Sports Spotlight: Paul Castonia

The Plymouth State University football team has started off the 2007 season 4-0 for the first time since 1998. The sterling start, for the Panthers, has had many students, fans, and program representatives, thinking about the glory days of PSC. In the 80's and mid-90's, 10-1 and 9-2 records were not uncommon. At the head of the recent success of the Panthers is fifth-year head coach, Paul Castonia.

In 2003, Castonia took over a PSU program that since 1998, had a combined record of 20-21. Posting more wins every season with the program, Castonia is now on the verge of having his first winning season to go with his 0-10, 1-8, 4-6 and 4-5 records, consecutively.

A Trinity College graduate, the 42 year-old Coach earned his Master's Degree in U.S. History from the University of Rhode Island in 1989. Castonia has held coaching positions at almost all levels of collegiate play since graduating and even before graduating. Coaching the junior varsity program at The University of Rhode Island when he first started out, Castonia went on to Coach for the Maryland Terrapins from 1989-1991.

At Maryland, Castonia was the defensive backs, special teams, running backs, and offensive line coach for the Terrapins and coached. Along with these schools, Castonia's resume includes: Bryant University, as a defensive coordinator, Ferrum College, Hartwick College and University of Massachusetts Boston where he was the head coach.

Now a resident of Ashland, NH, Castonia has put together an exceptional coaching staff and roster for the Panthers and attributes much of his recent success to them, "My upperclassmen have been setting great examples on how to work, both in the weight room and on the field and this has been a big part of our good start," said Castonia about his 2007 team. "As for on the field, we have been able to make critical plays that have translated into wins for us."

With the task of rebuilding a struggling program in 2003, Castonia has answered the call with his balanced approach to offense and a stout, conservative defensive approach. The offense has steadily improved during Castonia's tenure, almost doubling its point's per-game average every season. Also, his defense has leveled off opponents of late.

"I just love being around the game," said Castonia about his acceptance of the PSU head coaching position. "It was a good opportunity, and I felt, a good program."

There is no doubt that Castonia is definitely on to something with the 2007 panthers; the team has beat some of the tougher opponents in the New England Football Conference including a week two victory over last seasons Bogan division champion, Coast Guard Academy.

His recruiting tactics and coaching style are all reflective of the PSU and Division III philosophies of the "student first" approach, "We recruit young men who want to graduate, and who are willing to work hard to be successful in the classroom and on the football field," said Castonia in the Coach's profile on the Plymouth State University athletics website, "We try to put them in a position to succeed, both as students, and as football players."

The squad looks to go 5-0 for the first time since 1995 when they finished 9-1 overall and won the Freedom Football Conference title when they take on Endicott, Saturday, "They have been one of the better teams in the NEFC for the past 2-3 years and pose a big challenge on defense for us."

Castonia has definitely been a driving force in the revitalization of a prestigious PSU football program. His credentials speak for themselves and with Coach Castonia in control, watch for an exciting season from PSU football for the duration of the 2007 season, and beyond.