Gary Bossert

Bossert is the son of former Seneca Vocational and Canisius guard Joe Bossert. Joe was a 1960 first team All-Western New York (WNY) selection by the Buffalo Courier-Express.{{cite web|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=coe19820403-01.1.32&srpos=2&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-Gary+Bossert---------|title=24th Annual All-WNY Basketball Team|access-date=February 12, 2024|date=April 3, 1982|page=T-4|author=Peters, Jim|work=Buffalo Courier-Express}} Joe went on to coach basketball and Gary's younger brother Darrin followed Gary to Niagara. Bossert started getting media coverage for his play in the 1979 and 1980 13–15 youth summer league play at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.{{cite web|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=coe19790718-01.1.41&srpos=2&e=-------en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-%22Gary+Bossert%22---------|title=Bossert's Shot Game Winner|access-date=February 13, 2024|date=July 18, 1979|page=6|work=Buffalo Courier-Express|quote=Gary Bossert made a 35-foot jump shot at the buzzer. . .of a 13–15 Randy Smith Basketball League game Tuesday at Martin Luther King Park.}}{{cite web|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=coe19800716-01.1.21&srpos=3&e=-------en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-%22Gary+Bossert%22---------|title=Side Jumper Wins Game For Procknal's|access-date=February 13, 2024|date=July 16, 1980|page=20-A|work=Buffalo Courier-Express|quote=.}}

As a sophomore Bossert played the 1980–81 season for Sweet Home High School and helped oust Kenmore West in a 1981 NYSPHSAA Section VI Class A-1 semifinal. In that game he shot 10–12 coming off the bench for a then career high 23 points.{{Cite news |last=Peters |first=Jim |date=March 4, 1982 |title=KW's Bossert Shines As Sweet Home Bows |url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=coe19820304-01.1.49&srpos=23&e=-------en-20--21-byDA-txt-txIN-%22Gary+Bossert%22--------- |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=Buffalo Courier-Express |page=C-2}} In 1981, Bossert transferred to Kenmore West from Sweet Home.{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Allen |date=February 18, 2005 |title=THE GREATEST DEBATE ; NIAGARA FALLS' TALENT IS UNQUESTIONED, BUT IS IT THE BEST LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL TEAM EVER? |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/381648797 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 9, 2024 |work=Buffalo News |page=B1 |edition=FINAL |id={{ProQuest|381648797}}}}{{Cite news |last=Peters |first=Jim |date=March 27, 1982 |title=Jamestown Places 3 NFL Stars |url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=coe19820327-01.1.31&srpos=1&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-Gary+Bossert--------- |access-date=February 12, 2024 |work=Buffalo Courier-Express |page=T-5}} His high school class at Sweet Home was loaded with Division I athletes, including Barry Fordham (Michigan State basketball) and Blaine Russell (St. Bonaventure basketball) and won conference championships in 13 of the 26 boys and girls varsity sports that it competed in their senior year.{{Cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Jerry |date=September 23, 1999 |title=HOW SWEET IT WAS WINNING WAS CONTAGIOUS AT SWEET HOME DURING NO. 1 GLORY YEAR |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/381446593 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 21, 2024 |work=The Buffalo News |page=F1 |edition=CITY |id={{ProQuest|381446593}}}}

During his 1981–82 season, in which he was listed at {{height|ft=5|in=9}}, {{convert|140|lb|kg|1}},{{Cite news |last=Peters |first=Jim |date=March 10, 1982 |title=Sparks Clip Ken West Despite Bossert's 44 |url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=coe19820310-01.1.16&srpos=4&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-Gary+Bossert--------- |access-date=February 12, 2024 |work=Buffalo Courier-Express |page=C-2}} he led the Niagara Frontier League (NFL) in scoring with a 22.1 average on 90.2% free throw shooting and 53.3% field goal shooting. The leading votegetter on the All-NFL team, he scored 119 points in four NYSPHSAA Section VI playoff games, including an upset victory over his formerly unbeaten Sweet Home teammates, in which he posted a 10–16 field goal and 9–10 free throw performance. On March 9, 1982, Bossert went 26–26 from the free throw line and totaled 44 points for Kenmore West in the NYSPHSAA Section VI Class A championship game loss to South Park High School. Bossert had his team ahead 80–75 with 2:30 remaining before losing 91–84. His non-free throws were described as acrobatic. {{As of|2006|4|14|df=US}}, this perfect free throw shooting performance remained the second best (31, Randy Patti of Rosedale High School on March 3, 1971) single-game free throw performance in terms of most free throws made in a game without a miss according to John Gillis, assistant director for the National Federation of State High School Associations and editor of the National High School Sports Record Book.{{Cite news |date=April 14, 2006 |title=Bird's name in national record book Perfect foul shot night noted: [All Edition] |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/414357543 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 9, 2024 |work=Bangor Daily News |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|414357543}}}} Bossert established the Kenmore West single-game scoring record with his 44-point effort, which still stood {{as of|2019|12|28|lc=y|df=US}}.{{Cite web |date=December 28, 2019 |title=High School Extra / News & notes |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AD&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Gary%20Bossert%22%20free%20throw&docref=news/1781D0D8E5255A88 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 10, 2024 |website=The Buffalo News |page=6 |quote=[Zac] Boyes nearly tied a school record as he racked up 42 points. The record of 44 was set by Gary Bossert in 1982.}} He ended the season with an active free throw streak of 31. Juniors Curtis Aiken and Bossert were joined on the 1982 All-WNY team by Seniors James Clinton, Rodney Jones and Tony Kelly (Buffalo Courier Express), while The Buffalo Evening News swapped out Jones for Jeff Zern.{{Cite news |date=April 21, 2018 |title=Sports/Daily |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AD&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Gary%20Bossert%22%20%22Bryan%20Randall%22&docref=news/16B6C5A4229CEA88 |access-date=February 21, 2024 |work=The Buffalo News |page=17 |quote=1981–1982: *James Clinton (South Park), Tony Kelly (Lackawanna), Curtis Aiken (Bennett), Gary Bossert (Kenmore West); CE-Rodney Jones (Grover Cleveland); BN-Jeff Zern (St. Francis). 1982–1983: *Curtis Aiken (Bennett), Gary Bossert (Kenmore West), Ray Salters (South Park), Michael Ray Jackson (Riverside), Barry Fordham (Sweet Home). 1983–1984: *Bryan Randall (Sweet Home), Jerry Kopydlowski (Sweet Home), Anthony Blackman (McKinley), Joe Etopio (LaSalle), Marvin Hemphill (Bennett).}} Bossert was a 1982 large school New York State all-star team seventh team selection by the New York State Sportswriters Association.{{Cite news |date=April 17, 1982 |title=Kelly Three-Time All-State Player |url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=coe19820417-01.1.32&srpos=31&e=-------en-20--21-byDA-txt-txIN-%22Gary+Bossert%22--------- |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=Buffalo Courier Express |page=T-2}} In the summer of 1982, Bossert was selected to the West New York Team for the Empire State Games scholastic (17 & under) boys' basketball competition, but did not see much action behind future Big East guards Aiken and Greg Monroe.{{Cite news |last=Gaffney |first=Tom |date=August 17, 1982 |title=Smith Plans Rest: Ziest Aims at Olympics |url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=coe19820817-01.1.24&srpos=32&e=-------en-20--21-byDA-txt-txIN-%22Gary+Bossert%22--------- |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=Buffalo Courier Express |page=C-2 |quote=Of the benchsitters, Bossert, who might have been a starter on West teams of other years, had the most difficult situation. The talented guard was behind Curtis Aiken of Bennett and Greg Monroe of Rochester, both Division I college prospects.}} The West team did upset New York City in overtime for the gold medal.{{Cite news |date=August 16, 1982 |title=3 City Fives Take Empire Games Titles |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/424399471 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The New York Times |page=C9 |id={{ProQuest|424399471}}}}

The 1983 Sweet Home team (with Fordham, Russell and Bryan Randall '84 — Dartmouth) is in the discussion as the All-time greatest WNY team. Without Russell and Fordham, Randall would lead the 1984 team (as 1984 WNY POY) to a NYSPHSAA Class A state title.{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Allen |date=February 18, 2005 |title=THE GREATEST DEBATE – NIAGARA FALLS' TALENT IS UNQUESTIONED, BUT IS IT THE BEST LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL TEAM EVER? |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AD&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Gary%20Bossert%22%20%22Bryan%20Randall%22&docref=news/10861F1DF6E9D65B |access-date=February 21, 2024 |work=The Buffalo News |page=B1 |quote=Sweet Home's '83 squad was very talented with D-I players Barry Fordham (Michigan State), Blaine Russell (St. Bonaventure) and Bryan Randall (Dartmouth). The following year, Randall, the only returning starter, and Jerry Kopydlowski (North Carolina-Charlotte, Canisius) guided the Panthers to the Class A public school state title.}} Sweet Home had 3 first team All-WNY selections in 1983 and 1984. In the 1983 NYSPHSAA Section VI Class A-1 championship game at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, Sweet Home overcame a game-high 32 points by Bossert to beat Kenmore West in double overtime. In the game Kenmore West took their first lead of the game at 55–53 on 8 consecutive points by Bossert with four minutes remaining in regulation.{{Cite news |last=Gallagher |first=Mike |date=March 7, 1983 |title=Sweet Home Nips Ken West |url=https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252011%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201983%2520%2520Grayscale%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201983%2520%2520Grayscale%2520-%25200103.pdf%23xml%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dfffffffffc7efc76%26DocId%3D2285689%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520U%26HitCount%3D4%26hits%3D15f%2B160%2B63b%2B63c%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252011%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201983%2520%2520Grayscale%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201983%2520%2520Grayscale%2520-%25200103.pdf&xml=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dfffffffffc7efc76%26DocId%3D2285689%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520U%26HitCount%3D4%26hits%3D15f%2B160%2B63b%2B63c%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=Tonawanda News |page=8}} Bossert finished the season with a 26.4 scoring average, 3.3 assists and 2.6 steals.{{Cite web |date=April 18, 1983 |title=Kenmore West Star Headed For Niagara |url=https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FOlean%2520NY%2520Times%2520Herald%2FOlean%2520NY%2520Times%2520Herald%25201983%2FOlean%2520NY%2520Times%2520Herald%25201983%2520-%25202648.pdf%23xml%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffff9723fa57%26DocId%3D3534485%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520X%26HitCount%3D2%26hits%3Da7d%2Ba7e%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FOlean%2520NY%2520Times%2520Herald%2FOlean%2520NY%2520Times%2520Herald%25201983%2FOlean%2520NY%2520Times%2520Herald%25201983%2520-%25202648.pdf&xml=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffff9723fa57%26DocId%3D3534485%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520X%26HitCount%3D2%26hits%3Da7d%2Ba7e%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false |access-date=February 15, 2024 |website=Olean Times Herald |page=15}} After the Buffalo Courier Express and The Buffalo Evening News merged as The Buffalo News it selected Aiken, Bossert, Ray Salters, Michael Ray Jackson, and Barry Fordham to the 1983 All-WNY first team.

The Basketball Coaches Association of New York, celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2007 by naming regional 25-year teams for the 1983–2007 period based on high school performances. Bossert was among the top 25 for Western New York.{{Cite news |last=McShea |first=Keith |date=March 6, 2007 |title=Coaches pick top 25 – let the debate begin |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AD&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Gary%20Bossert%22%20%22Bryan%20Randall%22&docref=news/117B85B672808338 |access-date=February 21, 2024 |work=The Buffalo News |page=D6}} In 2009 as The Buffalo News celebrated 50 years of All-WNY basketball selections, Bossert, who was twice an All-WNY first team selection was named to the 1980s All-WNY first team along with Aiken, Christian Laettner, Keith Robinson and Ritchie Campbell, and ahead of Ray Hall, Lester Rowe, et al.{{Cite web |last=Dicesare |first=Bob |date=February 14, 2009 |title=Talent overflowed in Eighties |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/461592611 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 9, 2024 |id={{ProQuest|461592611}} |quote=We read your e-mails and your blog comments, took all your suggestions and observations under advisement. . .I now hate Gary Bossert. Hate him in the kindest way imaginable. If Bossert had just played like 5-foot-8, 150- pound guards are supposed to play we'd have had room on the first team for one of those How-can- he-not-be-on-the-first-team? players. But we couldn't eliminate the Kenmore West sensation, not after a journey through the clip files affirmed a long-held belief: The kid was a clutch player for the ages and thrived when the lights were brightest. |agency=Tribune Business News}} He was a third team selection for the All-time All-WNY team along with Jonny Flynn, Jason Rowe, Aaron Curry, and Jimmy "Bug" Williams.{{Cite web |last=McShea |first=Keith |date=March 7, 2009 |title=All-time All-WNY team: How'd we do? |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/381940241 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 9, 2024 |website=The Buffalo News |id={{ProQuest|381940241}} |quote=First team Curtis Aiken, Bennett 1981–82, '82–83 Paul Harris, Niagara Falls, 2003–04, '04–05 Christian Laettner, Nichols 1986–87, '87–88 Bob Lanier, Bennett 1965–66 Mel Montgomery, Kensington 1969–70, '70–71 Second team Ritchie Campbell, Burgard 1988–89, '89–90 George Carter, Silver Creek 1960–61, '61–62 Mike Russell, East 1973–74 Dwight Williams, Neumann 1974–75 Tim Winn, LaSalle 1993–94, '94–95, '95–96 Third team Gary Bossert, Kenmore West 1981–82, '82–83 Aaron Curry, Neumann 1975–76 Jonny Flynn, Niagara Falls, 2005–06, '06–07 Jason Rowe, Traditional 1993–94, '94–95, '95–96 Jimmy "Bug" Williams, East 1971–72, '72–73 Fourth team Ray Hall, McKinley 1979–80, '80–81 Tony Kelly, Lackawanna 1979–80, '80–81, '81–82 Keith Robinson, Grover Cleveland 1984–85, '85–86 Chuck Threeths, Lackawanna 1974–75, '75–76 Rickey Williams, Timon 1973–74}}{{Cite web |last=McShea |first=Keith |date=March 7, 2009 |title=WNY's all-time high school basketball team |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/464904948 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 9, 2024 |id={{ProQuest|464904948}} |quote=Our staff has been banging under the boards for more than a month, picking our all-decade teams as we built toward this point, the final shot of our celebration of the 50th anniversary of All-WNY basketball. . .There were letters, e-mails, voice mails, blog comments and phone calls. There were opinions from coaches, teammates, fathers, brothers, sons and of course fans. If there was an All-WNY team for glowing first-person reviews, the Kenmore West standout would be a first-teamer. The News said: "Bossert was the best high school player I've ever seen. Ever, ever, ever. No one took over a game like that kid, not even his contemporary, Curtis Aiken."--Bob DiCesare. "Bossert was the best high school player in that era, if not the decade, if not ever."--Bucky Gleason. "A magical high school player and probably elevated his team more than anyone else. . . . Ken West had basically nothing withoutBossert."-- Mike Harrington. And that was just our staff. You should have seen our in-box. |agency=Tribune Business News}} Bossert's 1982 All-WNY selection as a junior marked the first father-son All-WNY first team happening. Bossert is remembered for elevating the play of his teams.

When Niagara defeated the #4-ranked and 5–0 1984–85 St. John's Redmen on December 15, 1984, in one of the biggest upsets in school history, Bossert played key minutes.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/425273078|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|425273078}}|title=NIAGARA STUNS ST. JOHN'S, 62–59|work=The New York Times|author=Rhoden, William C.|access-date=February 8, 2024|date=December 16, 1984|page=A.1}} Students on campus wore purple and white buttons all season that said "We beat St. John's / December 15, 1984." The game, which featured Redmen all-time greats Chris Mullin, Mark Jackson, Walter Berry and Bill Wennington and was hosted at the Niagara Falls Convention Center, has been dubbed "Miracle on Fourth Street".{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AD&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Gary%20Bossert%22%20free%20throw&docref=news/177D9D774263CD18|title=Remembering the Miracle on Fourth Street|access-date=February 10, 2024|date=December 14, 2019 |work=Niagara Gazette|author=McGrath, Bill}} Fans stormed the courts tore down a backboard and mailed "We Beat St. John's" t-shirts to Queens, New York.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/285362816|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|285362816}}|title=Redmen Recall Fall At Niagara: [NASSAU AND SUFFOLK Edition]|work=Newsday|author=Keenan, Sandy|access-date=February 8, 2024|date=December 19, 1986|page=177}} When Redmen later spent five weeks at the top of the 1984–85 rankings, Niagara was the only team to have previously beaten them that season.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/285403209|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|285403209}}|title=Niagara Recalls Redmen's Big Fall: [ALL EDITIONS]|work=Newsday|author=Rosner, Dave|access-date=February 8, 2024|date=December 20, 1985|page=172|quote=During the Redmen's five-week reign atop the polls, Niagara gained even more national acclaim as the only team to defeat them. "We became a Trivial Pursuit answer," said point guard Gary Bossert.}} At the conclusion of the season the only two teams to have beaten St. John's were Georgetown (three times) and Niagara. Although the school had many big victories during the Calvin Murphy era, the only upset that rivals it in school history was snapping the #2-ranked {{cbb link|1960|sex=men|team=St. Bonaventure Bonnies|school=St. Bonaventure University|title=St.Bonaventure Bonnies}} win streak at 99 in 1961 in front of the national press. On January 31, 1985 against {{cbb link|1=1984|sex=men|team=Boston University Terriers|school=Boston University|title=Boston University}}, Bossert scored 21 points in an overtime victory.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=decade%3A1980%211980%2B-%2B1989&sort=YMD_date%3AA&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Gary%20Bossert%22&docref=news/1568E4AE1B44F500|url-access=subscription|title=Joe Alexander scored 31 points, including a jumper at...|agency=UPI|access-date=February 11, 2024|date=January 31, 1985|page=41|quote=Bossert missed his first free throw – a front end – in 27 attempts}} In that game, Bossert had another consecutive free throw streak reach 26, but not a single-game streak.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/294313584|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|294313584}}|title=BU FALLS SHORT IN OT, 88–87: [THIRD Edition]|work=Boston Globe|author=Thomsen, Ian|access-date=February 8, 2024|date=February 1, 1985|page=41|quote=Bossert missed his first free throw – a front end – in 27 attempts}}

According to sports journalist Bob Lowe of the Tonawanda News it took Bossert, who had filled out to a size of {{height|ft=5|in=9}} and {{convert|160|lb|kg|1}} by the beginning of 1986, a couple of years of NCAA Division I play to adapt to defending bigger guards at that level. Lowe also described Bossert as an adept ballhandler and asset on the offensive end of the floor who could be described as the "coach on the court", "traffic cop" or "quarterback".{{cite web|url=https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252011%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201986%2520%2520Grayscale%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201986%2520%2520Grayscale%2520-%25200260.pdf%23xml%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffffa751d70c%26DocId%3D2307943%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520U%26HitCount%3D4%26hits%3Dbfc%2Bbfd%2Bd56%2Bd57%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252011%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201986%2520%2520Grayscale%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201986%2520%2520Grayscale%2520-%25200260.pdf&xml=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffffa751d70c%26DocId%3D2307943%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520U%26HitCount%3D4%26hits%3Dbfc%2Bbfd%2Bd56%2Bd57%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|title=Bossert Sparks Big NU Victory|access-date=February 17, 2024|date=January 16, 1986|page=9|author=Lowe, Bob|work=Tonawanda News}}

When the 1986–87 St. John's Redmen returned ranked and undefeated to the Buffalo–Niagara Falls Metropolitan Area for a matchup at Buffalo Memorial Auditorium on December 20, 1986, Bossert made a three-point shot to cut the deficit to 54–53 in the closing minutes, but St. Johns surged to a 66–58 victory.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/426358431|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|426358431}}|title=COLLEGE BASKETBALL; REDMEN TESTED BY NIAGARA|work=The New York Times|author=Rhoden, William C.|access-date=February 8, 2024|date=December 21, 1986|page=A.7|quote=Then Glass made a steal and Jones banked in a short jumper to make it 54–50 with 4:20 remaining. But Gary Bossert hit a 3-pointer from 22 feet to make it 54–53. Glass's hanging lean-in jumper made it 56–53, but Tom Swick's 3-point play (a lay-up and a foul shot) tied the score with 3:04 left.}} On January 7, 1987, Bossert became the first Purple Eagle to score 37 points in a conference game (Niagara was Independent until 1979 and teammate Joe Arlauckas would tie this school record on February 19), in a performance that set numerous NCAA records. {{cbb link|1986|sex=men|team=Siena Saints|school=Siena College|title=Siena}}'s coach, Mike Deane, deployed his usual matchup 2–3 zone defense,{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=decade%3A1980%211980%2B-%2B1989&sort=YMD_date%3AA&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Gary%20Bossert%22&docref=news/0FB5DB9C83C0757B|url-access=subscription|title=SIENA LOST THIS GAME IN APRIL, '86|work=Times Union|author=Vieira, Al|access-date=February 9, 2024|date=January 8, 1987|page=D1|quote=He took Siena's 2–3 matchup zone and shredded it.}} which is a combination of the man-to-man defense and a traditional 2–3 zone defense, that he learned from Jud Heathcote.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=decade%3A1980%211980%2B-%2B1989&sort=YMD_date%3AA&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Gary%20Bossert%22&docref=news/0FB5DB9E88FA6BD2|url-access=subscription|title=DEANE DEFENDS DEFENSE MATCHUP ZONE TO REMAIN SIENA CALLING CARD|work=Times Union|author=Schwartz, Paul|access-date=February 9, 2024|date=January 9, 1987|page=D1}} Bossert was named America East Player of the Week on January 10, 1987. On February 5, 1987, he made a three-point shot with 8 or 9 seconds left to give Niagara a victory over the Reggie Lewis-led 1986–87 Northeastern Huskies.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/294409073|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|294409073}}|title=LEWIS SETS N.E. RECORD, BUT NU FALLS, 88–87: [THIRD Edition]|work=Boston Globe|author=Vega, Michael|access-date=February 8, 2024|date=February 6, 1987|page=50|quote=Gary Bossert drilled a three-pointer from the top of the key with nine seconds left to lift Niagara to an 88–87 triumph over the Huskies before a roaring sellout crowd at Gallagher Center.}}{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/257501376|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|257501376}}|title=UNLV, Carolina cruise to easy wins: [FIVE STAR SPORTS FINAL Edition]|work=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=February 10, 2024|date=February 6, 1987|page=102|quote=Gary Bossert's three-point shot with eight seconds left capped a rally and gave the host Purple Eagles (13–6, 9–2) the win over the Huskies (16–6, 9–1) in the ECAC North Atlantic Conference. Northeastern's Reggie Lewis scored 34 points to become New England collegiate basketball's top career scorer.}} Bossert earned honorable mention All-America East recognition that season.

During the March 5, 1987 ECAC North men's basketball tournament semifinal against {{cbb link|1=1986|sex=men|team=Boston University Terriers|school=Boston University|title=Boston University}}, he tied Al McClain's America East tournament record with 8 steals.{{cite web|url=https://americaeast.com/documents/2024/1/12/Men_s_Basketball_updated_23.pdf|title=American East 2022–23 Men's Basketball Record Book|date=January 12, 2024|access-date=February 6, 2024|publisher=America East Conference}} In addition to the steals, Bossert made a field goal to give Niagara an 82–81 lead with 19 seconds remaining. Niagara held on to win 84–82.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/294320101|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|294320101}}|title=REUNION TIME: NU, BU BACK IN NAC FINAL IRVING'S SHOT LIFTS TERRIERS OVER NIAGARA, 84–82: [THIRD Edition]|work=Boston Globe|author=Vega, Michael|access-date=February 8, 2024|date=March 6, 1987|page=51}} During his senior year, Niagara qualified for the 1987 National Invitation Tournament. In the opening round of the tournament, they defeated a {{cbb link|1=1986|sex=men|team=Seton Hall Pirates|school=Seton Hall University|title=Seton Hall}} team led by Mark Bryant and Ramón Ramos.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/426444536|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|426444536}}|title=N.I.T.; ST. PETER'S DEFEATED BY ST. LOUIS, 76–60|work=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|access-date=February 10, 2024|date=March 14, 1987|page=50}} They subsequently lost to a {{cbb link|1=1986|sex=men|team=La Salle Explorers|school=La Salle University|title=La Salle}} team with Lionel Simmons, Craig Conlin, Tim Legler, and Larry Koretz,{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1831230024|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|1831230024}}|title=CONLIN STARS AS LA SALLE GAINS IN NIT|work=Philadelphia Inquirer|author=Panaccio, Tim|agency=Associated Press|access-date=February 10, 2024|date=March 18, 1987|page=G.1}} despite 16 points by Bossert.{{cite web|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=ade19870318-01.1.9&srpos=42&e=-------en-20--41-byDA-txt-txIN-%22Gary+Bossert%22---------|title=Koretz Leads LaSalle Over Niagara in Second Round|access-date=February 15, 2024|date=March 18, 1987|work=Adirondack Daily Enterprise|agency=United Press International}}

On November 2, 1994, Bossert was inducted into the Niagara Hall of Fame.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/381014976|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|381014976}}|title=BONA GETS HEAD START ON 75TH ANNIVERSARY: [CITY Edition]|work=Buffalo News|author=Dicesare, Bob|access-date=February 8, 2024|date=October 28, 1994|page=B5}}

For the 1986–87 NCAA Division I men's basketball season the National Collegiate Athletic Association introduced the three-point shot.{{Cite web | title = 2017–18 NCAA Men's Basketball Records, Page 4 | work = 2017–18 NCAA Men's Basketball Media Guide | publisher = National Collegiate Athletic Association | year = 2017 | url = http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_basketball_RB/2018/Rules.pdf | access-date = February 5, 2024}} On January 7, 1987, Bossert became the first player to make at least 12 three point shots in a game for {{cbb link|1986|sex=men|team=Niagara Purple Eagles|school=Niagara University|title=Niagara}} against Siena in an NCAA Division I America East contest.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/283377270|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|283377270}}|title=On this date.: [NORTH SPORTS FINAL Edition]|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=February 8, 2024|date=January 7, 1993|page=11}} His NCAA Division I record for single-game three point shots made was matched on February 9 by Darrin Fitzgerald's 12–22 performance for {{cbb link|1986|sex=men|team=Butler Bulldogs|school=Butler University|title=Butler}} against {{cbb link|1986|sex=men|team=Detroit Mercy Titans|school=University of Detroit Mercy|title=Detroit}} in a Division I Midwestern Collegiate Conference (now Horizon League) contest.{{cite web|url=http://www.horizonleague.org/blog/individual-records-league-games-2004-11-03-03559.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120802115958/http://www.horizonleague.org/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110304aak.html|date=November 3, 2004|archive-date=August 2, 2012|access-date=February 9, 2024|publisher=Horizon League|title=Individual Records (League Games)}} However, it was unsurpassed until December 21, 1989, when Dave Jamerson went 14-for-17 for the Ohio Bobcats of the Mid-American Conference against NCAA Division II's Charleston Golden Eagles.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-12-23-sp-612-story.html|title=Long-Range Goals Met by Guard : Record: Ohio University's Jamerson makes 14 of 17 three-pointers—and he sits out final 8:33 of game.|access-date=February 5, 2024|date=December 23, 1989|work=Los Angeles Times|agency=Associated Press}} After Jamerson surpassed Bossert against a Division II opponent, some sources still referred to Bossert as the record holder. Al Dillard went 12–22 on December 11, 1993, for Arkansas against {{cbb link|1993|sex=men|team=Delaware State Hornets|school=Delaware State University|title=Delaware State}}.{{Cite web | title = Arkansas' Dillard sets SEC 3-pointer mark in blowout | work = Google news archive | publisher = Daily News | date = December 12, 1993 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=gPEaAAAAIBAJ&pg=6564,2753956 | access-date = February 10, 2024}} On March 24, 1994, Askia Jones went 14–18 for {{cbb link|1993|sex=men|team=Kansas State Wildcats|school=Kansas State University|title=Kansas State}} of the Big Eight Conference against {{cbb link|1993|sex=men|team=Fresno State Bulldogs|school=California State University, Fresno|title=Fresno State}} of NCAA Division I Western Athletic Conference.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-03-25-sp-38239-story.html|title=COLLEGE BASKETBALL / POSTSEASON TOURNAMENTS : NIT : Jones Hits 14 of 18 Three-Pointers, Scores 62 in Kansas State Victory|access-date=February 5, 2024|date=March 25, 1994|work=Los Angeles Times|agency=Associated Press}}

On that January 7 night, Bossert established the former NCAA Division I consecutive three-point shot record and the current NCAA Division I single-game consecutive three-point shot record (both 11) and the current NCAA single-game three-point shooting percentage record (85.7%, min 12 made) with a 12–14 performance,{{cite web|url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_basketball_RB/2023/D1.pdf|title=2022–23 DIVISION I MEN'S BASKETBALL RECORDS|access-date=February 8, 2024|date=2022|publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association}} including a perfect 7–7 first half. Todd Leslie of {{cbb link|1990|sex=men|team=Northwestern Wildcats|school=Northwestern University|title=Northwestern}} converted 15 straight three-point shots over a four-game span against {{cbb link|1990|sex=men|team=Loyola Ramblers|school=Loyola University Chicago|title=Loyola}}, {{cbb link|1990|sex=men|team=Morgan State Bears|school=Morgan State University|title=Morgan State}}, {{cbb link|1990|sex=men|team=Saint Louis Billikens|school=Saint Louis University|title=St. Louis}} and {{cbb link|1990|sex=men|team=Boston College Eagles|school=Boston College|title=Boston College}} from December 15 to December 28, 1990, to overtake Bossert's consecutive three-point shot record, although it took about 10 days of research technology of the day to confirm this.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/283054826|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|283054826}}|title=Leslie for 3, (record) book it: [NORTH SPORTS FINAL, C Edition]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Milbert, Neil|access-date=February 8, 2024|date=January 9, 1991|page=8|quote=NCAA statisticians have scrutinized the record books and determined that Northwestern sophomore Todd Leslie set a Division I three-point marksmanship record when he sank 15 straight over a four-game span in December. The previous record was 11 in a row by Gary Bossert of Niagara on Jan. 7, 1987, against Siena.}}{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/257540929|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|257540929}}|title=Record 15 straight 3-pointers Leslie NU's outside shot: [FIVE STAR SPORTS FINAL Edition]|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Ziehm, Len|access-date=February 9, 2024|date=January 10, 1991|page=94}} Although not listed in the NCAA record book, Ronald Blackshear tied Bossert by making his first 11 three-point shots on March 1, 2002, for {{cbb link|2001|sex=men|team=Marshall Thundering Herd|school=Marshall University|title=Marshall}} against {{cbb link|2001|sex=men|team=Akron Zips|school=University of Akron|title=Akron}}, but his 14–23 three point shooting night fell one short of the single-game record, which had reached 15.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/332353251|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|332353251}}|title=Three-mendous !: ; Blackshear hits record 14 3-pointers, Herd gets MAC playoff game at home|work=Charleston Gazette-Mail|access-date=February 8, 2024|date=March 2, 2002|page=1E}}{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/331837305|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|331837305}}|title=Huskies' loss buoys Herd|work=Charleston Daily Mail|author=Landon, Chuck|access-date=February 9, 2024|date=March 4, 2002|page=4B}} Bossert's 12 single-game three point shots made is tied for 10th in annual top 25 update of the Division I Men's Basketball Record book: This performance still marks the America East single-game three-point shots made record. It is also when the current Niagara records for single-half and single-game three point shots made (7 & 12) were set. While some still recognized Bossert's as the holder of the single-game three point shots made record, another Western New York athlete set the National Junior College Athletic Association single-game three point shots made record, when Bill Perkins went 17–40 for Villa Maria College in a victory over Jamestown Community College-Olean on November 20, 1990.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=1&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Gary%20Bossert%22%20free%20throw&docref=news/0EB195BA6E308E94|url-access=subscription|title=PERKINS SETS NATIONAL RECORD, NETS 64 POINTS IN VILLA VICTORY|work=The Buffalo News|author=Landon, Chuck|access-date=February 9, 2024|date=November 21, 1990|page=}}

Bossert additionally holds Niagara records for single-season and career three-point shooting percentage (both 44.8%), single-conference game assists (15, {{cbb link|1986|sex=men|team=Vermont Catamounts|school=University of Vermont|title=Vermont}}, 1/22/87), and single-season assists (195).. He formerly held Niagara records for single-season three-point shots made (87), single-conference game points (37,Siena, 1/7/87), single-game steals (8, {{cbb link|1986|sex=men|team=Boston University Terriers|school=Boston University|title=Boston}}, 3/5/87), career steals (144), career steals average (1.3),{{cite web|url=https://purpleeagles.com/documents/2022/11/9/History_Book.pdf|title=Niagara Men's Basketball History Book|date=November 9, 2022|access-date=February 6, 2024|publisher=Niagara University}} and career assists (498).{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/381637872|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|381637872}}|title=BUCKNELL SILENCES NIAGARA: [FINAL Edition]|work=Buffalo News|access-date=February 9, 2024|date=December 23, 2004|page=D1|quote=[Alvin Cruz] dished off five assists to bring his career total to a school-record 499, one more than Gary Bossert's 498 (1983 to '87).}}

After his NCAA record-setting night, Bossert gave an opinion that the newly created three-point line distance should be {{convert|1|to|2|ft|m|2}} further.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=decade%3A1980%211980%2B-%2B1989&sort=YMD_date%3AA&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Gary%20Bossert%22&docref=news/107B458969268B65|url-access=subscription|title=LITTLE MEN ARE TOO BIG|work=Knickerbocker News|author=Vieira, Al|access-date=February 9, 2024|date=January 8, 1987|page=4B|quote="I've been shooting them from there all my life," Bossert said. "It's my natural range." "It's been great for me, and I like the rule, but I think it should be out one or two more feet. Then it would be earned."}} When Bossert established his NCAA three-point shot records, the three-point line was at {{height|ft=19|in=9|abbr=no}}, but for the 2008–09 NCAA Division I men's basketball season, the line was extended to {{height|ft=20|in=9|abbr=no}}.{{Cite web | last = Katz | first = Andy | author-link = Andy Katz | title = Committee extends men's 3-point line to 20–9| publisher = ESPN | date = May 3, 2007 | url = https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/news/story?id=2859065 | access-date = February 8, 2024}} For the 2019–20 NCAA Division I men's basketball season, the line was further extended to {{height|ft=22|in=1.75|abbr=no}}.{{cite press release|url=http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/men-s-basketball-3-point-line-extended-international-distance |title=Men's basketball 3-point line extended to international distance |publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association |date=June 5, 2019 |access-date=February 8, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/basketball/rules/common/PRXBB_CourtDiagram.pdf |title=NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Court |publisher=NCAA |date=June 17, 2019 |access-date=February 8, 2024}}

Bossert spent time as a graduate assistant at Niagara.{{Cite news |date=April 16, 1989 |title=Bossert, Moore Lead Chips to Scaffidi Semis |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=decade%3A1980%211980%2B-%2B1989&sort=YMD_date%3AA&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Gary%20Bossert%22%20Assistant%20coach&docref=news/0EB195021C32BD52 |access-date=February 21, 2024 |work=The Buffalo News |page=C5}}{{Cite news |date=September 13, 1989 |title=Scoring Champion Commits to Niagara |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AD&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Darrin%20Bossert%22%20Villa%20Maria&docref=news/0EB1952DC6872DEF |access-date=February 21, 2024 |work=The Buffalo News |page=C5}} By July 27, 1989, Bossert had earned a Master of Business Administration from Niagara University. That summer, Bossert assumed varsity basketball coaching as well as scholastic business course instruction responsibilities at Norwood-Norfolk Central in Norfolk, New York.{{Cite news |date=August 20, 1989 |title=Niagara Star New Basketball Coach at N–N |url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=jou19890820-01.1.19&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN---------- |access-date=February 12, 2024 |work=Advance News}}{{Cite news |date=July 27, 1989 |title=Norwood-Norfolk Board Hires Business Teacher |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AA&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Bossert%20Norwood-Norfolk&docref=news/0EB0974E15C57570 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 12, 2024 |work=Watertown Daily Times |page=30}} In his first season, #21-ranked Norwood-Norfolk finished 20–3 after losing to No. 1-ranked 25–0 Rensselaer in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Region 2 Class C championship game at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 's Houston Field House.{{Cite news |last=Meyers |first=Kerby |date=March 11, 1990 |title=Rensselaer Boys Punish Turnover-Prone Norwood-Norfolk |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AA&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Bossert%20Norwood-Norfolk&docref=news/0EB097C1E3FEC693 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 12, 2024 |work=Watertown Daily Times |page=G3}} Bossert earned the 1990 Section 10 Class C coach of the year.{{Cite news |last=Gay |first=Gregory |date=March 9, 1990 |title=Norwood-Nofolk Faces Top Club |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AA&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Bossert%20Norwood-Norfolk&docref=news/0EB097C083215815 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 12, 2024 |work=Watertown Daily Times |page=9}} His second season ended with a 19–5 record when he forfeited with 56 second remaining in the 3rd quarter against Saranac Central in the Class C intersectional round after earning two technical fouls in the first quarter, and objecting to a player technical in the third quarter.{{Cite news |last=Gay |first=Gregory |date=March 6, 1991 |title=Flyers Forfeit |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AA&page=1&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Bossert%20Norwood-Norfolk&docref=news/0EB098720BEF292F |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 12, 2024 |work=Watertown Daily Times |page=15}} In the game Norwood-Norfolk was representing section 10, while Saranac and both referees were from section 7.{{Cite news |date=March 6, 1991 |title=Team Walks off in Protest |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AA&page=1&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Bossert%20Norwood-Norfolk&docref=news/0EB09871E9A8B25E |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 12, 2024 |work=Watertown Daily Times |page=30}} Bossert recorded a 16–6 1991–92 season losing in a Class C boys' basketball state regional playoff.{{Cite news |last=Mende |first=Mark |date=March 15, 1992 |title=Watervliet Whacks Norwood-Norfolk Boys |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AA&page=1&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Bossert%20Norwood-Norfolk&docref=news/0EB099449424E754 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 12, 2024 |work=Watertown Daily Times |page=G3}} Bossert resigned on October 21, 1992, with plans to return to Buffalo.{{Cite news |last=Donnelly |first=James R. |date=November 3, 1992 |title=Basketball Coach Resigns Norwood School Position |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AA&page=1&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Bossert%20Norwood-Norfolk&docref=news/0EB099BD44981396 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 12, 2024 |work=Watertown Daily Times |page=30 |quote=There had been some concerns between the district and Mr. Bossert. We had discussed these concerns that were of a personal nature, and Mr. Bossert decided to resign.}}

{{As of|2009}}, Bossert worked for a company with offices in Las Vegas and Atlantic City selling timeshares.{{Cite news |last=Dicesare |first=Bob |date=April 17, 2009 |title=New Yorkers get big bill for stadium |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/456132247 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 10, 2024 |work=The Buffalo News |id={{ProQuest|456132247}} |agency=Tribune Business News}}

Bossert's father also played Division I basketball and later coached basketball, according to an article when brother Darrin was hired to coach Cedar Crest High School in 2008.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/378648182|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|378648182}}|title=Bossert hoping to be slam dunk at Crest|work=Lebanon Daily News |author=Falk, Jeff|access-date=February 10, 2024|date=May 30, 2008|page=41|quote=The son of a coach, Bossert played basketball at Kenmore West High School in Buffalo, N.Y., and at Division I Niagara University, where he met his wife, former Cedar Crest star Jen Nelson. . ."My dad played at the Division I level, my brother played at the Division I level, and I played at the Division I level," Bossert continued. "It's been part of my family. It's been part of my life. My wife played Division I basketball.}} Darrin Bossert played for Niagara from 1989 to 1991 and is among the school's all-time leaders with a career 39.2% three point field goal percentage. Darrin had previously played junior college basketball from 1986 to 1988 at Villa Maria College.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AD&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Darrin%20Bossert%22%20Villa%20Maria&docref=news/0EB1955868F83253|title=EAGLES EDGE GRIFFS; BOOK INJURES ANKLE – GUARD BOSSERT SCORES 16 FOR NIAGARA|access-date=February 21, 2024|date=January 28, 1990 |work=The Buffalo News|author=Gaughann, Mark|page=C1}}

• List of NCAA Division I men's basketball players with 12 or more 3-point field goals in a game

{{reflist|35em}}

• [https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/gary-bossert-1.html college stats] @ Sports Reference

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bossert, Gary}}

Category:1960s births

Category:Living people

Category:20th-century American sportsmen

Category:American men's basketball players

Category:Basketball players from New York (state)

Category:Niagara Purple Eagles men's basketball players

Category:Niagara Purple Eagles men's basketball coaches

Category:Sportspeople from Tonawanda, New York

Category:Point guards