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Gary Fate, a native of Clay Center, Neb., was a prolific quarterback for Nebraska Wesleyan during his football career.
While in college, he led NWU to outright Nebraska Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NIAC) titles in both 1988 and 1989, and a share of the crown in 1990. Nebraska Wesleyan went a combined 24-7 overall (14-1 NIAC) during Fate’s three seasons as the starting signal-caller.
In 1989, Fate’s junior year, Wesleyan became the first football team from the NIAC to win a game in the NAIA playoffs, defeating Chadron State College 46-43 in double overtime. NWU also won 10 games that season, the most in team history. Though Wesleyan missed the playoffs in 1990, Fate received NAIA All-America Honorable Mention.
Fate, who was known as a dual-threat quarterback, still ranks third at NWU in total offense with 5,733 career yards. He ranks fifth all-time in career passing yards (5,004), touchdown passes (42) and completions (324). He was also involved in one of the longest scoring plays in Nebraska Wesleyan’s history when, in 1988, against archrival Doane College, Fate connected with Lance Williams on a TD pass covering 81 yards.
During his career, Fate earned four letters in football, was named to three All-Conference teams, selected as Wesleyan’s offensive MVP in 1990 and awarded the school’s Outstanding Male Athlete award in 1991. He passed away on Nov. 1, 2003, four days after suffering a stroke while working out at a gym near his home in Florida.
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