Members
Inductee
GATER, DAVID
GATER, DAVID
Born on December 12, 1982
Kendallville, Indiana
Inducted On
July 15, 2025
Location Inducted
Ft. Wayne, Indiana
Region Number
3
East Noble High School
Player
East Noble High School
2001
David was a dominant high school player for the East Noble Knights under Head Coach, Tim Able. Gater would lead his team to 2 sectional titles in two years and ultimately a 14-1 state championship season in class 4A in 2000. Gater's state championship performance during a 28-7 win over Plainfield included a blocked kick and 2 interceptions on defense. For the Knight's offense, Gater went 6 for 8 passing with 1 touchdown and rushed for 45 yards in one of the most all-around performances in state finals history. Gater was a 4A all-state selection in 2000 and represented the North team in the 2001 All-Star Game.
Ball State University
2006
After graduating from East Noble, Gater continued his playing career at Ball State University as a defensive back and a special teams star. Gater red-shirted his freshman year as a walk-on and was named Ball State's "Scout Team Player of the Week" during his red-shirt season. In 2002, Gater appeared in all 11 of Ball State's games on special teams. He recorded 12 tackles and blocked a punt earning him the "Scout Team Player of the Year" and a scholarship. Gater became a 2-year starting safety for the Cardinals.
David and his wife Jessica, have two children, Payton and Amya.
After completing his playing career, Gater played arena football for the Ft. Wayne Freedom before entering the coaching ranks. Gater coached defensive backs at Trine University for 5 seasons. He became the defensive coordinator at Anderson University in 2011 before leaving to become the special teams coordinator at Olivet College.