Sept. 3, 2010
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IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa men’s gymnastics head coach JD Reive has announced the hiring of Brad Virkler as an assistant coach. Virkler replaces Alex Kolyvanov, who resigned at the end of the 2010 season.
Virkler is a former four-year letterwinner as a member of the UI gymnastics and diving teams. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education in 1999, and remained in the Iowa City area as the Boys’ Program Director and Head Coach at the Iowa Gym-Nest.
“I am honored to join the University of Iowa gymnastics family,” Virkler said. “With a rich legacy to build upon and an invigorated outlook from the athletes, coaches, and administration, the program is poised for greatness. I am grateful to work under the exceptional leadership of JD Reive in an environment fueled by commitment, excitement, and excellence.”
Virkler helped build the Iowa Gym-Nest into the largest boys’ competitive program in Iowa and a leader in the six-state USA Gymnastics competitive region.
During his 11 years at the Iowa Gym-Nest, Virkler managed a two-facility boys’ program that served over 1,200 Eastern Iowa residents per week. He oversaw day-to-day operations and practices, assessed, selected and trained team members, managed staff members, developed and implemented team policies, and scheduled domestic and international competitions.
Virkler developed a generation which included several NCAA Division I gymnasts, including numerous state champions, regional champions, and national medalists. Several of his gymnasts competed in the Future Stars National Championships, earning spots on the Junior Development National Team, as well as in the VISA USA Championships and the World Gymnastics Championships.
Virkler also guided athletes to 55 Junior Olympic National Championship trips and 22 Academic All-American awards.
Virkler is currently the Iowa State Chairman of USA Gymnastics and has held the post since 2000. He also served as a staff member at International Gymnastics Camp in Stroudsburg, PA for 14 years. Virkler has been an official delegation coach at four World Gymnastics Championships (2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007).
“Brad is an outstanding addition to the Iowa men’s gymnastics program,” Reive said. “He brings a tremendous amount of experience and understanding in developing elite level athletes. He is a passionate coach and a true Hawkeye with considerable respect in the Iowa gymnastics community. He will have an immediate impact on our national recruiting efforts and will be a fantastic representative of the Iowa Men’s Gymnastics program.”
Virkler attended high school in Randolph, NJ before coming to the UI as a student-athlete. He resides in Coralville with his wife Kelsey.