BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The next coach in the Moravian College Department of Athletics & Recreation's Get to Know Coach series is Assistant Men's and Women's Track & Field Coach Jonathan D'Ottavio, who is in his eighth year with the Greyhounds. D'Ottavio coaches all the throwing events for the Hounds and he assists with the cross country teams during the fall.
Jonathan D'Ottavio
College: Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania '13
What is your favorite part of your sport? The different people and the skills they have. It's so cool to be at practice and one minute I can be coaching our throwers in the hammer or javelin and then look over and see the distance runners pushing one another in a workout, sprinters working on their block starts, vaulters on their approach, hurdlers working on their trail leg technique, and so much more. It's so cool that so many different events and the people that compete in them come together to make a successful track and field program. It's such a thrill to get to be around the student-athletes we have on our team, get to know them, learn from them, and be a part of each other's lives.
How did your experience as a student-athlete help shape you as a coach? I was very fortunate that my college coach at Lock Haven always coached us to be able to help our teammates too. Since I wasn't the greatest thrower myself I always tried to help teach others what I knew and put them in the best positions to succeed. In the end I enjoyed helping others get better more than just focusing on my own improvement. I was lucky enough that my coach let me assist her as a volunteer my final year and find out if this was something I wanted to do.
What do you love most about coaching at Moravian College? The People. Everyone in our department works so hard to make Moravian Athletics the best program possible. There are so many people that you can watch and learn from as well as get advice from. Everyone in our department cares so much about the student-athletes and their experience as a Hound.
What is your favorite place on campus? Timothy Breidegam Track. It has a great view and especially in the spring when we are hosting the Coach P & Greyhound Meets, it's a great place to enjoy some track & field.
What is your most memorable moment at Moravian? My first Landmark Meet indoors at Susquehanna. It was the first time that I got to see if everything we had accomplished during the season would actually pay off at the Conference meet. I was pretty nervous going into that day but we ended up with a lot of big performances and even a conference champion in the Men's Weight Throw. It was the first time in a while that the throwers had made a big contribution to the team and it was great to celebrate two Landmark Titles that evening.
Do you have any pre-event rituals or superstitions? Not really. Maybe listen to some music depending on what mood I'm in. I'm usually just trying to make sure I have everything the student-athletes need to compete and everything I'll need to be successful that day.
Sum up your coaching philosophy in one sentence? Building consistency each and every day. Especially in the throwing events there's a lot of technical execution that needs to take place to be able to throw far. Some people can get by on natural talent but to really be great in the throwing events it takes a lot of time and effort to work on technical cues to achieve long term success. It's always a cool moment when you watch someone finally get that and their distances just take off.
What do you look for in a recruit? A good person, good student, and then a good athlete. Someone that will be malleable and willing to put in the effort to get better every day.
What is the best piece of advice you've been given? Don't ever let anyone compromise your integrity. My Dad would always preach that to me.
Who are your role models/most influential people? Mom & Dad. They've always helped and supported me while letting me become my own person.
Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with? My paternal Grandmother who passed away before I was born, Derek Jeter my all-time favorite athlete, and 'The Rock' Dwayne Johnson.
What have you done more of since March that you wouldn't have if sports had not been postponed? Get to take more time to self-evaluate and reflect on my coaching. Sleep and be on a more consistent schedule. Catch up on shows and movies I've been wanting to watch.
If you weren't coaching, what would you be doing? I would be teaching. I have a degree in Secondary Ed Math and that was my first plan coming out of college before coaching became a reality. Either that or something in Sales/Marketing.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise most people. When I grow out my facial hair I get a red beard every time. I am 0% Irish.
Quick Hits:
Favorite Color – Blue
Favorite Food – Chicken Parmesan
Favorite Restaurant – Nudy's Café in Wayne, Pa
Favorite Movie – Gladiator
Favorite TV Show – Parks & Rec
Favorite Musical Artist – The Weeknd according to my Spotify #2020WRAPPED
Favorite Athlete – Derek Jeter
Favorite Pro Team – New York Yankees
Hobbies – Watching Movies/TV, Going to Sporting Events/Festivals, Cooking
Most Prized Possession – Game Ball from former Millersville Football Coach Gene Carpenter
Ideal Travel Destination – Iceland
Your Spirit Animal – Polar Bear
Superpower you'd Like to Have – Super Speed
