Southern Connecticut State University Athletics

One of the most recognizable faces within the Southern athletic department for the past five decades, Jerry Katona has enjoyed a long relationship with the University, dating back to his days as an undergraduate. He earned a bachelor's degree in health education in 1974 and a master's degree in adaptive physical education in 1988, along with a special education certificate from SCSU. 
 
Katona has left an indelible mark through his interactions with Owls’ student-athletes, coaches, staff and administrators. He has been a fixture on the football sidelines and at the basketball scorers’ table for decades.
 
During his undergraduate career, Katona was a student trainer under Bill McCarthy and went on to serve in a part-time athletic training role after graduation. He was later appointed to the athletic training staff at Albertus Magnus before returning to SCSU in an equipment and operations role under Bill Sullivan.
 
Katona also spent several years as a volunteer assistant softball coach at SCSU. He was a part of the staff that led the Owls to their first-ever NCAA berth in program history in 2002. He also coached the Connecticut Classics Women’s Fast Pitch Team to a 2001 Amateur Softball Association U-23 National Championship.
 
Katona has previously been recognized with both the Alumni Service Award (2008) and the Owl Varsity Club Distinguished Service Award. He has also been a Co-Chairperson of the Awards Committee and a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
 
He has been a longtime member of the staff at ACES (Area Cooperative Educational Services) and, in 2006, received the Pillar of the Community Award from New Haven-based Christian Community Action for ACES volunteer support of their food pantry.