By Kim West

Last November, Bull Dog gymnasts, part of an Indiana dynasty, gathered to reminisce and celebrate with their legendary coach, John Hinds. It was an unforgettable evening and unfortunately the last time the coach would see the champions of his many teams. After an extended battle with poor health, John Hinds died on April 7, 2026. He was 88.

Coach Hinds was the architect of, arguably, the greatest dominance of a single sport by an Indiana High School. The Indiana High School Athletic Association sanctioned Men’s Gymnastics state championships for 17 years. Of those 17 years, his teams won state titles 13 times, was state runner-up 3 times, and finished 3rd the other year. The Bull Dog teams had some great gymnasts during that period but there was only one common denominator – Coach John Hinds.

While a school counselor and coach, he authored the book, “Still Rings Skills and Techniques,” and it is still available in hardback and paperback today. It is basically a pictorial featuring Columbus North gymnasts. “It was done because of an interest for rings and the success we had had at that period of time,” said Coach Hinds at the time.

Using his knowledge, he started the book in 1968 and completed it in 1972. Besides his book, John had also written articles for “Athletic Journal” and “Modern Gymnast.” He served as president of the Indiana Coaches Association, and chaired the National Federation of State High School Athletic Associations. He also served as president of the National Coaches Association and the State High School Coaches Association.

According to John, coaching was all about three things: character building, dedication, and excellence. The success of his teams was a byproduct of the hard work put in by everyone. He welcomed any young man who wanted to participate and never cut a gymnast from the team.

The stories about his drive for excellence are never-ending. When he first took the helm of the gymnastics team at CHS, he wanted to purchase a video camera to tape practices and meets. This way he could better teach his athletes by showing them exactly how they could improve. The school denied his request so he used his own money to buy a camera. The team went on to win the state championship that year.

Will Marble, a 1980 graduate, was on some of the last Bull Dog Men’s Gymnastics teams. “There is sport and there is life, and it’s undeniable the achievements we have collectively made in the sport,” Marble said to Coach Hinds. “In life, there are things that are measurable that have been given to us all. I’m confident that you’ve gotten a lot from this group of people, but please feel the love that we have and the gift that you have given us and the lessons of life … you always had faith in us and always brought out the best in us and always had us striving to be better human beings, and for that, I’m forever grateful to be under the tutelage of you coaches and to be in a brotherhood with you all, as well.”

Some of the former Bull Dog gymnasts went on to become coaches themselves.

“The thing that I was always impressed by coach Hinds was, he had the ability as a coach to make us work harder, make us want to work harder,” 1975 graduate Jeff Metz said. “I coached, myself, and it’s not a really easy thing to do, and that doesn’t just go for the ability to be a gymnast, it carried on to other aspects of my life, and I appreciate that.”

Chuck Earle, a 1967, graduate, coached for several years at Perry Meridian and led the Falcons to a state runner-up finish behind North in 1977. “Just (Hinds) taking the time and knowing that you had guys like Brent Simmons on the team that were going to be successful no matter what, and he still had time to encourage some of us to stick it out, and it got me a career. It got me a teaching career. My one joy in coaching was, I didn’t cut athletes. I think I had six years where I had 43 kids on the team. I did that for one reason. It was for others to have the opportunity that this gentleman (coach Hinds) gave me.”

A 1977 graduate, Bob Arthur, has been a Columbus North girls gymnastics assistant coach or head coach since 1983, except for one year in the 1980s when he coached in Singapore and two years in the 1990s when he coached in Taiwan.

During those 1995 and 1996 seasons, Hinds helped Sandy Freshour coach the girls team. “There’s such a legacy built, and I know one of Hinds’ sayings is, ‘Success breeds success,’” Arthur said. “If you hang around with successful people, you’re probably going to be successful.”

While his coaching was second to none, Coach Hinds was an even better person. His kindness, understanding and support were given unselfishly. He knew how to change the atmosphere of a room and he did. When members of his past teams gathered in his honor, it was such a special evening for everyone. More importantly, it was a chance for team members to give a little something back to their mentor.

John is survived by his wife, Mariane, and stepson, David. Our prayers and sincere condolences go out to John’s family and all those that benefitted from his Coaching, counseling, and friendship.