Coach Mike Brady was hired by Rider College in 1980 to build and oversee the cross country and track and field programs. During his 12-year tenure at Rider, Coach Brady compiled a record of 253 wins and 43 losses, winning nine East Coast Conference championships and nine New Jersey Collegiate championships. The performance of his teams earned Coach Brady a spot in the Rider Athletics Hall of Fame. But the victories on the track are not what Coach Brady's athletes remember most about their time at Rider. Instead, they recall his determination to prepare them for success in life, and the guidance and friendship he displayed in pursuit of that endeavor. He offered an encouraging word when appropriate, and a stern one when necessary. The meaning behind Coach Brady's messages were consistent and clear: I care about you as an athlete and a person. I believe in you and I want you to believe in yourself. Let's work together to make you the best that you can be.

Coach Brady's booming voice filled the hallways of the track dorms in the mornings, making sure athletes were out of bed and headed to class on time. That voice stood out at meets as sprinters awaited the starting gun, distance runners were hitting the wall, and field athletes were preparing to make a jump or take a throw. Coach Brady's three simple words - "Let's go Rider" - reminded all athletes that they were part of a team, and they were being counted on to reach inside themselves and find the determination to achieve victory.

The Michael P. '76 and Anita Regan '76, '86 Brady Endowed Scholarship was established by Anita Brady, Coach Mike Brady's devoted wife, along with a small group of Rider University track and field alumni (the Founders' Club) who competed under Coach Brady during his career as Head Coach, Cross Country and Track and Field. This scholarship, which will last in perpetuity, honors Coach Brady's legacy and will impact the lives of many cross country and track student-athletes as a mentor, confidant, advisor and friend.

The recipient of this scholarship shall be selected by the Director of Athletics and the Track and Cross Country Head Coach, in consultation with the Office of Financial Aid.  According to the University and NCAA rules, the student-athletes that receive the award must be full time undergraduate students, have demonstrated financial need and be members of the track and field/cross country team. 

Our goal is to continue to grow the scholarship fund and enhance the award given annually to the student-athlete. 

To donate to a scholarship in Coach Brady's name click the link below.
https://alumni.rider.edu/coachbrady

**Any gifts made by Rider Track and Field, Cross Country alumni to either the Building Fund, or Scholarship Fund will also count towards the Raise Your Game department wide fundraising challenge for our program! 

Those who wish to make a gift via check can make checks out to 'Rider University', in the memo line please put  'Brady Scholarship'. Checks should be mailed to:
Rider University
ATTN: Matt Mastrianni
2083 Lawrenceville Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648-3099

Thank you for your support, and go Broncs!
Bob Hamer
Head Coach, Track and Field, Cross Country
Rider University
 
For questions, please contact Matt Mastrianni, Associate Director of Major Gifts for Athletics, at
609-896-5291 or via email at mmastrianni@rider.edu   


The Founder's Club
Platinum          $25,000                                                                                                 
   The Deering Family

Gold                 $10,000
   Terence Wheat '87, '90
   Chris Koerner '87
   Mark Cortazzo
   Ed McNeill '82
   Mike and Anita Brady (Both '76)
   The Schulte Family
   Thomas F. Splaine Jr. '87, '89
   Eric Herr '88

Silver                $5,000
    John Aschmies '91, '97
    John F. '88 and Lisa Fritsch Ennis '88, '93
    Bill Lipkus '86
    Jim Herdman '90
    Hector Rivera '89
    Randy Woodward '89
    Celeste Regan & Sam Smith
    Terrance Armstrong '94
    David DuBois '93
    Anthony A. Yoseloff
    Friends of Jericho National Golf Club
    Mary E. O'Connor

Bronze              $2,500
   Jeff Koerner '90
   Charles Lackey '90
   Joel Bewley '91
   Pete Meosky '91
   Scott Reilly '90
   Greg Calhoun '92
   Bill Pearson '90
   Charlie Valan '86
   Chris Rinaldi '91
   Tim Anderson '83
   Fred C Piell '92
   Matt McCarter '92
   John Gaudio '87
   Matt Talbot
   David A. Williamson '90
   Gregory T. Mooney '83
   Robert J. McDonnell '93
   Christopher J. Crosby

National Champion
Gold                  $2,000
    Daniel Brooks
    Jeanette Regan and Hanspeter Tschaeni

Silver                 $1,500
   

Bronze               $1,000
   Chris Bond '92
   Sean Calhoun
   Chris Mortello '87
   Peter Sullivan '89
   Ken Joseph '90
   Scott Anderson
   Sean W. Calhoun
   Stephen M. Sylvester '74
   Thomas E. Luther
   Lori J. Braender '77
   David A. Lauer '84
   Frank Donato '82
   Daniel Morrin
   Patricia J. Reilly
   Barbara Regan   
   R. Craig Danielak '91

Conference Champion
Gold                  $500
   Craig J. Alimo 92'
   Christopher and Tanya Banks
   Frank & Maeve Vogan
   Jeannette Regan
   Kevin Hendrick '77
   Jim Clark '92
   Timothy Koerner '92
   Christopher Rinaldi '91
    Emily Koerner
   Jeffrey J. Pomeroy
   Francis W. Baier
   Jeffrey L. Gross '83
   Kathleen Murphy
   Richard Hinton '91
     
Silver                 $250
   Bert Fonde
   Kevin  '76 and Lidia Gabinelli
   Matthew T. Giachetti '93
   Lynn Markowitz Pechinski '77
   Robert Matticola '88
   Steve Erickson
   James Colling
   Greg W. Ciggelakis '76
   Laban P. Jackson
   David Melissas '82
   Carlene Moloney
   Joseph V. Potocki '84
   Ted D'Amico
   Steve Dionisio
   Bud Focht
   Ernest C. Lee
   Joseph J. Lemanowicz
   Peter G Nahaczewski Jr. '76
   Margaret Regan
   Jamie K. Sapoch
   Julie and Damian Proulx '84
   Gary '76 and Lisa Beers
   Adrian Costello
   Gerald H. Jacob Painting
   Kevin A. Kaufman '90
   Richard Pieslak '80, '86
   Laura L. Toy    
   Michael P. Curran
   Michael W Giletto '76
   Kathleen Seybold Lehman '96
   Gary and Joan Newton
   Gary Taylor '82
   Mary Wilson
   Peter Antoniewicz '75

Bronze               $100
   Max and Anya Smith
   Bill and  Lisa '85 Bryan 
   Scott and Marguerite Deutsch
   Adam Stuhlfaut
   Suzanne Telfeian '75
   Theresa A. Matteo '76
   Keith A. Gant '90
   Kevin Kauffman '90
   Anthony Dentino '15
   James Calhoun
   Donald Denbo
   Pete and Shane Farrell
   Sunil Goda
   Todd A. Gunerman
   Emily W. Leonard
   Paul J. Magala III '92
   Kate Reid
   Carlos E. Rodriguez '93, '97
   Nicole M. Sheahan
   Olivia K. Newton
   Stephen Banks
   Lori A. Ackerman
   Ryan T. Becker
   Ronald K. Brock '96
   Tristan Colangelo
   Kenneth A. Joseph '90
   William F. Landrigan
   Brian Shields '94
   Wayne M. Bartolacci
   James G. Benton '73, '76
   Russell B. Borshad
   Robert M. Bieber
   Kathleen S. Brady
   Roque J. Calvo '86
   Barry O. Davis
   Myrna L. Deangelis
   John G. Devlin
   Kevin F. Gallagher
   James J. and Lori Gavaghan
   Scott R. Hynes
   William A. Kiefe '74
   Robert R. Maguire
   The McCorriston Agency
   Thomas W. Mensel
   George M. Metaxes
   Robert J. Moses '73, '79
   Robert Neuman
   John P. Nolan
   Margaret O'Reilly-Allen
   Theodore C. Schlette
   David A. Senior
   Scott Shander
   Louise E. Siesser
   Gregory J. Walsh
   William R. Watts
   Richard L. White
   Susan B. Woods
   Stephen A. Wooldridge
   James H Carlson
   Richard Coppola
   Roger and Patty Douillet
   Timothy Droney
   Dennis C. Earle
   Elizabeth Goldfield
   Theresa A. Matteo '76
   Linda E. Stone
   Suzanne Telfeian '75
   Carol W. Kurz
   Zachary Herr
   Erica Herr
   Madelein Herr

 

STORIES AND COMMENTS FOR COACH BRADY (To share something please email athmedia@rider.edu and it will updated periodically)
 
- Grateful & thankful could never be strong enough words to express what you brought to my college life.  You equipped me with the spirit & tools to continue doing something that was a love first & a sport second.  The competitive nature was something that was kindled through your dedication to pull the best out of all of us.  Coaching is a sacrifice & while you had teams, you had to hone into each individual & find the technique & approach to draw the best out of all of us.

I marvel & remember no matter the ability or what each of us brought, we weren't points on a result sheet, we were people first.  When I had children & I was drawn into coaching them.  So much that I learned from you was reflective on how I approached them.  Your impact in my world can never be measured.  You made all of us better in more ways than just athletes.
 
For all of that alone, you deserve & have earned the gratitude of so many of us.
 
With much appreciation!!!! - Charlie Valan '86

- Coach, I can't thank you and Anita both for all that you have done for me. I always viewed you as a great coach and mentor during my time at Rider. Whether you knew it or not, you also became a surrogate father figure for me. I could always count on you for sage advice and gentle guidance. I just want to thank you for all that you have given to me and the rest of my teammates.
 
With love and tremendous respect - Charles Lackey '90

- It's a shame as young men we do not always realize when someone is being a positive influence on our life. We cannot see when someone goes above and beyond his job responsibilities. Coach Brady was one of those positive influences who cared, he never criticized your performance, he always found a way to make you reflect and decide if you had done your best, you knew the answer.  His booming voice sent positive shivers through you to bring out your best while you were competing. 
 
Ha. Close to 40 years later it still does,  a few years ago I cut short one of my workout runs, and later that day I was walking around New Hope when out of nowhere I heard him call out my name in the same cadence as he had on the track.  My mind instantly went to excuse mode trying to think up an excuse for why I did not run my full workout before I realized what was going on.  The amazing thing was we had not seen or spoke to each other for over 35 years !
 
There were many occasions when he would go out of his way to introduce us to bigger and bigger experiences within the sport, he could have phoned it in and just had us run our standard school schedule, but he truly cared and knew how to push you past what you thought you were capable of, by always giving you a chance to shine.
 
I lost track of how many times he drove me home after practice or meet during the time he coached me in High School. This was always on his own time, it was not part of his job.  I am sure I never thanked him; 
 
"Coach Thank You!" - Bert Fonde

- Coach Brady, You don't know me- we haven't met yet. My name is Emily Koerner and I'm Chris "Kermin" Koerner's  daughter. My dad's stories about his days on cross country and track teams could fill up pages and pages; I even ran a bit when I was in middle school just to see what he was all about. Though I didn't stick with it, I learned a lot about being on a team and the lessons my dad helped me to learn while running. My dad taught me that theses lessons that can be applied to any part of our lives... His coaches helped show him that.
 
My father has only praised your influence from his time on the Rider track team. He emphasized your ability to give personal & individual attention to each member of the team and create a community of growth, fellowship, and integrity. Your mentoring and coaching allowed them to flourish not only as athletes at Rider, but encouraged them to be successful students, professionals, friends, and community members. It's been clear to me from a young age that he respects you and admired the role you had in his college development into his adulthood.
 
Though you may need much strength now to overcome this hurdle, you don't only have your amazing wife (who my dad also sings her praises) and close friends. You have a team, an army even, of adults now who are ready and willing to accept the baton and pick up the slack. From the stories I've heard and read, you gave a part of yourself to your teams in ways they say are immeasurable. They're here to do what they can to repay the favor and honor your continuing positive influence. Whether it's a phone call, a walk, a meal, or naming a whole track after you, your team is a powerful loving family ready to be your strength and endurance for the long haul. I may not have been a student at Rider when you coached or a college athlete, but your family extends now beyond the runners and athletes you helped. I've donated, because I believe you helped me by helping my dad, my uncles, and their college friends. Now, Let's go Coach it's time to kick it in!
 
Only the best, - Emily Koerner

- I am sure there are going to be some great stories about Coach and how he balanced being our coach and our friend. He was great at both. Instead of that,  I will write about how he recruited us and why I came to Rider.

I was a teenager trying to play basketball and baseball at St Rose in Belmar as the youngest of 6 siblings. I started to run cross country and my times were good enough to get looks from some big schools like Houston, Kansas and Clemson. However, some 26 yr old coach ( ok maybe 27) from a school near Trenton was a guy I really liked talking to and he sold me that his school was going to be really good at cross country. However,  my parents and older brothers were suspect until Mike Brady came to our house in Spring Lake Heights and blew them away also with his recruiting approach and his personality. My parents and older brothers now realized "Coach" would be the guy for me.  Long story short, thank god Mike Brady, with his great personality, intellect, and leadership skills didn't become a lawyer, banker, or CEO.  He became our coach, mentor, and friend. Let's go rider! - Terrance Wheat

- Ok, here is a story where Coach's motivational speech was a little too motivational, at  least for me anyway. We had a cross country meet at Belmont Plateau in Philly.  I believe this was my junior year, 1988.  And there is nobody who could get you more psyched for a race than Coach Brady.  We were running against Bucknell and all Coach kept saying was we needed to get out, we needed to get out.  Well that's what I did.  I think I was actually leading the race for a while. I hit that first mile at 4:46.  This was way too fast for me especially for this course but I was still hearing Coach in my head saying you have to get out.   And anyone who has run the course knows what was after the first mile, Parachute Hill!  Well needless to say that hill took it out of me and I have to admit my motivation was dwindling going up that hill.  I fought through the rest of the race as best I could from there.  The point of this story really is that Coach got us motivated each and every day because he always believed in us not only as athletes but as people.  He motivated us all to our potential and beyond.  Most of all he helped us to believe in ourselves.
 
Speaking of believing in us as people, I'll never forget during our banquet my senior year, Coach was giving out the Irwin Weiss Scholar/Athlete award and he was stating that this award isn't only a scholar/athlete award but this is going to an individual who can be counted on, that would always be there to help no matter what, a friend who's door you could knock on in the middle of the night and when he announced my name as the recipient of this award I was shocked and so very honored at the same time.  That moment has stayed with me to this day and I hope I can always be worthy of that honor. 
 
His booming voice in the morning, knocking on everyone's door "Lets go Rider, Roll it out!"  I can hear it just like it was yesterday and I bet if he came knocking on our doors today we would all be ready to go.  Thank you Mike for believing in me and all of our Rider family. - Jeff Koerner '90

- Coach, I have so many great memories of Rider both on and off the track.  The lessons that I learned from you have helped shape the man who I am today.   I'm still amazed at everything we accomplished as a team.  You proved to me that with hard work you can achieve your goals. I have brought that can do attitude with me over the last 30 years to all aspects of my life.  Now I see  my children doing the same thing in their lives.  I laugh each time I hear your words come out of their mouths.  The desire to  compete and achieve excellence still burns within me all these years later.  Let's Go Rider! - John Aschmies '91, '97

- There are so many things that I took from my time at Rider with Coach Brady that it is hard to pick just one thing. I will give it a try, with the following memory. There were a group of us that did a morning run at 7:00 a.m. each morning. Coach Brady would come down the hall knock on our doors wake us up and we would head out for a run. What this became is what I truly remember and cherish. Coach started having coffee with us each day after the run. We would sit in a dorm room and have a cup of coffee with him, before we went to class.  I am sure that there were a hundred other things that he could have been doing at that time, but he had coffee with us. We talked about everything during the "coffee time" school, girls, family, running, anything that was going on in our lives. Coach Brady would listen offer advice and opinions, we laughed together we helped each other through some tough times and good times, it was something I looked forward to each day. Getting up on those cold mornings out of a warm bed and running was tough, and I looked forward to it because of the time I knew we were going to spend afterwards. Coach Brady genuinely cares about each one of us and enjoyed hanging out with us each morning and hearing what was going on in our lives. When I talk to other people who competed in college and I share this story they are shocked that we would spend that kind of quality time with our coach. To me and my teammates this was normal for a coach. I did not realize it at that time but that was a really great experience, I learned a lot sipping coffee and talking, it made us closer as teammates and closer to Coach. To this day after I go on a run, get back and sit with a cup of coffee, whether I am alone with my family or at work I cannot help but think of those mornings drinking coffee with Coach, and how much that it meant to me. 
 
Thank you Coach Brady for everything. - Pete Meosky '91

- My name is Adam Stuhlfaut and I ran for Coach Brady from 1994-1998 at Princeton University.  Thank you for setting up the Track Naming & Scholarship Fund in the name of Coach Brady.  I can speak for all of Coach Brady's men at Princeton that we are grateful to have shared Coach Brady as a coach, mentor and friend from with our fellow runners at Rider University. 
 
Under Coach Brady we did a lot of winning, but for me the winning is second to the life long lessons that I received from Coach Brady on how to approach life and how to treat other people.  One month prior to starting at Princeton, I nearly died in an accident working in a warehouse to earn money for college.  When I arrived at Princeton, I could barely walk, much less run.  Coach Brady welcomed me and kept me in touch with the team in many ways so that I would not fall away.  He brought me as an extra hand on travel trips just so I could be a part of the action.  When I was strong enough he met me in the early mornings before he started his work day to run with me.  Slowly, one mile at first and then progressing until I was able to rejoin the team. Those are just a couple of many, many examples of the kindness of Coach Brady.
 
I am still involved in running professionally in many ways, but the most important part of my life is the coaching of runners that I do now.  Coach Brady was a catalyst that kept my running heading in the right direction when it could have otherwise gone by the wayside.  My work as a coach, where I have coached 200 new adult runners to run their first 5K, wouldn't be happening now without my time with Coach Brady. 
 
Thank you for letting me share a little of my story and reflections on Coach Brady. - Adam W. Stuhlfaut, Princeton Class of 1998

- Coach Brady,
Although you were my father's college coach, "Coach Brady" is still the only way I know you by. I believe this says a lot about you and your character. Not only are you an amazing coach but you are also an amazing role model. You are truly one of the toughest people I know. In times like this, we take time to reflect on all that we are grateful for. I, for one, am grateful for having someone like you impact my life. You have been a father figure for my dad when he had no one to look up to and a wonderful grandfather figure for me and my siblings. I am blessed to have you and Anita in my life. You are in my prayers. Stay strong and keep fighting for the family that you have created. -Erica Herr 

- Coach Brady recruited me out of high school, and always had the right message to say about track and life. I chose to go to Virginia Tech, and realized after my first semester that it was a big mistake. When I made the decision to transfer to a school closer to home, he was the first one to call and walked me through the process of how to get released from my commitment to Virginia Tech. My visit to Rider solidified my decision to become a Bronc. He took the extra time to make sure that all of his athletes were practicing, going to class, and fiercely competing. With his guidance and support, I achieved levels that I couldn't get to on my own. He instilled the "Team" concept in all of us, and gave us the confidence to achieve greatness.
 
I can still hear his booming voice saying "Let's Go" to this day. He taught us how to work hard and play hard. One of my favorite quotes is from a Jay-Z song: "You can say what you say, but you are what you are." Coach, You are a legend and a shaper of productive men in this world. Thank you for all the life lessons and gifts you gave to me and my teammates. - Bill Pearson

- Coach, I can never fully or adequately express my appreciation for the profound impact you have had on me, on all of us who have had the privilege to be coached by you. I'm proud to be part of the Rider Track and X-C family you created; after all these years, I am still good friends with many of my teammates. This is a testament to the camaraderie you promoted, and when combined with the work ethic you instilled in us, made us successful as a team and as individuals, both on and off the track. Thanks for coaching, mentoring, providing the occasional kick in the ass, sharing in the celebrations, and for building us into the men we have become. I look forward to the day we can run a lap (well, maybe jog) on the Coach Mike Brady Track at Rider. Let's Go Rider!!! - Thanks always Coach, Matt Talbot

- Put simply, I chose Rider because I chose you Coach.  Choosing a college can be a difficult decision for most but after one visit to Rider College, I knew exactly where I was going.  I'll give you a hint, the reason wasn't the shoe-box sized rooms or the meal plan.  Of course, I wanted an education and I wanted to compete athletically but every school that I visited offered this opportunity.  What I was really looking for was a school that I could call home for the next four years.  Call it a gut feeling but after spending a short time with you, I knew I could trust you to make Rider my second home.

There are very few individuals that make a huge impact in our lives.  Coach, you are one of those individuals.  The family atmosphere that you created made my time at Rider such a positive experience full of amazing memories and lasting friendships.   You may have felt fortunate to have recruited us but actually we are the fortunate ones who benefited from your guidance and caring attitude.

There was a moment my senior year when I felt burnt-out and unable to contribute in any meaningful way to the track team.  I went to your office to discuss quitting the team.  God, what a mistake that would have been.  I even hate thinking about it today.  This is one of those moments when my gut decision to trust you and go to Rider really paid off.  Rather than let me make this mistake, you took the time to calmly persuade me to stay on and to contribute to the team at a shorter distance such as the half mile.  Without your guidance,  I would have missed out on so many other great moments like running in the Vitalis Invitational at the Meadowlands.  Not to mention, I continue enjoy a sense of confidence and pride from my runner career at Rider. Leaving the team early would have spoiled this for me.  

You treated us like family and we became a family.  How many people can say their track coach taught them how to tie a proper full windsor knot? I still shake my head to this day if I see a half windsor knot.  That guy obviously didn't have a Coach Brady in his life.    Thank you Coach - Chris Koerner '87

- Coach Brady, Where do I start… Anita was my Father's boss and you both were family friends. Maybe you were bored with your retirement; maybe you saw something special in me. That part is not important to me. What ever your reasons were you chose to take time out of your life to train a freshmen in high school how to be a true athlete and inadvertently how to be a good person. It started so simple just two days a week at my regular track practice working on high jump. From there it evolved into teaching me how to weight train, running hill repeats on the dirt road outside your house in the dead of winter, and most memorably, teaching me to hurdle in an outdoor parking garage. Do you remember when the police showed up? They asked what we were doing and then offered to block the level of the parking garage we were on. These memories are endless. You were so creative with my workouts. We did not have easy access to an outdoor track and we had no access to an indoor track but that never stopped us. It was an adventure, everyday. You and Anita became my second family. I am beyond grateful for every second you both spent with me. It changed my life. You changed my life. Thank you so much Coach. - Madeline Allen 

- Mike Brady and I started our Princeton careers at the same time, in the fall of 1992, but we arrived on campus with vastly different expectations.  The gulf in expectations was not clear until our first conference cross country meet, the Heps. We placed 8th out of 10 teams, and I was 6th man on the team. I had entered the program with what I viewed as an ambitious goal of making the top 7 at some point so I was feeling pretty good about myself, having already achieved this as a freshman.

As far as team goals, I had come from a high school program where I had to recruit math team buddies to field a full 5 person squad for the Chicago Public League Championships, so just being part of a group of guys that showed up regularly to practice was a big step up.

So it did not seem odd to me that our cross country team quickly put the Heps loss behind us on the van ride back to New Jersey from Van Cortlandt Park. Before we even crossed the GW bridge, we had started plotting costumes for the upcoming Halloween party.

Brady had other ideas for what an appropriate attitude should be after such a performance. I don't remember his exact words, but after he stopped the van and turned around to lecture us on the side of the NJ Turnpike, we were silent for the rest of the trip home.

It was not that we finished at the back of the pack. It was that we were capable of running much faster, but we didn't seem bothered that we'd failed to meet that potential. If we were going to commit so much of our time to this sport, we shouldn't be just going through the motions during the 25-30 minutes when it counts the most (closer to 30 in this race).

That was a turning point. Two years later, we would place 2nd in the Heps and 5 years later (sadly, after I'd graduated), the team won the first of many Heps cross country champtionships under Brady's tenure and then qualified for the NCAA meet for the first time in ages. His high level of expectations infected everyone who ran for him and has become part of the team culture. You can see it in the results but you can also sense it when you talk to his former athletes.

My most memorable races were often preceded by a confidence-inspiring talk from Coach Brady. In one, I'd failed to score in a key race on day 1 of the indoor conference meet, but Coach didn't hesitate in putting me on anchor for the Distance Medley Relay the next day, reminding me that it was a new day. A few weeks later, as we prepared for the DMR in our first NCAA championship, he told us to ignore the pedigrees of the guys we were lining up against and just compete. Pretty good lessons for on and off the track. Thanks, Coach Brady. - Scott Anderson

- Hey Coach, I think by now you are getting the idea that you have left a permanent mark on all of us at Rider.  You see,  so many coaches do not understand that it is not only about performing on the track. Yes, it is a very big part of being on a team. However,  a true coach understands that each athlete is an actual person, a growing person at that, changing from a boy to a man who quite honestly needs all of the guidance he can get! You are that coach. I have truly appreciated our talks in your office and your ability to balance friendship, top class coaching, as well as the ability to embed camaraderie and team spirit in all of us.  In my "free time" I am a Boy Scout leader.  Sometimes my boys stay up later than they should in their tents. The next morning I have a loud booming phrase that I use early in the morning when it's time to get up and get going. "If you want to hoot with the owls, you have to soar with the eagles!" Coach....it's now time for all of us to come together and soar with the eagles. - Craig "CD" Danielak '91

- Mike, as you may remember - I was there at the very beginning of your amazing tenure at Rider as Head Coach X-C and T&F. 
 
It all started with a van ride to Syracuse through heavy snow squalls to compete in an indoor meet.  Years later, by time you moved on to Princeton - the program had seen success at levels never ever imagined in the "BB Era" ("Before Brady").  Now, under the very capable hands of Bob Hamer - the program continues to achieve based upon the rock-solid foundation that you built. 
 
There's really so many points that I would like to touch on and share, but I will be brief and leave some items for future emails.
 
First, all I can say is WOW!!!  You accomplished the impossible - you took a dysfunctional program with disenfranchised athletes and molded it all into an incredible program.  Without your efforts and skills - the program would have stayed mired in mediocrity.  More important, you molded boys into men (this was the time before the introduction of the Ladies program) - your influence went well beyond developing and honing the skills of all your athletes - you prepared them for the "game of life".  I have witnessed this firsthand as I had the distinct pleasure of being involved with the program during your first ten years, and getting to know a decent number of your athletes.  Nothing but class individuals whose successes beyond Rider - greatly exceed their achievements as T&F/X-C participants.
 
While there are many great stories and successes - I want to remind you and share one that would typically fly under the radar, but really defines the man and the coach that you are - the story of Joe Potocki.  I imagine as a head coach, it's easy to focus your time solely on your star athletes, and Joe clearly wasn't one.  However, Joe represented the type of athlete that form an important core of all good teams.  Joe had a great heart, commitment to the program, and the willingness to work incredibly hard - putting in as much effort as he could to help the team.  He also had some hidden talent, which you recognized, and invested in the effort of helping Joe achieve what seemed to be an audacious goal - breaking 2:00 for 800M.  To look at Joe - you would think that he stood a snowball's chance in hell to accomplish it.  Nevertheless, you committed the extra time to work with Joe and treated him the same as any star athlete under your tutelage - as a result you elevated Joe's capabilities and he accomplished his audacious goal.  I forget the meet and his exact time, but during Joe's final year at Rider - he broke 2:00 for the 800M.  It was a heck of an accomplishment, and to me - exemplifies why you were such an incredible coach, and truly saved the program.
 
I am truly hoping you are getting a good sense to the incredible positive influence that you had on your athletes. All my love to both you and Anita. - Jeff Pomeroy '81

- Dear Coach Brady, you are the reason I went to Princeton.  As I paced back and forth through my living room, stretching the phone cord as far as it would go to get some privacy, I listened to your deep voice as you laid out your vision for the team and my role in it.  Unlike every other coach, you never actually asked me if I had decided on a school… you just spoke as if I was already a member of the team.  And that was it – I remember telling my parents after one particular call, "So… I think I just decided I'm going to Princeton."  I wanted to be a part of that vision.  And once I was there, you brought that vision to life.
 
I remember one particular run when you were riding along next to us on your bike.  It was about 40-degrees, raining, and windy.  We were all covered in the gritty, orange sand of the tow path, chaffing as we ground out mile after mile.  Someone in the group made a comment… something along the lines of, "This sucks."  And without hesitation, your voice boomed in reply, "If it's pouring rain at Conference, are you gonna pack your things and go home?!!  Do you think Penn is gonna go home?!!"  With that, you switched into another gear and the tempo run went to a new level.  We finished the run, utterly frozen and exhausted… and that team of distance runners never lost another race to a Conference opponent.
 
Years later, when I decided to go into coaching (also because of you), I received a terrific piece of advice from another coach.  "To be a great coach," he said, "it really doesn't matter what workouts you run or which recruits you get.  All that matters is whether you can INSPIRE the athletes you have."  By that measure, Coach, you are in a class by yourself.
 
Thank you for the innumerable moments when you inspired me through the years.  I hope all of our appreciation and gratitude provides you with some of that same inspiration now. 
 
 - Your athlete and friend, Mike Spence (Princeton '00)

- Upon reminisce, our minds continually go back to those who have made a powerful and lasting impact on our lives. These are the people who shaped who we are today. They come in many forms: family, friends, teachers, tutors, counselors, and in this case, coaches.
 
I met Mike Brady, (or "Coach") in the spring of 1985. I was preparing for the Pennsylvania State Championships in the high and intermediate hurdles. I had recently been accepted to Rider University (formerly known as "Rider College") and Coach asked me to join him for a short workout and visit. We toured the campus and talked about my scholastic and sporting history, both of which were somewhat unique given I went from a high school of 400 in OH, then to 2,400 in FL, and finally to 3,400 in PA. We meandered to the track for a modest workout. I ran through the high hurdles a few times, with the 42" height being a bit challenging compared to the 39" I was accustomed to. We then moved on to the intermediate hurdles. Being 5'8" and wanting to maintain the optimal 15 steps between hurdles, I had developed a long and powerful stride which could be considered unusual given my height. When we were done and Coach was about to walk me back to my car, he said endearingly, "You run like a Romanian woman". He was absolutely right, and I took some pride in it. That was the first time I met Mike Brady, the man who was soon to be my Coach for four pivotal years in my life.
 
The first and main impact Coach made on my life was getting me into Rider. For what ever reason, I did not take my academics seriously until my senior year of high school. I believe what motivated me was my growing passion for track. From that point on, and through my collegiate Master's, I took scholastics seriously. Although my GPA had recovered significantly, it was still lower than it needed to be, so I had every intention of going to a nearby community college. At my final high school meet, we won the league championship. The Principal at the time, (A Rider Grad), asked me what my plans for college were. I spoke of my situation and he suggested I look into Rider. On top of that, he sent my information to Coach Brady. I'm not sure how influential Coach was in this process, but considering the influence he had on all of us, I'm guessing his word held considerable weight.
 
It takes someone special to motivate many athletes to excel at their sport. Coach offered me a kind of support that made me want to do well for him. I can imagine this was the case for most of the athletes he's mentored. He engendered in all of us a desire to strive for higher athletic goals, and for me, this mentality did not stop at the track field. I have Coach to thank for that. We all love winning. Though we all enjoyed the self-satisfaction in winning, Coach was the one we won for. We didn't do it for the coach he was to us, but rather for the man he is.
 
Coach Brady made many good men. What an amazing legacy! What an amazing man! Thank you Coach! - Randy Woodward, '89

- I certainly appreciate Jeff's kind words but I do need to tell the back story as well.  I ran for McCorristin HS which competed against Hamilton West regularly in Track and Cross  Country.  Although Coach Brady's mission was to give Hamilton West the best chance to win, I was always impressed that Coach encouraged our undermanned squad to put out our best effort.
 
When I enrolled at Rider, I discovered that Mike Brady had been appointed as head coach.  I stopped by his office to see if I could join the team.  He told me "no problem".  Obviously I wasn't going to be vying for any of the top spots so Coach gave me two realistic objectives: Work hard in practice to keep the other runners honest and to use the workouts to blow off steam from the school day and to keep in shape.
 
Coach Brady taught me a very important life lesson.  If you do your job well, no matter how small, it provides a benefit to your team or organization.  All in all,  Mike Brady is twenty years ahead of Bill Belichick.
 
Many years have passed.  I now bowl instead of run.  McCorristin High School is now Trenton Catholic Academy. The football team, lights and scoreboard are gone.  However, TCA still has a track team along with a competitive track.  Prehaps Coach had an indirect role in keeping TCA's track team afloat as well.
 
Coach Brady - I salute a job well done but you have much more to accomplish - Joe Potocki '84

- My sincere thanks to the group of Rider alumni who organized this fundraising effort.  What an awesome way to recognize Coach Brady's impact on so many lives.   And although, as Coach Brady would say, "the hay is in the barn" for the naming of the track, I know how meaningful it must be to Coach Brady to be associated with a scholarship providing opportunities for future student-athletes.
 
Coach Brady -- you represent what every parent would hope their kids receive leaving home and coming to college.  A hand on the shoulder through tough times, an ear that was always open when we needed guidance, and a smile to remind us that this life thing is supposed to be fun.   You had this uncanny ability to be our coach, our father, and our friend as the circumstances necessitated.  I came to Princeton because of your passion, your optimism, and your love for the sport.  I could hear it in your voice every call (and there were many of them) and I fell in love with the persistent enthusiasm.  I didn't know until I arrived on campus that this is simply the way you approach life in general.
 
More than any outlandish stories marking the four years, what I remember most are the daily laughs.   As it turned out, that passion, optimism, and enthusiasm were contagious.  Walking down to Jadwin every day was my moment of zen.  You created an environment that fostered the pursuit of a deep passion with intense focus, while providing levity and perspective to the day.  Your speeches made us ready to run out and conquer the world, and when instead you were greeted with yet another childish antic, you couldn't help but chuckle.  But who you are and how you treated us did not just build a bond with you.  What happened along the way is it created an atmosphere that fostered lifelong friendships with one another.  Friendships that as time goes on remain my proudest accomplishment.  
 
There were many tough times, in both athletics and life.  But because of you they didn't define my time at Princeton.  You always had my back.  You always had time to listen to my dreams and my concerns.  You always believed in me and who I was inside.   You were the one person on campus I could turn to without hesitation, and for that, I can't possibly thank you enough. 
 
Coach, if given the choice at an amusement park, I will always go left. - Jim Colling (Princeton '99)

- Coach, thank you for sharing so much with all of us. You taught us many important lessons through words and deeds. We have truly been blessed to have such a mentor. To this very day you provide us with inspiration. Let's Go Rider! - Chris Mortello

- That voice. That unmistakable, unbelievably deep voice. The first time I heard the voice on the phone saying "this is Coach Mike Brady from Princeton" I thought someone was playing a trick on me. I had never heard any real person with a voice that deep. But, of course, I had never met anyone like Coach Brady. He somehow convinced me to come to Princeton even though I'd made it clear that I wanted to go to Michigan. I even wore a Michigan jacket on my recruiting! Coach Brady was convinced that Princeton would be a great fit for me and I'm so thankful that he didn't give up on me. It was because of him that I even considered Princeton, and because of him I ultimately decided to attend Princeton. Coach Brady changed my life.
 
Unlike most of the people who have posted, I was a sprinter, so Coach Brady wasn't my day to day event coach. But  I always considered myself to be one of Coach Brady's guys, largely because he treated me like one. He even let me do a workout with the cross country team once during the fall of my senior year, though I instantly regretted his generosity the moment the workout began.
 
Coach Brady is still the best motivator and story teller that I've ever met. Some of my fondest memories of my time at Princeton are of sitting around after practice while he held court, entertaining the team with stories and anecdotes from a life spent coaching and changing lives. I'll always remember being in team meetings listening to him talk about the joy of competing at HEPS or listening to him tell stories of past championship teams and wanting, more than anything, not just to win, but to make Coach Brady proud.
 
Coach, we were fortunate to do a lot of winning during my time at Princeton. My only hope is that during those four years, and in the many years since, that I've managed to make you proud. - John Mack (Princeton '00)

- You were and STILL a GREAT COACH to me, and I still look up to you and remember the words you spoke to me when I was a youth.  "STAY FOCUSED and TRUST YOUR INSTINCT Kenny J!"  "IT'S ALL ABOUT THE PROCESS TO GET BETTER KJ!"  Coach, I remember when you sent me a letter for a Track Scholarship which was the MOST exciting moment coming out of High School!  Now that I am older,  I keep those same standards that you taught me and it grew me to be a good role model, a good friend and a good man.  Now I reach out to you and I want to be there for you like you were for me.  In life, we cross a lot of trails and I thank God that one of those trails I crossed had you in it to guide me the right way. I don't want to get emotional but my heart bleeds to hear that you are not doing well and I pray EVERYDAY and NIGHT to God that everything will be OKAY, and now I want to be there for you in your time of need.  Like you said to me Coach,  "STAY FOCUSED and TRUST YOUR INSTINCT"  "IT'S ALL ABOUT THE PROCESS TO GET BETTER!"  I need you to believe those same words of MOTIVATION that you gave me Coach! Sincere Blessings - Ken Joseph

- Coach, My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you every day during this fight. You have been the father figure and Mentor to us all. I am so grateful you recruited me.

That opportunity gave many of us a direction, a purpose and a goal to become a College graduate. Many of us are the first college graduates in our family. This is all because you saw in us what we did not see.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and I hope to visit you soon. God Bless You! Sincerely, - Kevin A. Kauffman '90 Rider Track Team - 86 – 89
 
- Dear Coach, Where do I start?  It could be in the fall of my sophomore year when you took time to visit a morning intramural cross country race to hang some unearned praise on a few weekend warriors.  I remember being one of those dreamers and your pat on the back really impacted me. 
 
Of course I could start with that early Friday evening when I dared approach "the coach with the famous baritone voice" as you hit laser like golf shots of the sweet spot of your two iron deep into the twilight of Rider's back forty.  I found you to ask if I could walk on your team.  I had no business asking as I certainly did not deserve the shot, but you took a chance just as you took chances on so many of those who would call your team family.  I had no business competing with the dedicated and accomplished young men who made up your team, but you never let that stop you from giving a brazen red haired rub a shot.  But that was what you did Mike - you always opened your team up and collected young souls who were willing to commit themselves to a program on a mission. And what a mission I joined. 
 
Of course, the start could be any one of the moments where you worked your magic on your athletes, either one on one or in a group setting. Your ability to pinpoint exactly what to say in the moment to teach an immensely complicated concept or to reach deep down into our souls or psyche and pull out a potential that we ourselves did not fully understand.  You always knew what to say to get us ready for the seemingly insurmountable challenges we faced, like back in 89 where you rallied us before, during and after that huge ECC upset at the conference championships on our own track. Or when you pulled us aside in your office to talk one on one, or woke us up in the morning (after we had hooted with the owls) to soar with you and the rest of the eagles. on a run designed to awaken within us the understanding of what was most important.  This was and will always be a talent you owned second to none.  A talent I've been seeking to channel as a teacher, coach, and father since my days back at Rider. 
 
Ironically the story could start with what would seem like an ending.  After the trainers and spikes had been packed away, after all the vaults, jumps and throws were finished for me, a time when a firm handshake and a warm fair well would have sufficed, you did your thing and went above and beyond by helping me find my way out into the world.  And you did this with as much passion and care as all those other moments I remember so fondly.  I think this had the greatest impact on me and how I view my own responsibilities in life.  You helped me fall in love with coaching HS track and field and you supported me as I went back to grad school for a degree in Education as a graduate assistant.  I learned that you stood for more than just championship banners or wagon wheels, I learned that you really stood for family.  I had never even dreamed of being a teacher or coach before I met you.  I remember the conversation over ribs (which you treated me to) down in Trenton were you helped me see something that I would could have so easily missed.  You helped me launch into the world of education and coaching, a world that I can't imagine not being a part of each every day of my life. 
 
As I look back and reflect on who I am, what I've become, why I am so fortunate to have the career, the family (never would have met my wife if I was not a teacher) and the deep sense of self that I enjoy today, so much of this can be linked back to you and those moments where you took the time to connect, care and coach.  You made a commitment to help young men like myself imagine themselves as more than we were capable of imagining at the time. 
 
I can never thank you enough for all that you did for me and for the men of the Rider track family.   A family that I still feel connected to even though it's been almost a third of a century since those glory days back in the late 80s and early 90s.  We gather periodically and find that we all are able to reconnect as if we've never been a part.  Another testament to how you pulled our rag tag group together and to how you and Anita made us feel as if we were truly a part of your family.  We are and will always be testaments to who you are and will never forget what you did.
 
Forever a son of your Rider Track family who sends my warmest regards, enduring thanks and unending commitment to further your mission, - Chris Bond '91, '01
 
- I didn't run for Mike Brady, I ran at Rutgers. However I had the pleasure of being his assistant coach for 2 years for the 91/92 and 92/93 seasons. I thought I would share a poem I read to the team during the awards banquet in the spring of 1992. It's a little corny and I apologize for the bad rhymes, but it's fun. Hope that there is room for it on the page.
 
Late last summer, one day in August
I heard about this Rider guy
His name was coach Brady who needed some help
So I called him up and told him I would give him a try
 
Cross Country we won both conference and state
A look at the score showed it wasn't even tight
I looked at Coach Brady
And decided he was all right
 
Winter Track is indoors
More events and more meets
Winning conference again was
Was quite a great treat
 
Outdoor track is here
I try to help where I can
We're outside in the sun
Getting a great tan
 
Two weeks ago was conference
We know what we wanted to be
We wanted to make those golds
Equal a total of three
 
For us to win that gold
was the best bet in town
There was no one to stop us
As we won the triple crown
 
After all of this success
A triple crown with gold wings
Coach won't slip by
Without me pointing out a few things.
 
Like the time in Mid March
Right before a Delaware meet
He said "Be at Mackey's at 10:00
For something to eat".
 
We hustled and bustled to get there early
We succeeded 9:57 to be exact
But alas Mackey's said sorry
We told Coach Brady 9:00 and that's a fact"
 
About 2 months later
There was a small meet at UPENN
The meet started at 2:00
We got there at 10:00
 
We sat inn the stands
Watched a whole field hockey game
Slept a little, talked a little,
Swore that Coach was to blame.
 
A meet at LaSalle,
Another chance to run
Raining, sleeting, snowing
Coach said "Let's go, it'll be fun".
 
We found out much later
Much to our chagrin
The LaSalle coach tried to call us
"Don't bother to come in".
 
We went to Columbia
Or tried to anyway
Coach had a choice
And went the wrong way
 
This year Coach got
a Nissan 300 ZX
Twin turbos makes it special
That's why it stands out from the rest
 
He drove to Connecticut
For an early coach's meeting
We drove up in the vans
He gave us a warm greeting
 
Coming home was a true test
For our vans made of rust
Because following Coach home
Going fast was a must
 
After conference we partied
The team was in high gear
The coach decided to douse
Fred's head in cold beer
 
It's been a fun year at Rider
For the seniors nothing but the best
For those underclassmen, look out
Next year coach will put you to the test
 
As far as this Irish lad goes
There's not much he doesn't know
The most important thing however is
That he has helped us all grow.
 
Thanks Coach. - Rick Granquist
 
- It seemed like just yesterday that you came to my home in South Orange NJ and met with my family as you recruited for the '86 Fall season. I'm glad you came and I'm glad I accepted.
Being under your tutelage has left an indelible mark on my life. Thank you.
I hope that you are a man of faith and you find comfort and refuge in God the father. He will provide the peace and strength you seek at this time. I pray for your healing  & restoration Coach.
Be blessed. - Rohan McFarlane '90

- Coach, I am not sure if you truly appreciate what you did when you cobbled together the band of misfits that were called The Rider Track Team. You didn't just create a team, you created a family. No matter what event, or what color, or what size we were, all were united with a single cause, make our coach proud. You believed in each and every one of us even at times when we couldn't believe in ourselves. That booming voice that motivated all of us to exceed our own expectations and achieve things that we didn't think we could will always have an impact on us.  Whenever we have that little voice of doubt in our lives it is easy to get drowned out by the volume of coach Brady's voice of confidence and true belief that we could do anything. I know that none of us individually have that big voice like you, except maybe Bewley, collectively I hope that you hear the booming voice of your team cheering you on and when you have those little voices of doubt when you are dealing with the tough days that they are overwhelmed by the volume of your track family.
 Anita thank you for sharing Mike with us, I can't thank both of you enough. – Mark Cortazzo

- The main reason I attended Rider was because Mike Brady was the coach.  I probably should have had a better reason to attend an expensive private college, however when you're 18 years old and want to excel, you go where you think you will have the most success.  Mike Brady gave his athletes that confidence.  I still have several hand written letters Coach Brady sent to me when I was in high school.  He'd let me know he was keeping track of my races and would offer words of encouragement.  Not many other coaches gave me that type of attention while in high school and no coach, other than Brady, spoke of my specific accomplishments.  Brady was not only a master recruiter but a knowledgeable coach.  Usually you don't get both in a coach.  Unfortunately, I only ran under Coach Brady for one year.  I was a member of Brady's last freshman class at Rider.  It was a good year of improvement for me and learning how to be a collegiate student-athlete.  Coach Brady knew of my personal struggles on and off the track and I learned A LOT on his team that year.  He moved onto Princeton after my freshman year, however, I always found myself looking for him at meets - especially when I had a good race - to see if he was watching.  He still motivated me in that way after he'd gone on to coach others.  I wasn't a superstar coming into Rider.  Through hard work, I went on to beat some Rider records and run some decent times.  I know a part of my motivation was to validate the belief that Coach Brady had in me. 
Years later, after graduation from Rider, I was living in Florida and happened to be in the Miami area.  I attended a track meet to see some old friends race and Princeton was there.  I ran into Coach Brady as I was finishing up a run of my own.  We greeted each other and I explained how I had just moved to Florida and I had a great new job.  As I walked away, he called out to me and said, "Ronnie - you've done a great job. You should be proud".  Still working on a new career, in a new home I had been stressed for months.  That simple comment was HUGE at that moment for me.  Coach Brady was still coaching me.  I don't know if he remembers that but I've never forgotten it and it gave me a big boost of confidence at that moment of my life.  Coach, I need to return that favor and tell you that YOU have done GREAT job - and YOU SHOULD BE PROUD!!  Keep fighting! Thanks for the motivation through the years! - Ron Brock '96

- Mike is someone we all looked up to as a great coach,leader and someone that always did and said the right thing. Not only is Mike a great coach but also a great athlete. As most know, Mike was the NJ state Decathlon champion, excelling at many events. What most don't know, is that Mike was also known as a "triathlete". Of course, Mike was a great runner, he also did well on the bike but his weakness was swimming. He would only practice swimming late at night after a few hours at the Rider pub. As urban legend has it, and, I witnessed it myself, Mike would occasionally practice swimming late at night in Rider Lake. After swim practice was over, Mike's friends would always return an exhausted Mike to the loving arms of his wonderful wife Anita. - Dave Melissas'82

- Coach first and foremost I would like to say Thank You. Thank you for believing in me and trusting my abilities. Not only in track & field but also in life.

You may not have known it and I may not have realized it back then that you were a surrogate father to us all. You were another example of what a man should look like and what he should do. I will always honor, appreciate, and cherish that lesson. My parents were also pleased and thankful for the work you have done.

Memories Memories MEMORIES - The banging on the doors, Let's Go RIDER, our 1st ECCC oh how we celebrated. I remember the chat we had just before my 1st indoor ECCC race in Delaware That convo propelled me to win my 1st Conference Championship. Oh the McBrady special for breakfast and dinner.

Coach you are 1 of 4 men I honored, looked up to, and Idolized. My father, Grandfather, and High School Track Coach. I thank you all for shaping me into the man I became. LOVE ya Coach. - From one of your Brady Boys Keith Gant

- Coach Brady,thank you for never turning down a round of golf with me,however I think its more of me never turning you down. I have never met someone who enjoys the game more than you and that's saying a lot coming from a family of golfers. Thank you for sharing the love of the game with me because I have always enjoyed playing it with you. Whether its caddying for you in the U.S. Senior Championship qualifier or being your Saddie Hawkins partner, you never fail to disappoint me. Some of my fondest memories are golfing with you and spending time with you and Anita. I consider you and Anita to be my second set of parents, because whenever my parents were out of town, I could always count on the both of you for a round of golf and a nice meal afterwards.

I have always called you Coach Brady even though you were never my coach. I think its because I grew up listening to my dad tell me stories about you and the places you would make him run. After knowing you for quite some time now, I can honestly say I see parts of you in my dad when he coaches me. I want to thank you for taking care of my dad and being a father figure to him. I'll never forget the time when my mom was out of town and you and Anita invited us over for a nice home cooked meal because I told you I was tired of eating Jericho's food. I also enjoy talking about sports with you and hearing all of your great stories. My dad is always impressed with my knowledge of sports even though I learn most of them from you and then I just repeat it back to him. Shhhh… that's our secret.

You have aways been there for my family through our triumphs and trials. Now it is our turn to be there for you through your triumphs and trails. Also, I didn't forget the promise you made me. Take your time and rest up because when I finally qualify for my first pro tournament you need to be in good shape to carry my bag. -  Love your favorite golfer, Maddy Herr

- Coach Brady, I was 9 years old when I met you.  I know you remember that crazy summer in 1981 when you coached T-ball in Lawrenceville.  I remember one of my friends going house to house to round-up players. We all rode our bikes up to the ballpark to sign-up.  The expression on your face was saying, in your deep voice, "you guys are too old for t-ball."  Rightfully so, because we had all played a season of regular baseball.  You allowed us to sign-up because the turn out for t-ball was very low.  We had so much fun playing t-ball with you that summer.  My cousins still talk about those games, and how insane that season was.  Who would've thought 9 years later I would be running track for you at Rider University.  I can't begin to thank you for everything you did for me at Rider University.  You were more than our Track Coach, you were the Father of our Track Family.   You instilled the virtues in me to never give up even when the obstacles in life seemed impassable.  You made me a stronger person, you made a better person.  I will be forever grateful to you.  Thank you Coach Brady.   - Wil Bowser '94