Join us for this week's episode of DingoTalk as we delve into the impressive journey of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) football team. In the 2023 season, RPI achieved an outstanding 8-3 overall record, including a 3-3 standing in the Liberty League. Celebrate their triumph in the ECAC Bowl game with a resounding 49-21 victory over Widener, showcasing the talent of their 13 All-Conference Players.
Since Ralph Isernia took the helm as head coach in March 2013, the team has seen remarkable success, boasting a 61-29 record over eight seasons. Under his leadership, RPI secured six Dutchman Shoes Trophy Games and five Transit Trophy Games, clinched two ECAC Bowl titles, and made seven post-season appearances, including three bids to the NCAA Playoffs.
The 2021 season marked RPI's seventh consecutive playoff appearance, reaching the quarterfinals of the NCAA Playoffs for the second time in three seasons. Achieving an impressive 11-2 record, the team tied the school record for wins, securing the Transit Trophy Game at WPI (24-10) and Dutchman Shoes Trophy Game at Union (19-17), ultimately earning their third Liberty League title in four years.
In 2018, the program enjoyed one of its most successful campaigns, notching 10 victories, a Liberty League title, and a second consecutive qualification for the NCAA Playoffs – a historic first for the school. Isernia and his coaching staff received accolades, including Coach of the Year awards from the Liberty League and D3football.com.
From a standout 8-3 season in 2017, with Liberty League and NCAA Playoff triumphs, to the 2016 season's notable achievements, RPI's football journey under Isernia has been nothing short of remarkable. The team secured ECAC Bowl wins, achieved back-to-back playoff appearances, and witnessed the rise of players like Andrew Franks, who went on to make history in the NFL.
Ralph Isernia, a coach with a wealth of experience since 1991, has not only shaped RPI's football success but has been recognized as a speaker and clinician by the AFCA. A graduate of Davidson College and a proud family man, Isernia's leadership has left an indelible mark on RPI's football legacy. Tune in to DingoTalk for an in-depth exploration of the triumphs and milestones of the RPI football program under Coach Isernia's guidance.
