Stephen Banjak
Stephen Banjak developed into a top gymnast and nationally recognized coach through the Sokol USA program.
A 1956 graduate of Farrell High, he developed his skills at that time in the gymnastics club through Sokol USA Farrell. In 1953, he placed third in the junior division of the Sokol Regional competition, then took first in 1956 in the seniors division. In 1956 he was awarded the "Milan Getting Scholarship" from Sokol USA.
With the scholarship, Stephen competed in gymnastics at the University of Iowa. He won first place in the seniors division at the National Sokol Championships in 1957.
From 1960-63, he was traveling gymnastics coordinator for the National Sokol Program, then from 1964-68 served as varsity gymnastics coach for boys and girls at West Mifflin (Pa.) High School, coaching a PIAA state champion on the parallel bars in 1968. From 1968-84, he was varsity gymnastics coach at Slippery Rock University and his team won the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Gymnastics League team title in 1975. He was named league "Coach of the Year" that season.
During his tenure at The Rock, he coached 10 league individual champions, 5 NCAA Division II All-Americans and a 6th place team finish at the NCAA Division II National Championships.
He served on the board of directors for Sokol USA as director of men's programs, a position he held for 16 years. He organized international gymnastics festivals at Civic Arena in Pittsburgh (1983), National Armory in Washington, D.C. (1987) and Indianapolis Convention Center (1991). Between 1,000-1,800 Sokol gymnasts competed in each of the four-day competitions. In 1994, he wrote a book, "Sokol System of Gymnastics."
Since 1985, he has coached on a volunteer basis at Sokol USA Farrell gymnasium at the Slovak Home, Farrell, where he instructs children, junior and senior classes.