Gehri diagnosis moves Wildcat hears in galvanizing support for veteran trainer

A dark cloud has shadowed the bright lights of a new year in both sports and academics for Wildcat Nation. One of West’s own, Trainer Dan Gehri, has been diagnosed with brain cancer. While this devastating news rocked the community, it has also brought people together with one common goal -- to support someone who has given so much to everyone around him.  

Gehri began his career at the school over 30 years ago, and, after taking a break as the trainer, he came back to West in 2018.

“I started in 1992 and I was here for about 12 years,” he said. “Then I was gone for 15 years while my kids were doing their own sports. I wasn’t able to be here nights and weekends, and I had three little girls and my wife needed help. So then I worked at the hospital for 15 years and came back about 2018.”

For Gehri, being an athletic trainer allowed him to have a career that blended all of his interests, even if it wasn’t a career that was originally on his radar. 

“I graduated high school in 1983 and we didn’t have an athletic trainer, so I didn’t know what an athletic trainer was or anything about athletic training,” he said. “But I love sports, and I love science, and I love anatomy, and I was able to combine those three things eventually once I found out about athletic training in college.”

Across those years, Gehri has used his experience to help improve athletes' health and fitness, according to swim coach and athletic director, Kelly Van Sistine.

“Trainer Dan has been at Oshkosh West for decades, so it is hard to quantify just how much of an impact he has had,” she said. “He brings new ideas in the weight room while always being conscious of balance in student’s lives.”

One person Gehri has impacted is senior Melvin Byes, a football and track athlete.

“Trainer Dan has helped me tremendously this past year. I got surgery in April last school year and I would be in the training room every single morning,” he said. “He would help me with rehab, exercises, and anything needed to get back on the football field.”

The community has banded together in support of Gehri and his family. He has been astonished at how many people have reached out to him.

“It’s been crazy to see this support from the community. You know, I’ve had kids who were students here like 25 years ago reach out to me to wish me luck and it’s just been amazing,” he said.

Van Sistine knows that Gehri has always gone above and beyond to care for students and set a good example for them.

“Trainer Dan is more than just an athletic trainer. He is a positive male role model to all children at Oshkosh West. Whether they need an injury evaluated, a shoulder to cry on, or someone to talk about their day with, he has always been there,” she said. “On a personal note, I love sharing my swim team breakfasts with Dan after Friday morning practices.”

Through his dedication and care for the craft, Gehri has left a lasting impact on many people, even if he did not realize he was doing so.

“You know, throughout the years you don’t realize how much of an impact you have on people sometimes,” he said.

One such person was Byes, a player who Gehri has worked with for a while and helped provide support in any way he could. 

“There was no doubt in my mind that he wasn’t going to give me his all and help me in every way he possibly could. Dan is a guy who truly wants the best for his students,” he said.

Another person who Gehri made an impact on was Van Sistine. She notes that she has missed his greetings and the level of care he shows to those around him.

“While Dan is on medical leave, I have been missing his greetings. He is always happy and wants to know how your day is going,” she said. “He genuinely cares about everyone he interacts with and that is a trait that is hard to come by.”

Gehri also is grateful for the support from West athletes, past and present. 

“Our Wildcat family has been unbelievably kind and generous and well-wishing and that extends back to athletes throughout a couple of decades,” he said.

Gehri also notes that his family’s support has meant the most to him throughout his diagnosis.

“My family has been instrumental in helping me through this whole process,” he said. “My daughter Morgan, who’s a science teacher here, has been instrumental in helping me.”

So many students have gotten the pleasure of working with Gehri, such as Byes, who is grateful for all the hard work Gehri has put in for him and many others.

“Dan has impacted so many students and athletes at this school,” he said. “I’ll always be grateful that I get to have such a thoughtful and hard working person as my trainer.”

Gehri hopes students can learn from his diagnosis and use it to push themselves to be the best they can be.

“I think the most important thing for students is that we learn from this and we take this opportunity to move forward,” he said. “We all get stronger one day at a time so work hard, get in the weight room, pay your dues and enjoy every moment because you never know.”

For those looking to support Gehri and his family they can donate at https://www.supportnow.org/td, a fundraiser organized by the Oshkosh West Booster Club.

by Mason Callahan and Liam Sullivan

Published October 5, 2026

Oshkosh West Index Volume 123 Issue 1