SUNY Cortland Athletics

John Sciera served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. While at Cortland, he lettered in football and swimming. John was a member of the first physical therapy class at the University of Buffalo where he received certification in 1953 and later earned a master's degree in education in 1954.

John was chief physical thereapist at the Providence Hospital in Sandusky, Ohio, from 1953-56; physical therapist in special education at Jackson (Miss.) School District from 1956-58; head athletic trainer at the University of Buffalo from 1958-65; and head athletic trainer and Physical Education Department faculty member at SUNY Cortland from 1965-85.

John led Cortland's athletic training program into national prominence. He founded the New York State Athletic Trainers Association and served as its first president. He was one of the first and most vocal opponents of "spearing" in football. John was trainer for the U.S. Track and Field Team at the 1976 Pan American Games in Mexico City.

John Sciera was the recipient of Cramer-Eastern Athletic Trainers Association Award and inducted into the National Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame in 1983. John also started the Lacrosse Club in Homer, N.Y.

UPDATE: Sciera passed away on March 1, 1986, at age 58. The SUNY Cortland athletic training facility in the Park '01 Center was dedicated in his name in 1994.