Wayne State University Athletics

Gary Schultz becomes the 42nd Wayne State University football player to be inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame. Schultz lettered three seasons as a safety for the Tartars from 1969-71. During his senior year, Schultz led the team with four interceptions and 42 return yards. In 1970 he stepped in front of three passes and he tied for team-high honors in his sophomore season with four picks as the WSU defense intercepted 23 overall in just eight games. In all, Schultz accumulated 11pass interceptions throughout his career which ranks seventh on the Wayne State all-time list. Other defensive statistics such as tackles were not recorded during Schultz' era. The Tartars compiled a 14-10 record under head coach Vernon Gale in the three seasons Schultz was a regular. Schultz led by example on and off the field. He was the first football player at Wayne to be selected as an Academic All-American in 1971. Since then, only one other WSU player has earned the honor (Walt Stasinski, 1972). He was the third player to win the Number 35 Ron Solack Memorial award, given to the Tartar who wears the Green and Gold with unmatched pride and plays the game with enthusiasm. Schultz has served 27 years with the Detroit Fire Department and is currently a lieutenant with the department. In 2001, Schultz received a medal of valor for rescuing a fellow firefighter. Schultz is a current member of the board of directors of the WSU Alumni Association. He earned his degree in physical education in 1972. Before arriving at WSU, Schultz graduated from Detroit Osborn High School. He lives with his wife, Laura, in Sterling Heights, Mich., and has two daughters, Lisa and Jill.