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La Salle Names Russell Gordon New Football Coach
Arcadia Weekly Jan 12, 2012
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La Salle’s Athletic Director Anthony Harris, announced the selection of Russell Gordon as the Lancers’ new football coach during a packed Athletics Boosters meeting Tuesday evening. Gordon comes to La Salle from Campbell Hall where he has been for the last 15 years. In his eight years as Head Coach, he has compiled a 51-37 overall record. Gordon has taken his teams to the post season four of his eight years including a trip to the CIF finals. Gordon was named CIF Coach of the Year in 2005 and is the Head Coach for the East in the 2012 Daily News All-Star game.
Gordon has been successful preparing his athletes for the next level and has placed 17 of his former players on Division I and IAA college football teams. “I have had great success not only with a winning percentage, but also in making sure that student athletes learn to be accountable for their actions while learning lifelong lessons that they can implement into their daily living,” commented Gordon.
“We are very exited and pleased with taking our program to the next level,” said Harris. “Gordon was very impressive in the search process, but more importantly, he is the best fit for La Salle football as we move forward.”
When asked why he applied for the coaching position, he said, there is a tremendous amount of talent and passion at La Salle. “I was on campus for the homecoming game when this team was 0-8 and I couldn’t believe what I saw. The stands were filled, the community really came out for La Salle and that was an 0-8 team. From then on, I really wanted to be a part of this program and I’m happy I was able to join Anthony.” “I’m really proud of this gentlemen,” said Harris of Gordon, who will also be the assistant athletic director. “I hired him 15 years ago at Campbell Hall and I’m really proud of the man he’s turned into and the coach that he’s become.”
“Campbell Hall has been great to me and it’s a great school,” Gordon said. “But, I’m ready for a new challenge in my life. Plus, I look forward to professional growth and to be an assistant athletic director means a lot to me.”
Gordon’s application was one of over 70 submitted that were eventually reduced to 10 immensely qualified candidates. “The interview process was pretty grueling because there were great candidates and lot of stuff to go through, but his (Gordon’s) package was exceptionally well thought out and prepared,” Harris said. Gordon was the unanimous choice among the selection committee, according to the committee chair.
Gordon, who is the school’s fifth football head coach, and says he will bring most of his staff to La Salle, replaces Coach Antoine Peterson, who remains part of the La Salle faculty. The Lancers reached the playoffs once during Peterson’s four-year tenure and finished 7-34 overall.
