PHIL CAHOY, SR 

Class of 1956
​2015 Contributor Award

Phil was given the Contributor Award at the SHSAA Packer Sports Greats banquet in 2015. 

Phil competed in gymnastic events from age five through 18, when a knee injury ended his competition. He worked at a missile site for three years, before returning to work at Omaha’s Western Electric Plant on 67th Street.  He also started coaching gymnastics when he returned, opening his own gym more than 30 years ago.

His students included two Olympians: his son, Dr. Philip Cahoy, Jr., who is an orthopedic surgeon in Grand Island, NE; and Jim Hartung, who is now an assistant gymnastic coach at UNL working with head coach Chuck Chmelka. He also coached three NCAA champions: Dennis Harrison, Richard Grace, and Jim Hartung. All-Americans he coached are:  Dave Contreas, who is Ralston High School’s gymnastic coach; Mike Hoskovec, who coaches gymnastics at Millard South; and Chuck Chemelka, who coaches at UNL.

Phil also served as the International coach for the United States in Japan, Germany, South Africa, Australia and Italy.

He started his Tumble Bus in 1989.  The bus is modified for children as young as age two to introduce kids at day cares to gymnastics and prep them for exercising. He estimates he has taught gymnastics to more than 30,000 youngsters.