Personal Statement
My name is James Gardner, I just completed my senior year as All-Kingco 3A 1st Team on both sides of the ball, 1st Team All-Kingco 3A RB and 1st Team DE. Our team rattled off 4 straight wins to win our second Kingco 3A league championship in last 3 years. I lead Kingco 3A in sacks with 7, third in rushing with 768 yards, 6 touchdowns, and was 4th in tackles with 72.
As a junior in 2018 I was named starting running back and a GRIT Captain at Lake Washington High School. I helped lead our Varsity squad to the Washington WIAA State Tournament for the first time since 2003. I lead the Kangs with 711 total all purpose yards and 6 touchdowns at RB. The highlight of the season was beating Shorewood in the playoffs, 17-0 where I had 102 yards on 32 carries, 2 touchdowns and a sack. We also won the 2019 3A Washington State baseball championship.
I am slated to be a two way starter in my 2019 senior campaign at running back and linebacker. My goal is to play Division 1, 2, or 3 football and complete my college education majoring in business. I'm very much excited for our team to reach all new heights in 2019. My teammates and I are committed to training harder than ever in the off-season to make it happen. I am currently carrying a 3.8 GPA at LWHS.
In my 2017 sophomore season I was promoted to Varsity full time. I am a two way player playing running back and linebacker. Our team went 8-4 and won the Kingco 3A title. My breakout game was against state powerhouse, Bellevue where I rushed for 116 yards, averaged 6.4 yards per carry and scored a touchdown. I started on our kickoff and punt return teams as a kick returner.
In the 2016 season I split time between junior varsity and the freshman a two way player, running back and defensive end. Our team went 7-1 and I was named our Always Rising MVP. I finished year with 13 touchdowns. The passion for football runs deep in my family. Both my grandfathers started at Washington State University. Mel Melin QB 1959-1961 and Bud Gardner, Guard 1951-1954.
I am a three-sport, athlete, in addition to football, I play basketball and baseball for Lake Washington High School. 2019 was a huge year as we the State 3A championship in baseball. In 2013, my Kirkland American Little League 11U All-Star team won the Washington state title. My football journey with my teammates and coaches has been fantastic. I know I can lead by example in the classroom and on the field at your university.