It’s a day that Larry Gardner will always remember. A day when he competed in the OHSAA Class A state track and field shot put event in Columbus, and captured the state title. The day was May 23, 1975, and this year marks the 50th anniversary of Gardner’s impressive toss for the state crown. Gardner, who held a deep love for the game of basketball, was a versatile athlete in high school who not only competed in throwing events on the track and field team, but also ran sprints.