He didn't set out to create a legend, nor to become one. Sprig Gardner just wanted to start a high school wrestling program, and teach skills and sportsmanship to young athletes. His success story is without parallel. In two decades at Mepham High School on Long Island, Gardner sent his teams to the mats 304 times for dual meets or tournaments. Ten times only, they failed to finish first (and two of those were ties).

A graduate of Franklin & Marshall, without wrestling experience, he organized his first team at Mepham in 1937 in an abandoned elementary school converted to a high school. Except for three years in World War II as a lieutenant commander on an aircraft carrier, he remained at the helm until 1958. He later restored a wrestling program at Gettysburg College.

After a year at the junior varsity level, Mepham burst onto the scholastic scene. Not for eight years would his teams know defeat. In 1946, Baldwin High ended a streak of 100 consecutive victories, yet that loss was merely an interlude. Mepham would not fall again until 1955, when a one-point loss to Amityville ended a string of 130 triumphs. Gardner's charges won 37 consecutive South Shore and Sectional tournaments.

The battle lines spread from Long Island. Mepham overpowered the best teams and even all-star squads from five states. Sprig's wrestlers won 254 dual meets, lost five and drew one. They won 40 tournaments, shared another title, and placed second three times.

Sprig and his Mepham wrestlers were featured in a five-page article in Life Magazine. Two of his proteges, George Creason and Sid Nodland, won National AAU championships while still in high school. Eighteen won Eastern Intercollegiate titles. Many attained success in both athletics and business. Innovation was a key to Gardner's success. His drill system revolutionized the sport. He shared his concepts with books and articles.

In recognition of his fabulous coaching career, and a lifetime of leadership in the development of wrestling, Frank "Sprig" Gardner is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.