The University of Mississippi Athletics
Jarrod Gardner Named To The SEC Good Works Team
4/19/2004 | Men's Golf
April 19, 2004
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Ole Miss junior Jarrod Gardner (Austin, Texas/Westwood H.S.) has been named to the 2004 Southeastern Conference Men's Golf Good Works Team, the league office announced Tuesday afternoon. The SEC sponsors Good Works Teams for all 20 league-sponsored sports. The inaugural men's golf team has been designed to honor student-athletes who give back to their community in superior service efforts.
Gardner is a member of the Ole Miss Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and has participated in the "Reading with the Rebels" program. The program occurs at various points throughout the year when Ole Miss student-athletes go into the community to read with area elementary school students.
Gardner has also been involved in the annual "Toys for Tots" program, which donates money to local charities during the holiday season. In addition, he led a Halloween Carnival effort for the general public last October.
"I am extremely proud of Jarrod because he has made a concerned effort to give back to the community," 11th-year head coach Woody Cowart said. "He does a nice job of representing himself and this program because he is very well-rounded. From the time he stepped foot on this campus, he has understood that it's important to do more than just go to class and play golf.
"I think it's important for each and every individual on this team to extend a hand to those in need. Unfortunately, we live an era with a lot of selfish people. In my opinion, there are too many talented people across the country who are taking and not giving anything back. In this program, we want young men who work hard in the classroom, work hard on the golf course and look at community service as a priority."
Gardner, who competed in a total of 28 rounds, posted a 75.75 stroke average for the year. The son of Tom and Jeanne Gardner recorded a 78-73-79--230 over the weekend at the 65th annual SEC Championships. His best round of the season (70) came Sept. 23 at the Mason Rudolph Championships.
