University of Minnesota Athletics
Fystrom Knows Minnesota Gymnastics
3/2/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Gymnastics
There are only a handful of people in this world that have spent as much time around men's gymnastics programs in their life time as University of Minnesota assistant coach Russ Fystrom.
So much time, in fact, that he's walking proof that there are no lingering effects from continually breathing the chalk dust that often fills the air of gymnastics practice and meet facilities.
While gymnastics have long been his passion, it was a different sport that initially gained Fystrom's attention for the Gophers as a boy growing up in Minnesota.
"When I was a kid, I was a Gophers football fan," Fystrom said. "Of course they were playing in the Rose Bowl then, but it really set me up to feel that the U is a great place."
Sharing a passion for Minnesota athletics with friends and family is a story that many Twin Cities residents that have gone on to attend the U can share, yet few take their passion of the school to the same level that Fystrom has.
His story at the University of Minnesota begins with him joining the Gophers men's gymnastics program as a freshman in 1969.
Fystrom went on to have a terrific performing career, including becoming the team captain his senior season, while also going on to win the Big Ten pommel horse title that same year.
When his competing days were behind him, Fystrom then began changing his efforts to focus on one of his other great passions; instructing young minds.
"I've always enjoyed teaching people things, Fystrom said. "It's satisfying to me to see people be able to do things they couldn't before, in part at least, because of my instruction."
Fystrom began teaching at Edina High School shortly after graduating from the U, and went on to teach at several districts around the Twin Cities metro area. However, he could not stay away from the Gophers gymnastics team for long as he signed on to be an assistant coach in 1982, and has remained in that position to this date.
While teaching brings a lot of value to his life, coaching the Gophers men's gymnastics team allows him to reach the students' lives in a more personal way.
"Working with the students is the best thing about coaching," Fystrom said. "I learn a lot about their lives, and get pretty close to them, and it's very rewarding knowing that I help them achieve things in their lives."
Now in his 29th season as an assistant coach for the Gophers, Fystrom has become renowned for his gymnastics expertise, not only with Minnesota, but even at the international level of the sport.
Fystrom's résumé includes serving on the Board of Directors for USA Gymnastics, and working on the Men's Program Committee, which decides the direction and philosophy of men's gymnastics at both the national and international level.
"Russ has been a part of this program for a lot of years and through a lot of thick and thin times," Minnesota head coach Mike Burns said. "He totally understands Minnesota gymnastics and the Big Ten. He's also one of the most extreme experts with the Code of Points as anybody in the country. Even the big wig judges call to ask him for advice."
His gymnastics expertise is noted across the country, yet quietly he works behind the scenes with each individual gymnast to help them work towards acquiring new skills and getting higher scores.
"I'm pretty good at instructing routines to try to get the best score possible," Fystrom said. "I always try to encourage the guys to be innovative and do things differently than others to really stand out to the judges."
Fystrom's coaching philosophy resonates with each of the athletes, as all the Gopher gymnasts respond well to his instruction.
"He's very friendly in the gym and keeps it lively," Gophers senior Ali Aleiou said. "He always has nice ways of telling you what to improve on without being too critical. He really knows how to keep each of us motivated."
Now retired from teaching, Fystrom enjoys having more time for the pleasurable things in life. "I miss the people I taught with, but I don't miss the schedule," Fystrom said jokingly.
Besides following Minnesota athletics, Fystrom also enjoys using his off time to keep himself healthy.
"I look forward to getting to ride me bike everyday," Fystrom said. "I like riding my bike around in the spring, summer, and fall, and I'm excited for the snow to be gone so I can ride my bike around again."
-Athletic Communications Assistant Keith Beise
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