack From North Dakota; Taught 2 years football. Then to Auburn H.S. two years; 3 years in Marines; worked at Boeing. Then to Highline H.S. and coached football, then into administration. Gym Kamp camp director many years.

McClure, Brett Born in Yakima in 1981. Hometown Mill Creek. Began gymnastics 1990. Years on Senior National Team, 19 -2002. Member of the 2001 World Championships Team that won silver medal. Pommel horse bronze 2001 Goodwill Games. He was 2nd AA, 1st PH, 3rd V, T3rd PB. 2000 Olympic Trials, Boston.

McHugh, Gerry In 1955-56, coached the W.S.U men's team while Hubie Dunn was away on sabbatical at the University of Illinois.

Mordre, Yumi (Pringle) Started gymnastics with Gymnastics Incorportated and George Lewis and was coached by Jackie Carringer and then Laurel Tindall. Went to the National Academy in Oregon with Dick and Linda Mulvihill. Went back to Washington state. Coached by Brad Loan at Puget Sound School of Gymnastics in Puyullup for three years. 1983 Gold Medal on Bema, 1983 World Student Games. In 1983 gold medallist in team competition and in the floor at the Pan American Games, and silver in the All-around. Made the World Team in 1983, and 4th at the World Trials in Budapest. 2nd alternate to the 1984 Olympic team. UW gymnast from 1985 -1988. NCAA Vault and Beam Champion in 1987. Hall of Fame at the UW 1995.(more about Yumi under College Women.) USAG WA. Hall of Fame 2006

Morgan, Sherry High School coach at Shorecrest, and then Shorewood High schools. After the old Shoreline Center (formerly the high school) was remodeled in 2002, a room was named for her. 1999 WSGCA Hall of Fame.

Ostboe, Rod Competed at Richland and graduated in 1960. Competed for Eastern Washington four years. Taught in Oregon for seven years. Returned to Richland and re-established boys and girls teams 1971-72. High School Assoc. president -1975. Inducted into the W.I.A.A. Hall of Fame in 1998.

*Peavy, Dr. Robert D. born 12/7/32. Was a member of his father's exhibition team in Salinas, CA. He competed at San Jose State College from 1952-1954. Was a P.E. teacher and coach in California from 1958 to 1969. 1965 and 1966 shows he instructed at the National Summer Palaestrum in Michigan. P.E. teacher and Coach at W.S.U. in 1969- 1980. Coached at Jerry Penney's Christmas Camps in the 1970's. Bob coached Dubi Lufi, who was an Israeli Olympian who also competed at six world championships.

Penney, Jerry 1960's WSU gymnast. Created PB's move called the Penney German. Coached Sammamish High School boys and girls team for over 30 years. Girl's High School Assoc. president 1984 and 1985, and also has been the boys assoc. president. He was a nationally rated men's judge while he was a boy's coach. Three time High School Coach of the Year, and won High School Regional Coach of the Year. H.S. State Meet Director for 19 years. Jerry is always running around helping at state high school meets, and any meet that is held at Sammamish High School. Director of the WA. Christmas Clinic for 10 years. Inducted into the WSGCA Gymnastics Coaches Hall of Fame in 2001, and is the Chairman for the WSGCA Hall of Fame.(Jerry says he wishes the equipment wouldn't get heavier every year....)

*Pugh, Lyle Learned gymnastics at WSU. Went to Shadle Park H.S. Wenatchee in 1958. Started a tumbling gymnastics program for a boys and girls in the Spokane area. Attended WSU and was a member of Hubie Dunn's first men's gymnastic team in 1948. He attended from 1946 to 51. High School Assoc. president 1973 and 1974. Lyle was inducted into the WSGCA Hall of Fame in 1981.

*Pugh, Paul English teacher, initiated a tumbling group at a junior high in Wenatchee, 1951.

Pierce, Linda (Goos) elite level Northwest Aerials gymnast - but started at the UW club program (non-competitive) with Dick Foxal, then to George Lewis and then to Patti Gable at NWA. 1982, '85, and '87 WA. State AA Champ;1982, 1986, and1987 USGF Class 1 Regional AA Champ; 1983 USGF Elite Zone AA Champ; 1988 Oregon State University MVP as a freshman! 1990 and '91 NCAA Academic All American Gymnast; 1991 Pac-10 Conference All Decade Team. 2007 USAG WA. Hall of Fame Inductee. Linda got her degree in Sports Psychology, and now works at Microsoft.

Puts, D. A. Was at Sammamish H.S. in early 60's. Had play days - also went to the YMCA.

Reid, Laurie Yakima, WA.Competed at Corvallis High School 1968-1970. Competed for Oregon State University 1970-1973 for coach Sylvia Moore. Qualified to Nationals on bars in 1973. In 1973 she moved to Los Altos, CA. and worked for Los Altos Twisters for two years, head coach beam and floor. Started judging in CA. in 1974. In 1975 moved back to Corvallis to finish college, and continued judging with Arlene Crosman as a mentor. Coached a rec program at Linn-Benton CC. 1979 graduated with Phys. Ed. Degree, then moved to Bellevue and coached for Dale Shirley at AOG for a year. Moved to Yakima in 1981 and married Norm. Coached all levels including elite 1983-'84.
Laurie began judging in 1976 and in1981 she earned her Elite rating and her Brevet in 1993. USGF WA. State Director 1983-87. 1990 Seattle Goodwill Games Master Scorekeeper. 1997 Region 2 JO Program Chair. USAG Washington Judge of the Year 1992, 2002, and Optional Judge of the Year 2006. NAWGJ WA board 2004 -2008. 2005 Recipient of Dick Mulvihill Award. Co-author of 2005-2013 USAG Compulsory Routines. 2006 USAG Region 2 Judge of the Year. USAG WA. Hall of Fame 2007. Gym Plus owner with husband Norm. Three children.

Rogers, Taunia Won all four events and the all-around title at the 1982 High School State Meet. Won all-around, vault, beam and tied for first in floor in the 1981 state meet. Her nine state titles are the second most first places at the high school state meet, only bested by Liz Grajewski of the 2000,2001,and 2002 state meets. Five-time All-American at Cal-State Fullerton.

Rooney, Joe and Terry Owners of Puget Sound School of Gymnastics in early 1970's.

*Rouse Command, Marge Graduated WSU 1956. Taught tumbling at Pacific Junior High in Highline District. Had early competitions.

Russo, Mark From Mercer Island. High school gymnast under Jim Long and Mace Brady at Eastern WA. UW student. Mark worked in the extension gymnastics program. In 1986 he became head coach of this program. He took over the U.W. men's team in 1988. He also coached at C.E.G.

*Sarver, Bob Grew up in Sioux Falls, S.D. Went to the "Y".In the service two years. Went to George Williams College (YMCA College in Chicago). Learned gymnastics with Bud Byers. Teaching degree from UW. Was the assistant coach for the UW men's team in 1957. Attended first year of Gym Kamp. Coached boys gymnastics at Highline H.S to 7 state championships. USAG WA. Hall of Fame 2004.

Mary Sarver *Sarver, Mary Mary graduated from Western Washington 1955. She went to Denmark to the Gymnastic Folk High School for one year and then back to WA to Highline Junior High and worked with Ev Woodward in gymnastics. She then went to Highline H.S. in 1958-59. Had first H.S. team and competed in Canada 1959 AAU. Went to Seattle YMCA for help from George Lewis. Mary put on clinics, workshops, and was an instructor and co-director of Gym Kamp (Camp Waskowitz) and taught at Highline Junior College. Attended first National Gymnastics Conference. Wrote in the first Gymnastic Guide Book. Mary wrote the "Beam" section to Eric Hughes 1963 book Gymnastics for Girls. I also noticed in my copy of DGWS Gymnastics Guide June 1963-1965, that Mary wrote the section on Floor Exercise. Inducted into the WSGCA Hall of Fame in 1998 and the USAG WA Hall of Fame 2004. Died 2004.

Joyce Tanac Schroeder Schroeder, Joyce Tanac Began tumbling at 10. Started at Seattle "Y" in 1963 with George Lewis. Frank Hailand was early influence. She was first YMCA National AA Champion. Holds National Championships in AAU, USGF, and YMCA. She performed the one arm handstand on the beam at the 1967 Pan Am Games. The Tanac dismount on unevens is named for her.
1965-'66 -National YMCA Women's AA Champ.
1966 World Games team.
1966 Pan Am Game's, 2nd AA.
1968 Olympic Trials, 1st AA.
1968 US Olympic team. (Team was 6th, Joyce was 30th AA.) 1969-'74 U.W. Women's Team. 1969 won Senior Nationals AA -USGF. 1969 First USGF World Cup, 3rd AA. 1969 Pacific Coast Invitational 1st AA. 1969 AAU National AA Champ and placed frist in every individual event. Member U.S. Collegiate All Star team. UW Hall of fame. 1990 inducted into the USAG HOF. Lives in Spokane. (Her father, Bob, was the Pacific NW AAU Junior Olympic Committee representative in the 1960's.) 2003 inducted into the USAG-WA. Hall of Fame.

*Shirley, Dale Graduated from Highline High School in 1958 - was on their boys team. Went to Eastern Washington for one year on scholarship. Came back to Seattle University and turned out with Ev Woodward. As grad assistant at the University of Oklahoma, got his first job coaching there with Ken Kennerude. With Oklahoma Twisters for 1 year, then back to Washington State to Renton High School. Turned out at YMCA and also coached Seattle Gym Club 1960-'65 with George Lewis. Coached at the Seattle "Y" from 1965-'71. Went on tour to Middle East and Africa in 1966. Co-coach of the 1966 Women's World Games Team, and coach of Carolyn Pingatore, Junior Women's All-Around Champion 1967, and the 1968 Women's Champion. Taught at Renton High and had boys team for 4 years. Won the 1968 state meet. Had a club on Mercer Island and then Bellevue Academy with Carol Elsner 1973-83. Also coached U.W. girls team 1975-'79. He went down to Eugene and was a club coach, then to Santa Rosa Club until 1984. Back to Seattle and taught in the Renton District. Inducted into the first USAG WA. Hall of Fame 2002.

Smith, John D Started gymnastics under Coach Cartwright at Mann Jr. High, Tacoma, 1969, then under Evan Steensland 1971-'74 at Lakes High School. Attended summer camps at Sammamish High where he was coached by Jerry Penny, Bob Peavey, Eric Hughes, Jim Sullivan, and Gunter Bohrmann. Walked onto WSU in 1974 as floor and tramp specialist. Performed quadruple twisting back salto in 1973 on tramp. AAU Tumbling and Tramp Regional Silver Medalist. USMC in 1975. Coached from 1976-1978 at Leeward Gymnastics in Pearl Harbor. Medalist on floor and tramp in the 1978 Honolulu Gym Fest. 1978 Head Coach of Punahou High School boys team, and assistant coach for girls team. 1979 Head Coach Lakes High School and Mann Jr. High Girls Teams. 1980 coached at Camp Waskowitz . WSU assistant coach to Al Sanders fall of 1980. 1980-81 coach at Kokokahi Gymnastics, HI. 1981 opened NASA Gymnastics. In the 1990's, trained National Elite Tiffani White. 1990 Goodwill Games Linguistics Coordinator. Between 1993 and 2003, John had nine gymnasts make the TOPS National Team -the most in WA. State to date. 2006 USAG WA Hall of Fame.

*Sullivan, Jim WSU Gymnastics competitor, 1953. Started teaching in Bothell 1958. In 1959-'60 had boys team. Gym Kamp (Camp Waskowitz) instructor, won a boys' state meet. Coached girls' team 14 years. Retired from coaching in 1987.

Sternberg, Brian

Swanson, Judy Assistant coach at Academy of Olympic Gymnastics (Dale Shirley). Asst. coach at U.W. women's team, and coached at Jerry Penney's Christmas Clinic, 1974.

Thorson, Tommy Went to Seattle "Y". Learned hand balancing with George Lewis. Started coaching girls in 1962.

*Thuot, Chuck Graduate of Southern Illinois U. in Industrial Arts, with Hubie Dunn and Paul Smith. Went to Kennewick High in 1948. Started boys tumbling team and gymnastics in 1952 thus making it the first boys high school team in the state. Girls team in 1955.

*Tibbitts, Thorne 1955 high school grad. WSU four year letterman, 1955-'59. (Hubie Dunn was his coach.) Went to Nationals in 1959 on HB. Won PNW AAU HB in 1957. Asst. coach at WSU for three years. Coached at Eastern Washington U. in 1960-'65. At Eastern, he took Jack Benson to NCAA Championships in HB in 1962. He went from Eastern to Oregon (hired by the U. of O.) to create a gymnastics team made up of high school dropouts in Astoria. From there he went to the U.of Nevada and taught PE and coached men's gymnastics. While there, he coached Rusty Mitchell who was an Olympian in 1964.

Tindall, Laurel Anderson Student of George Lewis, elite gymnast from 1969-1975. 1971 Pan Am Games trials. 1972 Final Olympic Trials. 1973 World Championship team trials. 1974 AAU National Team. UW gymnast 1972-1973. SPU gymnast 1974 -1975. AIAW National Vault champ 1973 and 1975. 10-time All-American. Seattle Pacific University coach from 1975 to present. SPU won 3 National Division II titles, 1986, 1992, and 1997. 15 national champions and 121 All-American athletes. 20 straight seasons of top 4 National finishes in team competition. Four time Collegiate Coach of the Year. Falcon Gymnastics Club Director and Head Coach from 1981 to present. 1972-1981 Gymnastics Inc. club coach. Coached at Jerry Penney's Christmas Camps in the 1970's. 1996 to present Washington State Board. USGF State Chairman from 1976-1983. USGF/USAG Region 2 Chairman 1983-1995. Brevet level Woman's judge having judged several USGF/USAG Regional and National meets. Inducted into 2004 USAG WA. Hall of Fame. Inducted into the Seattle Pacific University Hall of Fame 2005. Co-coach of the year in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, 2005.

*Trimble, Maggie U.W. grad 1948, came to Auburn High in 1952. Had tumbling for girls and coached Brad Loan 1967-68. Attended Gym Kamp, early Play Day meets, also did judging and state meets. High School Assoc. president 1968. 1981 inducted into the WSGCA Hall of Fame. Was "loud" and a tomboy - quite a character.

*Utley, Russell Did Balancing and Juggling acts with Willits in the 1930's and '40's. Promoted gymnastics before WWII.

Waichiro, Miki born 10/21/47. Gymnast in 1961 in High School in Kewanoe High, Japan, and at Nihon University in Tokyo. Trained under Endo at Nihon University, and was considered one of the best technician in the U.S. in the 1970's. He was the assistant coach at Washington State University in the 1970's. Started a recreational gymnastics program at WSU in 1971. Coached at Jerry Penney's Christmas Camps in the 1970's. Went on to coach in California.

Williams, Mike UW Men's Team member, who qualified for the US National team in 1992. He was also the only American in history to do a triple back on the floor in competition, at U.S. Nationals in 1993.

Willis, Onnie From Tacoma. PSSG gymnast for Brad Loan and Cathy Sutherland. 1996 USA Jr. National Team and 8th place at American Classics. Competed in three U.S. Championships.National AA, Vt. And Beam champ 1998. UCLA gymnast. 2001 1st AA at NCAA Championships. All American. 1st AA 2002 Pac 10 Conference.

*Willits, Earl 1930's and '40's balancing and juggling acts with Utley. Was an Indian Club artist.

Wisen, Karen Patoile Karen started competing in the 7th grade on the Mercer Island tumbling team. She transferred to the UW after competing in Minnesota at Gustavus Adolphus on their very first gymnastics team. Karen became captain of the team, which took 2nd at the first ever Collegiate Women's Invitations Gym Meet. (Southern Ill.) Started judging while still at UW. She went with George Lewis and his team to USGF Nationals. A judge didn't show up, so Jackie Kline Fie had Karen judge. The next year they sent her to the Pan Am Games and then the FIG course in Madrid! Coached at Ingelmoor High School from 1968 to 1976. Won King-Co every year and won 3 State Championships. Became Brevet judge in the early 1970's. Judged the 1984 Olympics. USGF/USAG Regional Technical Director 1971-1995. Goodwill Games, Seattle, 1990 Technical Director. She is a charter member of NAWGJ. Karen was inducted into the WSGCA Hall of Fame in 1998, and USAG WA Hall of Fame 2004.

*Woodward, (Ev) Everett Learned gymnastics at Waco, Texas YMCA 1934-36. Went to Central and taught at Sunnydale Elementary (Highline) for 3 years. He was in the service 3 years, then went to work at Boeing. Taught P.E. at Snohomish 10 years. Went to Highline H.S. 1956. Taught gymnastics to boys and girls. Had boys H.S. competition; started Gym Kamp 1958. Went to Seattle U, then Highline Community College, and was at Hubie Dunn's summer workshops.

Woodward, Lonna One of George Lewis' gymnasts. USGF Beam Champ 1969. National YMCA All Around Champion. Coached at Gymnastics Incorporated. Coached at Jerry Penney's Christmas Camps in the 1970's.

Zimmer, Ed U. of Chicago Circle. Coach at UW, women. Went to Boise, Idaho. Meet Director at the Seattle Goodwill Games 1990.

US Gymnastics (Helms) Hall of Fame inductees -Washington State coaches/athletes:
Dr. Hubie Dunn 1973, Dr. Eric Hughes 1973, George Lewis 1975, Dale McClements Kephart 1985, Joyce Tanac Schroeder 1990