Saint John's University

A new book on legendary Saint John’s University football coach John Gagliardi is now available at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University Bookstores. Just Call Me John: The Leadership Story of John Gagliardi ($14.95, North Star Press) was written by David Weeres.

Weeres provides an engaging biography of Gagliardi gleaned from interviews with him. He also interviewed former players from each decade to give us their perception of Gagliardi’s character, his coaching philosophy and methods and his pointers for being successful in their careers. Weeres’ doctorate of education in leadership suited him well to undertake this project and to give readers insight into the man, the game, the players and the influence Gagliardi has had in the lives of 11 former Johnnies.

“Practices are a little like a classroom—you’re teaching,” says Gagliardi. Since 1953, Gagliardi has been “teaching” young men how to play winning football.  His “classroom” has been the beautiful natural bowl of Clemens Stadium. His college teams have won 471 games, 63 more than those of his closest rival.