Tindall To Be Inducted Into State Gymnastics Hall of Fame
September 24, 2004

SEATTLE (Sept. 24) ­ Laurel Tindall, who has become synonymous with gymnastics at Seattle Pacific University by distinguishing herself as both an athlete and coach the past 32 years, will be induced into the Washington State Gymnastics Hall of Fame Saturday in Lacey.

Tindall is in her 30th year as head coach of the Falcons, having guided the program to three national championships, 21 top-four finishes and helped her athletes reach All-America status 115 times. She will be inducted a banquet held in conjunction with the USA Gymnastics state clinic.

Competing as Laurel Anderson, she instantly transformed a fledgling program into a national contender upon her transfer from the University of Washington in 1974. She claimed the national title on vault for the Huskies in 1973 and again for the Falcons in 1975. In its inaugural season, Seattle Pacific placed fifth in the AIAW (all division) Championships. The 10-time All-American and national team member was named head coach following her graduation.

As SPU coach, her teams won the NCAA Division II crown in 1986, and followed with USAG championships in 1992 and ¹97. Fifteen Falcons have won individual national titles. She was named national coach of the year four times: 1986, 1992, 1997 and 2003.

In addition, Tindall, a longtime resident of Brier and graduate of Queen Anne High School, has been an international Brevet Level judge since 1993, served as state and regional chair for the U.S. Gymnastics Federation and been director of the Falcon Gymnastics Center.

SPU opens its 2005 season Jan. 14 at Sacramento State.