This Albert Lea native not only excelled for the Tigers in High School, but went on to become one of Iowa and Minnesota's most recognizable coaches, being honored with State "Coach of the Year" honors in two different states.

Wrestling for legendary Hall of Fame Coach Paul Ehrhard at Albert Lea High School in the late 1960s, Bakke was a three-time district champion in 1967, 1968 and 1969. He also captured a second and two third-place finishes from 1967 to 1969. He placed sixth in state in the old one-class Minnesota State Wrestling Tournament at 95 pounds in 1968.

After graduating from Albert Lea in 1969, Bakke attended Bethany Lutheran Junior College, graduating with an associate's degree in 1971. At Bethany, he won the 1970 Minnesota State Junior College Championship at 118 pounds and placed third in 1971. He was a two-time Junior College National Tournament participant.

After participating at Bethany, Bakke attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. He finished second in 1972 at the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament and placed fourth in 1973, both at 118 pounds. Bakke was voted by his teammates as the Gusties 1973 "Most Valuable Wrestler." His overall collegiate record was an impressive 69-20-3.

After college Gerry began what became a highly successful coaching career. His first coaching position was at Nashua High School in Nashua, Iowa (1973 to 1979), where his teams went 36-17-2. He was named Iowa Wrestling Coach of the Year and Nashua's Teacher of the Year in 1978. His Nashua teams captured both the sectional and district championships in 1977 (Iowa Class AA). They placed fifth in state in 1978, with Bakke being named Iowa (Class AA) State Coach of the Year. His Nashua teams produced 13 state qualifiers, seven state place-winners and one state champion.

From Nashua he moved to Vinton, Iowa for one season, with his team going 7-5.

In 1980 Gerry accepted the head coaching position at Buffalo High School in Minnesota. His teams compiled a record of 213-118-2 and advanced to the Minnesota State Tournament seven times, placing third in 1990 and fourth in in 1991. Seven Buffalo teams captured section titles while three finished as section runners-up. Five wrestlers won state championships and the team captured six Suburban West Conference team titles. Bakke was named Minnesota Class AA Large School Coach of the Year in 1991.

Bakke claims that one of the highlights of his career was dying his hair green, fulfilling a promise made to his wrestlers, after finally defeating powerhouse Paynesville.

A master strategist and student of the sport, Bakke always kept himself updated on the latest techniques and did his research on opposing teams. One of his unique qualities was his ability to appear uninformed and maybe even out of touch, but believe me, it was definitely a misconceived perception if some coach was fooled by this image.

Hall of Fame Coach Virg Vagle said that "He was like Columbo, a fictional television character, in being able to give the appearance that he is not really on top of things, but he really has things wired."

Bakke was a very caring and giving individual and he and his family have given much of their time and talents to the Buffalo Group Home for mentally challenged adults. Bakke also speaks to organizations about SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), having lost a child to this mysterious cause of death.

A gifted motivational speaker, Bakke has spoken at numerous wrestling events over the years.

He is certainly one of the most well-known and unforgettable coaches in the annuals of Minnesota high school wrestling.

The Buffalo High School wrestling room was named in his honor. He also still helps Buffalo High School wrestling with the well-respected title of "Senior Wrestling Consultant," so you can still find Gerry in some gym with his walker someplace in Minnesota during the wrestling season.

Bakke's wrestlers always wrestled to win and displayed fine technique and an aggressive high-scoring style that fans enjoyed watching. Bakke was a highly competitive coach, but has also valued the success of other wrestlers and coaches. He has been a true wrestling enthusiast who recognizes and respects the success and contributions of others.

For his wrestling success as a competitor and coach, Gerry has also been inducted into both the Bethany College Athletic Hall of Fame and the Dave Bartelma-Minnesota Wrestling Hall of Fame. His family includes his supportive wife Linda and their six adult children in Eric, Heather, Shawn, Heidi, Alyssa and Kyle. Gerry and Linda still reside in Buffalo, Minnesota.