Weights, TV help make Kirk Gardner a gymnast
By DON BAKER
Kansan Sports Writer
When Kirk Gardner entered junior high school he became interested in lifting weights. However, by the eighth grade this strenuous effort to improve his physique became more work than fun so he turned to gymnastics to produce the same results.
"I just happened to see a gymnastics meet on television one day," he said, "and I decided it would be more fun."
Today this talented KU athlete is one of the top college gymnasts in the nation as shown by his number one ranking by the NCAA in his specialty event, the still rings.
KU coach Bob Lockwood has nothing but praise for the Atchison junior.
"Kirk is a very dedicated individual," Lockwood said. "He needs very little motivation to keep going, he's always trying to improve. Kirk is just simply a great gymnast."
Gardner has been an integral part of KU's success this year.
This year's results have been particularly gratifying to Gardner and everyone associated with the team.
Gardner said, "This year was a real question mark at the beginning. Clyne (Stan) was the key. But since he has made such a great comeback everything has clicked."
Clyne sustained a broken shoulder in March of last year while working out in Ames, Iowa preceding the Big Eight meet. At the time it was feared he would never participate in gymnastics again.
Presently Gardner is not concerned with past success but rather the Big Eight meet to be held this week in Manhattan and, more specifically, the routine he will use in the still ring competition.
"I have changed my routine for it," he said. "It is the same that I used against K-State. I got a lot of compliments on it and I think I can score well with it."
The Jayhawk gymnasts have a 10-2 dual won-lost record and Lockwood has termed it the best team in KU history.
But success is nothing new to Gardner. He was a member of Atchison High School's gymnastics team for four years, during which the school won four Centennial League championships.
Personal success was also a part of his high school career as is evidenced by his performances in state meet competition.
Gardner's superb development in high school made him a top college prospect but the jump to college gymnastics was not easy.
"It's really pretty tough for a freshman to make the team right off," he said. "It's quite an adjustment and it takes a lot of hard work."
But Gardner, like many of his teammates, did make the squad his yearling season and has consequently made rapid progress.
10 KANSAN Mar. 17 1970
Vote For EARL CLARK and JERRY HOOD for student representatives SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
Lockwood expressed optimism with the routine but added they are still looking at all possibilities before making a definite decision."
Lockwood said, "We are trying
to find the routine that will score, first, best for the team, and second, best for Kirk so he can assure himself of a place in the national meet."
Gardner's best score this year
is a near-unbelievable 9.55 but Lockwood believes his star pupil is capable of scoring even higher with the new routine. The first test will come in Manhattan this weekend.
Attention Women Students
APPLICATIONS are available now for women's personnel positions in the residence halls for the school year 1970-'71.
COMPLETED applications should be returned to the Dean of Women's Office by March 20,1970.
ANY junior or senior woman is eligible to apply.
OPPORTUNITY will be given to specify the particular hall in which the applicant prefers to work.
CONTACT a member of the Dean of Women's Staff if you have any questions.
RING DAYS
Next Tuesday and Wednesday, March 17 and 18
The Official Ring
OF THE UNIVERSITY
A factory representative will be at the bookstore to help you personalize your KU class ring. Seniors-order now to assure delivery by graduation. Juniors-get your ring now and enjoy it for a year.
kansas union BOOKSTORE