Vision in Motion
By Colin Rajala
Trove Sports Correspondent
Kevin Sponzo was recently promoted by Vice President and Director of Athletic and Recreational Services Pat Lyons to Seton Hall University’s Senior Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations.
Sponzo, who served as Associate Athletic Director for Facilities & Operations prior to the promotion, joined the university in October 1998 as an assistant to the director for facilities and operations.
Kevin Sponzo
“I knew from an early age that I wanted to be in this career field,” Sponzo said. “I had that desire early on and I have greatly enjoyed my time in college athletics as I head into my 18th year.”
Sponzo graduated with a BS in Physical Education from Walsh University in Ohio, moving on to Springfield College to earn his master’s degree in athletic administration. Prior to coming to Seton Hall, he worked as a senior admissions counselor at Misericordia University in Pennsylvania, where he also coached baseball and basketball.
In his current position at Seton Hall, Sponzo is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Richie Regan Athletic Recreation Center, where he oversees facilities, operations, game management, equipment, capital projects, and construction. He also serves as the sports administrator for baseball and men's and women's swimming and diving.
“With the multiple facility upgrades we’ve been making recently, a lot of my time these days is taken up as an athletic liaison for the projects. I am making sure that the projects are going as planned and providing input from the athletic departments perspective. My objective is to communicate Pat Lyons’ vision and what we are ultimately looking to do with all of our facilities and the impact those have on our programs.”
Sponzo has been directly involved with renovations to the Owen T. Carroll Field scoreboard, the Richie Regan Recreation Center ’s student fitness complex, the Center for Sports Medicine , the Charles W. Doehler Academic Center and the Jack and the Charlotte Lavery Coaching Center, as well as the varsity locker rooms, the varsity weight room and the team film room.
“Every project no matter how large or small takes a lot of effort and planning to get it to work. It is exciting to be a part of all the changes that have been made to the University with more being worked on now.” Sponzo said.
Beyond that, Sponzo noted that Seton Hall is looking into making further renovations to its athletic facilities, with the obvious candidates being Owen T. Carroll Field and Walsh Gymnasium.
With Owen T. Carroll Field, Sponzo said that the plan is to give the multi-use baseball and soccer fields a more closed in stadium feel.
“I am confident that upgrades are something that will happen in the future. I don’t know how far down the line because there are so many factors in the process, but our goal is to make changes and push our facilities forward. We are always looking to maintain, upgrade, and advance.”
With conversations involving upgrades to Owen T. Carroll Field, Sponzo stated that a lot can be put into the facility to make it more than what it currently is. He noted that from a surface standpoint, the turf field is the best option, but the area needs to offer amenities like restrooms, locker room facilities for the Pirates and visiting teams, a space for officials as well as having a fan friendly feel with seat back chairs and concessions for a more game like atmosphere.
“Overhauling the field will help our programs from a recruiting standpoint as well as an operation and game management standpoint,” Sponzo offered.
As for Walsh Gymnasium, some renovations have already been planned as new lights will be installed in the historic arena next summer to add to the already freshly painted ceiling. Beyond that, Sponzo said the vision for the arena is to build a new scoreboard as well as overhaul the seating in the upper and lower tiers.
The University will look to bring in all new seating for the arena, switching out the old wooden back seats for more comfortable chair-back seating that better suits the space. Sponzo said the school hopes the chair-back seating will not be reserved for just the upper tier as he would like to replace the lower tier bleachers with seat-backs that will also retract to allow Walsh Gymnasium to be used for practices and other events.
“We are doing the best we can with what we have. We are getting as many heads involved in the upgrades as possible to maximize the amount of ideas we come up with to move the University forward.”
The next changes on the docket for Seton Hall’s athletic facilities are in The Richie Regan Recreation Center , which will see a revamped entrance way and facade as well as an official Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Fame between Walsh Gymnasium and the Arthur E. Imperattore Natatorium.
Sponzo noted that the renovations could be finished as early as late spring 2016 and expects that phase one of the project will be completed next week.
“We are going to fill in the front lobby with glass to let natural light illuminate the core of the building, filling the center’s entrance and lower level giving it a brighter look.”
"The entrance way will receive new lettering on the building and new graphics that spell Athletics and Recreation. Once inside, the new lobby we'll see the front desk move from the right hand side to middle of the area to create a more welcoming approach to the center. The lobby will also feature new tiling, more graphics and logos to enhance the branding."
"The updated Seton Hall Athletic Hall of Fame will receive all new case work for trophies and memorabilia, as well as new graphic and digital components to make it more state-of-the-art."
Sponzo said that the school is currently looking into adding an interactive element to the Hall of Fame to allow visitors to go back in time to reminisce, relive and learn about the history of Seton Hall Athletics.
“Previous renovations were made a while back where many Hall of Fame plaques were taken down and we haven’t had the space to really showcase them and the sports history of Seton Hall Athletics. We haven’t really done justice to that aspect of the school and we are excited to soon have the ability to tell that story again.”
Other projects that are slated to be completed in the very near future include an upgrade to the Essex County Mike Sheppard, Sr. Field at Ivy Hill Park, renovated tennis courts and an indoor golf facility.
The softball field recently received a new turf surface and will soon feature bleachers that expand the seating capacity to approximately 700 spectators, up from the current number of 250. The field, which is expected to be completed by November, will also have a new closed in press box, fencing, dugouts, benches and equipment cubbies.
The tennis courts have been repaved and are awaiting a seal coating and painting, which will match the aesthetic from the U.S. Open.
The indoor golf facility is also expected to be completed before the winter and feature the additions of new putting green surfaces, a hitting stall and technology that will allow the men’s and women’s golfers to simulate playing on almost any course in the country, something that Sponzo thinks will be particularly helpful in preparing for new courses that the teams have not yet experienced.
Sponzo credits much of the renovations to the athletic and recreation facilities and the culture change of the athletic department as a whole to Pat Lyons and his vision for the University.
“Pat’s positive impact was obvious right away. Our facilities needed upgrading, but what is not talked about as much is his foresight as well as his ability to carry it all through. In everything he does, Pat makes the decision with the goal of positively impacting each student athlete.”
Sponzo noted that Lyons is upfront and vocal, having no problem talking to anyone involved explaining his goals for the athletic department.
“His door is always open to our staff, the student athletes, anyone really for that matter. He is visible and works hard to help boost the University’s resources. It is not difficult to invest in his vision because we all understand and appreciate what he is doing and embrace the improvements.”
Sponzo also praised Lyon’s effect on the culture of the athletic department. Particularly noting the confidence he has in their abilities and giving them the freedom and support to help realize the potential improvements needed in the particular upgrades.
Sponzo concluded by noting the administration, the athletic staffs and the students are excited to be a part in the next step of the Seton Hall athletics story. “We are always looking to move forward with all of our programs. We want to excel. And the best way to achieve that is through support, both in enthusiasm and from a financial standpoint. We need and appreciate the support we have from the fans and alumni and we hope it continues to grow.”
By Colin Rajala
Trove Sports Correspondent
Kevin Sponzo was recently promoted by Vice President and Director of Athletic and Recreational Services Pat Lyons to Seton Hall University’s Senior Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations.
Sponzo, who served as Associate Athletic Director for Facilities & Operations prior to the promotion, joined the university in October 1998 as an assistant to the director for facilities and operations.
Kevin Sponzo
“I knew from an early age that I wanted to be in this career field,” Sponzo said. “I had that desire early on and I have greatly enjoyed my time in college athletics as I head into my 18th year.”
Sponzo graduated with a BS in Physical Education from Walsh University in Ohio, moving on to Springfield College to earn his master’s degree in athletic administration. Prior to coming to Seton Hall, he worked as a senior admissions counselor at Misericordia University in Pennsylvania, where he also coached baseball and basketball.
In his current position at Seton Hall, Sponzo is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Richie Regan Athletic Recreation Center, where he oversees facilities, operations, game management, equipment, capital projects, and construction. He also serves as the sports administrator for baseball and men's and women's swimming and diving.
“With the multiple facility upgrades we’ve been making recently, a lot of my time these days is taken up as an athletic liaison for the projects. I am making sure that the projects are going as planned and providing input from the athletic departments perspective. My objective is to communicate Pat Lyons’ vision and what we are ultimately looking to do with all of our facilities and the impact those have on our programs.”
Sponzo has been directly involved with renovations to the Owen T. Carroll Field scoreboard, the Richie Regan Recreation Center ’s student fitness complex, the Center for Sports Medicine , the Charles W. Doehler Academic Center and the Jack and the Charlotte Lavery Coaching Center, as well as the varsity locker rooms, the varsity weight room and the team film room.
“Every project no matter how large or small takes a lot of effort and planning to get it to work. It is exciting to be a part of all the changes that have been made to the University with more being worked on now.” Sponzo said.
Beyond that, Sponzo noted that Seton Hall is looking into making further renovations to its athletic facilities, with the obvious candidates being Owen T. Carroll Field and Walsh Gymnasium.
With Owen T. Carroll Field, Sponzo said that the plan is to give the multi-use baseball and soccer fields a more closed in stadium feel.
“I am confident that upgrades are something that will happen in the future. I don’t know how far down the line because there are so many factors in the process, but our goal is to make changes and push our facilities forward. We are always looking to maintain, upgrade, and advance.”
With conversations involving upgrades to Owen T. Carroll Field, Sponzo stated that a lot can be put into the facility to make it more than what it currently is. He noted that from a surface standpoint, the turf field is the best option, but the area needs to offer amenities like restrooms, locker room facilities for the Pirates and visiting teams, a space for officials as well as having a fan friendly feel with seat back chairs and concessions for a more game like atmosphere.
“Overhauling the field will help our programs from a recruiting standpoint as well as an operation and game management standpoint,” Sponzo offered.
As for Walsh Gymnasium, some renovations have already been planned as new lights will be installed in the historic arena next summer to add to the already freshly painted ceiling. Beyond that, Sponzo said the vision for the arena is to build a new scoreboard as well as overhaul the seating in the upper and lower tiers.
The University will look to bring in all new seating for the arena, switching out the old wooden back seats for more comfortable chair-back seating that better suits the space. Sponzo said the school hopes the chair-back seating will not be reserved for just the upper tier as he would like to replace the lower tier bleachers with seat-backs that will also retract to allow Walsh Gymnasium to be used for practices and other events.
“We are doing the best we can with what we have. We are getting as many heads involved in the upgrades as possible to maximize the amount of ideas we come up with to move the University forward.”
The next changes on the docket for Seton Hall’s athletic facilities are in The Richie Regan Recreation Center , which will see a revamped entrance way and facade as well as an official Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Fame between Walsh Gymnasium and the Arthur E. Imperattore Natatorium.
Sponzo noted that the renovations could be finished as early as late spring 2016 and expects that phase one of the project will be completed next week.
“We are going to fill in the front lobby with glass to let natural light illuminate the core of the building, filling the center’s entrance and lower level giving it a brighter look.”
"The entrance way will receive new lettering on the building and new graphics that spell Athletics and Recreation. Once inside, the new lobby we'll see the front desk move from the right hand side to middle of the area to create a more welcoming approach to the center. The lobby will also feature new tiling, more graphics and logos to enhance the branding."
"The updated Seton Hall Athletic Hall of Fame will receive all new case work for trophies and memorabilia, as well as new graphic and digital components to make it more state-of-the-art."
Sponzo said that the school is currently looking into adding an interactive element to the Hall of Fame to allow visitors to go back in time to reminisce, relive and learn about the history of Seton Hall Athletics.
“Previous renovations were made a while back where many Hall of Fame plaques were taken down and we haven’t had the space to really showcase them and the sports history of Seton Hall Athletics. We haven’t really done justice to that aspect of the school and we are excited to soon have the ability to tell that story again.”
Other projects that are slated to be completed in the very near future include an upgrade to the Essex County Mike Sheppard, Sr. Field at Ivy Hill Park, renovated tennis courts and an indoor golf facility.
The softball field recently received a new turf surface and will soon feature bleachers that expand the seating capacity to approximately 700 spectators, up from the current number of 250. The field, which is expected to be completed by November, will also have a new closed in press box, fencing, dugouts, benches and equipment cubbies.
The tennis courts have been repaved and are awaiting a seal coating and painting, which will match the aesthetic from the U.S. Open.
The indoor golf facility is also expected to be completed before the winter and feature the additions of new putting green surfaces, a hitting stall and technology that will allow the men’s and women’s golfers to simulate playing on almost any course in the country, something that Sponzo thinks will be particularly helpful in preparing for new courses that the teams have not yet experienced.
Sponzo credits much of the renovations to the athletic and recreation facilities and the culture change of the athletic department as a whole to Pat Lyons and his vision for the University.
“Pat’s positive impact was obvious right away. Our facilities needed upgrading, but what is not talked about as much is his foresight as well as his ability to carry it all through. In everything he does, Pat makes the decision with the goal of positively impacting each student athlete.”
Sponzo noted that Lyons is upfront and vocal, having no problem talking to anyone involved explaining his goals for the athletic department.
“His door is always open to our staff, the student athletes, anyone really for that matter. He is visible and works hard to help boost the University’s resources. It is not difficult to invest in his vision because we all understand and appreciate what he is doing and embrace the improvements.”
Sponzo also praised Lyon’s effect on the culture of the athletic department. Particularly noting the confidence he has in their abilities and giving them the freedom and support to help realize the potential improvements needed in the particular upgrades.
Sponzo concluded by noting the administration, the athletic staffs and the students are excited to be a part in the next step of the Seton Hall athletics story. “We are always looking to move forward with all of our programs. We want to excel. And the best way to achieve that is through support, both in enthusiasm and from a financial standpoint. We need and appreciate the support we have from the fans and alumni and we hope it continues to grow.”
