TCNJ appoints John Castaldo Athletic Director

Source Media release, January 4, 2007

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey Vice President for Student Affairs Jim Norfleet has announced the appointment of John Castaldo (Hamilton Square, NJ) as the athletic director for the College. Castaldo has served as the interim athletic director since June 1, 2007. Castaldo, TCNJ\’s former men\’s basketball coach and a 1982 graduate of the College, replaces Kevin McHugh, who resigned last spring to accept a position as the director of athletics and chair of the Department of Physical Education at Bates College (Lewiston, ME). Castaldo\’s appointment was announced on Friday by Vice President Norfleet.

\”An alumnus who is unwaveringly loyal to his alma mater, John has shown himself to be a creative and energetic leader,\” said Norfleet. \”He has enjoyed this new challenge, and I have been impressed with the way he has approached it. He is dedicated to students and TCNJ\’s concept of the student-athlete, understands the role of athletics and recreation in a highly selective residential college, and has an impeccable record of personal and professional integrity. His success in forging connections across campus and in stewarding relationships with our alumni and friends bode well for the further integration of athletics into the broader campus community.\”

Castaldo holds both undergraduate and master\’s degrees from TCNJ, having earned a bachelor of science degree in urban administration in 1982 and a master\’s of education in administration of physical education and athletic management in 1983.

Castaldo said of his appointment, \”It is with tremendous pride and honor that I accept and look forward to working as the Director of Athletics and Recreation at The College of New Jersey.\” Castaldo added, \”I am eager to work with Dr. Gitenstein and Jim Norfleet in creating our vision for the future. TCNJ is a remarkable place and I am excited about continuing to be part of it and continuing to build upon the outstanding traditions of the college and producing quality student-athletes. Working in a collaborative effort with my campus colleagues is paramount in reaching our goals. I look forward to reaching out to our alumni and friends, as we continue to move TCNJ on its continued path of success. As a former student-athlete, and graduate assistant at TCNJ, as well as the former basketball coach, I have witnessed first-hand the outstanding leadership traits of Roy Van Ness, which continued under the direction of Kevin McHugh. They have passed the baton and I look forward in building upon the legacy, tradition and belief that athletics and recreation plays a vital role within our campus community.\”

Castaldo served at the helm of TCNJ\’s men\’s basketball program for 14 seasons. He returned to his alma mater in 1993 and proceeded to rebuild the Lions\’ men\’s basketball program. Under his guidance, the Lions have been a constant threat in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) playoff race. In fourteen seasons at the helm, Castaldo has compiled a record of 200-149 at TCNJ. Including his stint at McCorristin High School, Castaldo has an overall coaching record of 410-209.

Castaldo remained at TSC following his graduation and earned a master\’s degree from the College. Born and raised in the Trenton area, Castaldo\’s local ties are extremely strong. He was honored in 2004 by the Golden Wave Club and presented with the prestigious Reverend Clarence O\’Shea Memorial Award for his area contributions and on the court successes. The award also comes on the heels of being inducted in 2003 to McCorristin Catholic\’s Hall of Fame.

Castaldo, 47, came to TCNJ from nearby McCorristin High School, where he had been serving as both the boy\’s basketball coach and the athletic director. Since 1983, Castaldo\’s basketball teams had compiled a 210-60 (a .780 win percentage), including a Mercer County record 56-game win streak spanning from the 1986 to 1989 seasons. In addition, Castaldo\’s 1989 and 1990 teams captured the NJSIAA Parochial A Championship. His teams also won three South Jersey Parochial A state titles and seven conference championships during his career. His record over his last eight years at McCorristin was an astounding 192-32 (a .860 win percentage). During his 10 years at McCorristin, his teams averaged 21 wins per season.

In conjunction with his McCorristin coaching duties, Castaldo also served as the athletic director from January 1985 until September 1993. He was responsible for all phases of the athletic department as well as developing an academic counseling program for student-athletes at the Trenton-based high school.

At TCNJ, Castaldo has also served as the coordinator of event staffing for the College\’s fall and spring varsity athletic contests, while also working on marketing and promotions of the College\’s 20 varsity athletic programs.

Castaldo added, \”I thank my parents, wife, and family for their unconditional support throughout the years. As I conclude twenty-eight years in the coaching profession, it is a pleasant feeling to know that I am not going home, but \”staying home.\”