Bob Ricca, longtime St. John's football coach, dies at 79

Bob Ricca St. John's University football coach Hall of Famer college football

St. John's University has announced the passing of Hall of Famer and longtime football coach Bob Ricca, who died at the age of 79.

Ricca served as the head coach of the football program from 1974 until the program was discontinued in 2002. During his tenure, he led the team from its club-level origins to Division III in 1978, and eventually to Division I-AA in 1993. His coaching career included 15 winning seasons and seven championships, notably the 1994 ECAC title where the team finished with a 10-1 record.

Ricca was a three-time Coach of the Year, earning honors from the Liberty Conference in 1989 and 1991, and from the MAAC in 1994. A native of Flushing, he was a standout athlete at Holy Cross High School and C. W. Post. Ed Kull, Vice President and Director of Athletics, noted that Ricca mentored a generation of successful student-athletes and helped build a loyal alumni base.

Entities

Bob Ricca · Ed Kull · St. John's University

Sources

St. John’s Mourns the Passing of Hall of Famer Bob Ricca - St. John's University Athletics [redstormsports.com]

26 days ago

Longtime St. John’s football coach Bob Ricca dead at 79 [nypost.com]

26 days ago