tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960097.post1405578012865224281..comments2024-03-21T02:29:43.150-07:00Comments on Rifs Blog: U of Iowa Gymnastics team 1977Mark Reifkindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13796716749125262941noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960097.post-83211763241968281512020-04-22T12:14:01.830-07:002020-04-22T12:14:01.830-07:00PS, My name is Mark DeVolder. I posted the commen...PS, My name is Mark DeVolder. I posted the comment above and competed in All Around on UNI's team until 1977. Mark DeVolderhttp://www.markdevolder.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960097.post-77771579901216482142020-04-22T11:50:36.914-07:002020-04-22T11:50:36.914-07:00Yes Coach Schmitt was an amazing spotter. I’ll nev...Yes Coach Schmitt was an amazing spotter. I’ll never forget I meet between University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa. I was the last competitor from UNI on the high bar. And Coach Schmitt was spotting for the Iowa gymnast. His routine was going very well and he was preparing for his dismount, a double back. Unfortunately he opened way too early and only competed one and a half rotations. He was way above the bar and was doing a nose dive. With cat like reflexes Coach Schmitt tackled him in mid air knocking out both Unconscious. The gymnast regained consciousness after a few minutes, but Coach Schmitt was out for at least five minutes, as I remember. It was one of the most heroic saves I’ve ever witnessed. And certainly coach Schmitt saved his life! <br /> I don’t know how I was able to do my routine, with that image burned in my mind, but I completed my routine safely.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13477534668933003874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960097.post-79122120105440431032011-12-30T14:12:01.077-08:002011-12-30T14:12:01.077-08:00I live in Colorado and judge with Neil, first met ...I live in Colorado and judge with Neil, first met him in the early 80's when he would drop into our gym in Loveland. He is as high quality, gracious and kind as anyone you can meet. His influence is immeasurable! Loved the article, i had seen some stories about the 69 championship team, and heard of the way Neil is thought of in Iowa, but this brings it home!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960097.post-36728065043378289212011-09-27T17:09:47.277-07:002011-09-27T17:09:47.277-07:00wow... i just wanna say that this article was very...wow... i just wanna say that this article was very great <a href="http://sportsvideo.com" rel="nofollow"><b>Sport Video</b></a> i really like this this. thank you so much....leahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18003631233269169434noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960097.post-11535020259624073382007-12-23T11:40:00.000-08:002007-12-23T11:40:00.000-08:00Joe,Neil rocked.I just wish we would have had the ...Joe,<BR/><BR/>Neil rocked.I just wish we would have had the sports medicine then that we do now.Mark Reifkindhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13796716749125262941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960097.post-62666851213535110022007-12-23T11:01:00.000-08:002007-12-23T11:01:00.000-08:00Wow! That is awesome and what a great reflection. ...Wow! That is awesome and what a great reflection. How special to have a coach like that and I see where you get it from. Thanks Neil.Joe Sartihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16730922689220976568noreply@blogger.com