Rider Dedicates Athletic Complex To Former President Dell’Omo

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — The Board of Trustees of Rider University recently dedicated the athletic complex in honor of former president Gregory G. Dell’Omo.

Dell’Omo has served the University since August 2015. He will retire after his current contract ends on July 31.

The Gregory G. Dell’Omo Athletic Complex encompasses the University’s baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, recreational field, track and field complex, and turf field, which is home to Rider’s men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey and women’s lacrosse teams. Of the University’s 21 Division I sports, 13 programs utilize the complex.

“Your name will greet generations of student athletes as they train, compete and continue to bring home championships,” Joan C. Mazzotti ’72, chair of the Board, said during a presentation to unveil the naming.

Throughout his decade-long tenure, Rider’s Division I athletic teams have seen success with Dell’Omo and his wife, Polly, frequently cheering on the Broncs in the stands, the University said.

The University secured 40 conference championships, produced 18 All-Americans and won two consecutive Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Men's Commissioner's Cups. Rider Athletics added women’s lacrosse as its 21st Division I sport, saw its first wrestler compete in the Olympics and had the first wrestler advance to the national championship bout. “The naming of the outdoor athletic complex for President Dell’Omo couldn't be more appropriate,” said Don Harnum, athletic director. “Greg loves sports, has been extremely supportive of Rider Athletics during his tenure and has witnessed a plethora of Bronc victories in that part of campus. This is a very deserving honor and recognition.”

Rider has made a number of additions and renovations to its athletic facilities in the past 10 years, including the construction of the Jason Thompson '08 Court in the basketball practice facility and the Michael P. Brady Track Operations Building & Pavilion, and renovations to the Gary Taylor Wrestling Center and Richard A. Coppola Pool, both located in the Canastra Health & Sports Center. Additionally, to honor Dell’Omo’s legacy as he sets to retire, the Board of Trustees created the Presidential Impact Fund, an unrestricted fund that allows Rider to respond to its most pressing priorities.

To date the fund has raised $800,000.

Have a correction or a news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com