There are so many good things, so many positive performances going on the local sports scene, that sometimes its difficult to identify one Athlete of the Week. But this week, it was a no-brainer.

Jim Gardner’s showing at the Lebanon County Amateur made him an easy and obvious selection.

On Sunday at Pine Meadows Golf Course, Gardner completed a dominant and historic outing at the 58th edition of the championship of local amateur golf. Gardner carded an even par score of 72 over Pine Meadows’ 6,767-yard test, for a five-under par total of 139, seven shots lower than runner-up Chris Gebhard’s score.

Gardner entered Sunday’s final day with a four-shot advantage, courtesy of a blistering opening round of 67 the day prior. Gardner’s closing round featured four birdies, 12 pars and four bogeys.

Gardner’s County Amateur title was his second in-a-row, a feat last accomplished by Chad Schulze in 1998. In addition, Gardner became only the third competitor in the history of the event to capture three championships overall.

– Jeff Falk