Gary Strickler

Charles Garland "Gary" Strickler He then attended, Boston University, where he earned his master's of sacred theology in 1967 and his master's in education in 1971.

In 1988, Strickler was named BU's assistant athletic director. In this role he was the school's liaison to the National Collegiate Athletic Association for compliance and eligibility and the athletic department's liaison with academic advisors. He was given the job full-time on October 20, 1989. Under Strickler's leadership, BU won 85 conference championships, made 55 NCAA tournament appearances, and three national titles. During his tenure, the number of athletic programs increased from 10 men's teams and 6 women's teams to 12 women's teams 11 men's teams. He was also athletic director when university's board of trustees and president John Silber made the controversial decision to eliminate its football program. Strickler retired on July 1, 2004.

Later life After leaving Boston University, Strickler returned to Frederick County, Virginia. He died on July 30, 2018, at the age of 77. He was survived by his wife of 55 years and a daughter.