Temple University Athletics
Fred Turoff Selected to USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame
2.3.09 | Men's Gymnastics
Feb. 3, 2009
PHILADELPHIA - Men's gymnastics head coach Fred Turoff has been selected to the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 2009, the organization announced today.
"It's a terrific honor. I'm tickled," Turoff said. "The success that I've had is due to all of the hard work from the student-athletes and coaches that I've had the pleasure to be associated with at Temple University and throughout my professional career."
Along with Turoff, 2004 Olympic all-around champion Carly Patterson (women), 2004 Olympian Mary Sanders (rhythmic gymnastics), 2000 Olympian Steve McCain (men), 1996 Olympian John Macready (men), Shenea Booth and Arthur Davis (trampoline), James Yongue (trampoline), the 1999 U.S. World Championship Men's Double Mini-Trampoline team and Pat Wilson Henderson (lifetime achievement) are also members of the class of 2009.
In a coaching career that has spanned over three decades, Turoff , who began his coaching career at Temple in 1976, has guided the Owls to 16 EIGL/ECAC titles and owns a lifetime coaching record of 356-157 (.694). He has served as a member of the coaching staff at many international events, including the 1979 World Championships, 1991 World University Games and Pan American Games, 1992 Olympic Games, 1994 World Championships, and the 1996 Pacific Alliance Championships.
His numerous awards, honors and distinctions for his service include the Frank Cumiskey Award, Special Service Award (NACGC), the Honor Coach Award, and NCAA Eastern Region Coach of the Year (nine times). He is a former chair of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee and is a past president of the USECA for men's gymnastics. In addition to coaching, Turoff is an author and a nationally and internationally certified judge.
A talented collegiate gymnast for Temple, Turoff was the EIGL all-around and horizontal bar champion in during his junior season in 1968. He earned the ECAC Scholar-Athlete Award during his senior season in 1969.
A 1969 graduate of Temple University, Turoff also owns a Masters of Education degree in biomechanics (1991) from the University. Fred and his wife, Diane, are the proud parents of one son, Evan (15).
