Mike Gibbons Named To Providence Gridiron Club’s Hall Of Fame

From The Gridiron Club RI: Former Rogers High School two sport All Stater and current Hope High School Head Football Coach, Mike Gibbons, has been tapped by the Providence Gridiron Club, to be inducted into their 2017 Hall of Fame class. Gibbons graduated from Rogers High School in 1988. While a Viking, he was an All State choice in football and track, and the Rhode Island Gatorade Player of the Year in 1987.

Gibbons went on to Springfield College and participated in football, graduating in 1996. He is currently the Head Football Coach at Hope High School, and also coaches track for Hope, and Wheeler School. He has also been named the Providence Gridiron Club's Coach of the Year.

Coach Gibbons achieved a sense of community when a game field was renovated as a new home field for his Blue Wave players. The field, located behind the school, brought a sense of pride to the football players and the community.

The Patriots gave a grant to the Providence Recreation Department to provide opportunities for a summer football program for inner city youth. Coach Gibbons served as administrator and Head Coach for the program, called the NFL Junior Player Development Program.

He also worked with Brown University to provide the players with locker rooms, facilities and football fields for practice and games. Upon becoming Head Football Coach for Hope he increased the number of players participating in the Blue Wave program, and instilled a sense of pride, respect and discipline. Not only did the team's league standings improve, but Coach Gibbons has requested to move the program to a higher division.

Coach Gibbons will be honored on two occasions. First onSunday, November 5th at a Brunch, starting at 10 am at the Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington. Then on Wednesday night, 7pm, at the Quonset "0" Club in North Kingstown, there will be a gala affair toasting Coach Gibbons along with fellow honorees, Jack Jordan, Mike Salomone, John Abbate, Frank Iannetta and Tom Milewski. Jim Norman will receive a Special Meritorious Award also on that night. Tickets for the Brunch are $25. Tickets for the gala Prime Rib, five course dinner are $40. It is hoped that Coach Gibbons' family, friends, teammates, classmates, colleagues and players can be there to help him celebrate his special night.

For more information, details and to reserve a spot at this prestigious event, contact Providence Gridiron Club President Robert Izzi, at401-378-4393 or at robert.izzi@aol.com.

Image Courtesy of Rogers High School