Long-time USF SID Returns to High School Roots

John Gerdes, who has directed the University of South Florida sports information office since 1987, has resigned his position to become athletics director at St. Petersburg Catholic High School.

Gerdes, 45, is a 1980 St. Petersburg Catholic graduate. After graduating from Purdue University in 1984, he worked three years as the assistant director of media relations for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was named USF’s sports information director on August 3, 1987. He was promoted to assistant athletics director for media relations in 1998. Ironically, his final day at USF will be August 3, 2007, 20 years to the day of his start date.

Gerdes has also worked at each of the last 11 Men’s Final Fours, including the last five as the interview moderator.