Coach Gary Roberson dedicated much of his life to helping others achieve beyond their natural talent and what they may have perceived as limitations. Gary graduated from New Hampton high school and Iowa Teachers College, now UNI. He taught both French and English at Bettendorf high school for 27 years, retiring from teaching in 2000. In addition to making sure his students received a quality education, for over two decades Coach Roberson embodied all that is right in track and field.
Gary started his track coaching career in 1973 as the boys’ assistant coach at Bettendorf. In 1976 he ventured out on his own and headed up the Bulldog girls program and what a successful 18 year run that turned out to be. Before hanging up the stopwatch, after 21 years, in 1993. Coach Roberson and his teams left their mark on our great sport.
His teams won 16 Mississippi Valley Conference titles, 7 district crowns and 3 state championships. Among the aforementioned team accolades, Bettendorf earned 17 event championships at the state meet and 1 Drake Relays title. Nine Roberson coached relays or individuals are still listed among Iowa’s All Time bests.
In addition to producing outstanding track and field teams at Bettendorf, Roberson’s cross country squads and individuals could most certainly hold their own during his 7 years at the helm. Gary coached his daughter Sara to an individual state championship in 1986. His Bulldog girls’ teams won 3 conference titles along with the 1987 state title and a 1988 state runner-up finish.
During his career he was honored with 8 IATC Regional Coach of the Year Awards and was chosen, by his peers, as the Mississippi Athletic Conference Coach of the Year 7 times. Gary was one of the honorary coaches for the IATC Senior All Star cross country meet in 2013.
Along with track and field and cross country, Coach Roberson started the girls’ softball program at Bettendorf in 1976, leading them to the state tournament in 1980. He has also had an outstanding career as a football official, being elected to the IHSAA Officials Hall of Fame in 2005 and honored for 35 years of service in 2012. He and his crew officiated numerous state playoff games and 6 state championship match ups over the years.
Gary and his wife Kay have 3 daughters.