A Williamston native, Gaffner brought national acclaim to the Muskegon Community College wrestling program, serving as the school’s wrestling coach for more than 20 years.  Captain of the Central Michigan University wrestling team for two years, Gaffner coached for five years at Union City High School, then moved to Spring Lake High School for a season.
In 1974, Gaffner took over the MCC wrestling program. Renowned for his organization skills, he attracted wrestlers from all over the Midwest and built the Jayhawks into a consistent national power.  In 23 seasons at the helm, Gaffner compiled an overall record of 304-73-3, including 13 National Junior College Athletic Association Region XXII titles and six Michigan Community College Athletic Association crowns.

A member of the National Junior College Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Michigan Coaches’ Wrestling Association Hall of Fame, he coached seven national champions while at MCC – Tim McDonald (1974), Russ Swanson (1977) Tim Smelser (1980), Jeff Steele (1986), Marshall Foster (1996), Claudell Ruffin (1998) and Anton Hail (2000). His teams finished in the Top 10 in National Junior College Championship competition on 10 occasions, while finishing as runner-up to the crown in 1980.

A former president of the National Junior College Wrestling Association, Gaffner retired from coaching in 2000.