Gymnastics Coach Rogers Steps Down at Fullerton

Lynn Rogers, who has been the Cal State Fullerton women’s gymnastics coach for 24 years, said Monday he is retiring from the university this week, and will focus on developing his private business.

Rogers, 49, led Fullerton to the national championship and was named coach of the year in 1979. His teams finished in the top eight nationally 12 other times. He started the Titan program in 1976.

Rogers had turned over most of his coaching duties to his associate head coach, Julie Knight, a year ago to spend more time working in a fund-raising role for the athletic department. Knight, who was Rogers’ first All-American, is expected to succeed him as head coach.

“What I’ve decided to do is step in full-time with the business, and I also wanted to be able to spend more time with my boys,” said Rogers, who has two sons.

Rogers said his recurring back problems was another factor in his decision to leave coaching.