Traditions

Arthur “Ski” Zielinski served the Academy for 30 years as a trainer, a physical instructor, and a gymnastics coach.  Arriving at Kings Point in 1946, Zielinski quickly became popular with the midshipmen through his kind and energetic demeanor.  In 1958, Zielinkski started a gymnastics club, and in short time, the club was competing in different AAU meets.  The Mariners were 6-2 in the 1961 season, which helped the gymnastics club obtain varsity status in 1962.  Under Zielinski the team posted a .700 winning percentage and never had a losing campaign. 

Along with directing Kings Point’s gymnastics team, Zielinski also directed seven international gymnastics competitions in O’Hara Hall.  As a result of his involvement in the AAU, he was selected to manage the United States Olympic Team on a six-week tour of South American countries in 1968.  Zielinski retired from the Academy in 1973.