Paul Fina: A Look at Illini Legends, Lists, and Lore in Sports

Illinois athletics Hall of Famer Paul Fina was a true legend in the world of gymnastics. Born in Ohio on May 18, 1916, Fina’s journey to greatness began when he won the Buckeye state’s all-around championship in 1936. He was then recruited to the University of Illinois by coach Hartley Price, where he continued to shine as a collegiate gymnast.

During his time at Illinois, Fina won four Big Ten titles and was a five-time All-American. His impressive performances helped lead the Illini to multiple conference championships and three consecutive NCAA titles in 1939, 1940, and 1941.

Despite being declared unfit to serve in the U.S. military during World War II due to a knee injury, Fina’s passion for gymnastics never wavered. He went on to have a successful career as a salesman and later became a teacher at the College of DuPage, where he established a plastics technology department.

In 2021, Fina was posthumously inducted into UI’s Hall of Fame alongside his former coach, Hartley Price. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 92, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of gymnastics. Fina’s dedication to the sport and his contributions as a teacher and judge have left an indelible mark on the gymnastics community.