University of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame
Jamie Abbatiello 1997 - Gymnastics
A two-time All-American gymnast, Jamie Abbatiello, was inducted into the UVM Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007.
He was the male recipient of the 1997 Semans Trophy for leadership, loyalty and service to Vermont athletics.
The West Sand Lake, N.Y.-native burst onto the scene in 1994 becoming the first freshman in ECAC history to win the floor exercise title. He went on to earn a spot on the NCAA All-American team that season.
After just missing qualifying for the NCAAs in 1995, he would again win the ECAC floor exercise title in 1996 to earn a spot in the national meet. As a senior he was named to the 1997 NCAA All-American Team for the second time in his career.
Former coach Gary Bruening called him the "best gymnast in UVM men's gymnastics history" as Abbatiello set school records in three events, floor exercise (9.775), all-around (51.75) and pommel horse (8.90), and held the #2 ranking in the vault, parallel bars and high bars.
"There has never been a gymnast to make their mark in the men's gymnastics program and the UVM community as Jamie Abbatiello," said Bruening. "He was so good at maximizing his strengths on every event and he made gymnastics look easy. To this day, I am amazed how he was able to blend his athletic interests with his passion to study. He was so involved in the UVM community and became one of the best student-athlete role models we have ever had."
A tremendous student who received his degree in environmental studies, he was named to the national Academic All-American Team in his sport in 1994 and 1996. Abbatiello was also named the UVM's Outstanding Environmental Studies Student Award in 1996 and was recognized by the UVM Student Association with its Unsung Hero Award.
