KENT, OHIO-  Kent State mourns the loss of long-time gymnastics coach and program co-founder Rudy Bachna, who passed away on Saturday.

"The Bachna name is synonymous with Kent State and especially our gymnastics program," Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen said. "Rudy was a strong supporter of all Golden Flashes sports, and I'll miss seeing him at our events.  His contribution will be remembered for generations to come.  Rest In Peace my friend."

Bachna, along with his wife Janet and his brother Joe, founded the Kent State men's and women's gymnastics teams in 1959.  He served as the head coach for both teams until 1978 and led the women's program until retiring in 1991.

"Rudy Bachna spent his life giving to Kent State University," head women's gymnastics coach Brice Biggin said. "The amount of people he touched and impacted is endless and what he did for the sport of gymnastics is untouchable."

During his coaching tenure, Bachna guided the women's program to four Mid-American Conference championships and four consecutive state championships from 1975-78. In 2012, Ohio USA Gymnastics honored Bachna with its Service Excellence Award.

In his 32-year coaching career, Bachna coached two Olympic athletes and served as a judge at four Olympics, three Pan-American Games and two World Championships.

"Rudy is truly a legend," Coach Biggin added. "I am forever grateful for the love and guidance he has given me."

Rudy earned both an undergraduate and graduate degree from Kent State University and was a faculty member from 1963-1991. In addition to teaching and coaching gymnastics, Bachna served as the Kent State men's soccer coach from 1963-72. Bachna led the Golden Flashes to a winning record in the program's first two seasons at the club level despite playing against varsity competition. His early success led to the men's soccer program gaining varsity status in 1965. He and his wife Janet were inducted into the Varsity "K" Hall of Fame in 1993.

Kent State will honor Coach Rudy Bachna with a tribute and moment of silence prior to Sunday's "Pink Meet" against Central Michigan.