ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
Mike Gaechter's path to Clark College was unusual, but his athletic career was remarkable. He remains one of the fastest athletes to run in a Clark Penguins uniform.
Mike was a transfer student from the University of Oregon where he played football and ran track. Once Mike moved to Vancouver, he was coached by former record holder of the mile, George Fullerton. Mike was one of the first athletes George coached and could very well have been one of his fastest.
In 1960, The Clark College Penguins won the men's track and field championship. Mike individually won the 100-meter, 120-meter high hurdles, and the long jump (during his tenure, this was called the broad jump).
After Clark, Mike returned to the University of Oregon where he was part of the 4x110 meter relay team that set a world record. Mike was signed by the Dallas Cowboys in 1962 where he had a very successful career until an Achillies injury led to his retirement from football in 1971.
Mike passed away in 2015. He is survived by his wife, Cheri, His daughter, Kathrone Rea, and three brothers, Paul Anthony, William, and Mark.
