September 10, 2004: Volume 62, Number 1

Val Belmonte leaving to head US Figure Skating

Val Belmonte, director of athletics at Union College, has announced he will leave the College at the end of September to become executive director of U.S. Figure Skating, the national governing body of the sport, based in Colorado Springs.

"Val has done great things for Union athletics in his time here and he will be sorely missed," said Roger Hull, president of Union College. "It speaks well for Val and for the College that he was chosen to lead such a prestigious organization."

Belmonte joined the College July 1, 2000.

For the past three years, Union has finished among the top in the standings for the United States Sports Academy Directors' Cup, last year finishing 63rd based on finish in the NCAA or NAIA championships. The College was ranked 57th in 2002-03, and 59th in 2001-02. About 430 Div. III colleges and universities are eligible for ranking.

Last year, Union had four UCAA players of the year, two UCAA coaches of the year; 42 all conference selections in the UCAA, 83 all-academic honors; and the 14 NCAA All American selections.

Also during Belmonte's tenure, the College constructed a complex with seating and press box at Frank Bailey Field, renovated Achilles Center and dedicated Frank Messa Rink, and began construction of the Viniar Sports Complex, a facility for men's and women's basketball to be dedicated this year. The College is completing construction of an artificial field complex at the Inn at College Park, the former Ramada Inn.

Belmonte also was instrumental in the recent restructuring of the ECAC Div. I men's hockey league, in which Union participates.

Before joining Union, Belmonte was director of USA Hockey's coaching program, a position he held since 1991. Prior to that, he served as assistant athletic director and head hockey coach at the University of Illinois-Chicago and assistant hockey coach at Harvard University. He received his B.S. from the University of Illinois-Chicago and an M.Ed. from the University of North Dakota. He is a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee's coaching committee, working with U.S. coaches in a variety of Olympic sports. He is the author of publications including Coaches Ethics Code and a number of hockey coaching manuals.

Dwight Wolf, associate dean for academic services and planning, will add the job of interim director of athletics to his portfolio, Sorum said. He will be working closely with Ramsey Baker, associate director of athletics; Joanne Little, assistant director; and other staff. The College will start a search for a permanent successor in the coming year, she said.

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