United States Merchant Marine Academy

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

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