Paternostro Named Head Coach

Steve Paternostro has been named the head coach of the Alfred State cross country and track & field programs. Paternostro served as the interim head coach during the 2017-18 school year.

Director of Athletics Jason Doviak is excited to have Paternostro on board. "Steve did an outstanding job as our interim head coach and he clearly separated himself from the other fine candidates during our search process. We had many student-athletes recognized for their outstanding achievement's last season which further proves Steve's ability to oversee our Cross County and Track & Field programs. Many of our student-athletes attribute their success to his coaching style and training philosophy. He possess great energy and enthusiasm in which our student-athletes respond well to and feel he is a great fit for our department."

Paternostro is excited about the opportunity. "Since I was a kid, it has been my dream to be a coach. I am proud to say my dream has finally come true. I am so thankful for the opportunity to add to everything Coach Moore has built, and add a new chapter to Alfred State Cross Country and Track and Field."

Paternostro is no stranger to the Alfred State athletic department. He joined the coaching staff in the winter of 2016 and assisted in all aspects of the track & field program before being named interim head coach for both the cross country and track & field teams in August 2017. Last season he led the women's cross country team to the ACAA Championship, the men's cross country team to a 2nd place finish at the ACAA's, the indoor track & field had two individual champions at the ECAC Championships, and the outdoor track & field team had one individual champion at the ECAC's. 

Previously, Paternostro has spent time coaching collegiately at Daemen College (Amherst, NY), and Edinboro University (Endiboro, PA). At Daemen (2014-2015), he was the sprints and jumps coach as well as the assistant cross country coach, and at Edinboro (2012-14) he was a volunteer assistant with the track & field program. Paternostro has also spent time coaching at Lake Shore High School (2012-15) and the Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart (2011).

Paternostro was a two-time NJCAA National Champion in the decathlon and 4x400 m relay at Erie CC before transferring to Edinboro where he was All-NCAA Regional and All-PSAC in the decathlon.

He holds a associates degree in liberal arts from ECC and a bachelors degree in Individualized Studies with a focus on Human Performance from Edinboro.