Nicknamed "The Fox", Gardner won nearly 70 percent of his games by stressing solid fundamentals and an up-tempo style of play. Gardner is the only coach in history to have led two different schools to the NCAA Final Four two times each. He led Kansas State to the Final Four in 1948 and 1951, then led the University of Utah there in 1961 and 1966. He won three Big Seven titles at Kansas State and five Skyline Conference titles at Utah. Gardner's Utah team was nicknamed the "Runnin' Redskins" because of his emphasis on offense and the fast break. Gardner coached the NABC East-West All-Stars in 1953, 1960 and 1964 and was a recipient of the National Association of Basketball Coaches' Golden Anniversary Award.

Died April 10, 2000