Name: Brian Scogland '01
Relationship to Coach King: Former player; assistant coach in 2000
One word that best describes Joe King: Unwavering
A Most Memorable Moment: Coach King leading us to an undefeated regular season and our first NCAA playoff berth in 1999.
General Reflections: Coach, I count myself as lucky to have come in to the RPI football program and play for you. I believe you bring out the very best in each of your players and I think the same is true for me.
You created a football tradition at RPI by teaching young players to be good people in addition to good football players. You taught us that there are no shortcuts and only hard work will get you to where you want to go. Thanks Coach.
Name: Charles "Butch" Becker
Relationship to Coach King: Assistant Football Coach & life long friend
One word that best describes Joe King: Preparedness
A Most Memorable Moment: Beating Springfield College, the #1 seed in the East in 2003, followed by the "snow bowl" in beating Ithaca College the following week
General Reflections: I coached with Joe at three schools including St. Peter's, Watervliet, and of course RPI. He took three poor football programs and made them all winners. No coach that I know prepares a team better than Coach King. If you think your smarter than Coach King he'll just out work you and eventually beat you. Congrats on your retirement Joe! You earned it!!
Name: Mike Blais '13
Relationship to Coach King: Player
One word that best describes Joe King: Passionate
A Most Memorable Moment: Coach King turning the hat backwards and then breaking it down with the team after winning the first night game at RPI after we brought The Shoes home.
General Reflections: He is one of the most passionate, caring, motivational people I know. He is one of the best coaches I have had in any area of athletics. I am extremely grateful that I was so fortunate to be able to play for Coach, learn from Coach, and be a part of his RPI family.
Name: David Schepperly '10
Relationship to Coach King: Player and Friend
One word that best describes Joe King: Tough
A Most Memorable Moment: Coach King is one of the toughest men I know. I remember coming into RPI my freshman year and being at preseason football camp. I wanted to do everything I could to prove I deserved to be out on that football field. That meant going 110%. I played defense and remember they called "Cover 1" which means man-to-man on your offensive receiver. The whistle sounded and I took off chasing my defender evey way he went. He took a hard step to the inside, and as I did, I met Coach King. I ran into Coach King full sprint in full football pads; he didn't even see it coming. I remember colliding with him, helmet included, and thinking, "Oh no!" I immediately stopped to help coach up off the ground. Right as I was bending down to lend him a hand he threw me off and said, "I got it. I got it." Coach King stood up, brushed the dirt off himself and went right back to coaching. At the end of practice Coach made a statement to the team, "Well boys, Schepperly thought he was going to take me out today. Well Shep, it takes a lot more than that to take me off this field." It was at that point I realized how dedicated and focused Coach King was to the players, the school, and the overall game of football. Furthermore, it reminded me never to mess with Coach King.
General Reflections: My Most Memorable Moment says it all.
Name: Chris Haftel '83
Relationship to Coach King: Player
One word that best describes Joe King: Honest
A Most Memorable Moment: Watching game film on Sunday evenings. As a RB screws up his blocking assignment, Coack King (then the offensive coordinator and also coached the RBs) deadpans: " I don't know who's teaching the RBs how to block, but they are doing an awful job!" Trying not to laugh was a chore.
General Reflections: Loved playing for Coach King. I was lucky to play for him at the beginning of his RPI tenure. Wish him all the best, and it was a pleasure knowing him.
Name: Alan Taracuk
Relationship to Coach King: Coached with Joe from 1982-1988
One word that best describes Joe King: Winner
A Most Memorable Moment: The most memorable moment was watching the whole game plan come together, including a fake field goal for a touchdown, and sharing the victory over Union in 1987.
My favorite story though was versus Coast Guard in 1982, I think. Joe was offensive coordinator on the field and I was receivers coach up in the booth. We were at Coast Guard, up by a couple of points and trying to run out the clock. They had all 11 guys up on the line of scrimagge trying to get the ball. Coast Guard just called their last time out. Third down coming and it was unclear whether we would be able to run the clock out or not. We were worrying about whether to punt on 4th or run around and that was impacting what play to run on third down. With all 11 of CG's players within 1 yard of the line of scrimmage, I said, "If we had any balls, we would throw it deep." Without skipping a beat, Joe dryly responded, "We don't have any." He was right, we went on to win and bring home the Shotglass Trophy.
General Reflections: Joe was always focused on the fundamentals, putting the players in the best mental and physical position to be able to win. It was a pleasure and an honor to work with him.
Name:
Greg Dietrich '96
Relationship to Coach King: Former Player
One word that best describes Joe King: Mentor
A Most Memorable Moment: I have so many memorable moments of my playing days at RPI during the '92 - '95 seasons. It was an honor to part of 3 ECAC championship teams while Coach King led us to a 31-8 record over those 4 seasons. Not bad for a program that had never been to a post-season before that 1992 season. There were countless inspiring pre-game, half-time and post-game speeches to remember. There were countless intense sideline moments - some which were chronically comical - such as seeing Coach get fired up every single time somebody would inadvertently step on the chord of his headset (pre-wireless days). However, the single most memorable moment I have is from my senior year in High School. One afternoon on a late January/early February day Coach King called my house and we spoke for the first time. By that time in the recruiting season I had already visited or planned to visit Union, WPI, Kings Point, Johns Hopkins and others, but I hadn’t spoken to anybody from RPI b/c (at the time) Coach King and the staff didn’t recruit NYC very actively. Fortunately, I was familiar with RPI b/c some alum from my HS were students or alums of RPI – so I applied early and checked the box that indicated I was interested in football. When Coach and I spoke I was immediately impressed by his open, honest and straight forward approach. Clearly, he made the call without having much expectations of finding a top-flight player – but he was still genuinely interested in talking to me. Needless to say – when he heard the schools that I was visiting – he immediately suggested I line up a visit to Troy and send a film! I’m not sure what made that one phone call so memorable – but I can still remember where I was sitting in my house and the feeling I had during the conversation. I had a good inclination after that call that RPI was going to be the place for me.
General Reflections: You will see that the word I chose to describe Coach King is mentor. I struggled with picking one word – b/c there are so many that fit: Tough, Inspiring, Competitive, Teacher, Honest, Caring, Friend, Supportive, Loyal, etc. Ultimately, I chose mentor after reading this definition “A mentor has a deep personal interest, is personally involved — a friend who cares about you and your long term development. The coach develops specific skills for the task, challenges and performance expectations on the field.” There is no question that Coach King has been a mentor to me, and thousands of others. While I am saddened to see Coach King retire, I am proud to have been part of his teams and I am thankful to him for his mentorship (which continues to this very day without having to overtly talk about it or discuss it). Good luck, Coach. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do.
Name: Mike Fil '10
Relationship to Coach King: Player
One word that best describes Joe King: Determination
A Most Memorable Moment: Beating WPI in 2008 for the Transit Trophy at WPI. To come back and win in overtime was one thing, but to see Coach King's celebration in the locker room was on a whole different level. Coach King playing air guitar because he was so happy was a sight that will never be forgotten
General Reflections: Coach King will surely be missed.
Name: Gerry King
Relationship to Coach King: Brother
One word that best describes Joe King: Best Friend
A Most Memorable Moment: There isn’t one moment I can say that is the most memorable, but many. There have been so many big wins at RPI and there were some this year that rank up there with the best. The shutout win over Rochester was a turning point in the season and showed how well RPI could play on both sides of the ball when they put everything together. Any win over Union is always special and this year was no exception, one of the few wins this year that was not an absolute nail biter. The upset win over Alfred was outstanding, especially the drive at the end of the game to get into field position to kick the field goal. The same for the last minute win over the Merchant Marine Academy. My favorite win this year had to be beating Hobart. I hate to say it, but I’m not really fond of Hobart. They have pretty much had RPI’s number over the last decade and it was great to see RPI come out on top. Again, RPI had a remarkable drive at the end of the game with a great scramble by Hermann and passes to Caswell to get into field position for the winning kick. There appeared to be a recurring theme, great drive at the end of the game to get into position for a last second winning field goal.
I could go on and on about all the great wins in previous years; e.g. the snow bowl win vs. Ithaca; numerous (that’s neat to see in print) wins over Union; beating Curry to get the 1st NCAA playoff win; the many ECAC victories; beating a really good Springfield team at their place, all are memories that will stay with me as long as I can still feed myself.
In fond memories unrelated to football, my brother and I get together a few times a year with a couple of other Ballston Spa natives and go camping at Garnet Lake in the Adirondacks and play some tunes around the campfire. The perceived quality of the music depends upon how late at night it is and the number of adult beverages that have been consumed, but sometimes, we really don’t sound horrible. You get an idea about one of Joe’s favorite artists from a comment he’s made on more than one occasion, “There is no such thing as too much Dylan," and I can honestly say, Joe sings better than Bob Dylan.
General Reflections: I coached with Joe at Watervliet and then at RPI from 1985-1988 and there were outstanding wins along the way but what I will remember most are not the wins or losses, but the lessons he tried to convey to the players and coaches alike. Football teaches many lessons that can help an individual be successful and happy in life. It teaches the importance of preparation and sacrifice and the work you have to put in the off season. Football stresses the importance and value of team over the individual. Lastly, the losses experienced make the wins that much better.
I don’t know if Joe will ever realize the impact he has had on many of the players and also their families at RPI. My son Colin was a captain on this year’s squad, played linebacker and graduated with a degree in management. There were a few times during Colin’s career that my wife and I weren’t sure he was going to graduate from RPI and/or see the playing field. Joe, to allay my irrational fears, would say in his very matter of fact way, “Don’t worry, Colin will be fine.” I wasn’t sure I always believed Joe but sometimes you just have to let your belief in a higher power take care of things and obviously Joe knew what he was talking about.
I remember a long long time ago; I was getting ready to play my first varsity football game and was incredibly nervous. Joe and I were outside playing some game like Jai Alai (I had to spell-check that one) and he told me a couple of things that I remember to this day: enjoy each and every game you play, and play your hardest, because you will be amazed how quickly the games, the season and your career passes by, and he was right.
I just want to say thank you to my brother Joe and all the coaches past and present, for all that you have done for RPI, for RPI football and the players and their families.
In closing, over the course of the 125 years of RPI football before Joe became head coach, RPI won an average of 2 games a year and had a winning percentage of .354. In his 22 years as head coach Joe had a seasonal average of 7 wins and a winning percentage of .718. I hope the next coach at RPI is as successful as Joe or even more so, because I truly love RPI football, but he will have some pretty big shoes to fill.
Name: Cathy Porambo
Relationship to Coach King: Mother of Player - James Porambo '08
One word that best describes Joe King: Loving
A Most Memorable Moment: Watching Coach King gather all the team to pray after each game.
General Reflections: The overall team perforamce was always the goal but Coach never missed helping an individual player in academics, sports or social behavior. I am going to miss Mrs. King's chocolate chips!
Name: Chris Comisky '03
Relationship to Coach King: Former Player
One word that best describes Joe King: Dedication
A Most Memorable Moment: The excitement after a big win and the pride he took in every game.
General Reflections: As a special teams guy, it's to not feel like part of the big picture, but that was never the case with Coach King. He expected the best out of every player and gave his best in return. Coach King's recruiting was the reason I chose to play at RPI and I can't imagine a more upfront / honest coach exists in college football. I hope RPI recognizes and appreciates his dedication over the years and the impact he had on the student body both on and off the field.
Name: Trevor
Relationship to Coach King: Volunteer at football games for last 15 years
One word that best describes Joe King: Admiration
A Most Memorable Moment: Turning his hat backwards to lead the breakdown on '86 field after a big victory.
General Reflections: He led such a great example of how to approach life and he did so in front of thousands of young men. From his fire and enthusiasm to the way he interacted with friends of the program and the press. He always knew exactly what to say and will leave a tremendous legacy for years to come. I have endless repsect for him and I am sure that countless former players will agree with me.
Name: David Thompson
Relationship to Coach King: QB - 1977 Watervliet High School football team
One word that best describes Joe King: Caring
A Most Memorable Moment: 1977 Colonial Counsel Championship Game – After a hard fought defeat to rival Albany Academy and the only loss of the season for Watervliet High School’s football team, Coach King addressed the team. He told us how proud he was of us and what a privilege it was for him to coach such a fine group of players. The privilege in fact was ours for having the opportunity to play for Joe King!
General Reflections: It has been 33 years, but I can still tell you the score of every game from our 1977 season at Watervliet High School. I often tell my own son (now a senior in high school in New Jersey) what a great football coach I had in high school. I can truly say that Coach King had an impact on my life. It has been many years since I’ve seen him, but I still log into the RPI website to see how his teams are doing. Coach King led by example instilling pride, dedication, and commitment in people who, if not for playing football for him, may have never realized it. He gave tirelessly in every way to his players both on and off the field and showed us that hard work was the way to achieving success. We were more than just athletes to him. By now, his “family” of athletes must be endless and he will undoubtedly hear from many of them as he transitions to something new. For me, some of the best memories I have are from the late 70’s, on the field with Coach King. I wish him well and I’m sure he will continue to have positive impacts on countless people going forward. He is the best coach I have ever had, but he is much more than just a great football coach!
Name: Kevin Avery '09
Relationship to Coach King: Former Player
A Most Memorable Moment: Winning the Shoes 3 years in a row, and the Transit Trophy 4 years in a row.
General Reflections: Coach King was not only a football coach, but a mentor and a role model for all of his players. The values he lived by and instilled in his teams last way beyond their years playing on '86 Field or at ECAV stadium. He taught us how to take ownership of everything in our lives, how to set goals for ourselves and what it takes to achieve them by exemplifying true toughness. Anyone who has played for him is a better person for it, and should be forever grateful.
Name: Mike Naylor
Relationship to Coach King: Assistant Track Coach / Head Coach Cross Country - '84
One word that best describes Joe King: Committed
A Most Memorable Moment: I went in to tell Joe I would be taking the spring track season off, because my first son was born, and Joe told me if I didn't coach, I would never coach college again. That was 26 years ago and thank God he wasn't right, I went on to coach and became a Head Coach of a Division I Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track and Field Program. However, there isn't a season that goes by that I wish I had stayed at RPI.
Name: Jonathan (J.P.) Peterson '94
Relationship to Coach King: Former Player
One word that best describes Joe King: Loyal
A Most Memorable Moment: Beating Union in 1992 to win the Dutchman Shoes Trophy. The sense of accomplishment in beating Union was unbelievable!
General Reflections: I took the news of his resignation hard because of the impact that Coach King has had on my life. It’s rare that you’ll come across people in your life that genuinely care for you, are loyal to you and accept you for who you are. Coach King has been that type of person to me. During recruiting Coach would stop
by my school or call me at home and we’d just talk; not about football, but about how I was doing as a person. How were classes going? How was my mom doing? What was new in my life? I knew all coaches were interested in me mainly because of football but Coach wanted to know me as a person and didn’t try to BS me during the process. Coach has always been an example to me of what hard work, persistence and loyalty are all about. He’s been tough on me when I’ve needed a kick in the butt and he’s been a father-figure to me when I needed someone to talk to. The fact that he won’t be able do that for other young men at RPI will be a huge loss for our school.
I haven’t played a down of football since 1994. As the years have gone by it gets difficult to remember specifics regarding games, plays, etc. What I do remember though are the relationships that I’ve developed with the people I played with. I remember being part of a team with a bunch of strangers that I would eventually call family. Coach was a big part of that. The lessons he taught us about teamwork, overcoming adversity and being accountable are lessons that I’m still applying today. There are two people that I can say helped shape and mold me into the Man I am today: my Mother and Coach King.
Coach, good luck with the next chapter in your life. I appreciate everything you and Gail have done for me and I hope you know that I and your former players wish you nothing but the best.
Let’s Go Red!
Name: Erv Chambliss (Ass't Coach Union College)
Relationship to Coach King: Shoes Opponent, AFCA Colleague and UAlbany coaching Alum
One word that best describes Joe King: Straight forward
A Most Memorable Moment: Unfortunately ... watching him dance-a-jig with The Shoes after the Shoes game 2008...you got the shoes coach so I guess it didn't matter what that dance looked like !!!!
General Reflections: Coach, I know it's been a little cold and snowy this winter (Your a native) Just make a few Home visits to Florida like coach Audino, warm up a bit and come on back for a few more years...Good luck Coach King to you and your Family. Erv
Name: Thomas Fassell '02
Relationship to Coach King: Former Player
One word that best describes Joe King: Dedication
A Most Memorable Moment: The conversation he and I had prior to the Union game in 2000. He helped me focus and try to become a better player and a better person.
General Reflections: Coach King helped me learn what hard work and dedication really is. I took that lesson and applied it to the rest of my life and I thank him for everything he has done.
Name: Larry Weaver
Relationship to Coach King: friend
One word that best describes Joe King: Dedicated
A Most Memorable Moment: the win against Ithaca in the snow bowl!
General Reflections: Joe took a non winning program and turned it into a winning and proud program as well as teaching the kids respect and committment.
Name: Dan Belber '08
Relationship to Coach King: former player
One word that best describes Joe King: Legendary
A Most Memorable Moment: Shoes 2007, third year with the shoes. Nasty defensive battle all game, but we came out on top.
General Reflections: Coach King was someone who demanded the absolute best from everyone around him, without even having to ask for it. His demeanor and his desire were enough to propel you to work harder, and the comaraderie that he created within the team allowed us to achieve great things. Despite what we do, everyone who has been on his team will be more driven to achieve greatness because of their time under his tutelage. Coach King has created an atmosphere of winning at RPI and carried that on throughout his career. I wish the best to Coach with all his future endeavors.
Name: Jason Kepler '00
Relationship to Coach King: Player
One word that best describes Joe King: Intense
A Most Memorable Moment: The pride he had when talking about the success of his players.
General Reflections: Coach King and RPI football were deciding factors in my coming to RPI. His success on the football field was something I wanted to be a part of, and the players I met on my recruiting trip were all ready to jump in front of a bus for him. It wasn't long after playing for Coach King that I felt the same way. Although football was of utmost importance to Coach King, it was a secondary focus to his desire to impart upon his players the right way to live and be a reponsible man. Coach took a personal interest in all of his players and always had time to talk to us about anything. As an assistant high school coach, I draw on my experiences playing for Coach King at every practice and game, and strive to bring the same detail attention and passion he gave to RPI football.
Name: Darcy Downie
Relationship to Coach King: Friend and Colleague
One word that best describes Joe King: Authentic
A Most Memorable Moment: The win at Bridgewater State seemed to be a defining moment for the program and Joe defined the program itself. After the game I remember him standing in the door of the team bus with a big grin at that moment life was perfect.
General Reflections: Joe King is the real deal. His dedication to and love for his players is why they return again and again for games and golf tournaments. Joe never lost sight of what was important, family and team, one interchangeable with the other. And while I think of the new stadium as "the house that King built", in my minds eye I will always see him pacing the sideline at '86 Field. Godspeed Joe and may your life be filled with 1st and 10's
Name: Justin Hasselkus '11
Relationship to Coach King: Player
One word that best describes Joe King: Tough
A Most Memorable Moment: Halftime of the Merchant Marine game 2010. He gave a speech straight from his heart, he teared up. Some people thought it was because of thoughts he was having about this possibly being his last game, which in reality probably was. We went out there in the second half and kicked the game winning field goal with no time remaining and move on to the postseason.
General Reflections: Coach King gave everyone an opportunity to prove themselves on and off the field. He gave us the tools to become better men. He was also very passionate about the game of football. He always used to say "If you are half as excited as I am to play this weekend, than we gotta chance." He was tough with us, but it was the kind of tough where you knew afterwards that it was for a reason, and the reason was because he cared
.
Name: Al Shibley
Relationship to Coach King: Friend and former colleague
One word that best describes Joe King: Genuine
General Reflections: Joe King is the kind of person I would want my kids to play for. He built a terrific football prgram by making sure that he and his staff helped his players become terrific people.
Name: Bob Conway
Relationship to Coach King: Friend and Colleague
One word that best describes Joe King: Caring
A Most Memorable Moment: Doing the Color on WRPI of his National Semifinal Division III game in Minnesota against St. John's and of course some wonderful battles with Union, our bigest rival!!
General Reflections: I have been privledged to be a colleague of and a very close friend of Joe. We've shared many personal things and found out we were much alike in many ways. He is one of the finest, most decent, and classey men I have ever met. He truly cared about his players whether they were the star quaterback or a four year player on special teams. He's not someone who shows emotion a lot but trust me when I tell you that he has a heart of gold, deeply loves his family, and his God and is just an all around wonderful human being that has truly affected my life by his friendship. I think the world of him and love him for who he is; a good, sincere man. I will miss him at school a lot but we will always be friends.
WELL DONE MY FRIEND and GOD BLESS YOU!!
Name: Nick Fitzgerald
Relationship to Coach King: Coach
One word that best describes Joe King: Winner
A Most Memorable Moment: Watching his team at Vliet in 1979 go 8-0-1 and only giving up 18 points the entire season. I was only 9 years old and it was amazing to watch all of the games.
General Reflections: Coach King has left his mark in Section II for 40 years - winning at every school that he coached. Building programs on simple concepts of hard work and no excuses and creating tough football players and sound - focused teams. I have learned a lot from this great coach who understands not only how to win but win with class and pride.
Name: Anthony Spackmann '03
Relationship to Coach King: Player
One word that best describes Joe King: Passionate
A Most Memorable Moment: My last game 2002 against Worcester St in the Northeast ECAC Bowl Game. I'm having the game of my career and just before the half I break my thumb in two spots. Ort tells me I'm not playing in the second half. I'm extremely emotional, it's my last game and I can't finish it. We win 55-29 and in the locker room we are celebrating. Coach King comes up to me and shakes my good hand with a big smile and says to me, "You know what Tony? You became a pretty good football player! I'm proud of you!"
General Reflections: I feel very lucky and honored to have played for Coach King. I'm thankful everyday he recruited me because he thought RPI was the best place for me. He was right. My wife and I started dating while I was at RPI and I'm now teaching and coaching football. Coach King has built a great tradition of winning in life and football. It will now continue without him as the Head Coach. Thanks for everything Coach!
Name: Dan Stephens '05
Relationship to Coach King: Player
One word that best describes Joe King: Leader
A Most Memorable Moment: Coach King giving the victory speech after the Ithaca win in 2003
General Reflections: Playing for Coach King has been the greatest experience of my life. Coach King was an old fashioned coach who demanded not only physical performance from his players, but also responsibility in academics and life. It's hard to see him go but was an honor to play for him.
Name: Nick Cristiano
Relationship to Coach King: Played @ Watervliet 77-79
One word that best describes Joe King: Dedicated
A Most Memorable Moment: I remember after our undefeated season (79) coach telling us when we were on defense he used to get upset if the ball crossed the line of scrimmage.We gave up 18 points in 9 games.
General Reflections: Coach King made a lasting impression and taught many young men how to persevere in life.
Name: Scott Jamieson
Relationship to Coach King: Co-Worker a RPI
One word that best describes Joe King: Awesome
A Most Memorable Moment: When we first met. treated me like he had known me all of his life. If I may suggest in his honor that the Football Stadium be renamed Joe King Stadium or if that is not fitting maybe the field can be dubbed Joe King Field. I feel he has more than earned it and obviously am not alone. Thank you
General Reflections: I am a football fan, just wasnt a RPI Football fan, until Mr King tweaked my interest. You can tell why he has a 700 winning percentage, any coach who inspires such as Coach King will parlay that into victories.
