Utes hire new assistant gymnastics coach

Jeff Graba, an assistant gymnastics coach at Utah State for the past two years and a former club coach in Minnesota, has been hired as Utah's new assistant gymnastics coach. Graba replaces Aki Hummel, who left after 13 years to enter private business.

"I've been aware of Jeff's abilities as a coach for a number of years as we tried to recruit some of his former athletes," said Utah coach Greg Marsden. "I've had a better opportunity to observe him in his position as Utah State's assistant. I have been impressed with the job he's done and have gotten to know him better.

"He is a great teacher, can spot any skill and has done an unbelievable job with recruiting at Utah State. I am convinced that Jeff will help us make this transition as smoothly as possible."

Graba helped Utah State earn a berth in the 2005 NCAA Regional Championships — its first regional appearance in three years — and win its first Western Gymnastics Conference championship. Graba was the lead recruiter for USU, helped oversee the team's strength and conditioning program and assisted with the composition of routines, spotting and coaching new skills.

From 1995-2003, he was the co-owner and head coach of Midwest Gymnastics Club in Arden Hills, Minn.

The Minneapolis native graduated from Minnesota in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in economics. He and wife, Bridget, have five children: Bryan, Jaymie, Jason, Kyla and Shayla.

Graba's duties begin June 1.