Coach Sartini

Hall of Fame Coach Gene Sartini, 88, was born in Hammond, Indiana on December 26, 1930.He was the son of the late Italian immigrants Joseph and Emily Cardoni Sartini and passed away Saturday, August 3, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. Coach attended Columbia Grade School and Hammond Tech High School. Upon graduation, in 1949 he received a football scholarship to Louisiana State University where he played tight end. In 1950, he transferred to the University of Louisville, where he broke three receiving records and currently holds longest receiving pass at 94 yards. After completing his sophomore year at the University of Louisville he returned home where he was drafted in the United States Army. Afterwards, he returned to the University of Louisville to complete his Junior and Senior Years where he received his degree in Education. Coach Sartini taught students the love of football at the University of Louisville, Louisa Kentucky, Louisville Flaget, Louisville Shawnee High School and ending his legacy as head coach at Providence High School. During his time at Providence, the Indiana Hall of Famer had a record of 279-168 in 40 years at Providence, winning five of the program's six sectional titles. He led the Pioneers to sectional crowns in 1982, '85, '93, '94 and 2007 before retiring in 2010. The Hammond, Indiana, native took the Pioneers to state runner-up finishes in 1973 and 1993. The field at Murphy Stadium was named after Sartini in 2012.He helped a number of players earn first-team all-state honors during his tenure: Pat Harris (1972, 1973), Tom Quinkert (1973), Kurt Seger (1980), Bob Coan (1983), Charlie Linton (1984), Greg Hublar (1985), Chris Klingsmith (1992), Adam Theobald (1993), Scott Shickert (1993), Syd Witlock (1995), DJ Zipp (1998), Kevin Pickerell (2004) and Zach Ernstberger (2007). Providence had only eight losing seasons in 40 years under his regime. After graduation, he married the late Betty Justice and were together 26 years. They had four children, Joe Sartini, Toni Sartini Schmidt (Mike), Gino Sartini Jr. (Christine) and Nick Sartini. Gene later married the late Sondra Haller for 18 years and had two step-children, Bill Noel and Shelly Vernengo (Dominic) and their children, Sondra, Isabelle and Nolan. He spent the last 18 years with his life partner, the late Cheryl Cardwell. In addition to his children he has 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, Nicole Cprek and her children, Nieem and Cosma,Tera Davis and her children Everett and Simon, Erica Combs and her children, Vivien and Hatch, Emily Roberts and her children, Sawyer and Wren, Joe Sartini, Michael Sartini, Gino Sartini III, Lili Sartini, Stella Sartini, Josie Sartini, Peyton Schmidt, Maria Schmidt and Manny Schmidt. He is preceded in death by his parents, a granddaughter, Gia Rae Sartini and three siblings, Pete Sartini, Irene Hayes and Larry Sartini. Past Players, Cheerleaders, Assistant Coaches, Managers and anyone affiliated with the Sartini football program are asked to report at 9:30 am at the home end goal post; friends and fans are also welcome to join us in the home section bleachers on Sartini Field at Providence High School on Friday, August 9, 2019 so you can escort coach down the field one last time. From there, Mass of Christian burial will be conducted at 11:00 am on Friday, August 9, 2019 at St. Anthony of Padua, 316 N Sherwood Ave, Clarksville, IN 47129 with burial to follow in Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4-8 pm on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 and Thursday, August 8, 2019 from 11 am – 8 pm with a remembrance time at 7:00 pm both at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Road. Expressions of sympathy are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.