The first time I met Newt Loken, he was wearing a snap-brim cap and his famous perpetual smile. I'd heard his name over and over, but never met him before.

About an hour later, we were old friends. Newt was like that. One minute you'd be strangers, the next he'd have your rapt attention as he told one of his countless stories from 36 years of coaching Michigan men's gymnastics.

Talking to Newt, the black-on-white names of the Wall of Fame came to life. Gil Larose and Arno Lascari, the dynamic pair who led Michigan to its first NCAA title in 1963. Wayne Miller, Dave Jacobs and George Huntzicker, the three talented trampolinists who were so competitive, Newt had to make sure none were scheduled to practice at the same time. Eddie Howard, the last-minute hero of the 1970 NCAA championship team, whose high bar set to end the meet won it for Michigan by one tenth of a point.

Newt could make you see his old coach at Minnesota, Ralph Piper, stalking round the gym with the stub of a cigar clamped in his teeth (Newt often hooked a finger in his own mouth to demonstrate). Listening to him, Newt's own 1941 NCAA high bar title and 1942 NCAA all-around title seemed to have happened last week.

Newt is one of the most decorated men's gymnastics coaches ever: two NCAA championships, 12 Big Ten titles (a feat which will likely never be matched), and two Coach of the Year awards.

But he was unlike nearly every other coach who has reached legendary status in his or her sport.

Instead of barking orders like a drill sergeant, Newt resembled a kindly father. His unflagging optimism and constant encouragement-not to mention his excellent technical skills-motivated his gymnasts more than a good chewing out ever could. Newt's gymnasts became part of his family, striving for their best out of a love for their coach and pride in their school. When Newt retired in 1983, many of his current and former gymnasts felt like they were losing their father.

Newt never stopped his involvement with Michigan gymnastics, though. He didn't miss a home meet for 61 years. He delighted in encouraging the team, both openly-he was a fixture at Monday practices, especially during the season, where he could congratulate all the Wolverines-and sneakily.

Read the whole story.

By Colt Rosensweig. Reprinted with permission of Michigan Today.