Lycoming College Head Coach Frank Girardi

Record: 257-97-5 (72% in 36 Seasons)

In 36 years of coaching Lycoming College football, head coach Frank Girardi firmly established himself as a legend in his field. He built one of the most respected and consistently successful NCAA Division III football programs in the nation.

Girardi's career record at Lycoming is 257-97-5 and he ranks 15th on the NCAA all-time winningest coaches list, tied with legendary Brigham Young coach LaVell Edwards. In 2005, Girardi became only the 17th coach at any NCAA level to reach the 250-win plateau.

Warrior teams coached by Girardi have won 13 NCAA Division III playoff games, 13 Middle Atlantic Conference championships and made 11 appearances in the NCAA playoffs, including trips to the Stagg Bowl- the Division III national championship game- in 1990 and 1997. Lycoming has tallied a winning record in 29 of Girardi's 36 seasons as head coach.

His accomplishments and consistency have not gone unnoticed by others. Girardi is a member of three halls of fame, including the West Branch Valley Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania State Sports Hall of Fame, and West Chester University's W. Glenn Killinger Football Hall of Fame. The Middle Atlantic Conference has honored Girardi as their Coach of the Year on 12 occasions, and in 1999 he became the Robert W. Maxwell Football Club’s first recipient of their Tri-State Coach of the Year Award. The award is presented to an outstanding college or high school coach from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware.

Girardi began his love affair with football in high school when he carried the ball as a running back for the Williamsport Millionaires. He continued to play at the collegiate level at West Chester University.

Girardi entered the coaching ranks in 1961 when he became an assistant at Jersey Shore High School. He became head coach of the team in 1963 and remained in that position for six years.

In 1969, Girardi became an assistant at Lycoming under Budd Whitehill. Three years later, he took the reigns as head coach of a Warrior program that had gone 14-34 since their last winning season in 1965. Lycoming’s woes continued during Girardi’s first three seasons with marks of 2-6, 2-6 and 3-6. But in his fourth season, the Warriors recorded a mark of 6-2 and ran off 29 consecutive winning campaigns.

In 1984, Girardi accepted an expanded role in the College’s athletic department as the Director of Athletics. He continues to serve in that capacity today, overseeing Lycoming’s 17 intercollegiate athletic programs.

Girardi resides in Williamsport with his wife Lynne. Their four children – Cathi, Jerry, Frank Jr. and Justine – have all graduated from Lycoming College.

Girardi Honored For Lifetime Achievement

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Former Lycoming College head football coach Frank Girardi was honored on Sunday night with a lifetime achievement award, presented by ESPN Radio 1050 at the inaugural Night of Champions. After receiving the award, it was announced that in years to come, the honor will be titled the Frank Girardi Lifetime Achievement Award.

Girardi, who was scheduled to be a guest speaker at the inaugural event hosted at the Holiday Inn Grand Ballroom, was surprised when an audio clip featuring former players from as far back as the 1970’s began playing. Players spoke about how Girardi helped to shape their lives, both on and off the field.

Next, Girardi’s four children made their way to the stage to honor him with the ESPN 1050 Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting tribute on Fathers Day.

“I wondered why they were all here,” joked Girardi when he took the microphone. “I have been to countless events and games and it seemed odd that they would all come to this one.”
Following the presentation of the award, ESPN 1050 Sports Director Todd Bartley took the microphone for a special announcement.

“We felt that simply honoring him with this award was not enough,” said Bartley. “Therefore, in years to come, this award will be known as the Frank Girardi Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Girardi took the microphone and delivered one of the inspirational speeches he has become known for over his outstanding tenure at Lycoming. He spoke to the room, filled with the top high school talent in the county, about making good decisions throughout life and about staying on track for success.

The ESPN Radio Night of Champions event was held for the first time on Sunday evening. The night included a catered meal, messages from NFL and WNBA players, inspirational messages from Girardi and Bucknell head football coach Tim Landis and the presentation of numerous awards. Money was raised through a silent auction, a 50-50 raffle and a generous donation from M&T Bank, for the ESPN 1050 Scholarship fund, which will be granted to a graduating high school senior athlete from the area.

Bartley hopes that with the support of the community, the event will become an annual gathering to honor the accomplishments of the athletes in Lycoming County.

Girardi Gala Photos - A Celebration of Loyality

On Saturday, May 17, 2007, almost 600 loyal Frank Girardi fans celebrated his 36 years as the Head Coach of Lycoming College Football.