Indianapolis, IN — Bob Gardner, former Milan High School Principal and retired executive director of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and former IHSAA commissioner, is among 12 individuals who will be inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame on Sunday, June 30, in Indianapolis.
Gardner is part of the 2019 hall of fame class which also includes former Indiana Basketball legend Damon Bailey, NFL player Derrick Brooks of Florida, baseball legend Dusty Baker of California and women’s basketball great Seimone Augustus of Louisiana.
The hall of fame induction ceremony is a highlight of the annual NFHS summer meeting which also is celebrating the Indianapolis‐based organization’s centennial year.
Gardner retired last summer after a 48‐year career in secondary education including his final 18 years on the NFHS staff. He served as the NFHS Executive Director for eight years (2010‐18) and was just the fifth individual to serve in that position in the Federation’s near 100 years of existence. Prior to that, he was the NFHS Chief Operating Officer (2000‐10) in which he chaired the NFHS Rules Review Committee and was responsible for the day‐to‐day operations of the organization.
The Boonville, Indiana native was a vigorous proponent of the values of high school athletics and activities nationwide. During his tenure, participation increased by nearly 400,000 students, he helped expand opportunities for students with disabilities and led the NFHS’s focus on risk minimization in high school sports especially in the area of concussion awareness.
Gardner joined the Federation after serving five and a half years (1995‐2000) as commissioner of the Indiana High School Athletic Association and 15½ years on its staff. While an assistant commissioner (1985‐95), Gardner administered the sports of wrestling, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls track and field, and boys swimming and diving. While principal at Milan Junior‐Senior High School, he was elected to the IHSAA Board of Directors by his peers in 1982. Interestingly, his entire career was spent in the state of Indiana. Gardner becomes the 16th individual from the state of Indiana to be inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame.
The 2019 Hall of Fame Class was chosen after a two‐level selection process involving a screening committee composed of active high school state association administrators, coaches and officials, and a final selection committee composed of coaches, former athletes, state association officials, media representatives and educational leaders. Nominations were made through NFHS member associations.
