SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy and Vice President of Student Affairs Daniel J. Sweeney announced several promotions and new hires in the SUNY Canton Athletic Department that reflect a new vision and strategic plan for athletics at the College.

The Athletic Department has designed and started implementing components of a plan to transition into a four-year athletic program. The department has undergone several staffing changes in recent months.

"Athletics have always played a major role in student life at SUNY Canton," Kennedy said. "We are committed to making sure that all of our programs continue to progress and thrive. Accordingly, we have begun implementing plans that will enable us to be successful, recruit quality student athletes, and fulfill the needs of our coaches and students."

Diane Para, who started with the Athletic Department in 1989 and has served as Director of Athletics for the past 12 years, has been promoted to Assistant Dean of Students. Para will continue to oversee the Athletic Department while assuming responsibilities in campus-wide discipline and judicial affairs as well as serving as the Outcomes and Assessment Coordinator for the Student Affairs Division.

"Diane will play an increased role in the Student Affairs Department at SUNY Canton and her leadership will have a positive impact on the entire Student Affairs Department," Sweeney said. "In addition, it will ensure that the Athletic Department has an appropriate influence on future student life decisions."

"I am very excited about the changes we are implementing and our long-term strategic plan," Para said. "That plan involves a systematic progression for hiring full-time coaches for all of our teams. It will inevitably help us in sustaining stability and success in our programs as we continue to transition into a four-year institution."

Matt Metcalf, who has served as the Sports Information Director since joining SUNY Canton in 2000, has been named Assistant Athletic Director. Metcalf will continue to oversee all public relations, marketing, and promotions for the Athletic Department. He will assist in additional administrative duties such as scheduling, game-day management, supervision of the coaching staff, and a variety of special projects.

The Athletic Department has also expanded the responsibilities of two coaches who will now serve as Athletic Recruiting Coordinators. Bruce Tallon, Head Women's Basketball Coach, and Tim Mickle, Head Baseball Coach, have been named as the new Women's and Men's Recruiting Coordinators respectively. The two long-time coaches will monitor and assist the entire SUNY Canton coaching staff in their recruiting and retention efforts.

Assistant Women's Basketball Coach Missy West has been named Assistant Fitness Center Director. West, who is a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Strength and Conditioning Association, will design and coordinate exercise and weight-lifting programs for all SUNY Canton student-athletes.

The Athletic Department has also welcomed three new coaches this year:

Teresa Minckler joined the staff as the new Women's Soccer Coach and Fitness Center Director. The combined position is a step towards the department's goal of having all coaches employed full time and year round. Minckler was an assistant coach with the Northstars women's soccer team last year and was a standout soccer and basketball player at the former Mater Dei College in Ogdensburg.

Nick Nofi enters the winter season as the new Men's Basketball Coach, and he will also serve as an academic advisor and counselor for the Athletic Department. Nofi spent the past three seasons at Potomac State College in West Virginia and is no stranger to Region III, as he previously coached at Jamestown Community College in Olean, N.Y.

Canton native Mike Sergi is the new Men's Lacrosse Coach, and he will also be the Director of Intramurals. Sergi was a two-year standout defender for both SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam College in lacrosse.

In addition to the recent staffing changes, the baseball program has constructed a new on-campus practice facility. The field was designed and built by Mickle and Para with assistance from other members of the department and physical plant employees.

"It's nice to see our Women's Basketball Team and our Men's Hockey Team off to great starts this season," Kennedy added. "We're looking for that type of success from all of our programs, and I think our recent changes and plans will go a long way in achieving that goal."

SUNY Canton will be marking its 100-year anniversary next year and has already begun celebrating with its highly successful SUNY Canton Centennial Campaign: Cultivating the Minds of Tomorrow. The College is transitioning from a two-year institution to a four-year college. In addition to 25 associate degree programs, SUNY Canton currently offers eight four-year degrees with plans to double that number during the next academic year. SUNY Canton also offers a Masters of Business Administration in conjunction with SUNYIT, Utica.

November 22, 2005

Media inquiries should be directed to Randy Sieminski, Director of Public Relations, or call 315/386-7300.

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