Hall of Fame
Jim ‘Doc’ Spartano’s Hall of Fame career could not be judged simply by wins and losses. Instead, his legacy will carry on through the thousands of student-athletes, coaches and colleagues that he mentored and inspired throughout his 38-year tenure. The phrase “positive experience” was not a term that was taken lightly by Spartano, and through his tireless efforts and student-first approach, he was able to create and maintain a culture of fairness and success that reached far beyond any playing surface. He truly embodied the mission of the department by ensuring that a positive student experience remained paramount at all times, and his ability to connect with students, faculty and staff has undoubtedly left an impression on the College that will live on for years to come.
Spartano began his career at Utica College in 1973, and throughout his career he held positions as Director of Athletics, as well as head coach of the baseball, men’s basketball and women’s basketball teams. After accepting his position as Director of Athletics in 1982, he guided the UC athletic department from a small Division I program into a vast Division III institution that offers 25 NCAA sponsored sports.
Beginning in 2000, Spartano guided the UC athletic program to new heights, including the addition of 13 varsity sports. By the time he retired in December 2011, he led a department of more than 50 staff members and 640 student-athletes. He spearheaded the expansion of several athletic facilities on campus including the Harold T. Clark Jr. Athletic Center, the Gary M. Kunath Fitness Center, the Harold T. Clark Sr. Team Facility, Charles A. Gaetano Stadium and the College’s Annex at the Utica Memorial Auditorium.
Throughout the years, he was the proud leader of several NCAA Tournament teams, a vast intramural program, and multiple All-American selections.
As a baseball coach, Spartano believed in speed and tight defense to win games. In 12 years (1977-1989) as the Pioneers skipper he compiled a 198-149 career record. In those 12 years the Pioneers posted just two losing seasons. Three of the teams he coached won the ECAC Upstate Championship, and in 1985 he coached the Division I all-stars against the best players from Division II and III at Shea Stadium.
Spartano accepted a position as the men’s head basketball coach in 1974 and in seven seasons (1974-1980, 1994-95) he went 85-81 overall. His best season was in 1975-76, when he coached the Pioneers to a 14-8 record.
In his undergraduate years, he was an All-Conference baseball player at Oneonta State. During his time as a Red Dragon, he broke the school-record for stolen bases. Playing second base, he finished with an incredible fielding percentage of .990. Upon graduation, Spartano played four years of semi-professional baseball for the Milford Macs. He batted .403 in his best season with Milford. A spectacular career in athletics has resulted in his induction into the Oneonta State Hall of Fame and the SUNYAC Sports Hall of Fame.
Spartano received his master’s degree in Physical Education Administration from Syracuse University in 1977. He married in 2014 to Kimberly from Ohio, and currently resides in Florida. He is the proud father of two daughters, Adrienne and Renee.
