SUNY Cortland Athletics

Paul Gigliotti lettered in cross country, track and field, and swimming during his collegiate career. He went on to a long and successful coaching and teaching career at Rome (N.Y.) Free Academy.
 
* A native of Rome, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Cortland in 1957 and a Master of Science in Physical Education from Syracuse University in 1971.
 
* Competed four seasons each at Cortland in cross country (1953-56), swimming (1953-57), and track and field (1954-57). Set school records in cross country as well as in the 1-mile run and 2-mile run in track and field, and swam under legendary head coach James "Doc" Counsilman.
 
* Earned three Red Letter Awards (cross country in 1956, track and field in 1956 and 1957). Cross country captain as a senior and co-captain as a junior. Named Beta Sports King Award winner as Cortland's Outstanding Athlete in 1957, and served as Senior Class Treasurer.
 
* Started teaching and coaching in Rome public school system in 1957. Served in the U.S. Army in Frankfort, Germany, from 1958-60, before returning to Rome.
 
* Rome Free Academy varsity boys track and field head coach from 1973-93. Team won 16 sectional titles in 20 years and at one point won 54 straight dual meets.
 
* Among the athletes on his Rome Free Academy teams was discus thrower Anthony Washington, a three-time Olympian who also won a title at the 1999 World Championships as well as both the 1991 and 1999 Pan American Games. In addition, one of his students was current Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred.
 
* Rome Free Academy varsity diving coach (1960-69), varsity boys swimming coach (1969-93), varsity girls swimming coach (1977-81) and varsity boys cross country head coach (1981-93).
 
* Staley and Strough Junior High School track and field coach (1960-73) - team recorded 13 straight undefeated seasons.
 
* Overall has coached more than 50 All-Americans and more than 50 state champions in swimming and track and field.
 
* Inducted into Rome Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.
 
* Certified Swimming and Diving official for high school and college meets (1960-90).
 
* Director of Hershey Track and Field Meet for the Rome area (1970-92).