Gary Knutzen wrestled at Burlington-Edison High School where he finished 3rd in state as a junior and 2nd as a senior. He attended Western Washington University. He would return to coach in the Skagit
Valley for 10 years at Skagit Valley College and as an assistant at Mount Vernon and Burlington High Schools. His Skagit Valley teams won two Washington State Junior College Champioships.

Knutzen has over 35 years of experience as a wrestling official, including 15 Washington State Championships where he was often the head-official. He also officiated at two N.A.I.A. national tournaments. Knutzen was the Assigning Secretary for the Whatcom, Skagit, Island Officials Association from 1959 to 2003. He also served as a clinician at the WSWCA Clinic for ten years.

Knutzen has been honored by the WIAA with the Meritorius Service Award along with the District 1, Elmer Clarkson Award and the Reiman-Driscoll-Campbell Award presented by the officials association. The Gary Knutzen Spirit of Wrestling Award is presented in his honor for outstanding sportsmanship.

Gary and his wife Diane have been married for 50 years and have three children, Greg, Gretchen, and Geoffrey. He is currently employed as the athletic director at Skagit Valley College.

Nominated by Jim Meyerhoff, HOF member and George Gleason, WSI Wrestling Officials Association

Inducted by Greg Knutzen.