Memory of Hofstra's Joe Gardi honored by Stony Brook

Former Hofstra coach Joe Gardi, who passed away earlier this year, was honored by Stony Brook University tonight just before the Seawolves' football home opener against American International college at LaValle Stadium. Recognition for Gardi is part of Stony Brook's Long Island Football Night program.

Gardi's football legacy on Long Island not only spanned his tenure at Hofstra, but also he served as the Jets' defensive coordinator for several seasons under Walt Michaels and then Joe Walton when the team was located in Hempstead. The brief ceremony held special significance for Seawolves athletic director Jim Fiore, who played under Gardi at Hofstra.

Stay tuned here this evening for updates on the progress of the game. After the 59-14 licking SBU took at the hands of South Florida last week in Tampa, there's a good chance they will be on the positive end of a lopsided game tonight while going from playing Big East competition to a member of the small-college Northeast Conference.

By the way, Stony Brook might take heart from the fact South Florida played No. 8 Florida to a 7-7 tie into the third quarter today in Gainesville before the Gators pulled away to a 38-14 victory.