Gym Masters 50th Aniversary

Administration
Gym-Masters
Gym-Masters 50th Anniversary

Celebrating 50 Years of Strength, Faith, and Purpose

Honoring five decades of Southern Adventist University Gym-Masters students who have used acrobatic excellence, teamwork, and trust to encourage audiences and represent Christ across the U.S. and around the world.

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Honor 50 Years of Renewed Strength

For 50 years, Gym-Masters has been dedicated to promoting positive lifestyle choices through acrobatic and gymnastic performance while emphasizing healthy living, dedication, teamwork, and trust. Every routine has been more than movement; it has been a message of encouragement, perseverance, and hope.

From gym floors across the United States to rural communities overseas, Gym-Masters has used every platform as an opportunity to uplift others and point people to God. This anniversary milestone celebrates generations of students who trained with purpose, performed with excellence, and lived out their faith, encouraging others to run their own races without growing weary.

Anniversary Weekend Schedule

Friday, April 17
2–5 p.m. — Gym-Masters Alumni Practice in Iles P.E. Center for Home Show Routine (Commemorative t-shirts distributed. Sign-up for shirts is required and is exclusively for Gym-Masters Alumni.)

Saturday, April 18
1–3 p.m. — Alumni Potluck and Social Time in Iles P.E. Center
7–8 p.m. — Alumni Warm-Up in Gym-Masters Center
8:15 p.m. — Group Photos of All Gym-Masters on Performance Mat
8:30 p.m. — 50th Anniversary Home Show Begins

Sunday, April 19
2:30 p.m. — Home Show: Sunday Edition

Share the Moments That Shaped You

Whether from performances, practices, road trips, or worship circles — your photos tell the story of how Gym-Masters built strength, character, and faith. Upload your memories to help celebrate how this ministry has encouraged audiences and shaped students for 50 years.

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Honor the Legacy. Strengthen the Future.

To celebrate 50 years of Gym-Masters, we are raising $50,000 for the Rick Schwarz Endowment, ensuring future students can participate in this life-shaping program regardless of financial barriers. Your gift will help students develop strength, character, and faith, empowering them to soar, run, and not grow weary as they represent God well wherever they serve.

If Gym-Masters helped shape your discipline, spiritual life, and commitment to excellence, this opportunity is for you. Join us as we thank God for 50 years of renewed strength and invest in the students who will carry this mission forward.

The Coaches Who Led with Excellence and Purpose

Behind every routine was a coach committed not only to performance but also to shaping students. These leaders believed every practice and performance was an opportunity to encourage others and help students become their best—both on and off the mat.

Philip Garver | 1976 – 1983

Coach Phil Garver, PhD, introduced gymnastics to Southern and led the team for seven years. An alum from the graduating class of 1970, he served at the university for 37 years, 26 as chair and dean of the current School of Health and Kinesiology. Garv’s vision for faculty, staff, students, and the community surrounding Southern to enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle resulted in a recreation facility with academic space, including a dedicated area for gymnastics. His steadfast resolve for the dream came true when the Gym-Masters Center opened in 2007, followed by the grand opening of Hulsey Wellness Center the next year. Garv always heaped praise on God for the way the complex came to fruition. He passed away in September of 2025.

Rob Lang | 1983-1984

Coach Rob Lang filled in while Phil Garver pursued his doctorate. Rob and his wife, Velvet (McQuistan), were team members coached by Garv and graduates from the classes of ’85 and ’84, respectively.

Ted Evans | 1984-1994

Coach Ted Evans named the team Gym-Masters and transitioned the athletes from basic apparatus gymnastics to tumbling and acrobatics. He also orchestrated the team’s first performance at an NBA game. Coach Evans passed away in the spring of 2025.

Steve Jaecks | 1994–1998

Coach Steve Jaecks led the team in the prime of Gym-Masters’ routines during NBA games with more than a dozen public performances each year, including Michael Jordan’s third championship banner ceremony as well as basketball games in New York and Boston.

Myron Mixon | 1998-2000

Coach Myron Mixon, ’86, was a student on the Gym-Masters team during Phil Garver’s last year as coach and continued under the mentorship of both Rob Lang and Ted Evans. Being on the team brought lifelong friendships and opportunities to represent a Christian lifestyle through performances. He returned 12 years later to impact the team’s legacy with his own leadership.

Rick Schwarz | 2000-2022

Coach Rick Schwarz drew on his acrobatic background to lead the team, having competed for many years in the Men’s 4 Division at the acrobatic nationals. Under his guidance, the Gym-Masters traveled extensively and became known as the “Blue Church,” a nickname that reflected both their mission outreach and the distinctive blue performance mats. He was named an honorary alum of Southern Adventist University in 2022.

Craig Johnson | 2022-present

Coach Craig Johnson, ’98 and ’12, has a background in acrobatics, gymnastics, and cheer. A former Gym-Master from the Steve Jaecks’ era, Craig now proudly serves as the newest leader of the Blue Church. He plans to coach the team until its 100th anniversary or the return of Jesus.

Glimpse Through 50 Years of Strength, Stories, and Soaring Faith

From early practices and road trips to powerful performances and lifelong friendships, these photos capture the heart of Gym-Masters through the decades. Each image tells a story of students choosing to give their best.