Duane Haring transformed Grand Ledge High School gymnastics into one of Michigan’s most dominant high school sports programs. Duane Haring is Michigan born and graduated from Waverly High School. He worked as a firefighter for 32 years before retiring in 2010 to coach Gymnastics full time. Duane started coaching gymnastics part time in 1996. While his daughter was attending Grand Ledge HS in the early 2000s, at her encouragement, he started the GLHS program from scratch in 2002. Haring quickly established the Comets as a statewide powerhouse, elevating the team to unprecedented levels of success and leaving a lasting legacy in Michigan high school athletics.

Under his leadership, Grand Ledge captured six consecutive Division 1 State Championships from 2008 through 2013, becoming the first program in state history to win six straight titles, while only two other programs at the time had ever won five state titles in total. The Comets also finished as State Runner-Up four times (2003, 2007, 2014, 2022), claimed 10 Team Regional Championships (2003, 2008–2014, 2021, 2023), and secured 15 CAAC Blue Conference titles (2002–2004, 2008–2017, 2021, 2023). Haring’s teams amassed a staggering 106-meet winning streak during the championship run, demonstrating consistency and dominance rarely seen at any level.

Individually, Haring coached 64 state champions across all four events—vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise, showcasing his ability to develop top-tier talent while fostering teamwork and precision. His athletes not only excelled on the mat but also benefited from a culture emphasizing personal growth, discipline, and confidence, hallmarks of Haring’s coaching philosophy.

Haring’s excellence extended beyond high school gymnastics. He served as a volunteer assistant coach with Michigan State University’s women’s gymnastics team from 2004 to 2006, applying the same dedication to athlete development that defined his tenure at Grand Ledge.

Haring’s career earned him numerous accolades, including being named Gymnastics Coach of the Year by the Lansing State Journal 12 times (2003, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023); Michigan High School Gymnastics Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 2008, 2010, and 2012; and in 2013, and receiving the National High School Gymnastics Coaches Association Coach of the Year award; solidifying his place among the nation’s premier high school gymnastics coaches.

Retiring at the end of the 2023 season, Haring concluded a career marked by unparalleled team and individual achievements, a standard of excellence in coaching, and a lasting impact on the countless athletes whose confidence, skill, and love of gymnastics were shaped under his guidance. His legacy stands as one of the most successful coaching careers in Michigan high school sports history, regardless of sport.

Further Links:  2012 - MHSAA Q & A w/ Coach Haring , 2014 - PBS Interview with Coach Haring (starts at 7:00) ,  MHSAA Gymnastics Records Book