By By Tim Robertson
Sitting in a breathtaking corner office overlooking the south end zone of James M. Shaurt Stadium is a coach quickly becoming a school legend.
The legacy of Pride football coach Joe Gardi is best noted by the words success and stability. Gardi is three games into his 16th season at the helm of the Pride’s football team, and through last Saturday he has compiled a 114-59-2 record and made the NCAA playoffs six of the past 11 seasons.
However, after two disappointing seasons in which the Pride lost its starting quarterback each season, Gardi is confident about his team’s chances of returning to the NCAA playoffs and the recognition that comes with being back on top.
In order to, as the team’s motto mandates, “Restore the Roar”, the Pride must “keep the quarterback healthy… and not get injuries elsewhere,” Gardi said. The
Gardi knows this team plays in a tough conference, with defending national champion James Madison University and the currently top-ranked University of New Hampshire, to name a few.
But who is the toughest, and according to Gardi, the best to play?
“It’s always Delaware, especially when you are playing down there,” he said. “It’s 25,000 fans, you can’t hear yourself think. It’s a great football atmosphere.”
The success of the football team under Gardi and its rise from Division III to Division I-AA is no mistake. Gardi describes his best coaching trait as his ability to evaluate talent no one else sees. He takes that hidden talent within a player and develops him into not only an elite college player, but sometimes into a NFL-caliber player. In Gardi, the Pride saw a high level of talent and fortunately he has been able to hold on to the reputable coach for many years.
With all the success Gardi has endured in the past 16 years, and with his combined 14 years of work with the Jets and the NFL executive offices, one might question why he hasn’t moved on to bigger and better things.
The answer?
“Stability and consistency are worth a lot more than money in coaching,” said Gardi, who relishes the fact he hasn’t had to move in a profession that usually forces change.
When he is not recruiting or on the sidelines, Gardi likes to spend time with his family.
“I like to be with my grandchildren,” he said. “I don’t have any great hobbies like fishing or anything,”
The best way to describe how Gardi feels about his situation with the Pride is extreme satisfaction. He has built a legitimate contender year in and year out for most of his 16 seasons.
He has remained in the area close to his family, which creates stability and translates into something more than anyplayoff victory could ever bring. There is no doubt with Gardi running the sidelines, his expertise and knowledge will help the Pride “Restore the Roar” this year and beyond.
Coach Gardi is looking to “restore the roar” during this season. (Photo Courtesy Athletic Dept.)