2009: Started all 12 games at outside linebacker, finishing second on the Wildcat defense with 71 tackles... had 33 solo and 38 assisted stops with one interception, one pass breakup and one forced fumble... had 10 tackles at Minnesota State (9-19-09) and against Upper Iowa on 10-3-09... also had forced fumble and breakup vs Upper Iowa... had eight tackles with an interception in final collegiate game against Mary on 11-7-09.
2008: Appeared in all 12 games as a backup linebacker and special teams player for the Wildcats...had 17 tackles with eight solo stops and nine assisted tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss for five yards...had career-high five tackles with three solo stops vs. Winona State on 10-18-08 and had four stops vs. Concordia, St. Paul on 11-1-08.
2007: Played in 11 games on the season serving as a backup linebacker and participant of special teams...Totaled 14 stops on the year...Posted a career-high of four tackles at Upper Iowa on 9-15-07.
2006: Played in five games as a backup linebacker. . . Recorded his first tackle of his career against Southwest Minnesota State on 10-21-06. . . Also appeared in games against Bemidji State, Concordia-St. Paul, Missouri-Rolla and Winona State.
2005: Redshirted
High School: Attended Wakefield High School, helping Trojans to an unbeaten regular season as a senior. Averaged 14 tackles per game to earn selection to Norfolk Daily News All-Area Top 20 Team. Named Lewis and Clark All-Conference as a junior and senior.
Personal: son of Kirk Gardner and Janice Gardner-Manganaro...Born August 21, 1986....Major is business management.
