Energy Giver... Dan Fetes

SENIOR PROFILES
Dan Fetes played four seasons in a Blue Devil uniform. I first saw Dan at a Showcase at Niagara University when he was a high school senior. Dan stood out over all the other participants at the Showcase because he had such a positive vibe. As a catcher, he was always chattering. He hit a hustle double and was picking up teammates all day. No dogging it for Dan. Every run that was "scored", there was Dan with the first high five. Things you don't always see at a showcase.

When I contacted Dan and emailed him, he would always type in bold letters, underline words or use ALL CAPS. Even his emails had a positive energy.

Dan came into our program with fellow catcher Brian Sheehan. The duo was tabbed to replace four-time All SUNYAC catcher Rob Herrmann who was in his senior season.

Brian ended up replacing Rob.

Dan ended up replacing a handful of players. Dan caught, played first and outfield over the next two seasons. Whatever he was asked to do, he did it. As a senior, he was our team's DH. He had average speed, but wound up among our career leaders in stolen bases through sheer hustle. Dan worked hard to make himself into a solid baseball player. He hit the wieghts, spent time in the cage and was always an energy giver -- never at a loss for words.

Dan also represented the team as positively as anyone around campus. He was a SAAC rep, had a radio show with Steve Toole and was the color commentator for our home hockey games. I could hear him down the hall every Friday afternoon in the winter asking coach Meredith questions and gathering inside information for his broadcasts.

Dan is the second in his family to graduate from Fredonia State. His mother, Kathy, is a Blue Devil alum and teaches in the Rochester area. Dan graduated with over a 3.0 GPA in journalism. Hopefully, Dan's kids grow up and continue the Fredonia State tradition.