Gary was inducted for his achievements in rowing while attending Oregon State University (Division 1 - Pac 10 Conference). In his freshman year, Gary was named outstanding freshman oarsman. During the 1976-77 season, he was the only sophomore rowing on the Varsity 8 team. In Preseason Nationals 2000 meter competition in San Diego, his team finished 3rd. In the Varsity 8 Intercollegiate Rowing Championships Premier Race, Bohlin's team finished 5th. While a member of the 4 man varsity crew in his junior season, Bohlin's crew won the Intercollegiate Rowing Association National Championship in Syracuse. During the summer of 1978, Gary tried out with the best rowers in the country and made the lightweight Vespers Team in Philadelphia. This team won the United States Trials and the 2000 Meter Amateur National Rowing Championship. After training in Oslo, Norway, Bohlin represented the United States in the World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark. As a senior, he was named Outstanding Senior Oarsman, became a member of the Order of the Orange Oar (three time lettermen), and was named to the Pac-10 All Rowing Team. Gary has a boat named in his honor at OSU, one of four individuals to have such an honor.