A Way of His Own     

John Gagliardi

   While big-time college football teams clash today, some with coaches who make more than $7 million a year, people in Collegeville, Minnesota remember the winningest coach of them all.

   John Gagliardi died this month at 91, six years after retiring from St. John's all-male Catholic college. Mostly at NCAA Division III, non-scholarship St. John's, he set national records for seasons coached (64) and games won, (489). 

   Gagliardi passed Eddie Robinson and Joe Paterno with an unconventional approach that might be ideal for other student athletes. Of course, that train already left the station. 

   He had one rule for players, the Golden Rule. He emphasized education and character.

   No player was cut from the roster, which often exceeded 150 players. Gagliardi abhorred injuries, so contact in practice was limited. No tackling. 

   There were no grueling calisthenics, no hazing, screaming, whistles or practice in extreme weather. He said, "We get the right guys, the ones who don't need any rules...we just hope they can play football."

   His record, 489-138-11, includes four Division III national titles. 

   Might Gagliardi's approach work for all universities? Would revenues still pour in? Maybe...if everyone abides by the rules. But, they wouldn't. And what would become of the money-hungry NFL?    

     Jimmy