Husker Gymnasts Mourn the Loss of Former Coach

The Nebraska men’s gymnastics program mourns the loss of legendary head coach Jake Geier, who died on Tuesday, Feb. 1 in Lincoln.

 

As NU’s coach for almost 20 years from 1950 to 1969, Geier led the Huskers to a 127-55-3 record in his career.  Geier enjoyed an undefeated season in 1960 and led the Huskers to the Big Eight title in 1964, the first year men’s gymnastics was recognized by the conference.  But it was his dedication to the sport and the athletes he worked with that earned him the respect of both his pupils and peers.

 

“He was one of the guys that was the backbone to the system here at Nebraska,” current Head Coach Francis Allen said.  “He taught a lot of us guys that went on to become coaches themselves and through that he has really been instrumental to the sport of gymnastics as a whole.” 

 

In 1969, Geier handed the reins over to Allen, who along with current assistant coach Jim Howard, co-captained the 1965 squad.  In four years under Geier, Howard most noted him for the way in which he conducted himself both in and out of the gym.

 

“What most impressed me about Coach Geier was his attention to detail and business-like manner in everything he did,” Howard said.  “That is the one thing that I took away from him and it’s still with me to this day.”