A change in title for Jenna Fatica will not change her dedication to the Seton Hill cross country/track programs. Fatica was named the head coach for both of these programs this spring by the president of the university, Dr. Mary C. Finger.
She has had experience in the sport, as she was a holder of eight school records at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College and then served as a grad assistant at Defiance College in Ohio, where she earned her sports management master’s degree.
She stepped into Seton Hill’s program with an eager attitude and served as the men’s and women’s sprint coach in 2014.
“I am very honored to be given the opportunity to lead the cross country and track & field programs at Seton Hill,” said Fatica.
As she worked her way up the chain in the coaching staff and gained the respect from the entire team, she was named the head coach this past year.
For senior mid-distance runner and computer science major Santo Belle, he believes Fatica is a great choice.
“To have someone that is dedicated and passionate about track & field is what the program needs. She has shown great leadership as an assistant and as an interim coach,” said Belle, who set a new school record time of (4:00.56) with his first place finish in the 1500 meter run at the Bloomsburg Maroon and Gold Meet this past weekend. “Even with all of the changes this year I can confidently say that the program is headed in the right direction with her at the helm.”
Fatica has a very positive outlook on her first start as head coach at Seton Hill University (SHU), who competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
“I have enjoyed my time at SHU, and I cannot think of a better institution to start my head coaching career,” said Fatica.“The overall vision of academics being the top priority in addition to competing at a high level in collegiate athletics is one of the many reasons that makes this university special.”
Another senior who is in her final season as a Griffin is graduate student Leah Schott. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and special education, and is currently in the middle level education program.
Regarding coach Fatica, Schott said, “She brings such a positive energy and enthusiasm to the Seton Hill Track and Field program. She is very personable and builds genuine relationships with each of her athletes. I am excited for her!”
With confidence from and for her players, Fatica is ready to take on the head coaching job here at SHU and the university is excited to have her as a representative.
“The coaching staff and I plan to grow the cross country/track & field programs with those values in mind, and I look forward to the opportunities for our student athletes to continue to excel in the classroom and at the Division II level of competition,” said Fatica.
Published By: Laramie Cowan