Montclair, NJ - Montclair State University Athletics announced on Thursday that it will honor the coaching legacy of longtime football coach Rick Giancola by naming its field "Rick Giancola - Sprague Field" during Montclair Football's season opener on Thursday, September 3.

Giancola, one of the most decorated coaches in the history of Montclair State University Athletics, spent 40 seasons at the helm of the Red Hawks. During his tenure, the program collected 260 victories, 12 New Jersey Athletic Conference Championships, and nine NCAA Division III Playoff appearances. He retired as the active wins leader in Division III and was fourth among all collegiate levels.

An 11-time NJAC Coach of the Year, he closed his career with the eighth-most wins in Division III history, helping produce 26 All-Americans and 25 student-athletes who went on to sign professional contracts.

The Red Hawks will open their 2026 campaign against the United States Merchant Marine Academy on September 3. The ceremony will take place at 4:45 PM, with kickoff scheduled for 5:00 PM.