Gene Watson

Class of 2021
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Inducted as:
Lifespan: 1951-2020

Gene Watson was an integral part of the U.S. Men’s Gymnastics Development Program for nearly 40 years. In addition to coaching countless athletes, Watson served in numerous leadership positions, including as Georgia State Chairman, Region 8 Chairman, Region 7 Chairman, a Men’s Program Committee member and a member of both the Junior and Senior National Coaching Staff. For his tremendous service to the sport, Watson was awarded the Frank J. Cumiskey Service Award in 1991, USA Gymnastics’ Service Star Awards in 2002 and 2020, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s Developmental Coach of the Year honor in 2015 and a College Gymnastics Association Honor Coach in 2014. Watson passed away in April of 2020 and will receive this honor posthumously. He is survived by his wife, Mindy, and children Cameron, Logan, Devin, Rhys, Holly and Rachel.

Watson, Gene | The Legacy of USA Gymnastics

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Gene Watson was an integral part of the U.S. Men’s Gymnastics Development Program for nearly 40 years. In addition to coaching countless athletes, Watson served in numerous leadership positions, including as Georgia State Chairman, Region 8 Chairman, Region 7 Chairman, a Men’s Program Committee member and a member of both the Junior and Senior National Coaching Staff. For his tremendous service to the sport, Watson was awarded the Frank J. Cumiskey Service Award in 1991, USA Gymnastics’ Service Star Awards in 2002 and 2020, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s Developmental Coach of the Year honor in 2015 and a College Gymnastics Association Honor Coach in 2014. Watson passed away in April of 2020 and will receive this honor posthumously. He is survived by his wife, Mindy, and children Cameron, Logan, Devin, Rhys, Holly and Rachel.