CALIFORNIA (June 28) – After 10 years as head football coach at California University of Pennsylvania, John Luckhardt has announced that he will retire effective Aug. 3.
“This is an incredibly demanding job,” he said. “It has become obvious to me that I can no longer work at the level needed to lead this program most effectively.”
Luckhardt, who missed the last game of the 2011 season when he was hospitalized with a kidney infection, cited health concerns as the reason for his retirement.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to work at this institution for the past 10 years, and a tremendous experience for me and my family,” he said.
Luckhardt took over the Vulcans football program prior to the 2002 season and built it into a powerhouse, leading the Vulcans to three NCAA Regional Championships, two appearances in the PSAC Championship Game, three top-10 finishes and seven-consecutive PSAC West titles.
His success extended into the classroom. In addition to 10 or more wins in the last five years, the Vulcans have had 68 PSAC Scholar-Athletes, seven CoSIDA Academic All-District selections and two Academic All-Americans.
Interim athletic director
Dr. Karen Hjerpe thanked Luckhardt for his leadership.
“His vision of success has resonated throughout our department since he started, and he has turned our football program into an annual national contender,” she said. “His insight from his past experience as athletic director has provided education and mentorship to all around him, including myself. He has touched many lives through coaching.
“The sign of a great coach is one who cares about the players both on and off the field,” she added. “John has a long list of successful student-athletes who have come through his football program and have developed into successful men both personally and professionally.”
Luckhardt came to Cal U after 17 seasons with the football program at Washington & Jefferson, where he still holds the school record for most career wins. He also coached at Purdue, his alma mater, and at Northern Illinois and Lehigh universities.
Dr. Lenora Angelone, vice president for Student Affairs at Cal U, spoke of Luckhardt's confidence and passion for the game.
“John Luckhardt came to Cal 10 years ago with a belief that anything is possible,” she said. “He moved his belief into reality by modeling his confidence to his coaching staff and his players. His strength and courage were uncompromising, and his energy was unbridled.
“Coach Luckhardt leaves a legacy of accomplishments on the field and a coaching staff uniquely prepared to carry on the great tradition of Vulcan football.”
Cal U has not yet named Luckhardt's successor as head coach.
In a letter to Acting University President Geraldine Jones, Luckhardt said he intends to remain “a vocal and active supporter” of the University.
“During his tenure here at Cal U, Coach Luckhardt has magnificently led our football team, and consequently our University, into the national spotlight. His amazing knowledge and work ethic have inspired not only our student-athletes, but all of us at Cal U,” said Acting President Jones.
“There is no doubt that 'Coach Lucky' will be missed by our students, faculty, staff and alumni, but he shall never be forgotten. The legacy he leaves here at Cal U speaks for itself. He deserves the best retirement has to offer, particularly good health and happiness.”
