Rogers State University Athletics

Gary Easley is recognized as the founding figure of the golf program at Rogers State University, formerly Claremore Junior College and Rogers State College.

Easley served as the first head coach from 1971 to 1986, during which time the Thunderbirds secured multiple regional championships, achieved consistent national rankings and produced several All-Americans.
 
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Easley was a faculty member and ultimately became the division director of the Social Sciences Department, dedicating 30 years to the institution as a cadet, educator and coach.
 
Easley's journey began in 1957 at the Oklahoma Military Academy, where he was on an athletic scholarship after graduating from Cassville High School in Missouri. He excelled in football and basketball, served on the Student Senate and acted as class secretary. Easley earned both the Merit and Military Proficiency ribbons, ranking in the top 10 percent of his military classes.
 
After concluding his playing career at the Oklahoma Military Academy, Easley pursued further education at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, also on an athletic scholarship. Following his graduation, he taught social sciences and coached in Missouri for three years before earning a master's degree from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.
 
In addition to his teaching and coaching, Easley officiated high school football and basketball games for the Oklahoma High School Officials Association for 45 years. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Officials Association Hall of Fame in 2015.