Pace University Football: A Legacy of Setters

Pace University, a private institution with campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1906. While the university is known for its academic programs and contributions to various fields, its athletic teams, the Setters, also hold a significant place in the university's legacy. This article delves into the history of Pace University football, highlighting its achievements, notable figures, and its connection to the university's broader athletic identity.

The Genesis of Pace University

Pace University was founded in 1906 by brothers Homer St. Clair Pace and Charles A. Pace as a business school. With an initial loan of $600, they rented a classroom in the New York Tribune Building and began teaching their first class of 13 students. By the 1920s, their courses were being offered in YMCAs across the New York-New Jersey area, and even in cities across the country. To maintain quality control, the Pace brothers divested their private schools outside New York and focused on the original school in Lower Manhattan.

After the deaths of Charles and Homer Pace in the 1940s, Homer's son, Robert S. Pace, took over as president. In 1947, Pace Institute gained college status, and in 1951, it purchased its first campus building at 41 Park Row, the former headquarters of The New York Times. The institution continued to grow, opening its largest building, 1 Pace Plaza, in 1969. In 1973, the New York State Board of Regents granted Pace College university status, officially becoming Pace University.

The Setter Name and Mascot

In April 1949, a student contest led to the selection of "Setters" as the name for Pace University's athletic teams. The name was fitting, reflecting the students' reputation for setting the pace in their endeavors. As a prize, the winners received two tickets to the then-popular Broadway show, Death of a Salesman.

The Setter, a graceful, intelligent, and energetic breed of dog, quickly became a symbol of the university. Real Irish Setters began appearing on the sidelines of games, unofficially serving as mascots. One of the earliest was owned by Dr. Edward Mortola, the third president of Pace University, who served from 1960 to 1984. Mortola's wife believed the Setter was named Red, and his presence became an early embodiment of the school's spirit.

Eventually, the Setter spirit transitioned into a costume. A series of mascot suits followed, each evolving in style. The current T-Bone costume, introduced in 2012, consists of six pieces and a 30-pound carved foam head. The physically demanding ensemble requires full-body expression and is typically accompanied by a handler who guides the mascot and helps them stay cool.

T-Bone is more than just a mascot; he is a symbol of school spirit, community, and continuity. His fandom has even reached a national level, with supporters like Tom Nipper of Omaha, Nebraska, and his rescue Irish Setter, Finnegan, cheering on the Setters from the Midwest.

Pace Football: A History of Achievements

Cementing one’s name into the record books means the effort a player puts into practice translated onto the field, and their excellent play allowed the team to be successful. Pace football tied and broke its fair share of all-time records during this year’s successful season, including most wins in the season (7). Former Pace quarterback and Pace Athletics Hall of Famer Kevin Enterlein showcased his skills on the field, with his favorite pass-catchers also smashing records for the Setters.

Other Notable Athletes at Pace

While Pace football has had its share of stars, other sports at Pace have also produced exceptional athletes.

Women's Basketball

Just one season before DiMaggio started at Pace, another women’s basketball player was dominating the court. Elizabeth Hernandez, class of 1983, was the first 1,000-point scorer in program history and graduated as the all-time leader in assists with 618. She is also the all-time leader in steals in a single game, single season and career. However, perhaps the best athlete from that era was was women’s basketball player Jennifer DiMaggio, class of 1988. “I always enjoy coming back,” said DiMaggio in 2014 during an alumni reunion.

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Men's Basketball

Fast forward two decades later, and the men’s basketball team stumbled upon an all-time great. Guard Ryan Williams dominated the court until his collegiate career finished in 2008. Exploding onto the scene in 2004, Williams broke the freshman scoring record with 458 points.

Volleyball

Playing her final season in the same gym a year before Williams arrived was Pace Volleyball’s Andreea Cotoranu, who holds the record for best hitting percentage at .404 and kills at 2,411. Cotoranu did not have to wait long for her hall of fame induction, as she was honored in 2010. Cotoranu led the Pace to the Elite Eight in the 2000 NCAA Tournament, as well as helping the Setters to a NE-10 regular season and tournament championship.

Baseball

But no Setter team has as much success translating collegiate stardom to a professional career than baseball. As for the baseball players atop of the record books, Mike Pisacreta, class of 1991, is the career leader in home runs at 45 and in hits at 250.

Pace University: A Pillar of New York

Pace University's impact extends beyond its athletic achievements. The university has played a vital role in the New York community, particularly during times of crisis.

On September 11, 2001, Pace University, located just four blocks from Ground Zero, tragically lost four students and over 40 alumni. In the aftermath of the attacks, FDNY Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transformed the Admissions Lobby into a triage center for victims, including police officers, firefighters, and other emergency workers. Although Pace's buildings remained largely undamaged, the university lost the entire 55th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center, which housed the World Trade Institute and the World Trade Conference Center.

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In the years since, Pace University has continued to be a pillar of the New York community, providing educational opportunities, supporting local businesses through its business incubators, and offering legal assistance through the Women's Justice Center of Pace Law School. The university's commitment to service and engagement has solidified its place as a vital institution in the city and the region.

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