Newt Loken, who passed away last summer, was known as a champion gymnast in the early 1940s and the decorated head coach of Michigan gymnastics for 36 seasons between 1948 and 1983. During that period, his achievements also included coaching some of the best trampolinists in the world, such as George Huntzicher, who placed second in the 1970 World Trampoline Championships in Switzerland.
Mr. Loken and my father, Jeff Hennessy, were great friends. We drove up the Mississippi River from south Louisiana all the way to Michigan to visit the Loken’s for our summer vacations, listening to 8-tracks all the way. Watching the two Juniors, Jeff and Newtie, who were about 13-14 years-old, flipping off the swings of a swing-set in a nearby park was the highlight for me.
His memoir, Newt: The Father of Michigan Men’s Gymnastics is available now through the Huron River Press.
Gymnastics Coaching: Newt Loken Memoir
While watching the Olympics and the trampoline performances, I was happily reminded of my friend Newt. I met Newt some time ago while I was working at Kinko’s. Every time that he came in, he brought a smile to my face. He loved to talk about his family and his career in gymnastics and always had an anecdote to share.
I have never met a person that was more passionate about any one thing, as much as Newt was passionate about everything. I sincerely wish that I could talk to this guy one more time because he was a true inspiration. He lit up a room and when he talked to you, he made you feel like you were the most important person in the world.
Newt, I hope you are enjoying flying high up in heaven. You were a true friend for the short time that I knew you.
Thank you for your lovely memory of Mr. Loken. I couldn’t agree more that he was a true inspiration and just an all-around special guy. And, to read your comments today; now, right as I walked into the flat after returning from watching the Women’s Olympic Trampoline event in London is so ironic. He would have loved being at the North Greenwich Arena, too … and, who knows? Maybe he was.