The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) was proud to present Anthony Gardner with the Mal Mayse Distinguished Service Award at the 2024 Boys Soccer Championships, recognizing his outstanding contributions to high school athletics in Missouri.
Gardner, who began his officiating career in 1990, expressed his gratitude for receiving this prestigious honor.
"It is an honor and privilege to be presented with such a prestigious award when so many others are deserving," Gardner said. "A special thanks to George Blaze, Kevin Garner, the people at MSHSAA, and the Observers who believed in me. And a very special thanks to my family and friends who have always supported my refereeing career."
Throughout his career, Gardner officiated 11 High School State Finals and, in 2015, made the decision to step off the field. Shortly afterward, MSHSAA asked him to serve as a Soccer Observer in the Kansas City area and surrounding regions. Since then, Gardner has been a constant presence at the High School State Finals, dedicating his time to ensuring the quality of officiating across the state.
"My goal as an Observer is to help promote and educate soccer officials throughout the state, hoping they will be as blessed by high school soccer as I have been over the years," Gardner said.
MSHSAA is proud to honor Anthony Gardner for his dedication to the development of soccer officials and his long-standing commitment to high school athletics in Missouri. His contributions, both on and off the field, have made a lasting impact on the soccer community.