
Title: | Volunteer Assistant |
A world renowned coach, who was a 2007 inductee into the U.S.
Gymnastics Hall of Fame, Mas Watanabe brings international
experience to the Hornets. For over 40 years, Watanabe has coached
some of the best gymnasts in the world, including Olympians and
national champions from many countries. He currently serves as the
vault coach for the U.S. Women's National Team as well as an
instructor at Byers Elk Grove.
Watanabe began his gymnastics career at the age of 12 in his
native Japan. He was a member of the Japanese National Team for six
years, including in 1966 when Japan won the team titled at World
Championships. After moving to the United States, he became an
assistant for the men's team at Cal in 1969. Watanabe helped Cal
win the NCAA team title in 1975 as well as a pair of third place
showings (1974 and 1976).
His association with U.S. Gymnastics began with him being a key
contributor to the creation of the Junior Olympic Program. That
system helped train future national team members and his work could
be seen in the United States' performance at the international
level from 1974 to 1984.
Watanabe returned to coach in Japan in 1984 and served as the head
coach for the national team from 1985-86. He returned to the U.S.
in 1988 and took over as the USFG Men's Program Director where he
served 10 years.