Gary Kehler, a graduate of Hackettstown High School and Rutgers University, has distinguished himself as an educator, coach, and athletic director at Westfield High School. His name is synonymous with Westfield High School athletics. From 1957, when he joined the Westfield football staff, until he retired in 1993 as the athletic director he accomplished a stunning record. His football, wrestling and golf teams combined for a record of 732-115-23, a .864 winning percentage.

In football, Gary’s teams recorded 172 wins, 26 loses and 7 ties including nine undefeated seasons and a 48 game unbeaten streak which remains the longest undefeated streak in New Jersey (as of 2004). His teams won 17 Conference and 9 State Championships. His golf teams amassed 24 team championships over a quarter century that he coached.

In wrestling his teams are no less imposing. His twenty-four season record is 232-37-10 with 14 Watchung Conference titles, 16 District Championships and 22 Christmas and County Championships. Individually, he has coached 111 District Champions, 24 Region Champions, and 12 State Champions. Most notably he coached world Champion Chris Campbell who was a 3-time Big Ten Champion and 2-time NCAA Champion for Iowa University; Joe Wiendl a 2-time college division National Champion at Wilkes College; and Dave Morash who was captain of the Columbia University team and named All Ivy League three times.

Among the honors Gary has received include the Harry E. Lake Award for his contribution to New Jersey wrestling. He has also been honored as Coach of the Year by the New York Daily News, Newark Evening News, Elizabeth Journal and Sports Illustrated. He has been selected as a Charter member into the Westfield Hall of Fame, the New Jersey Football Coaches Hall of Fame and the New Jersey Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame.