Honoring a Red Hawk Legend, Launching a Montclair Legacy
With the longest tenure of any coach in Red Hawks football history as well as the most wins - a record of 260 victories, 12 New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Championships and nine NCAA Division III Playoff appearances from 1983 to 2022 – Coach Rick Giancola has long held legendary status at Montclair State University. After 40 years leading the Red Hawks, he retired as the active wins leader in Division III and was fourth among all collegiate levels, behind Al Bagnoli, Mack Brown and Nick Saban.
On September 3, 2026, at the football season opener, Montclair celebrated Coach G’s legacy by naming the field “Rick Giancola – Sprague Field”, recognizing his contributions to athletics at the University and securing his place in Montclair’s history.
The on-field ceremony began just before kickoff, with Giancola facing the stands, surrounded by family and friends, with President Jonathan Koppell, Associate VP and Director of Athletics Rob Chesney ’90, former Athletics Director Holly Gera ’79 and Head Football Coach Mike Palazzo ’14 at his side. Behind them, current players stood at attention. Alumni and former players gathered facing the field, to show their gratitude for Giancola’s leadership and support over four decades.
The announcer recounted Giancola’s career at Montclair, from its beginning in 1976 when he joined the staff as an assistant coach under Fred Hill. In addition to his record of victories, NJAC championships and NCAA Division III Playoff appearances, Giancola was named NJAC Coach of the Year 11 times. He coached 26 Division III All-Americans and had 25 players sign professional football contracts.
When Defensive Lineman Richie Martinez and Fullback Anthony Roige drew back a sideline tarp to reveal the field’s new name, the crowd of students, alumni and fans erupted in a heartwarming roar of appreciation. The cheers were such that Giancola turned to the current team to applaud right back and, ever the coach, bring them into a huddle. It was an emotionally charged moment, made especially poignant as Martinez and Roige were among the last student athletes to play for Giancola.
Despite his many accomplishments, Giancola considers this one of his proudest moments. “Seeing my name on the field and knowing it will forever remain there is the highlight of my career,” he says.
True to form, he takes the opportunity to recognize the contributions of others. “Although it’s my name on the field, it would not have been possible without the collaboration and dedication of the administration, all of the coaches who worked long hours alongside of me and the training and support staff,” he points out. “We have always had a first-class team and I am proud and grateful to have been part of it for 47 years!”
“It was a special night for Montclair State University Athletics,” says Chesney. “An appropriate moment to honor a gentleman who successfully led a program for more than 40 years and made a positive impact on so many student-athletes and colleagues.”
The event inspired Palazzo to reflect on his place in the Red Hawk timeline. "I knew, when I took on the role of Head Coach at Montclair, that I would have big shoes to fill," Palazzo says. "But I also knew that my efforts would draw on the strength of the program that Coach G built. It is, and will continue to be, an honor to continue his commitment to excellence on and off the field."
Gera, who joined Montclair’s athletics program in 1989 and served as athletic director from 1996 to 2019, recalls Coach G’s dedication to his craft. “He was knowledgeable and hardworking,” she says. “The outpouring of response from former players of all eras is a testament to the impact he had on their lives.”
In fact, more than 100 alumni and friends gathered in the End Zone for a reception as well as a tour of the newly renovated football locker room – renovations that were generously supported by Montclair football alumni and friends. The day’s schedule provided ample time for reminiscing. Just about everyone had a great story to share; many of them ended with hugs and even a few tears.
“Every memory of my time as a player and coach with Coach G can easily be a favorite,” says Bob Franks ’92, a Montclair State University Athletics Hall of Famer who played for Giancola. “Coach G led by example on and off the field. He made me the best student athlete I could be by modeling the behaviors needed to improve as a person, a student and an athlete every day. After my playing career ended, Coach G invited me to serve on his coaching staff. It was an amazing experience that set the table for my high school coaching career and 25 years as a public school administrator.”
“I enjoyed the entire day,” Giancola noted after the event. “I was extremely happy to see all of the people who came out to celebrate this honor with me. It’s hard to put into words the overwhelming happiness and gratitude I felt seeing family, friends, former and current coaches and players. Having all of these people who mean so much to me there and catching up with them was truly a gift.”
“Coach Giancola’s unwavering dedication to his players, his colleagues and to the University community left an indelible mark on Montclair State University,” President Koppell notes. “He’s set high standards that all of us should hope to meet. I’m proud to honor his contributions to our Montclair athletics with the naming of Rick Giancola-Sprague Field.”
Carry the Celebration Forward
As we honor Coach G's legacy by naming the field Rick Giancola - Sprague Field, we celebrate the culture he built and the lasting impact it continues to have on our student-athletes. Your support will help ensure future generations of Red Hawks benefit from the same transformative experience. Join us in honoring Coach G and investing in the future of Montclair Football.
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