Biographies - Jerry Gardziel

Jerry Gardziel
founded the FALL CLASSIC while serving as the baseball coach at Potomac Senior High School in Dumfries, Virginia from 1981 - 1991 where he amassed a 199 - 43 (.822) career record. During Gardziel's tenure the Panther’s won two State championships ('83 and '88), two Northwest Region championships, and seven Commonwealth District championships. Twenty-seven of his players received college scholarships and seven went on to play professional baseball. Gardziel also served as the head coach of the champion Northern Region team in the Virginia Commonwealth Games in 1991, running his career coaching record to 203 - 43.

A native of Tarentum, Pennsylvania, Gardziel graduated from Salem College (West Virginia) and began a 29-year career with the Prince William County School system in 1966. Jerry taught Industrial Arts at Graham Park Middle School in Dumfries, Virginia, from 1966 - 1980. He also served as the Lions baseball coach for 13 years winning the county championship in 1979 and 1980. Gardziel moved to Potomac High School in 1980 where he remained for the next 15 years. Gardziel taught Driver's Education and coached the baseball team, and also served as an assistant football coach.

A teacher, coach and community leader in Prince William County for 29 years, Jerry’s commitment to youth remains unquestioned. He served as a tenured member of the Board of Directors of the Prince William County Park Authority. Many of the recreational facilities present throughout Prince William County today are a direct result of his efforts. Gardziel was instrumental in bringing an amphitheater and golf course to Locust Shade Park, near Triangle, Virginia.