New Title, Familiar Face

It's never easy replacing a legend, especially one that's been there for thirty-eight years. Perhaps it is easier when your replacing a mentor. It seems only fitting that a former UC Pioneer be the one to replace Jim Spartano as Director of Physical Education and Athletics. Former baseball captain Dave Fontaine was named the head of the Utica College Pioneers. Although he was working away from the college he managed to stay involved with pioneer athletics. "I was still back here in the athletics center quick often, had a chance to speak with coaches, students, and the administrators. So it's like I really never left, so it's really kind of a unique experience for me but to be back and to serve the student athletes and the students in general and be part of the Utica College community again this is, it's great." Being an alum Dave knows what pioneer athletics is all about and the coaches at UC are excited for him to start. "I'm excited about Dave coming on board, he obviously bleeds orange and blue. He's a U-C alum so he was a Pioneer, he knows the department you know and it's just a new energy which will be nice." Students are away on break but coaches are busy and say they can't wait to get started under their new director. "You know I know Dave somewhat and will get to know him very well over the next few months. He has a passion for Utica College and a passion for the area and knows the area very well. Having been away I think he has a unique perspective on where we're headed next." The new a-d will take lessons learned from his old coach and boss and the message is simple. "Coach taught me well though, always taught and all of us have bought into it because it's the real nature of what we do, we're here for the students."