James “Jimmy Weights” Prendergast happy to be at Hofstra

The year was 2009. Young Hofstra student and intern James Prendergast was setting up a team competition, lugging chains, plates and weights onto the field at 5 a.m.

Coach Joe Amplo, who struggled to pronounce Prendergast’s last name, had an epiphany that hazy morning. “Jimmy Weights!” he proclaimed. 

“Jimmy Weights is my persona,” Prendergast said. Armed with a new nickname, Prendergast skyrocketed in the program. The intern was promoted to interim assistant strength and conditioning coach in Dec. 2009. 

“That was basically a six-month job interview,” Prendergast said. He aced it. After his try-out, the University hired Prendergast full-time. Since then, he has cultivated a culture.

“Culture is not just a thing,” Prendergast said. “It is something that you continuously do. It is a never-ending pursuit of greatness that you have to be living and breathing at all times. It motivates you.”

Prendergast gets under the bar with his student athletes. He texts his players when they are injured. His office door is always open. “We ask student athletes to do things they are uncomfortable with,” Prendergast said. “We truly, truly care about our student athletes. They would be willing to run through a wall for us.” That feeling is mutual. Prendergast would run through a wall for his student athletes.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the men’s basketball team played without fans in attendance at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. Prendergast spent home games screaming, shouting and stomping from his spot on the bleachers.

“I know the work that goes on behind the scenes,” Prendergast said. “I am so pumped up for them. Especially this year, the least I can do is become a fan. 

This season, players were trapped in their dorm rooms as a global pandemic upended the life of college students everywhere. When they were able to step foot on the court, Prendergast made sure they were supported.
“After I warm up the team, my job is done, so I might as well show my support in the bleachers,” Prendergast said. “If you are juiceless, you are useless.”

Prendergast has the juice in all areas of his life. When he is not in the weight room, he and his wife, Christina, are parents of two young children.

Prendergast built a home-gym in his garage and invites his children to assist in workouts. The harder you work, the better the results, and Prendergast is instilling this message in his children.

“I want to show my kids what hard work is,” Prendergast said. “It is about leaving a legacy and showing how important making an impact on somebody’s life could be.”

He does this in many different ways. The extra minute is an ideology preached by Prendergast and his department that promotes giving people around you an extra minute of your time.

“Whether it is the janitor or a coach, giving somebody an extra minute could impact the trajectory of their life,” Prendergast said. “That is my philosophy. I lead by example and try to uplift those around me.”

This includes his family, athletes and also his staff: Justin Bentivegna, Ashley Christy and Lilly Bernardi.

“Culture, communication, character and consistency,” Prendergast said. “Those are the values of our team. [Bentivegna], [Christy] and [Bernardi] have blue-collar, work ethic, lunch pail mentalities.”

Prendergast’s team gives it their all when they are in the weight room. Phones are put in a locker and negativity is left at the door. “These student athletes make so many sacrifices,” Prendergast said. “This is the best part of our day and it should be the best part of their day. There is a lot of negativity in the world, so we stay positive and make sure our athletes are stronger, healthier and happier after we see them.”

At home Prendergast has his family. At work, he has his Hofstra family. Prendergast stops at nothing to foster a positive environment and his work has been recognized.

Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr. called Prendergast one of the greatest talents in his department. Acting men’s basketball coach Mike Farrelly said Prendergast pours his heart and soul into the program. Athletes have even worn shirts with his face on them. 

“It is humbling to get recognition,” Prendergast said. “But I am just part of a small puzzle. We are all rowing the same boat and we are all part of the Hofstra family.”

This is not just a job for Prendergast. It is a livelihood. The impact this one man has made on Hofstra cannot be overstated. He is the man behind the scenes – a humble leader, friend and role model to his student athletes and staff.

“At the end of the day, I am just happy to be here,” Prendergast said.