Gary Gustafson (2006) - Hall of Fame - Montana State University Athletics

Gary Gustafson

Induction:
2006
Class:
1970

Gary Gustafson- Football, 1967-70 Years at MSU: 1967-70 Honors Earned: All-Big Sky, 1969, 1970 All-America, 1970 Hometown: Simms, Mont. At a school known for producing outstanding defensive linemen, Gary Gustafson takes his place tonight with the best of the best. Gustafson joined an already-established defensive line tradition at Montana State when he became a starter in 1968. Seven Bobcat defensive linemen had earned First Team All-Big Sky honors in the three years prior to Gustafson’s arrival in the starting lineup. Almost from the beginning, he dominated college offensive linemen the way he had at Simms High School. Gustafson earned praise as a sophomore starter in 1968, helping lead Montana State to its third straight Big Sky Championship. The Bobcat defense faced a particularly challenging task that fall, facing West Texas A&M’s Mercury Morris, the high-powered offense of San Diego State coach Don Coryell, and a high-powered Grizzly offense that would win back-to-back league titles the next two years. As a junior, Gustafson earned All-Big Sky honors, and as a senior gained national acclaim. His on-field accomplishments approached legendary status during his senior year, when the Bobcats played Fresno State. “He destroyed our fullback the first play of the game,” FSU coach Darryl Rogers said after the game. “He’s really a hitter. I’m thankful he graduates and we won’t have to face him again next year.” Gustafson helped lead MSU to a 26-12 win in that game, the only loss Fresno State suffered in its first six games. Gustafson was a two-sport captain at Simms High, and also competed in the National High School Rodeo three times. In a day and age when most college football teams had their hats on running the football, Gustafson gained notoriety in the press for forcing teams to run away from him. But while Gustafson’s honors and superlatives stand the test of time, the element that cements his place in MSU history may be what has happened in more recent times. Gustafson is on record as Montana State’s first defensive line All-American. Since Gustafson, the Bobcats have produced 10 All-America defensive linemen.