Hall of Fame
Geno DeMarco has established an outstanding body of work as head football coach at Geneva College over the past 30 years. But his passion for the game of football is exceeded only by his love for his family and for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Geno’s legacy is not only built on the direct impact he’s had on the hearts of hundreds of young men he’s coached, but also through his coaching tree of over 150 former student-athletes who entered the coaching profession.
After graduating from Geneva in 1984, Geno had assistant coaching stints at Georgia Tech and West Virginia University. He then volunteered as an assistant coach at Geneva for five seasons before taking the helm as head coach in 1993. Geno became the first coach to surpass the 100-victory plateau in 2007 and currently holds a 158-147 record. During his tenure, the Golden Tornadoes have earned postseason berths 13 times including six NCCAA Victory Bowl appearances and four appearances in the NAIA National Tournament. Geneva has won the second-most Victory Bowls in the history of the event with five wins.
Geno’s deep commitment to Christ is evident in both his day-to-day coaching and teaching. He has remained steadfast through his messaging to his student-athletes, whether they came to Geneva as believers or are still searching for answers within their faith. Each season, Geno leads the team through the Golden Tornadoes Football “More than Conquerors” guidebook to help build them up in Christ. He has also advanced the Gospel of Jesus Christ in youth organizations and coaching associations throughout his career.
An outspoken advocate for the NCCAA, Geno helped develop the Victory Bowl, working tirelessly with the National Office to make it a first-class event and a time of ministry between two like-minded institutions to advance the Kingdom. His passion to advance the football footprint within the NCCAA has been evident through his willingness to serve on the national football committee for many years and to implement and organize an awards program.
Van Zanic, Chief Athletic Officer and Director of Athletics at Geneva, stated, “Coach DeMarco is truly a warrior for the Lord and a man who has dedicated his life to serving Jesus. His consistency in always seeking support through prayer and through God’s Word continues to impact the lives of his players in ways that can only happen through his faith in Christ.”
“As a result of Geno’s faithful obedience to Christ, we have a legacy at Geneva College of molding young men who grow in faith through their years in the program and beyond,” said Geneva College President Dr. Calvin L. Troup. “Many young men have come to personal faith in Jesus Christ through Geno’s evangelistic work in Geneva football. Geno sets an extraordinarily high standard not only at Geneva College, but in the field of intercollegiate athletics.”
Head Men’s Basketball Coach Jeff Santarsiero said, “Geno has been one of the best servant leaders that I have known in my lifetime. He is constantly striving to impact students with the love of Christ and to show them that God has a wonderful plan for their lives. For Geno, advancing the Kingdom is a priority, serving Christ is the driving force in his life, and honoring his Lord and Savior is his ultimate win.”
The NCCAA is honored to induct Geno DeMarco into the Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2023.