Class of 2000

Gary Reif,

Jacksonville (ISD)/Carlinville

Gary Reif has been coaching in the Central Illinois area for the past 26 years. His presence has provided a stabilizing force in an area that has experienced decline in enrollment in schools and drop in participation in many activities. During this period of time at Carlinville and Jacksonville (Illinois School for the Deaf) his teams have won 295 dual meets. They have won won 5 Conference titles, seven Regional Team titles and one Sectional Team title. He has coached 40 state qualifiers, 10 place finishers, and six state finalists. He had one State Champion in 1985 that was selected by the IWCOA as the Outstanding Wrestler in Class A.

He has developed 8 qualifiers to the World Deaf Olympics winning 2 gold medals and 4 silvers. He has hosted the World Deaf Team Trials, many camps, and post season tournaments at the Illinois School for the Deaf. Two of Gary's sons were State Placewinners.

Gary was instrumental in securing the performance of the ISD Cheerleaders with their rendition of the The National Anthem through sign language at the State Individual Wrestling Tournament each year in Champaign.