Two More Bulldogs Sign

May 29, 2008

The Marianna Bulldogs athletic program had two more athletes sign letters of intent to play their respective sport at the collegiate level. In girls basketball it was Keela McKay, who will take her hoops game to Enterprise Ozark Community College. McKay has been a four year standout player for the Lady Bulldogs at Marianna and her current coach is Chucky Brown. McKay is the first Lady Bulldog in 10 years to sign a scholarship to play basketball at the college level.
In baseball, Brandon Gardner culminated many hard years of work and dedication when he signed to play baseball at Chipola for the Indians next season. As a three year starter for the Bulldogs Gardner helped lead the 2008 Bulldogs to a District Championship, a 19-8 record and a second round playoff berth. During the past season Gardner batted .360 with 12 RBI, 25 runs scored and 9 stolen bases. He also had a .502 on base percentage. After playing shortstop for two of his three years for the Bulldogs, Gardner shared time this past season at shortstop and third base. He was named as the Bulldog Freshman Most Valuable Player, made the All Big Bend Honorable Mention Team and was selected to the Panhandle Baseball All Star Classic on the East Team. In addition to his time on the baseball diamond, Gardner has demonstrated his athletic ability on the football field as well, holding down the quarterback and safety positions during the last three years.
Gardner is also just as dedicated in the classroom as he is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club an outstanding senior and honor graduate. He is the son of Dee Dee and Carlan Martin and the late Shane Gardner.