Biography
A 4-year member of the SU Football team, Mike shared a starting spot at tight end for the Crusaders undefeated 1983 MAC Conf. Champions. He played Baseball as freshman, then became a 3-year student Asst. for Head Coach Scot Dapp. He worked as a lifeguard at the SU pool, as an RA in Hassinger and New Men's and then as Head Resident at Aikens. He was also Sports Editor for the Crusader, sports reporter for the Daily Item, projectionist for SU Library Media Center and mastermind of many practical jokes.
After SU, Mike became an English teacher at Garnet Valley High School. In 1986, Mike was named head football coach. Mike transformed Garnet Valley from a small AA team into one of the most successful, recognized and respected programs in PA. Over 35 years, his teams won 261 games; 2nd most in Delaware County history and Top 40 all time in PA. In his last 17 seasons, GV compiled an incredible record of 164-32, a league record of 114-12, won 3 District Championships, 8 Central League Championships, and played for a State Championship. He was named Southeastern PA Coach of the Year (2x) by Phila. Inquirer, Eastern PA's Big School Coach of the Year, Delaware County's Coach of the Year, District One's Coach of the Year and was inducted into the Delaware County Hall of Fame. Since retiring in June 2022, Mike is also to be inducted into the PA Scholastic Football Coaches Assoc. Hall of Fame (May 2023) and PA Sports Hall of Fame-Delco chapter (June 2023). Mike also received the Franklin Mint "Excellence in Teaching Award," as the Top Teacher in his school district.
Mike's mantra, "Football is the least important thing that we do" is the foundation for an education- based program that has positively impacted the lives of his players and community. His philosophy of Oneness, focus on players being selfless, hardworking and character laden, and his insistence that everyone in the program Refuse to Be the Victim, Choose to Be Positive, Control What You Can Control and Do What You're Supposed to Do, have helped young men become better people, better students and also better football players. He consistently had 100+ players come out for the team (grades 10-12, two played for SU). He also offers time and insights for youth program coaches in PA, NJ, MD and DE.
In addition to Mike's accomplishments on the field, at GV he is best known as an elite English teacher and advocate for any student, teacher, parent or others in need of help in the GV community. At Mike's retirement, Dr. Marc Bertrando, GV Superintendent, put it best, "Honestly, regardless of what I say in the next few minutes, it cannot possibly quantify the positive impact Mike has had over the last almost 40 years. In fact, as I thought about my words this evening, I came to the conclusion that there are few individuals who have had a more profound impact on a community than Mike Ricci."
Mike recently started a company, Achieving Oneness, that allows him to share the pyramid of principles he and his staff developed, his universal motivational messages and his proven blueprint for how to develop a dynamic, successful culture with various businesses, schools and other organizations. Most recently, he has presented to companies such as DuPont (Kevlar/Nomex), AstraZeneca, Acme-Hardesty, Giant Pharmacies, & Excel PT, and to coaches at a host of high schools and colleges.
Mike and his wife, Connie, have four children–Jonathan, who recently completed his career as a tight end at the Univ. of Delaware, Matthew, a plebe on the wrestling team at the Naval Academy and twins Theresa and Natalie, high school seniors who will soon be field hockey players at Indiana Univ. and LaSalle Univ., respectively. If the Ring of Honor was established to recognize SU Football Alumni who have excelled on and off the field, who have dedicated their lives to serving and mentoring others, then it was created with people like Mike Ricci in mind.
