LYNCH, Jair Inducted: 2002 Born: Amherst, Massachusetts Jair Lynch builds on the theme that gymnasts tend to be outstanding students and many continue to be outstanding role models. He graduated from the prestigious Stanford University majoring in Civil Engineering and earned his Master’s Degree, also at Stanford, in Urban Design. The best thing is that … Read more
LOVELL-MORENO, Jenifer Inducted: 2005 Born: Miami, Florida Jenifer Lovell-Moreno was a rhythmic gymnast and was a member of the U.S. National Team for seven years. Olympic Games: Rhythmic team member, Barcelona, Spain, (1992). World Championships: Rhythmic team member, Athens, Greece, (1991). Pan American Games: Bronze-Team & Individual Ball Routine [T], Havana, Cuba, (1991). Goodwill Games: … Read more
KOTYS, Joseph “Joe” Inducted: 1978 Born: October 31, 1925 In Olympic and World gymnastic competition, it is not unusual to see a single-person team representing a country. In NCAA competition, it is very unusual to witness one man representing a major university team let alone watch the single competitor win again and again. Joe Kotys … Read more
JONES, Jola Inducted: 2014 Lifetime Achievement Honoree Photo: Jola is under the WWW letters; judges table in Poland. If you have been involved in Acrobatics for any period of time, over the last 25 years, you are familiar with Jola Jones. If you are new to Acrobatics, you will soon come to realize Jola Jones … Read more
HOWARD, Jessica Inducted: 2015 Born: Jacksonville, Flordia Howard missed qualifying for the 2000 Olympic team at two competitions, each time falling just .001 points shy of winning the event and a berth in the Olympic Games. That accomplishment, however, is the only glaring omission on her rhythmic gymnastics resume that includes earning the national championship … Read more
Hollembeak, Jill Inducted: 2011 Born: Rockford, Illinois “At my first world championship (1982)my family (Mom, Dad, Sister and Brother, Aunt Kathy and Grandma and Grandpa) all road tripped to Bozeman, Montana from Illinois in a Motor Home, and they literally camped out to be able to watch me compete. When the meet was over, my … Read more
HENNESSY, Jeff Inducted: 1992 Born: October 27, 1929 Most parents take walks and go on picnics with their children. Jeff Hennessy did these things with his children, also, but, in addition, he went bouncing with them on a steady basis. He produced and coached more World and National trampoline, tumbling, and mini-tramp champions than anyone … Read more
HARTUNG, Jim Olympic Gold Medal Team Induction: 1984 Individual Induction: 1997 Born: June 7, 1960 Jim Hartung is quite possibly the most consistent male gymnast in the history of collegiate competition, having averaged something like 9.4 for all six events during all of his four years at the University of Nebraska. In the NCAA … Read more
HARDY, Jerry Inducted: 1989 Having been in a number of national and international competitions where Jerry Hardy was with the team, I propose to provide testimony that he was the “go-to” man whether he was judging or acting as the team manager. He was the person that managed to have the athletes at the right … Read more
GIALLOMBARDO, JOE Inducted: 1966 1917-2011 Born: Cleveland, Ohio Joe Giallombardo is one of the many who found that winning individual medals and setting records at the elite collegiate level just wasn’t enough. He made a career of the sport and contributed to the development of many top gymnasts as a mentor and coach. He has … Read more