MITCHELL, Russell “Rusty” Inducted: 1985 Born: Phoenix, AZ 1942 Rusty Mitchell started his gymnastics at Baldwin High School in California coached by John Draghi, 1994 Gymnastics Hall of Fame Inductee. Bill Roy, winner of numerous SPAAU tumbling championships created a school act featuring inspirational messages after retiring from competition. His act used stand up comedy, … Read more
KERN, Rene J. “Frenchy” Inducted: 1960 Rene “Frenchy” Kern is another unhearalded coach who had a tremendous influence East Coast gymnastics. He went about his coaching duties as Director of the famous Central Branch YMCA of Brooklyn, NY for 30 years. It was during the time of their competition heydays. Rene Kern was another graduate … Read more
HRADECKY, RUDOLF (1909-1993) Inducted: 1994 Born: Dolni Bucice (Town of Lower Bucice) District of Kutna Hora, Czechoslovakia Rudolf “Rudy” Hradecky arrived in New York at the age of one and joined the Bohemian Gym Society-New York Sokol in 1926. Like so many Gymnastics Hall of Fame Honorees, he was a multi-sport person. At Stuyvesant High … Read more
HOLZAEPFEL, Richard “Dick” Inducted: 1983 Born: Sandusky, Ohio Dick Holzaepfel is another gymnastic coach who contributed greatly to the development of gymnastics in the United States through a long and fruitful career of leading gymnasts to the top of the winner’s podium. Coach: Holzaepfel began as assistant gymnastics instructor at Michigan for three years after graduating … Read more
CRILEY, Richard A. Inducted – U.S.A. Gymnastics Hall of Fame: 1985 Inducted Original Honoree into the Sports Acrobatics Hall of Fame Born: Nyack, New York December 19, 1940 Richard Criley never stood on an Olympic or World Championship medal stand, but those who have in recent years hopefully understand that they might not be … Read more
BOLLINGER, Robert F. (1929-2007) Inducted: 2006 Born: Kenosha, Wisconsin Bob Bollinger was battling terminal lung cancer, limiting his future and deciding his fate in 2006 when the USGHOF Awards Ceremony took place. However, his amazing career that began as a Rockford, Illinois gymnasta fitting culmination with his induction into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame … Read more
BECKNER, Richard Andrew “Dick” (1927-1997) Inducted: 1992 Born: Los Angeles, CA Dick Beckner was a personal friend and mentor. He was always ready to show and tell from the time I was getting started in high school all the way through college and beyond. Early in my career he helped me get a teaching position … Read more
BASS, Raymond (1910-1997) Inducted: 1959 – Among Original class of Honorees Born: Eaglette, Arkansas Olympic record setter, WWII much decorated hero who, along with his rope climbing buddies, completed his U. S. Navy career at the rank of Admiral. Olympic Games: Gold-Rope Climb in record setting 6.7 seconds at 8m. height, Berlin, Germany, (1932). … Read more
BARAK, Ronald S. Inducted: 1995 Born: June 7, 1943 In 1964, the USA almost wasn’t able to field its best team. As the last event in the final trials was about to commence, Ron Barak sat on a bench in a trainer’s office and gritted his teeth as the trainer pushed the swelling in … Read more
ARONSON, Richard M. Inducted: 1983 Born: November 29, 1930, Springfield, MA Richard Aronson is a true career gymnastics contributor and another multi-sport gymnast. He coached, judged, represented the USA internationally, published numerous articles on various sports subjects, and received numerous prestigious awards. Competitive Experience: Dr. Richard Aronson began gymnastics at the Riverside Military Academy … Read more