Hall of Fame
Quick to lead and serve as an advocate for both the SICC and CSI program, Ira Sweet led with humility, a gentle disposition, and motivations that remain sincere. Â For 41 years, Sweet wore most all of the hats: coach, mentor, chairperson, trainer, advisor, and ground-breaker.
It’s impossible to see Sweet’s exploits without first identifying his role on the sidelines, as the head coach of men’s basketball at SICC from 1962-71 and the men’s soccer skipper for three years beginning in 1962, SICC’s first year as a program.  Those years saw the Dolphins as one of the regions finer programs.  Sweet’s teams produced a handful of National Junior College All-Americans and his 107 basketball wins at SICC made him the winningest coach in SICC history spanning all sports.  Sweet continued to stay close with the program, lending insight while also playing an integral role developing the academic successes of his student-athletes.
On top of his coaching responsibilities, Sweet served as the school’s Athletic Trainer for many years and already teaching at the Community College since his appointment in 1959, he served as the Physical Education Chairperson at SICC for a three year stretch.  When CSI was born as a four-year comprehensive institution in 1976, Sweet was a pillar to the transition within the athletic department, remaining with the program through the merger.  His guidance was once again instrumental during CSI’s move from Sunnyside to its 204-acre facility in Willowbrook.  Sweet, who oversaw facilities at Sunnyside, worked closely with architects on construction of the current Sports & Recreation Center and its surrounding facilities, making theirs one of the most dynamic in the NCAA Division III and one of the finest and functional in New York City.  Sweet remained with the program until the close of 2000, serving as CSI’s Director of Athletics in 1995-96.  He remained with the program as an Academic Advisor until his retirement.
During his extraordinary breadth of service Sweet also served as President of the Metropolitan Community College Athletic Association and the Staten Island Kiwanis Club.  For almost two decades, he served as Chairman of the American Red Cross First Aid Committee and Staten Island Advance’s All-Star Selection Committee for basketball.  Decades after his entry to the College, his legacy leaves a lasting impression on the College of Staten Island’s program, it’s facilities, and it’s vast Alumni, who all point to his leadership as integral to the development and continued success to the College of Staten Island.
