Gustavus Adolphus College

 

Kris Glidden

Kris Glidden E-mail Coach Glidden

Kris Glidden, a native of St. Peter, Minnesota and a 1981 graduate of Gustavus, is entering her eighth season as the head gymnastics coach at her alma mater. In her seven seasons she has led the Gusties to a third place NCGA finish in 2002, a fourth place showing in 2003, and fifth place finishes in 2001 and 2004.

Last season, the Gusties went 2-3 in dual meets, won the UW-Stout Invitational, and sent four athletes on to compete at the NCGA Championships.

Prior to returning to Gustavus in 1997 as an assistant coach, Glidden taught physical education and health and was the head girl’s gymnastics coach at Windom (MN) High School from 1981 until 1996. While at Windom, Glidden was named the Minnesota State High School Association’s Gymnastics Coach of the Year in 1984.

Glidden began her gymnastics career at the age of 12 as a pupil of legendary Gustavus gymnastics coach Nancy Baker in the early 1970s. After traveling around the state demonstrating gymnastics techniques for Coach Baker in coaching clinics, Glidden enrolled at Gustavus in 1977 and competed for the Gustie gymnastics team for three years. She was the state champion in the floor exercise in 1978 and 1979. In 1980, Glidden finished 10th on the balance beam at the AIAW National Championship and helped the Gusties to a third place finish. She competed in three national championship meets during her career at Gustavus.

In addition to her duties as head gymnastics coach, Glidden teaches in the health and exercise science department at the college. Glidden lives in St. Peter with her husband David and children Ashley, Lauren, and Nicolas.