About five years ago, Mike Ricci finished a speaking engagement in Philadelphia, when he was followed out in the parking lot by someone in the audience. The gentleman was cordial and interested in knowing more about how the legendary coach came by his culture building. He told Ricci he was going to take what Ricci shared that day to revamp their company’s agenda that afternoon to implement Ricci’s seven-step process. It is when it dawned on Ricci, who retired from coaching in 2021 though still very involved with area high school football as a Maxwell Club committee member, that his ideas of cultural bonding were worthy enough to be shared.
Ricci has created a company called “Achieving Oneness,” based on the principles he created as the highly successful coach at Garnet Valley. What Ricci discovered was his message was universally applicable to various platforms of business, education and athletics.
“As my career went on, I had different coaches approach me about how we did things with the Garnet Valley football program, and different people from the community would ask the same,” Ricci said. “I never charged anything to anyone. It was always my way of giving back. It was not unusual to have entire staffs visit, either at my house or at school. I and my staff loved to share with others, and we were honored that so many people sought out our guidance. In addition, there were parents whose kids I coached who asked me to come and speak to their businesses, asking me to share how we built the culture of ‘oneness’ that we did.
“As I was about to retire, my wife told me, ‘You know you can get paid for that.’ I remember going out to speak to that Philadelphia company, the guy walking me out to the car asked me what I wanted. I asked him if he wanted to contribute something to the Garnet Valley booster club. I remember him telling me, ‘Listen, I don’t want to pay you for the two-hour talk you just gave. I want to pay you for the 35 years that went into that talk.’ It is a message about managing people and being inclusive. As we developed our football program, we began immersing more of oneness into a culture. Once we put our culture in place, we were able to find a way to make everyone feel valued and important. What changed was putting the culture in place.”
Indeed, it did.
Over Ricci’s first 19 years at Garnet Valley, the Jaguars were 97-91-1. Over the last 16 years, Ricci built Garnet Valley into a perennial District 1 championship contender, finishing 190-32 overall, which included five District 1 titles (three 3A titles in 2005-2007 under the 4A system) and (two 6A titles in 2021 and 2022).
What’s more, Ricci achieved that success without overwhelming talent at one of the smallest schools Class 6A in the area.
“Our goal was always to become the best team we were capable of being,” Ricci said. “How do we do that? You focus on the things that are necessary for success to follow. Our goal was never to win. Our goal was to be extraordinary doing the things that are necessary for winning to follow.”
For more information about “Achieving Oneness” please visit their website at: www.achieving-oneness.com
Mike Mazur, Acme-Hardesty: “Mike spoke at our company meeting regarding creating a better culture and being accountable to it. Mike was able to connect with us in a way that moved us both professionally and personally. His ability to share that fit into our business model was exceptional. Mike’s capacity to weave a story and keep the audience captivated is second to none. Equally impressive is that he is delivering easy to employ tools/resources to help improve culture and accountability to the culture commitments. This was one of those few times in corporate America where you actually didn’t want the meeting to end!”
Robin Brooks, Brooks Courier: “Our team has been citing Mike’s stories and quoting his words daily over the last few weeks since he came to talk to our managers. He took the time to ensure that his presentation would reflect our goals and engage our team. Not only were our employees interested and involved throughout his talk, they have remained so in our weekly meetings, bringing new ideas to the table that are a direct reflection of what they learned from Mike. What he did at Garnet Valley is universally applicable to any group or organization!”
Marc Bertrando, Superintendent, Garnet Valley Schools: “Mike Ricci is more than just a renowned figure in the realms of high school education and athletics; he is a pillar of wisdom and guidance in our community. As a father to four outstanding student-athletes, a revered high school teacher, and one of the most accomplished high school football coaches in Pennsylvania’s history, Mike embodies a blend of personal and professional excellence that is rare and inspiring.
“His storied career has not only been marked by achievements but also by the profound impact he has had on those around him. Mike stands as our school community’s most trusted confidant, mentor, and advisor. His insights and wisdom, born from years of experience and genuine care, have been invaluable.
“In my personal experience, Mike has been an instrumental figure for my family, offering guidance and support that has left an indelible mark on our lives. His ability to connect with, understand, and effectively address issues involving parents and students is unparalleled. He is the go-to expert within our district for navigating complex community issues, consistently delivering solutions that reflect his deep understanding and commitment to our community’s well-being.
“Mike Ricci is not just a problem-solver; he is a visionary leader whose influence extends beyond immediate challenges to shape a better future for our students, families, and community. When it comes to dealing with any community issue, Mike doesn’t just find a resolution—he crafts a pathway that leads to lasting positive change.”
Bill Zwaan, West Chester University Head Football Coach (retired): “I have known Mike Ricci for over 30 years, and I have watched his program from the perspective of a college coach all those years. Mike has put together a winning formula for his student athletes both on the field and off. He gets his players, his parents and his administration to buy into his philosophy of Oneness—they, in turn, live this philosophy and the success he has achieved both on and off the field has been nothing short of remarkable! His plan works for all team sports and is easy to employ and fit to any program. Mike will definitely improve your teams, your athletic program and your culture—and you will be able to apply his principles immediately and without any additional cost!”
Joseph Santoliquito is an award-winning sportswriter who has been covering high school football since 1992 and is the president of the Boxing Writers Association of America. He can be followed on Twitter @JSantoliquito.
