FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2016
EASTON, Mass. – Stonehill has named Eli Gardner as its seventh head football coach in the program’s varsity era. The announcement was made today by Dean O’Keefe ‘94, director of athletics at the College.
“I am thrilled Coach Gardner has accepted the opportunity to lead our football program and build upon the culture of academic and athletic excellence he has helped create in his seven years at Stonehill,” said O’Keefe.
“This position attracted a large number of quality applicants from across the country, and the search process confirmed Eli is one of the brightest young minds in collegiate football who is ready to serve our institution as head coach. I am confident his work as a teacher and mentor for our student-athletes will provide them not only the skills to compete on the field, but the knowledge and experience to contribute to our community and succeed in their chosen path after graduation.”
Gardner takes over after serving seven seasons on former head coach Robert Talley’s coaching staff. The Gridiron Club of Greater Boston’s 2015 Division II Assistant Coach of the Year, Gardner completed his second season as assistant head coach last fall, having served as the Skyhawks Defensive Coordinator for five seasons. He has served as positional coach for the defensive backs and linebackers over his time on the Stonehill sideline as well.
“It is my honor and privilege to become the next head football coach at Stonehill College,” said Gardner. “I would like to thank Fr. John Denning (Stonehill President), Pauline Dobrowski (Vice President for Student Affairs), Dean O’Keefe and Robert Talley for their confidence and faith in allowing me this tremendous opportunity. I would also like to thank my wife, Stephanie, for allowing me to chase my passion and being relentlessly supportive throughout this process and beyond.”
Gardner, who joined Stonehill prior to the 2009 season as special teams coordinator and linebackers coach, has transformed the Stonehill defense into one of the premier units in not just the Northeast-10 Conference, but within all of Division II since taking over as defensive coordinator during the 2011 season. He directed a Stonehill defense which ranked second in the NE-10 and 11th nationally in Division II for total defense last season, allowing just 279.2 yards per game, and second in the Conference for passing defense (17th nationally) at 158.5 yards per game. The Skyhawks led the NE-10 (23rd) in rushing defense (120.6 yds/gm) and ranked fourth (34th) for scoring defense (20.9 ppg). The defense also ranked eighth nationally for first down defense (14.4 allowed per game) and 15th for third down conversion defense (30.6%).
15 Stonehill defensive players have earned All-Northeast-10 Conference honors in Gardner’s five seasons as defensive coordinator, with four also collecting All-Super Region 1 accolades and Jareed Gaines, ’13, and Brian Harrington, '15 earning All-America status. Harrington had a record-breaking season for the Skyhawks in 2013 and was a finalist for the inaugural Cliff Harris Award for the top small college defensive player in the country, while also earning the Joseph P. Zabilski Defensive Player of the Year Award from the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston.
Stonehill ranked in the top ten nationally in Division II for total defense (6th) in 2014, allowing an NE-10 low 284 yards per game, and rushing defense (10th), yielding a Conference low 94.7 yards per game. He helped guide the Skyhawks to a share of the 2013 Northeast-10 regular season championship for the first time in program history as the team posted its first winning season (8-3, 8-1 NE-10) since 1996.
In addition to his sideline duties, Gardner has been Stonehill’s lead recruiter in his home state of New Jersey, while also gaining valuable ties in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and Maine. He also initiated and ran the football program’s social media marketing and promotions campaigns, coordinated the annual Stonehill Football Alumni Golf Outing and Winter Social.
“Stonehill has created an environment that truly allows for students and student-athletes alike to develop morally, socially, intellectually and spiritually,” said Gardner. “I am beyond excited to remain a part of this community and build a program that will continue to be a source of pride. Our young men will serve as true ambassadors of the College, helping to create a program of distinction.”
Gardner, a Milford, New Jersey native, spent one year as defensive line coach and video coordinator at Western New England University, his alma mater, prior to joining the coaching staff at Stonehill in 2009. He is a 2008 graduate of Western New England, having earned his Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration from Endicott College in 2014.
Stonehill finished 2015 with its second winning season over the past three years, posting a 7-4 record overall, including 5-4 in NE-10 play to finish fourth in the Conference standings.
More Quotes on Gardner:
“I am so happy for Eli, the football program and the entire Stonehill community with this announcement. Eli has been working towards this day since he first arrived on campus and he has earned and deserves this opportunity. He has a passion for the football program and the College, and a deep understanding of the culture. His leadership position as defensive coordinator will serve him well as in steps into a new role. His intensity, focus and attention to detail will elevate this program to new heights.”
– Robert Talley, former Stonehill head coach
“I couldn’t be more excited for Eli as he takes over as head football coach at Stonehill College. He is a great coach that cares about his craft and the student-athletes that he mentors. Skyhawk football has a bright future ahead with Eli at the helm.”
– Keith Emery, head coach Western New England University
ABOUT THE NORTHEAST-10
The Northeast-10 Conference is an association of 15 NCAA Division II colleges and universities located in New England and New York that is committed to supporting balanced academic and athletic opportunities for more than 6,500 student-athletes.
Each year, 4,500 of those student-athletes compete in conference championships in 24 sports, making the NE-10 the largest DII conference in the country in terms of sport sponsorship. Leading the way in the classroom, on the field and within the community, the Northeast-10 is proud of its comprehensive program and the experience it provides student-athletes.
