Q & A with athletic director Dr. Daryl Arroyo

At a glance

This summer Alfred State College welcomed a new athletic director to the institution. Dr. Daryl Arroyo has been on campus for two months and the sports information department asked him some questions about his transition to the AD role and his move to Alfred State.

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 07:50

This summer Alfred State College welcomed a new athletic director to the institution. Dr. Daryl Arroyo has been on campus for two months and the sports information department asked him some questions about his transition to the AD role and his move to Alfred State.

What has the first two months on the job been like?

Everyone that I’ve met has been very friendly. It’s been great getting acclimated to campus and getting to know everyone in our department. It’s very exciting beginning a new job in a new place. I’m starting to figure things out, but I still have a lot to learn.

What attracted you to the Athletic Director position at Alfred State?

There are many things that attracted me, but here are a few:

the challenge of taking a successful NJCAA department and a helping us transition into an NCAA Division III program.
the residential/small college atmosphere combined with the affordability of a state college.
The broad based sports philosophy (18 sports).
the fact that Physical Education, Recreation and Intramurals responsibilities are included in the department.
The outdoors. I love to mountain bike, kayak, and hike/jog.

Describe the importance of the athletic program at Alfred State?

Our athletic, physical education, recreation and intramural programs program serve Alfred State College in many ways. These programs provide enjoyable social, recreational, fitness, athletic, and entertainment opportunities for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community. These co-curricular opportunities support the efforts to attract and retain our student body, and intercollegiate athletics help to market and publicize our institution. Participation in intercollegiate athletics provides an educational experience for our student-athletes, with a focus on learning how to succeed in all areas of life.

What challenges/opportunities lie ahead for Pioneer athletics?

The potential move to NCAA Division III will give our student-athletes the opportunity to compete for 4 years at Alfred State. These additional years will enhance their college experience including their academic and athletic success. The challenges include adjusting to the changes from NJCAA to NCAA for our staff and student-athletes.

Did you play sports in high school/college? What sports?

I wrestled all four years. I played football for two years, but everyone kept growing and I stayed the same size. I got out of there before I got hurt.

Who has been your biggest influence?

I have been very lucky to have many positive influences throughout my life.

My parents provided me with a great environment to grow up in. My wife, Jonnie has been a very positive and supportive influence. In addition the coaches, professors, students, and student-athletes that I have worked with through the years have all had an influence on me.

Quick Hits:

If you owned a horse what would you name it? Mr. Ed

Name 3 people, past or present, that you would like to golf with?

No one wants to golf with me, I’m awful Three people I would like to hang out with: