Patrick Fergus
@Fergus5Fergus
Carl Fetteroll is a full-time professor in the Department of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science. He teaches three sections of Sports Statistics each semester. He was born and raised in Boston, and any of his students know that he is a massive sports fan.
The Student had a chance to sit down with Fetterol to discuss his passion for stats, sports and teaching.
Student: How did you first arrive at Springfield?
Fetteroll: When I was in eighth grade, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I was helping my teacher solve problems. After about 20 years in business, I wanted to be back in a sports environment. I thought of being an Athletic Director. Springfield was one of the best schools in the country and right in my backyard. My master’s in athletic administration turned into a master’s in education and I started teaching as soon as I graduated.
Student: What’s the most underrated part of the Springfield College campus?
Fetteroll: I think it’s the fact that the students come here to help others. Most students go to college because they feel like they have to go to college, but the students at this school aren’t just coming here for the education, they know that it’s good for them.
Student: What’s the most rewarding part of teaching?
Fetteroll: It’s pretty cool when a student says “I did mean in high school, but now it makes sense.” Overall, it’s when each student has a successful academic experience. For a lot of students, having a successful academic experience in a statistics class is something that they hadn’t dreamed of, so that’s pretty rewarding.
Student: How did you first get into the statistical side of sports?
Fetteroll: Back when I was growing up, when the Boston sports teams were on the west coast, the box score in the paper was the only way to get the results of the games. The only way to see if we won or lost against the Lakers was by checking the stats the next day.
Student: As a huge Boston sports fan, which team is your favorite?
Fetteroll: My favorite to watch are the Patriots. I haven’t missed a game since they built the stadium in 1971. Just below that would probably be the Bruins, because hockey is my favorite sport in general. Especially a playoff game against the Canadiens. If I had to rank them, it would be the Patriots, Bruins, Celtics and the Red Sox.
Student: What is your go-to gas station snack and drink?
Fetteroll: It would have to be chocolate milk. Since most of them are paired with a Dunkin’ now I will also grab a chocolate hind drip donut.
Student: If you could have dinner with one person from history, who would it be?
Fetteroll: Chris Gasper. He is a sports writer for the Boston Globe, and whenever I’m driving I also listen to him on the radio. I admire his knowledge about all my teams, so I would love to have dinner with Chris.
Photo Courtesy of Patrick Fergus/The Student