University of Minnesota Athletics
Fystrom Retires After 36 Years
5/26/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Gymnastics
After 36 years as an assistant coach for the Minnesota men's gymnastics team, Russ Fystrom has announced his retirement.
"Russ has been such an instrumental part of this program for so many years that it's hard to believe he will not be back in the gym next season," head coach Mike Burns said. "His presence for 36 years has extended as an amazing coach, but as a source of knowledge. He has positively impacted the lives of so many gymnasts that have walked through the doors of Cooke Hall."
During his tenure, he assisted in coaching 10 National Champions, 82 All-Americans and 74 Big Ten Conference Champions. The program also won six conference titles and placed as high as second at the NCAA Championships.
Fystrom was a four-year letterwinner with the Golden Gophers. During his time as a gymnast he was a three-time AAU pommel horse runner-up and was the Big Ten Champion on pommel horse in 1973. He also served as team captain during his senior season.
"I want to wish him the best as he transitions into this new phase of his life," Burns said. "I thank him for his work, but for becoming a true friend."
Thank you, Russ.
