Gary was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington. He attended Washington High School in Parkland where he played basketball for WIBCA Hall of Fame Coach, Bob Ross. Gary was named first team for the South Puget Sound League in basketball as well as West Central Singles Champion in tennis.

After graduation in 1973, Gary attended Pacific Lutheran University where he played basketball for Coaches Gene Lundgaard and Ed Anderson. Gary also played tennis under Mike Benson, competing nationally each year at PLU.

He graduated in 1977 with a BA in Education with a focus on Physical Education and Social Studies.

Following a year on the professional tennis circuit, Gary taught history and coached girls’ volleyball, track and basketball as well as football at Tolt Middle and High School in Carnation for five years. In 1983, Gary served as an assistant coach to Bob Ross at Washington High School. He also spent a year as a graduate assistant at Pacific Lutheran University.

In 1984 Gary was offered a teaching and coaching position at Steilacoom High School.  In Gary’s first year, the Sentinels won their second consecutive state title. Steilacoom has the distinction of being the last school to win a state title and the last semi final game at the University of Puget Sound and the first school to win a state title in the Tacoma Dome. Gary has coached the Sentinels to 10 Nisqually League titles, eleven West Central District Titles and sixteen appearances at state in twenty-two years. Under Coach Wusterbarth, the Sentinels have compiled a 422 – 155 record, never experiencing a losing season.

Currently, Gary teaches Advanced Placement European and United States History at Steilacoom High School. He lives in Puyallup with his wife, Sandy, and his daughters, Megan and Allison.

Coach Wusterbarth shares his success with his Associate Head Coach, Bruce Hayes, who has coached with Gary for the entire twenty-two years and Coach Mario Reaves, who has coached in the program for twelve years.

Gary remains active in the Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association where he serves as the Westside Representative and coordinates the State All-Star Games held each year. He continues to work expanding the Coaches vs. Cancer program for high schools in the state of Washington.

One $1000 scholarship will be awarded each year.

Criteria:

1. Must be a graduating senior
2. Must have been a varsity high school basketball player or team manager
3. GPA of 3.0 or better
4. Submit a 500 word essay describing their commitment and/or service to the community
5. Letter of recommendation from head coach or athletic director
6. Completed online application form

Application Procedure:

1. Submit application by deadline: May 1st