Bobcat Commentary: Gardner, Nicastro Take Advantage of Second Chance
11/27/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
My heart just dropped, the Montana State linebacker recalls feeling when he and his Cal
State Northridge teammates were told just about one year ago that the school was dropping its
football program.
That move left players scrambling for places to play, and the hardest sell was for seniors such
as Gardner and defensive tackle Jason Nicastro. Both were left without homes, but with one
more season to play. Both turned to the Bobcats.
Nicastro was recruited relentlessly by Bobcat assistant Joe O'Brien, and chose the Bobcats
over other Big Sky schools, including Eastern Washington. It was a great decision to come
here, Nicastro said. It's all paid off.
The payday was bigger than anyone could have dreamed. The two Northridge castaways have
helped lead Montana State to the school's first Big Sky title since 1984, and they've each left
their imprints on the program.
Nicastro is known as much for his engaging personality as his ability to engage blockers. Hehas been a steadying influence on a youthful defensive interior, and his presence has allowedBeau Clark and Ray Sebestyen time to mature in the program.
Gardner is as smooth off the field as on. He spent the first half of the season just fitting in, butat crunch time he's been glue that has held the defense together. Never was his presence feltmore strongly than late in the Grizzly game, when Gardner helped make a key fourth-downtackle that kept Montana at bay and helped the 'Cats clinch the win and the title.
When this semester is finished, so too will Gardner's time in Bozeman. He'll return toNorthridge, pay his own way, and graduate with a degree in health enhancement. Nicastro,who is engaged to a local girl, will pursue coaching opportunities, possibly in Montana.
But whatever happens to these players in the future, these native Californians who came toMSU to grab a dream, will leave with a ring, and with a lot of memories.
State Northridge teammates were told just about one year ago that the school was dropping its
football program.
That move left players scrambling for places to play, and the hardest sell was for seniors such
as Gardner and defensive tackle Jason Nicastro. Both were left without homes, but with one
more season to play. Both turned to the Bobcats.
Nicastro was recruited relentlessly by Bobcat assistant Joe O'Brien, and chose the Bobcats
over other Big Sky schools, including Eastern Washington. It was a great decision to come
here, Nicastro said. It's all paid off.
The payday was bigger than anyone could have dreamed. The two Northridge castaways have
helped lead Montana State to the school's first Big Sky title since 1984, and they've each left
their imprints on the program.
Nicastro is known as much for his engaging personality as his ability to engage blockers. Hehas been a steadying influence on a youthful defensive interior, and his presence has allowedBeau Clark and Ray Sebestyen time to mature in the program.
Gardner is as smooth off the field as on. He spent the first half of the season just fitting in, butat crunch time he's been glue that has held the defense together. Never was his presence feltmore strongly than late in the Grizzly game, when Gardner helped make a key fourth-downtackle that kept Montana at bay and helped the 'Cats clinch the win and the title.
When this semester is finished, so too will Gardner's time in Bozeman. He'll return toNorthridge, pay his own way, and graduate with a degree in health enhancement. Nicastro,who is engaged to a local girl, will pursue coaching opportunities, possibly in Montana.
But whatever happens to these players in the future, these native Californians who came toMSU to grab a dream, will leave with a ring, and with a lot of memories.
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