Back to search

Frank Girardi

Coach

Inducted 2016

Date of Birth

7/16/1939

Birthplace

Williamsport, PA

School

Lycoming College (1972-2007)

Bio

Ranking 16th across all NCAA divisions in total wins at the time of his induction, Frank Girardi firmly established himself as a legend during his 36 years as Lycoming’s head coach from 1972-2007. He becomes the first College Football Hall of Fame inductee (player or coach) from the college. Girardi took over as the Warriors’ head coach in 1972, finishing his career with an impressive 257-97-5 record (72.3 win percentage). It took him three years, but when the team finished 6-2 in 1975, it started a streak of 29 consecutive winning seasons that lasted through 2003. Girardi led Lycoming to 11 appearances in the Division III playoffs, 13 playoff victories and two trips to the Stagg Bowl, the Division III national championship game, in 1990 and 1997. His Warriors led Division III in total defense twice and rushing defense three times. The 12-time MAC Coach of the Year led Lycoming to at least a share of the conference title 13 times, and he became the Maxwell Football Club’s first recipient of the Tri-State Coach of the Year Award in 1999. During his illustrious career, Girardi coached 10 First Team All-Americans, two First Team Academic All-Americans and 217 first team all-conference selections. His bust now stands in front of Lycoming’s stadium. Girardi has been inducted into four halls of fame, including the Lycoming Athletics Hall of Fame, West Branch Valley Sports Hall of Fame, the State of Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and West Chester University (Pa.)’s W. Glenn Killinger Football Hall of Fame. A running back on two undefeated teams at West Chester University (Pa.) under College Football Hall of Fame player Glenn Killinger (Penn State),Girardi started his coaching career as the head coach of Jersey Shore (Pa.) Area High School. He joined Lycoming’s staff in 1969 as an assistant before taking the reins as head coach in 1972. He also served as Lycoming’s athletics director from 1984-2008.