Gary Anderson

Gary Anderson is a native of Atell, NE.  He arrived on the Hastings College campus in 1962, not only as an honor student, but also, as an expert rifle shooting marksman.  During his first year on campus, in 1962, Gary competed in the world Shooting Championships in Cairo, Egypt, setting three world records in 50 and 300 meter free rifle shooting.

In 1964, while a student at Hastings College, Gary competed for the UnitedStates at the Olympic games held in Toyko, Japan.  Gary returned from the event as the winner of a Gold Medal in the 300 meter three position rifle shooting competition.  In capturing the Olympic Gold, Mr. Anderson set another world record. 

On his return to campus in 1964, Gary was recognized by the  campus and the local community with "Gary Anderson Day" being held in his honor complete with a parade through downtown Hastings.  Following his return, he made numerous personal appearances across the state and the region.

Gary graduated from Hastings College in 1965 but he continued to compete in Rifle shooting.  He is the only Hastings College student to ever compete in theOlympic Games and he is the only Hastings College student or graduate to ever have won a medal in an olympic event.