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There aren’t many administrators who have had a bigger hand in directing the history of CSI Athletics than Joe Barresi. In 25 years as Director of Athletics, he helped usher in a new era of intercollegiate athletic competition at the College of Staten Island. Beginning with NCAA Division III membership in 1977 and culminating with the move to a new facility on the Willowbrook campus in 1995, the impact of Barresi’s tenure is still felt today.
During his career, Barresi dedicated over 30 years to the advancement of high school and collegiate athletics on Staten Island. Departing from a position at Curtis High School, Barresi arrived at Staten Island Community College after responding to a classified advertisement for an opening in the college’s Health and Physical Education Department. In 1970, he was appointed Director of Athletics by SICC President William Birenbaum, the start of a 25-year tenure that would shape the history of CSI Athletics.
As Director of Athletics, Barresi was instrumental in elevating the school’s Athletics program onto the NCAA stage. In the 1977-1978 season, the College of Staten Island made its NCAA Division III debut under his leadership. He also was a driving force behind the implementation of new CUNYAC conference guidelines to allow for tougher scheduling, a move that allowed the conference to secure NCAA tournament bids.
Already having achieved plenty during the early years of his tenure as Director of Athletics, Barresi’s contributions to collegiate athletics in the region were not limited to the College of Staten Island. In 1986, Barresi was elected to a position on the council of the Eastern College Athletic Conference, and in 1987 he was elected vice president. In 1989, he co-founded the Skyline Conference, and he spent a total of twelve years as a member of the NCAA Division III basketball and ECAC baseball selection committees.
When Barresi stepped down from his position at CSI in 1995, the program was completing its move into the all-new Health & Physical Education Center at the Willowbrook campus. This building, now known as the Sports & Recreation Center, houses many of the championship banners made possible by Barresi’s efforts. In 1997, Barresi was inducted into the New Dorp High School Football Hall of Fame, and the following year, he received the ECAC Distinguished Achievement Award for his many contributions to the conference.
The legacy left behind by Barresi is still felt by countless student-athletes today. As a result of his efforts, the Dolphins have spent decades competing on the NCAA stage, and athletes throughout the region have benefited from his work with the CUNYAC, Skyline Conference, and ECAC.
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