General

Michael Sporton Tabbed As John Jay Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations

Release Courtesy John Jay Athletic Communications

NEW YORK - John Jay College Interim Director of Athletics Brandon Fieland has named Michael Sporton as its new Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations. Sporton comes to John Jay College after serving 11 years as the Assistant Director for Championships and Special Events at the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC).

"I am thrilled to welcome Mike to John Jay College as our new Associate AD for Facilities and Operations," commented Fieland. "I've had the pleasure of knowing Mike for over a decade, and I'm excited to collaborate and learn from him in this new capacity. This is a pivotal leadership role within our department, and I'm confident Mike will have a lasting, positive impact on our community. His passion for enhancing the student-athlete experience and supporting their development will serve the Bloodhounds tremendously well. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue striving for excellence on and off the field."

In his new role, Sporton will oversee client management, contracts, and scheduling of all John Jay Athletics facilities, which include the upkeep and maintenance of the Fitness Center, Main Gymnasium, Auxiliary Gymnasium, Rifle Range, Tennis Court, Pool, Locker Rooms, and Multi-Purpose Rooms.

"I am incredibly honored to join the John Jay College community as the Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations," said Sporton. "I want to extend my sincere thanks to Vice President Daniel Matos and Interim Athletic Director Brandon Fieland for their support and confidence in me. It's a privilege to help advance the mission of Bloodhound Athletics and to support our student-athletes by ensuring our facilities and operations reflect the excellence and spirit of this institution. I'm excited to get started and contribute to the continued success of John Jay Athletics."

During his tenure with the CUNY Athletic Conference, Sporton was responsible for planning, organizing, and executing the conference's 24 annual championships. He served as a liaison for the conference to the NCAA for all championship-related inquiries. He oversaw multiple special events for the conference, which included the SAAC Leadership & Rules Seminar, Basketball Luncheon, CUNYAC Alumni Celebration, the President's Ceremony at the Basketball Championship, and the Michael Steuerman Scholar-Athlete Awards Ceremony. From 2014 to 2017, Sporton was involved in coordinating and planning the conference's major fundraiser, The CUNY Golf Classic. 

A Queens College alum, Sporton held multiple roles at his alma mater, starting as an Athletic Event Assistant/Fitness Center Attendant while also being a member of the Knights' baseball program. Upon graduation, Sporton spent two years as the Assistant/Interim Sports Information Director at Queens College and also held the positions of Athletics Facilities Coordinator/Event Manager and Assistant Baseball Coach. In this capacity, Sporton conducted and assisted in the supervision of facility maintenance and improvement projects, which included the construction and installation of an indoor batting cage, a gymnasium sound system, outdoor bleachers, and dugouts. He monitored and assisted in the sales, coordination, and scheduling of all athletic facility rentals, which generated upwards of $250,000. Sporton was pivotal in the creation of the intramural program, which included flag football, basketball, softball, swimming, and dodge ball.

Sporton was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Fitness & Game Operations in 2011. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing all home game operations for Queens College's 19 sports. He hired and trained all gameday staff and was responsible for submitting all NCAA Regional/Championship bids. Queens College hosted both the 2011 & 2013 NCAA Division II Men's and Women's Tennis Regionals, the 2012 ECC Men's Basketball Conference Playoffs, and the 2013 ECC Track and Field Championships. During this time, he spearheaded projects that included resurfacing the baseball/softball infields, as well as the renovation and installation of new basketball bleachers.

He managed the Fitness Facility, which not only served Queens College Athletics but the entire campus. Sporton managed a $300,000 budget and generated revenue through the implementation of new marketing strategies to increase membership, notably with the 2012 "Commit To Get Fit" campaign. He hired, trained, and supervised a staff of over 30 workers.

Sporton was a four-year letterwinner and two-year team captain on the baseball team. He led the Knights in virtually every offensive category during his final two seasons as a senior. A product of Archbishop Molloy High School, he led the squad to three city championship finals appearances, including the CHSAA title in 2002.

Sporton holds a +2.9 USGA Handicap in the Met Section, which includes local qualifying into the MET AM, NY State Open, NY State Amateur, and first alternate for the US Amateur.

He resides in College Point, NY, with his wife, Stefanie, and their two sons, Joseph and Nicholas.

For the latest news on the CUNY Athletic Conference, log on to cunyathletics.com – the official site of the CUNY Athletic Conference. Also, become a follower of the CUNYAC on Instagram (@CUNYAC), Twitter (@CUNYAC) and YouTube (@CUNY Athletic Conference), and "LIKE" Us on Facebook (CUNY Athletic Conference).