Gary Cook
Class of 2003
Argenta-Oreana
A 1973 graduate of Decatur’s MacArthur High School, Gary Cook wrestled for four years. He attended Millikin University and was a 1977 graduate. He played four years of football at Millikin and was a three-year starter at middle linebacker. He played in two Boothill Bowl Games and was a member of Millikin’s first CCIW Football Championship team.
Gary then went to Argenta-Oreana High School in 1978 and has remained there his whole career. While at Argenta he has served as Physical Eudcation teacher, assistant football coach and Head Wrestling Coach. During this time, Gary has compiled a 350-205-5 dual meet record. He has had 47 individual state qualifiers, two champions and four other place winners. His 1986 team placed fourth in Dual Meet State tournament.
Inducted into Millikin University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002, Gary was also selected as Decatur Herald and Review Coach of the Year six times. He is a former IHSA Wrestling Rules Advisory Board member, IHSA Regional representative. He has also been involved with Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation, AAU, USA Wrestling, and Prairie State Games activities.