University of Minnesota Athletics
Russ Fystrom
Gymnastics (1969-73)
HOF Class of 2017
A three-time AAU national runner-up on pommel horse and the 1973 Big Ten champ in the event, Fystrom was an accomplished gymnast as a four-time letterwinner at Minnesota. His legacy grew when he joined the program’s coaching staff in the mid-70s, embarking on a 36-year coaching career that ended with his retirement following the 2016-17 season. While on staff, Fystrom helped coach 10 national champions, 74 Big Ten champions and 82 All-Americans. During that time, the Gophers won six Big Ten team titles and placed as high as second at the national meet.