Donald “Don” Hugh Gardner, Sr.
“Golden Era Inductee”
- Graduated from Florence High School in 1944
- Florence High School
- Played football at Florence High School
- Was a star triple‐threat back
- Was named All‐State in 1943
- Was second highest scorer in the state in 1943
- Selected to the Shrine Bowl in 1943 and was named team captain
- Received multiple scholarship offers from Newberry, Duke, Georgia,
UNC, Clemson & Presbyterian
- Played one football game at Newberry College and was drafted into World War II
- Career
- Played semi‐pro football for the Florence White Flashes in 1948 & 1949
- Coached the Florence Bengals (semi‐pro football team) in the
early 70's
- Member of the Florence Athletic Club
- Was a certified high school / American Legion baseball umpire
- ASA Director/Softball Commissioner and umpire
- Volunteered with coaching with West Florence High School football