Albuquerque Journal · Mar 17, 2023
Rick Wright: Gymnasts say they always could count on UNM coach Mitchell’s support
In this 1996 photo, UNM gymnast Shane Evangelist works out on the rings under the guidance of coach Rusty Mitchell. (Aaron Wilson/Journal file)Back in the mid-1970s, California prep gymnast Doug Day had offers for full athletic scholarships from the likes of UCLA, Southern California and Washington.
Instead, he accepted a partial scholarship to attend the University of New Mexico.
“I remember my mom (saying), ‘Are you crazy?'” Day recalled in a phone interview from his home in Colorado Springs, where he retired two years ago after a 15-year stint as the women’s gymnastics coach at the Air Force Academy.