Gayne Deshler is a native of Allentown, PA. He played football at Parkland High School, graduating in 1963. Gayne graduated with a B.S. degree in elementary education and special education from Kutztown State College (now University) in 1967 where he played football for two years.
He began his coaching career in 1967 at Slatington High School (now Northern Lehigh). At Slatington, he was an assistant football and baseball coach for two seasons. In 1969, he moved with Head Coach Jack Cassebaum to Lancaster McCaskey High School. There he served three years as the offensive coordinator. In 1972 he accepted the Head Coaching position at Donegal High School.
He inherited a program that had just 2 winning seasons in the school’s 17 year history. His 29 year record is 174-122-3. After switching to the Delaware Wing-T Offense in 1976, Donegal won 28 times during the next 3 three seasons. The 1978 team posted an 11-0 record and won its first Section III Championship. Donegal won section championships in 1978, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1998 and 1999. The 1989 and 1990 teams reached the District III AA Championship Game.
Coach Deshler was named Section III Coach of the Year in 1978, 1980, 1985, 1987 & 1989. He also served as Donegal’s Athletic Director from 1989-1997. Coach Deshler retired as head coach after the 2000 season. He spent the next three seasons as a volunteer assistant coach at Elizabethtown High School. He also served as an officer in the Lancaster-Lebanon Quarterback Club for 27 consecutive years from 1976-2003.
His #1 supporter is his wife Linda. They reside in West Hempfield Township, Lancaster County. He has one son, Peter who is currently a music teacher in the Easton Area School District.
Coach Deshler is very grateful to the outstanding players and assistant coaches that made this award possible.
He would also like to thank his family, fellow teachers and friends for their ongoing support. Finally, he would like to thank the Pennsylvania Football Coaches Association and the Big 33 for this honor.