Northland College Athletics

"Moose" coached what is considered the finest team in Northland College history during his first season as head football coach. The 1931 team was undefeated and unscored upon. The Lumberjacks defeated River Falls State University, 6-0, in a post-season playoff for the state college championship. Gardner continued as head football coach and director of athletics through 1936. A native of Ashland, Gardner was one of the best all around athletes in the city's history. He was a regular tackle at the University of Wisconsin for three seasons. He served in France and Germany during World War I as a captain. He played for the Detroit Tigers professional football team for two seasons and became one the first "name" players to join the Green Bay Packers in 1923.

After leaving Northland College, Gardner lived in Grand Rapids, MI. He died on December 23, 1954, at Rocky River, Ohio.