Oct. 17, 2005
VILLANOVA, Pa. - The Villanova football program has enjoyed plenty of success in its storied history. Many talented student-athletes and coaches have contributed to the program over the years. However, two individuals who have not worn a helmet or diagrammed a play in a huddle have made an immense impact on Villanova's football teams both past and present. Joan McGuckin and Ryan McNamee have been major assets to Villanova football for all their work behind the scenes.
McGuckin, a staple of the Athletics Department since 1976, is the Coordinator of Football Operations. Her responsibilities include handling travel arrangements for both the team and for prospective recruits, managing coaches' recruiting arrangements, and making hotel arrangements where necessary in addition to the day-to-day responsibilities within the Football Office.
While many have come and gone through the football program during her tenure on the Main Line, McGuckin is the link between today's team and the Division I program that existed prior to 1981. When the administration decided to drop football following the 1980 campaign, McGuckin remained with the Athletics Department as the Travel Coordinator. Given the chance to rejoin the program after a 13 year hiatus, McGuckin made the leap back to the Football Office in 1997.
She has been through the ups and downs of the program. Through it all, McGuckin has remained energized and passionate for Villanova football and all that it represents.
When asked about what she would tell a prospective student-athlete about the football squad, McGuckin emphasized an intangible part of the program. "I would tell them that we're like family. McGuckin continued, "They are very close to us. We stay in close contact with the parents of the kids, and at Villanova, they're never a number. We know everybody by their first name, and we treat them as if they are family."
An essential factor in the program's accomplishments has been the open lines of communication between McGuckin and Head Coach Andy Talley in addition to the entire coaching staff. She stated, "I think it's really a very wholesome working relationship. Basically, we all really like each other and respect each other."
McGuckin has paved the way for those such as McNamee, the Director of Recruiting and Special Projects for the Football Office.
Now in his second year with the program, McNamee is accountable for the office's national recruiting efforts. His duties include preparing tapes for coaches, distributing and organizing prospective student-athlete questionnaires, and assisting Associate Head Coach Mark Ferrante with recruiting weekends.
Prior to applying his skills at Villanova, McNamee enjoyed a successful playing career at Gettysburg College and coaching stints with Adams State College in Alamosa, Colo. and then back with Gettysburg.
A self-described jack-of-all-trades, McNamee utilizes his knowledge and experience in the office in addition to the gridiron. Behind the scenes, McNamee prides himself on providing a helping hand to "make sure everybody's in the right spot and making sure we get the players that we want to get in here."
Crediting Ferrante and Defensive Coordinator Mark Reardon, McNamee is thankful to be able to sharpen his football pedigree with the Wildcats. McNamee articulated, "They've allowed me to work with them as well and learn from them." He also speaks about Talley in glowing terms, saying, "he's been a mentor to me, giving me ideas about different coaching philosophies, different ways to be successful in coaching and in life."
McNamee was attracted to the football program for a number of reasons. He cited "the level of play, the level of program that Coach Talley runs, and a first class university" as incentives for establishing himself in the football ranks.
As far as future aspirations, McNamee first reflected on his experience so far at Villanova. He said, "I'd like to stay [at Villanova]. It's a great place to be, great football, great atmosphere, great people, and the Villanova family is very special to be a part of." However, he also has entertained the possibility of joining the NFL ranks, either as a coach or in a personnel role. Regardless of what may develop, McNamee is keeping an open mind. "You never know what can happen, so I'm just real happy to be where I'm at right now," he said.
The contributions of McGuckin and McNamee's to the Football Office and the Athletics Department have not gone without recognition.
"Joan is incredibly invaluable," said Talley. "She knows the ins and outs of the University and she provides a safety net for the entire program. We are lucky to have her."
Talley commended McNamee as well, stating, "Ryan brings a coaching background as well as a recruiting expertise to our program. His insight is really helpful when working on special projects. He is a valuable member of our staff."
