COMMACK MIDDLE SCHOOL

Hofstra baseball coach Frank Catalanotto, a 14-year major leaguer who hails from Smithtown, spoke with CMS sports management students on Wednesday morning.

Catalanotto discussed the intricacies of running a collegiate baseball program, from recruiting and scholarships, to the demands of student-athletes' schedules, to management opportunities for non-playing students around the program in areas such as marketing and analytics.

He particularly emphasized what he looks for in recruits, including good grades, character, being a good teammate, hustle and a competitive spirit.

"In order to build a winning team, you have to have the right culture," Catalanotto told the middle school students.

Commack athletic director Pat Friel played baseball at Hofstra, while CMS sports management teacher Jason Fluger also is an alum.