BERRY, Glenn (1906-1996) Inducted: 1988 It’s not for sure that Glenn Berry was at every gymnastic meet in which I competed as a youth in high school and college, and it is sure that he was at most of them. He would judge an event and at its conclusion whisper a hint of encouragement or … Read more
BECKSTEAD, George Inducted: 2002 Born: August 22, 1938 George Beckstead contributed to the development of gymnastics in the U.S. in many significant ways. George was selected by his USAG peers after many years of service to the sport as a contestant, coach, and judge at local, regional, national, and international levels. As a youth, there … Read more
ZITTA, Fred (1893-1972) Inducted: 1964 Born: Holyoke, MA Fred Zitta was known as a “Renaissance Man”. He believed in modern dance as a tool for physical development. What better discipline to coach artistic gymnasts to be fluid in motion, punctuate each movement or series of movements with grace and finality, and create the personification … Read more
WOLCOTT, Frank Inducted: 1976 Born: Bridgeport, Connecticut Frank Wolcott has made valuable contributions to gymnastics as an athlete, a coach, and a provider of services to our sport. He has been recognized among the best of the gymnastics coaches by his peers, and has seen gymnastics in the U.S. move through numerous periods of troughs … Read more
TUROFF, Frederick Robert “Fred” Inducted: 2009 Born: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Fred Turoff began his gymnastics career in the Philadelphia junior high public league and competed with the Mannettes and Philadelphia Turners as well. His family moved to Connecticut when he was in the 9th grade. He eventually became a two-time state high school all-around champion for … Read more
STEEVES, Frederick “Ted” (1906-1983) Inducted: 1966 Born: Milford, MA Ted Steeves excelled in football and baseball in college but only became interested in gymnastics while watching the Springfield College Gym Show. He used his athletic skills and experience to coach football and basketball and to bring high school boy’s gymnastics to Massachusetts. His dedicated pioneering … Read more
ROETHLISBERGER, Fred Inducted: 1990 Born: February 28, 1943 Every four to eight years, U.S. gymnastics seems to be dominated by one or two gymnasts to the extent that these years may be thought of as eras. There was the John “Jack” Beckner era during my time as a competitor. Then came the Sakemoto era with … Read more
ORLOFSKY, Fred Inducted: 1985 Born: April 8, 1937, Jersey City, NJ Since 1996 the Nissen Award has been considered the “Heisman Trophy of Gymnastics.” It is given annually and is inscribed with this motto: “The true champion seeks excellence physically, mentally, socially, and morally.” The award didn’t exist during Fred’s competitive time, but the motto … Read more
MEYER, Fredrick Inducted: 1959 – Among Original class of Honorees Frederick Meyer was a gymnast who became an Olympian, a stockbroker and a teacher of gymnastics. And all his training and teaching and judging was a matter of passion. In reading about the activities that made up his day, it seems possible that he had … Read more
KRIZ, Frank Inducted: 1959 – Among the Original class of Honorees Born: March 26, 1894 Olympic Games: Kriz’s Olympic experience had numerous unique elements. He was one of a four-man team that was the first to travel overseas for Olympic competition, Antwerp, Belgium, (1920); Gold-V*, Paris, France, (1924); Team member, (1928); Kriz’s coach was Roy … Read more