Gary Ridge – WHS Class of 1961

Football – 2 year letter-winner; Quarterback; Co-captain ‘61

Basketball – 3 year letter-winner; Leading scorer ‘61

Track – 3 year letter-winner; High Hurdle record ‘60

Academics and Activities – National Honor Society; Choir-President ‘61,Soloist, Boys’ octet ensemble; Trojannaires; Class sophomore president; Student Council; Business Manager of senior class; VFW Athletic & Scholarship Award ‘61

College – Macalester ‘65 – Track, 4 year letterman, Co-captain ’65, Macalester Track Honor Roll, 120 yd High Hurdles, MIAC Champion, set the school record in 120 yd. High Hurdles and 330 yd Intermediate Hurdles,  and Mile Relay

Coach –  Teacher/Coach in Westbrook, MN, Conference Track Champions 1966; Owatonna, MN – Football, Jr. High 1970-1985, Sr. High Varsity Asst. 1986 – Present, Big 19 Conference Champs 1986, Big 9 Runner-up 1987, 1988; Track, Jr. High 1971-1977, Sr. High Varsity Girls 1978 – Present, State Runner-up 1978, Region Champs 1980 & 1981, Big 9 Champs 1978, 1979 & 1980, True Team Champs 1988, 4th at State Meet, 4 time Outstate Indoor Champs , 4 time Runner-up Outstate Indoor, 3 time Rochester Mayo Invitational Champs, Eagles (Apple Valley) Champs, qualified at least one individual to the state meet every year 1978-1989, Dual Meet Record 1978-1989 (101-19)

Gary served in the military from 1966-1970. He  was commissioned in Field Artillery ’67 and served in Germany, Fort Lewis, Washington, & Vietnam. He was on reserved duty 1979-present (battery commander with the 314th field artillery 1979 – 1982) and commissioned as major in 1986. Gary is currently in Individual Ready Reserve. He coaches in Owatonna, MN from 1970-present, is an active member of the Associated Church and involved with Elks, Owatonna Country Club and Owatonna Jaycees.  Gary is married to Glenda Metz ( WHS Class of 1965).  They have 2 daughters, Christine and Sara. He was inducted into the Trojan Hall of Fame in 1989.

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