Salem University Athletics

Constructed on November 3, 1973, Catalano Stadium is named in honor of John D. Catalano’s father, Don. His contributions to the Salem College Athletic Programs each year were tremendously helpful in helping current and future Salem student-athletes achieve their athletic goals.
 
Born on April 7, 1935 in Charleston, West Virginia, Catalano was the son of the late Don and Gladys Catalano. He attended Morris Harvey College and was educated in Kanawha County schools. He enlisted in the Marines in 1955.
 
Catalano returned to Charleston in 1958. He began working in the family business and took over operation of the company after the death of his parents. That family business, Central Distributing Company, was the largest business of its kind in the state.
 
Public offices he served were: Three years Kanawha County Commission; Municipal Planning Commission, and Vice Chairman of the Board of the Board of Trustees of Salem College.
 
In 1975 he was presented an Honorary Doctorate degree from Salem College. At one time he was the President of the West Virginia State College Foundation Board of Directors. In 1975 he received the City of Hope “Spirit of Life” Award. He was active in Boy Scouts of America, American Cancer Society, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.