SALISBURY, Md. – This is "Nest to Nest," a regular series spotlighting the big miles and bigger stories of the Sea Gull student-athletes on each team who traveled the farthest to be at Salisbury University. This week,
Mark Dattilio of SU men's swimming takes us on a ride through Bluegrass country – and down the stretch he comes!
Mark Dattilio | Jr., Men's Swimming
Hometown:
Lexington, Kentucky
Population:
329,437
Distance from Salisbury:
647 miles
Driving Time:
10 hours, 12 minutes
What would you say your hometown is known for?
Horses, definitely horses. Lexington is the "Horse Capital of the World," and there's a little racetrack near my house. It's really fun to go out and watch the horse races. I've actually never been to the Kentucky Derby, but my siblings and my parents have been before, and it's a fun time during that time of the year.
What's your favorite hometown hangout spot?
Definitely the
racetrack at Keeneland. It's always fun to go out there with our friends and just hang out and watch the races.
Which local sports teams do you root for?
Go Big Blue! But also even though I'm from Kentucky I am a Washington Commanders and Baltimore Orioles fan.
How did you hear about Salisbury University?
Leading up to my choosing a college, I didn't know anything about Salisbury, and then we took a little trip out to our little place in Ocean City and I fell in love with the place.
What's the biggest difference between life in your hometown and life here in Salisbury?
Definitely the beach – the beach being so close is very nice. There's not too much ocean in Kentucky, so it's great being here in Maryland so close to a beach.
What's something you can turn to that reminds you of your hometown on the days when you miss it?
I like a good homemade fettuccini alfredo, like my mom makes. I'll make that at night and it gives me a little hometown feel.
How would you sell someone on visiting your hometown?
The weather is definitely really nice. It's a beautiful place, lots of attractions, lots of things to do, and just a fun time in general.
Salisbury University is a proud member of NCAA Division III with primary membership in the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference, along with affiliate membership in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (football, men's & women's swimming), Coastal Lacrosse Conference (men's lacrosse), State University of New York Athletic Conference (field hockey), and Colonial Women's Golf Conference (women's golf). With over 500 student-athletes in 23 varsity sports, SU is recognized as one of the nation's most competitive intercollegiate athletics programs regardless of division, featuring dedicated coaches and staff that foster excellence on and off the field. The Sea Gulls have won a combined 23 team national championships, 24 individual national championships, and 206 conference championships, and have produced 54 Academic All-Americans.
To Make Tomorrow Yours at Salisbury University, and learn more about Sea Gull Athletics' tradition of excellence, visit SUSeaGulls.com or follow on social media @SUSeaGulls.
