TRANSFORMATION AWAITS
THE COACHES
JESSE KITZEN-ABELSON
Head Coach
Former Temple gymnast, Jesse Kitzen-Abelson, is in his seventh year as the head coach for Temple. The Temple University Men's Gymnastics program has made a significant impact on Jesse's life, which is why he is dedicated to rebuilding the program. He wants to continue to provide opportunities for young men to work hard and flourish while continuing their gymnastics careers at a high level. As a team member, he was elected co-captain twice, was an NCAA semi-finalist on the pommel horse and earned First Team All-America Scholar-Athlete status from 2008-2011. From 2011-2016, Jesse coached high-performance gymnastics in South Africa and was able to represent the country on the world stage multiple times while doing so. He was recently the head coach for Team USA at the 2022 Maccabiah Games in Israel.
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FRED TUROFF
Assistant Coach
USA Gymnastics Hall of Famer, Fred Turoff has been at the helm of the program for over 40 years, and produced 18 conference title teams. After the team was cut from the athletic department in 2014, Fred acted admirably by continuing to coach the team, purely as a volunteer and created an endowment to help fund the men. This caring action is something very few in the history of the NCAA have undergone. Fred was a Temple gymnast from 1966-1969, where he became a conference champion on the high bar and all-around. He competed in multiple prestigious events such as the Maccabiah Games and World Championships. Fred is highly committed to growing gymnastics in Philadelphia and is still happily involved with the men's team.
THE COACHES
JOSH MOORE
Assistant Coach
Former Temple rings specialist, Josh Moore, is in his second year as an assistant coach. He fell in love with the community and ambition of the team as a gymnast and wan to contribute after he retired.
Eli Yepez
Athletic Trainer
Bio
Nate Davies #12
Senior
President, Tri-captain
Media Production and Communication
Marlboro, MD
Ben Hjort #56
Senior
Tri-captain
Exercise and Sport Science
Plainville, MA
Evan Zakrewski #9
Junior
Vice President, Tri-captain
Sport and Recreation Management
Pelham, NH
Jason Wenzel #13
Senior
Engineering Technology
Woodlyn, PA
Zach Roffman #16
Junior
Treasurer
Finance
Chalfont, PA
Scott Faust #27
Junior
Secretary
Physical Therapy
Ocean, NJ
Austin Geibel #42
Junior
Head of Social Media
Graphic Design
Garnet Valley, PA
Nabil Pardhan #99
Junior
Secretary
Exercise Science, minoring in Criminal Justice
Ottawa, CAN
Owen Kams #15
Junior
Co-secretary
Exercise Science
Kenosha, WI
Josiah Abram #1
Junior
Psychology
Everett, WA
Isaac Reisbord #23
Junior
Exercise and Sport Science
West Chester, PA
Aidan Whittier #5
Junior
Exercise and Sport Science
Amesbury, MA
Ayden Thelen-Perry #17
Sophomore
Health Professions
Ann Arbor, MI
Evan Alsop #11
Sophomore
Psychology
Charlotte, NC
Landon Brady #3
Sophomore
Finance
Mooresville, NC
Kyal Vennos #6
Sophomore
Biology
West Hartford, CT
Matthew Janson #59
Sophomore
Audio and Live Entertainment
St. Johns, FL
Taidhg Baillie #21
Sophomore
Health Professions
Nazareth, PA
Cian Baillie #25
Freshman
Biology/ Pre-Med
Nazareth, PA
Gianni Capriotti #24
Freshman
Marketing
Levittown, PA
Amir El-Moslemany #2
Freshman
Exercise and Sport Science
Washington Township, NJ
Aidan Militello #33
Freshman
Shelburne, VT
Real Estate
ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS
Brandon Baskin
Being a part of TUMG shaped me into the person I am today. Initially, I dreaded the early mornings, weightroom sessions, practices, and the limited social life in college. However, I realized that it was all part of the journey. Now, as a former member of TUMG, I can confidently say that my time on this team will take me far. After graduating from Temple, I began graduate school and, within my first semester, I secured a job offer from Eaton, a Fortune 500 company.
My path to this opportunity wasn’t solely because I was a graduate student getting a master’s degree or held a college degree at all. The recruiters emphasized that I was chosen for the role because of my degree from Temple University, a well-regarded institution, and my experience as a student-athlete, specifically a gymnast. They highlighted that gymnasts possess unique skills like exceptional time management and adaptability. Additionally, they noted that male gymnasts are less common, which made me stand out.
I share this to convey that being part of TUMG is not just an honor but a privilege. While I greatly respect other male gymnastics programs, I recognize that attending Temple provided me with opportunities I might not have had elsewhere. Temple’s reputation as a prominent city and research institution played a significant role in my success.
With that being said, I would recommend this team to anyone and I want the guys to know that they are a part of something bigger than themselves and should be proud to represent Temple and wear the Owl on their chest! Although, I am no longer competing for TU, as an alumnus, I can speak for all of us when I say we are proud of what the team has become and can’t wait to see what the rest of this season has in store. There are big things coming for TUMG and for every member of the team.
They might not see the light at the end of the tunnel yet but I am living proof to show you how far being a Temple Owl can take you. I owe nothing but the greatest gratitude to everyone who helped me throughout my time on TUMG and helped get us to where we are today.
LETS GO OWLS!
Dr. Taylor Brana
Being a part of this team gave me the necessary skills and support I needed to make it through the difficult marathon of medical study and now I am officially a physician. After balancing morning workouts, with classes, evening training, and social life, I learned all of the necessary skills needed to be an effective and balanced student. I learned how to work on a team, I learned how to work hard, study efficiently, relax in times of stress, how to be a leader, a follower, and a friend. I’m not saying this experience made me perfect, but I am saying that if it weren’t for TUMG I don’t think I would have been able to become a doctor. I have only love for Temple University Mens Gymnastics and whatever I can do to support this family, I will.
Who we be?! TUG.
Dominick Minicucci
Being part of the Temple gymnastics team was a remarkable period in my athletic career. In addition to the camaraderie I had with my teammates, Coach Fred was a key participant in a unique moment in my life because he was my coach at the 1992 Olympics Games. Happily, I have retained friendships with not only Fred but with my other team members. In fact, one of the team members introduced me to my wife.
The Temple program was fabulous and helped prepare me for life challenges both on a personal and career level. Please help keep the program going as it will continue to enhance the lives of so many
Patrick McLaughlin
Transformational. A word that defines my experience as a Temple gymnast. Temple men’s gymnastics team gave me more than I could ever realize as an athlete and more than I could ever give back. To say gymnastics defined most of us is an understatement. Twenty plus hours a week for the majority of our developmental years afforded the unique opportunity to become an expert at something. Always a believer in a track able process and driven by observing hard work pay off.
Prior to my experience at Temple it was all about personal achievement. Temple gymnastics transformed me into striving for something more. It taught me that in order to be fulfilled one must make sure they have others by their side. True accomplishment is made by a team of individuals - believing in a common vision, willing to sacrifice for each other and willing to do the things that the common man doesn’t. The team became the paramount accomplishment.
Gymnastics is important; however, TUMG provides much more than just gymnastics. The relationships speak for themselves. Several weddings a year, calls from brothers all across the globe with discussion on life’s hardships and ultimate celebrations. The perspectives, lessons and relationships have become some of my most prized possessions and I am forever grateful. Temple Men’s Gymnastics Transforms.
