Hall of Fame
Kenneth Gardner performed several roles with distinction at Truman State University. He enrolled at the university out of Warsaw Illinois high school and was an All-Conference football player three times in 1940, 1941, and 1946. He received All-American honors and was selected to play in the Missouri-Kansas All-Star game. He was also a standout in track, earning three letters in that sport. His college career was interrupted by military service in the army during World War II. Upon graduation from the university in 1947, he enjoyed a successful coaching tenure at Marceline High School for four years. His 1949 Marceline team was the conference co-champion. In 1951 he returned to his alma mater as assistant football coach. He also served as track coach, assistant basketball coach and cross-country coach. Kenneth's track teams won 19 MIAA Indoor Championships and 15 conference outdoor titles. Thirty-five of his track performers have received Division II All-American recognition and eleven men have won individual national titles. After 1974 he as served as the university's Athletic Director for eleven men's and eight women's intercollegiate sports and also found time to teach classes.
