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“I love The College of New Rochelle community and
the opportunity to
work in a brand new Center with a wonderful staff. To be able to create
and institute first class athletic, intramural, recreational and
wellness programming and events is a wonderful challenge. ”
Harold Crocker
Director
CNR Wellness Center & Intercollegiate Athletics
The College of New Rochelle
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Harold, tell us a little
about yourself.
I live in Northern Westchester with my wife and two
children, but I grew up in New Rochelle and attended New Rochelle
schools. I played many sports but excelled in football and in the
weight events of track and field. I have my BS in Physical Education
from Central Connecticut State University, where I was the captain of
the football team. I received my master’s in education here at CNR, and
I have a Professional Diploma in Administration & Supervision from
Iona College. I also worked for many years as a teacher, coach and
supervisor in the New Rochelle School District.
What is your position here at The College of New Rochelle?
I came to CNR in 1999 as the
Director of Athletics. Two years ago I became the Director of the
Wellness Center and Intercollegiate Athletics.
What are your
responsibilities as Director of the Wellness Center?
I’m responsible for all
aspects of the programming, staffing, supervision and operation, as
well as the Intercollegiate Athletic Program.
What do you think the new
Wellness Center
brings to the College Community?
As we move forward, the
Wellness Center will become the new center of the College Community.
The saying ‘Healthy Mind, Healthy Body’ will become more important as
we integrate our wellness theme with new classes and activities for our
College population, alumnae/i, and the surrounding community.
What do you think, Harold,
are some of the benefits
of the Wellness Center for students who go to CNR?
With the Wellness Center
open, we now have a state-of-the-art facility available for the entire
College Community. Students, faculty and staff can work out in the
fitness center, take a swim, spend time playing sports in our gymnasium
or walking/jogging on the indoor track. They can take a class or attend
a seminar. And all of these wonderful wellness activities are available
in a beautiful brand new setting.
What are some of the
recent achievements of our CNR teams?
We have a rich history in
athletics at CNR. We have had three All Americans and numerous NCAA
Division III award winners. Last season, the School of Arts &
Sciences’ Ruchelle Austin was the NCAA III leader for rebounds.
This year, we have All
Conference players in Tennis, Cross Country, Volleyball and Swimming.
And in December our Swim Coach/Aquatics Director Kristen Ferranti was
named Coach of the Year in The Hudson Valley Women’s Athletic
Conference.
How big is the
athletic program at the College?
We are a NCAA Division III
Independent program and an affiliate member of the Association of
Division III Independents. We have teams in Cross Country, Tennis,
Volleyball, Basketball, Swimming and Softball, and we sponsor
Cheerleading and Soccer club teams.
What do you like best about your job?
I love The College of New
Rochelle Community and the opportunity to work in a brand new Center
with a wonderful staff. To be able to create and institute first class
athletic, intramural, recreational and wellness programming and events
is a wonderful challenge.
What is the best way for a
student
to take advantage of the Wellness Center?
There are numerous ways to
take advantage of the Wellness Center. The fitness center and walking
track are available to everyone during open hours. We have regularly
scheduled open swim hours. A student can sign up for any of the
activities and events that are scheduled and even do a “drop-in” to see
if you might like something. At the beginning of each semester,
we are offering a series of open houses so everyone can view the
activities, meet the instructors and coaches and experience firsthand
the offerings available to them. All of this information and the
opportunity to sign-up is available online.
What are some upcoming
programs coming out of the Center?
Well, in addition to our
regularly scheduled classes we are offering additional programs that
are online on our web page. We will have basketball games this winter,
and are in the process of starting an extensive intramural and
recreational activity program. We currently have ‘drop in’
volleyball games and plan to start a basketball and indoor soccer
program.
The Wellness Center is here
for all of us to use and enjoy. It is a wonderful place to relax, think
“wellness” and start on a path for a healthier lifestyle. I look
forward to seeing everyone in the College Community here at the Center.
