Alan Gardner has given a lifetime to the sport of amateur wrestling in the state of Idaho.

He served as head football coach and head wrestling coach at three different high schools throughout his career.

Gardner started at Shelley High School from 1971-79, moved to Bonneville High School from 1979-85, and finally finished his coaching career at Ririe High School from 1985-97.

He continued teaching physical education and social studies at Ririe High School until his full retirement in 2007.

Gardner’s wrestling teams were 210-50 over a 27-year period. In that time, he coached 25 state champions, 50 district champions, 70 district runners-up, and 92 state medalists.

He coached Shelley High School to the Idaho state team championship in 1977, and 20 years later led Ririe High School to a fourth-place finish, the first team trophy in school history.