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John Charzuk, a New York native, was a standout gymnast for the University of New Mexico in the late 1960s. He was also co-founder and longtime head coach at Albuquerque Gymnastics School. Charzuk died on Feb. 1 at 73. (Courtesy of Esther Jones)
Based on the old gymnastics scoring system, friends, colleagues and former students say, John Charzuk scored a perfect 10 not only as a coach, but as a human being.
In matters personal and professional, they say, he invariably stuck the landing.
Charzuk, with his wife, Linda, for decades made Albuquerque Gymnastics School a safe haven and springboard to success for countless young athletes. The former University of New Mexico gymnast died unexpectedly from an apparent heart attack on Feb. 1. He was 73.