Received varsity letters in track

Received the Roscoe Eades Award

Placed second at state competition in the pole vault

Participated in track at Western Kentucky University

National record holder for the pole vault in indoor track

Gary Imel, born March 19, 1943, is an SHS graduate of the Class of 1962. While at Sterling High School, he earned four varsity letters in track.

An All-Conference member of the track team in 1960 and 1961, Gary excelled in the pole-vault event. At the sectional meet his sophomore year, he qualified for the state meet with a height of 11'06." At the NCIC Meet Gary placed second vaulting 11'11. 75." The following year, Gary qualified again for the state meet and finished second with a mark of 12'08." In addition, he also captured the first place crown at the NCIC Meet in 1960. He qualified for the state meet once again his junior year with a vault of 12'04." During his senior year, he broke the SHS, Illinois Prep, and National Interscholastic indoor pole-vault record with a height of 13'06."

Upon graduation, he attended Western Kentucky University, where he was a member of the track team. He earned varsity letters all four years of college and broke numerous records. Gary was ultimately ranked second in the nation for freshmen indoor track.