Reese Gardner is a senior on the Niles wrestling team.

What has been one of your greatest accomplishments as an athlete?

RG: Placing at the Defiance tournament my sophomore year.

What has been one of your biggest disappointments as an athlete?

RG: Getting pinned when I was winning the whole time.

Who is a “hero” in your life and why?

RG: My parents, because they taught me that you have to work for what you want.

When are you the most nervous while you are competing?

RG: Going against a ranked person.

Describe an embarrassing athletic moment.

RG:Tripping in the middle of a match.

How do you tend to work out/train when by yourself?

RG: I push myself like I would in practice.

What other sport would you like to compete in if you were not playing yours?

RG: Basketball.

Why are sports an important part of a high school experience?

RG: It teaches discipline.

How would you give away $50,000?

RG: To St. Jude.

If you could be the head coach of a team for a year, what team would you choose?

RG: The Chicago Bears.

If I did not play sports, I would…?

RG: Get a job.

What is the most challenging thing for you to do in your sport?

RG: Staying on weight.

If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be?

RG: The locked hands rule.

What is the best compliment you have ever received?

RG: I do not give up.

What was the last thing you saw someone do that really impressed you?

RG: A super duck in Ohio.

What is your favorite hobby? Why?

RG: Hunting, because it is calming.

Choose one word to describe yourself:

RG: Calm.

(Editor’s note: Reese Gardner is the son of former Dowagiac standout Chad Gardner and Tammy Gardner. His grandparents and Linda and Barry Gardner of Dowagiac.)