BERNIE GAUGHAN

Football Coach

Perhaps the major reason for the football survival at the College, BERNIE GAUGHAN was associated with the sport longer than anyone else.

He came to the College in 1973 as defensive coordinator under then head coach Paul Cantiani 73. He served 10 years directing the Hounds' defense before assuming the reigns as head coach in 1983. He automatically moved into the same role as the College elevated its football program from Club' status to varsity in 1988.

His defense was consistently ranked among the conference and national leaders and was the major reason for the success of the 1975 Eastern Football Conference champions and the national playoff teams in 1981 and 1982.

Gaughan was and still is a winner both on-and-off the field. He was indirectly responsible for a team graduation rate that exceeds 95 percent while his players won seven Rev. Armand Desautels Memorial Awards (top senior student-athletes) at the College.

A defensive back in college at the University of Tampa many more years ago than he cares to remember, he was involved in coaching for nearly 30 years. He began at Little Compton, RI High and moved to Clinton High before assuming control of the Hounds' defense 28 years ago.

He is married to the former Ann Zumhagan and still lives in Clinton. The couple has three sons, Michael, Patrick, and Peter, and a daughter, Nancy, a 1991 graduate of the College. He is presently retired from Clinton High where he taught physical education and coached several sports for over 30 years.