Gary Frey

Gary Frey, a pivotal yet understated figure in American wrestling, built a lasting legacy as a championship coach, respected official, and pioneering entrepreneur who made high-quality gear accessible to wrestlers nationwide. Though he openly admitted to having limited personal wrestling experience, Frey's passion for the sport, innovative spirit, and business acumen transformed him into one of its most influential supporters.

Early Life and Entry into Wrestling

Born and raised in the United States (specific details on his early years remain private), Frey entered wrestling not as a competitor but as a coach driven by determination. In his own words upon his 2007 Hall of Fame induction: "I didn't have much of a wrestling background. If anything I was background deficient." Undeterred by skeptics who believed only former wrestlers could coach effectively, Frey immersed himself in the sport, learning from mentors and proving his methods through results.

Accomplished Coaching Career

Frey's coaching tenure produced championship teams and earned him widespread respect. While specific programs and records are not extensively documented in public sources, his success on the mat—combined with his humility and work ethic—silenced doubters and built a reputation for excellence. His approach emphasized fundamentals, discipline, and accessibility, helping grow wrestling at the grassroots level.

Distinguished Officiating and Service

From 1957 to 1970, Frey served as a wrestling official, bringing fairness and deep knowledge to matches. His long-term commitment to the sport's integrity complemented his coaching, earning him admiration from peers.

Entrepreneurial Innovation: Founding Suplay Wrestlers World

In 1967, Frey founded Suplay Wrestlers World (Suplay Products/ Suplay.com) with a simple but revolutionary goal: provide affordable, high-quality wrestling gear to athletes who couldn't access or afford premium equipment. Starting small, he built Suplay into a leading supplier, introducing exclusive products like the proprietary Morgan Gladiator headgear—a durable, padded training model notable for its innovative front head protection. This extended foam padding across the forehead offered additional impact absorption during takedowns and close-contact drills, going beyond traditional ear guards to shield the entire frontal area—a feature ahead of its time in prioritizing comprehensive head safety.

Safety was paramount to Frey. He credited Frank Morgan with the invention of the headgear, although widespread use would not have happened without Suplay's involvement. Frey frequently emphasized in product demonstrations and promotional videos that protecting wrestlers from injury—especially debilitating head trauma—was a core mission. The Morgan Gladiator's reinforced design reflected this commitment, allowing athletes to train harder and longer with reduced risk, embodying Frey's belief that quality gear should safeguard young wrestlers' futures without breaking the bank.

Frey's business insight made wrestling more inclusive, offering custom singlets, shoes, and accessories at competitive prices. Suplay remains family-owned, with his grandson Shayne Jasper continuing the legacy.

Honors and Legacy

In 2007, Frey was inducted into a wrestling Hall of Fame for his multifaceted contributions. His impact endures through Suplay's ongoing role as a trusted gear provider and the countless wrestlers who benefited from his vision of affordability and quality. Gary Frey passed away on April 25, 2022, at the age of 81, leaving behind a family dedicated to carrying forward his mission and a wrestling community forever enriched by his contributions.