Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, October 17, 1993                   TAG: 9310170134
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: C7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: ARDEN HILLS, MINN.                                LENGTH: Medium

ST. JOHN'S COACH WINS NO. 300

He did it by guiding St. John's to a school-record offensive output in a 77-12 victory over Bethel.

Others to reach 300 victories were: Eddie Robinson, Bear Bryant, Amos Alonzo Stagg and Pop Warner. Grambling State's Robinson, the only other active coach among the five, was the all-time leader with 384 going into his team's game Saturday night against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Bryant had 323 victories, Stagg 314 and Warner 313.

"Bear Bryant's got 323. That's within striking distance," Gagliardi said. "I'm glad the other guy's not within striking distance because I'd be stupid and probably go after it."

Gagliardi, 66, also has 10 ties and 95 losses in a 45-year career that began with four seasons at Carroll College.

St. John's is 6-0 this season, 5-0 in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and has outscored opponents 366-43. The Johnnies are seeking their 15th conference title, 11th postseason appearance and fourth national title under Gagliardi.

"To be honest with you, winning a national championship was a lot bigger elation," Gagliardi said of his 300th victory. "If we didn't get it today . . . in the next five years or so, we're bound to win a game. I knew it was inevitable. But the national championship's not inevitable. It's a one-shot deal and you've got to do it."

The NCAA Division III championship game, the Stagg Bowl, will be played Dec. 11 at Salem Stadium. The first Gagliardi Award, honoring the Division III player of the year, will be presented Dec. 10 at a luncheon in Salem.