Tuscaloosa, Alabama – Olympic medalist and NCAA champion Justin Spring joins head coach of Alabama gymnastics staff Ash Region Stone It was announced on Tuesday. Spring acts as an assistant coach working on all aspects of the program.
“I’ve known Justin from my days on the US national team and I’m excited to add his experience, enthusiasm and spirit to our program,” said Johnston. “As an Olympic athlete and NCAA champion as both a gymnast and a coach, he knows exactly what it takes to excel at the highest levels of the sport, and he describes his knowledge and experience as follows: He has shown many times that he can share in a variety of ways, which is most beneficial to student athletes. He is not only a great technical coach, but also brings such joy and energy to everything he does. We share our philosophy of growing the whole person and putting the health of student athletes first. “
Spring, a member of the US bronze medal-winning Olympic team, joined the Crimson Tide staff after spending 12 seasons as head coach of the Illinois men’s team and a total of 16 seasons with Illinois coaching staff. He was named National Coach of the Year in 2012 after leading Illinois to the 10th NCAA Championship. At the age of 28, he was the youngest coach in NCAA history and was honored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. He led Illinois to 11 Top 6 finishes in the NCAA Championship. This includes 2012 titles and the latest four big ten titles in 2018.
“We are very excited to take advantage of this great opportunity in one of the best gymnastics programs in the country,” says Spring. “Ashley has formed a cohesive staff working to train student athletes inside and outside the gym. We look forward to creating life-changing experiences for these young women and bringing back the SEC and NCAA championships. increase.”
In his 12 seasons as Head Coach for Fighting Ilini, Spring led 11 gymnasts to individual NCAA titles. This includes three NCAA champions in 2010, 2011 and 2012. During his coaching career, he was the Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2018, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Central Region Coach of the Year in 2011 and 2010, and the Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year in 2009. Was selected for.
Spring and his wife Tori have three children, sons Cody and Elliott, and daughter Curry.
Olympic
- Leading Team USA to the bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics
- In the finals of the Olympic team, Spring led Team USA to an unexpected bronze medal, winning 15.900 on the vault, 15.850 on the parallel bars, 15.675 on the horizontal bar and 15.200 on the horizontal bar in a 3-up, 3-count format.
- Won one of six spots at the 2008 Beijing Olympics after the US Olympic Trials
Domestic and international competitions
- Eight members of US Olympic athletes and US senior national team members
- 2008 Visa US Championship Gold Medalist-Parallel Bars
- 8 US Senior National Team Members
- 2007 Pan American Games Team Members-Bronze Medal
- 2007 Pan American Gold Medalist-Parallel Bars
- 2007 Visa US Championship Gold Medalist-Horizontal Bar
- 2007 Visa US Championship Silver Medalist-Floor Exercise
- 2007 Moscow World Cup Silver Medalist-Horizontal Bar
- 2005 World Championship US Team Member
- 2005 Visa US Championship Gold Medalist-Horizontal Bar
- 2005 Winter Cup Champion-Horizontal Bar
- 2005 American Cup Silver Medalist-Horizontal Bar
- 2003 World Universiade Game Team Member
Fight for Irini
- He graduated from the University of Illinois in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in voice communication and a master’s degree in recreation, sports and tourism in 2014.
- 2006 Nissen-Emmery Award, honor given to top senior male gymnasts nationwide
- Leading Irini to the runner-up finish at the 2006 NCAA and Big Ten Championships
- 13 times all-American
- 2006 NCAA Parallel Bar Champion
- 2006 NCAA Horizontal Bar Co-Champion
- 2006 Big Ten Gymnastics
- 2006 Big Ten Parallel Bar Champion
- 2006 Big Ten All Round Champion
- 2005 US Open Champion
- 2005 NCAA Parallel Bar Champion
- 2004 NCAA High Bar Champion
- 2004 Big Ten Floor Exercise Champion
- 3 All Big Ten Team Members
- Twice UIDike Eddleman Athlete of the Year (2004, 2006)
- Illinois School Record Holders (FX, VT, PB, HB)
- 2 year team captain
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