Gale Douglas was born and raised in Reedsburg. He graduated from Reedsburg H.S., where he was a three sport letter winner in football, basketball and baseball. Gale earned All-State honors in football in 1959. His coach for all three sports was Nick Holmes. It was Mr. Holmes' positive influence that helped Gale decide to go to college.

Gale was fortunate to earn a scholorship to Iowa State University where he played football in 1960-61. The rich wrestling history at Iowa State had a lot to do with influencing and hightening his interest in the sport of wrestling.

In 1962 Gale transferred to South Dakota State University where he played football and continued to learn about wrestling from teammates and physical education classes. 

Gale graduated in 1965, with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. He completed National Guard training and took his first teaching job at Oconomowoc High School where he coached football and wrestling under Ralph Lonergan. Coach Lonergan had wrestled for Coach George Martin at the University of Wisconsin. Under Lonergan's helpful tutelage, Gale learned to coach wrestling and eventually became head coach in 1967. Gale held that position until 1991. 

During that time Gale compiled a dual meet record of 292-49-2. He coached numerous state qualifiers, with six state champions and six runners-up.

Gale does not have to dwell very long to remember all of the great young men and women that have passed through his life and is proud to have been a part of their growing up. For 30 years, teaching, coaching, officiating and family have been the main ingredients that have given Gale a great deal of personal satisfaction.

Gale gives special thanks to his wife Estelle and their children, Susan and Jim, for their love and patience over the years. Without them, Gale feels he would not have been able to fulfill his dreams. 

Gale is a most worthy inductee to the George Martin Hall of Fame.

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