Gary Tanner earned 4 varsity letters at Stivers with 2 each in football and track. Gary was a starting defensive halfback in his junior year and earned honorable mention on the All-City team. Coach Hanby moved Gary to quarterback as a senior where he excelled as a running back and a passer. He was selected as First Team All-City at quarterback on both the Dayton Daily News and the Journal Herald. In the Chaminade game Gary threw two touchdown passes to Ora Rolfe; one for 63 yds. and another for 49 yds. Gary also had a 50 yd. touchdown pass to Rolfe in the Beavercreek game. He was versatile as a running back with 3 touchdowns in the Dunbar game against the league’s strongest team. Coach Hanby stated that Gary could have made All-City as a running back had another quarterback been available.
Gary also excelled in track primarily as a distance runner in the 880 yard meet. He also competed on the one mile relay team. He was o-ered several college scholarships and selected Miami of Ohio under famous Coach Johnny Pont. Gary played 2 years at Miami but withdrew from school after sustaining a severe knee injury. Gary returned to Dayton where he worked for the City of Dayton and later became an insurance adjuster. He attended the University of Dayton taking business and law classes during this time. Gary founded his own company in the catastrophic insurance industry and successfully operated the business for over 15 years.
Gary and wife Gloria relocated to Pinehurst, North Carolina, in 1999 where he continues to work as a realtor. Gary is a golf enthusiast with 3 holes-in-one. He and Gloria have won tournaments in the Pinehurst area over the past few years. Gary has also served as a volunteer with young golfers and PGA tournaments. They have 5 children and 6 grandchildren with several competing in Dayton area schools.