While it may not be the most traditional way to offer student-athletes NIL opportunities, Stony Brook University is operating with The 1957 Club, a third-party non-profit organization, to help student-athletes get involved in the competitive NIL space.
“This is a new day for Stony Brook student-athletes and their ability to attain NIL opportunities. We are fortunate to have incredibly energetic and generous supporters who are critical partners in our success, and the 1957 Club represents another avenue for their generosity. I enthusiastically endorse the 1957 Club and appreciate their alignment with our department’s vision to positively transform the life of each student-athlete,” Stony Brook director of athletics Shawn Heilbron said in a statement.
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The 1957 Club is led by Rob Gitto who is heavily involved in the Stony Brook community as a multi-season ticket holder.
“NIL has provided student-athletes more opportunities to benefit from their talent, which in turn will provide a better environment for athletic programs to grow and competitively compete. We are looking forward to strengthening the connection Stony Brook University student-athletes have with several charities located within our community.
“The 1957 Club will provide a valuable opportunity for student-athletes to benefit from their hard work and dedication, while also helping Stony Brook compete and thrive in an increasingly competitive college athletics landscape,” said Gitto.
Joe Catapano, a 2009 graduate of Stony Brook, is serving as the club’s vice president. Like Gitto, Catapano is also heavily involved with Stony Brook athletics as he holds season tickets to multiple sporting events.
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The 1957 Club is already off to a great start as it has already completed its first NIL deal for a Stony Brook student-athlete and it has plans to sign more athletes to NIL deals in the near future.
Those interested in learning more about The 1957 Club can visit the1957club.org.
