Gary Moose
Raised in Ashland County near Nankin, Gary Moose’s early athletics consisted of participation in baseball Little Leagues in Ashland and Nankin. He continued into Pony League, High School, and American Legion Baseball programs. A dedicated and enthusiastic participant, he found football also to his liking in Ashland and willingly rode his motor scooter home eight or ten miles after practices in order to play.
Moose lettered 3 years as a linebacker-fullback in football and as a catcher-infielder in baseball serving as captain in both sports his senior year at Ashland High School. Enrolling at Ashland University (College) in 1962, Gary lettered 4 years in football, playing for Fred Martinelli. He served as defensive captain in 1963, 1964, and 1965, setting a single season record for tackles of 159 in 1965 as a linebacker. In baseball, he also lettered 4 years as a catcher for Coach George Donges, and also served as captain.
Moose then coached football at Shelby High School 1966-67, going 10-0 in 1967. In 1968, he got a Master’s degree from Kent State University and coached the freshmen team. In 1969, he served as defensive coordinator at Canton McKinley High School. With a 9-1 record, the school ranked second in the state.
From 1970-77, Moose returned to Ashland University as defensive line coach and head Lacrosse coach. The 1972 football team was undefeated and ranked fifth in the nation. Gary left Ashland to get a Master’s degree in Business Administration at Case Western Reserve and a job as National Sales Manager for T.R.W. Inc. in Cleveland until 1986. He then became President and owner of Fedco Automotive Components Company in Buffalo, New York. He also owns and operates other business interests in western New York. In 1993, he was honored as Small Business Administrator “Turnaround of the Year”, 1994 “Entrepreneur of the Year,” and 1998 “Lifetime Achievement Award.”
The Moose family resides in the Buffalo area and consists of wife Carole, daughter Lori, and sons Matthew and Michael. His mother, Thelma, and stepfather, Dominic Lechiara, reside in the Ashland area.
Nominator: John Valentine
