Indianapolis, In. — Director of the National Federation of State High Schools Association, Bob Gardner, is the second annual recipient of the Richard G. Lugar Award for Distinguished Service to Interscholastic Athletics. A presentation will be made during halftime of the 4A state championship game by IHSAA Commissioner Bobby Cox, Jim Morris, Vice Chairman of Pacers Sports and Entertainment, and Governor Eric Holcomb.
Gardner has worked in education for the last 48 years in a variety of capacities. He also served as a principal and superintendent in the Milan Community School system. In 1985 Gardner joined the IHSAA staff as an Assistant Commissioner, and was later appointed Commissioner of the Association in 1995. He has been a member of the National Federation of State High Schools Association in 200 and became the executive director in 2010. During his service with the IHSAA he has focused on risk minimization and on concussion awareness.
Gardner graduated from Boonville High School where he was a three-sport athlete. He graduate from the University of Evansville with a Bachelor’s degree and earned a Master’s degree from Ball State University. He is a member of the Indiana High School Wrestling Hall of Fame, and has also served on the Board of Directors for USA Football, USA Basketball, and the Indiana Sports Corporation.
