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Andy Gibbons’ office has one of the most inspiring views on campus: a wide bank of windows looking out on the sunlit second floor of the E. & L. Andrew Fitness Center. He doesn’t spend a lot of time at his desk, however. “The work I do isn’t in here,” he says, “it’s out there.” When classes are in session, you’ll find Knox students, including Prairie Fire student-athletes, working out from daybreak until late into the evening under his guidance.
Peter Bailley '74
Coach Gibbons spent 27 years coaching football, as well as seven years as a part-time strength and conditioning coach. Last year, he took over full-time responsibility for the Fitness Center. He also teaches football coaching as part of Knox’s sports studies program. His work brings him in contact with a large percentage of the Knox student body. “My door is open to any student who wants help in the fitness center or the weight room.”
Welcome to his office.
Peter Bailley '74
1. A desktop montage of photos. Coach Gibbons keeps an everchanging array of photos under the glass top of his desk—former teams, memorable students, and, of course, his family (he and wife Carla have five children: Ella, Annabeth, Charlie, Gracie, and IdaMae).
Peter Bailley '74
2. The seniors from the 1998 Knox football team after they won the Bronze Turkey game at Monmouth. “They gave me the photo along with the trophy.”
Peter Bailley '74
3. The 2002 football team walking out for its game against Eureka College. The Prairie Fire won 6–4.
Peter Bailley '74
4. Shelves filled with books about coaching. There are the football greats—Papa Bear, about founder of the NFL George Halas, and Saban: The Making of a Coach, about former LSU football coach Nick Saban—but Gibbons also collects books about hockey, basketball, and baseball. “I am a huge biography fan,” he says.
Peter Bailley '74
5. Memorabilia from his years coaching football, including signed game balls and a Knox helmet.
Peter Bailley '74
6. Beyond the glass: treadmills, elliptical machines, and selectorized weight machines. “What we focus on, first and foremost, is how to do lifts correctly. Then we move on to getting students stronger and better.”
Peter Bailley '74
7. The weight room on the first floor, where students can access free weights and locker rooms.
Peter Bailley '74
