Gary Paulsen was born in Rock Rapids Iowa, as he stated, “before WWII, so you know he isn’t a youngster anymore!” Gary attended and graduated from Hills, Minnesota. While there he participated in football, basketball, track, baseball, and fine arts. He received his undergraduate degree from Westmar College.
He began teaching and coaching at Floyd Valley, serving there from 1962-1969. Following the completion of his school administration degree from the University of South Dakota, Gary became middle school principal and athletic director in Ogden in 1969 where he served until his official retirement in 2002.
Gary has been an active official for the IHSAA and IGHSAU, as well as NAIA, NCAA and NJCAA in the sports of baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, and of course, track and field. He has officiated many state meets as well as the Drake Relays and NCAA meets in Des Moines and surrounding states.