A 1970 graduate of Cal State Fullerton, Gary Bowden coached wrestling for 40 years, 20 in California and 20 at Thurston high school in Oregon.

His amazing career includes 324 dual meet victories (an overall 82% winning record), seven undefeated seasons, 19 district championships, five Southern California CIF team championships, and 92 other team tournament championships.

His wrestlers won 121 district individual titles, 16 CIF titles, nine Masters titles, three California and three Oregon individual state titles, and five national titles.

Gary has been named Coach of the Year at district, sectional and state levels a total of 27 times.

He was a California Wrestling Coach of the Year in 1989 and was inducted into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2008.

In 2002, he was the Oregon 4A Coach of the Year, after winning the 4A title, and in 2003 was the Northwest Regional Coach of the Year.

After retiring, Gary continues volunteer coach.

• Coached wrestling for 40 years

• 82% winning record

• Seven undefeated season

• 2002 state team champions at Thurston high school

• 2002 Oregon high school coach of the year

• 2003 NW. regional coach of the year