The Name Behind the Games

By: Jane Fernandez

FARMINGDALE, NY- The Spring season has started and Farmingdale State College athletes are preparing to start their season after having the beginning of the semester off. But someone who doesn't have off is Athletic Director Tom Azzara who took the position in September 2021. He was previously the Director of Athletics for Compliances and Operations in June 2016. 

 Azzara has been at Farmingdale since 1992 and prior to serving as the Associate Athletic Director, he was the Sports Information Director and also worked in the Department of Communications at the College. Tom also served as the Head Golf Coach at Farmingdale State from 2001-16, about 15 years. Prior to all the success he has had at FSC, Tom received his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Cortland State and his Master’s Degree in Professional Studies focusing on Athletic Administration from Stony Brook University. He has always been passionate about athletics and knew he wanted to pursue a career in the field of sports.  

Azzara has many visions and goals for athletes at Farmingdale. He wants to help the College’s existing teams continue to grow in popularity and success and increase the visibility of FSC sports on the national level. He would also like to expand athletic recruiting beyond Long Island. This would be extremely beneficial to FSC athletics as well at the school overall. 

Some may believe division III athletes are faced with less challenges. False, FSC athletes face more challenges than students at other colleges. About 90 percent of Farmingdale athletes work more than 20 hours per week and have a full course load, in addition to putting in practice hours and playing in games. These students are extremely hard working and take on a lot. That is why Athletic Director, Tom Azzara does not let it go unnoticed. 

 Azzara stresses the importance of making sure his athletes surpass the rest of the student body and all graduate with an excellent transcript. Azzara and his staff have all the tools to make that happen. Their passion and commitment to their student athletes is motivating and inspiring. Recruiting talented athletes and the pressure of performance expectations is a lot but Azzara focuses on the hard work, dedication, and laughter that comes with the ups and downs of being in charge of these great kids. 

In conclusion, Tom Azzara’s leadership and dedication to Farmingdale State College athletics has created a strong foundation for both current athletes and future RAMS. Regardless of the challenges that come with managing a Division III athletics program, Azzara’s commitment on and off the field shows in every aspect of his work. His vision for growing the program and continuing to support student athletes through training and academic excellence reflects his passion for sports and the Farmingdale community. As the Spring season begins, under Azzara’s leadership, FSC athletics is bright and will inspire many future RAMS to come.