Hartwick College Athletics

Dr. James J. Elting was a physician with a vision for the integrated care of the student-athlete. Through his dedication, commitment and generosity, he improved the health, well-being and athletic experience of generations of Hartwick College students.

Convinced that it was important for the student-athlete to have a central location to have injuries treated, to have rehabilitative care, and to exercise and strengthen effected muscles, Dr. Elting made his vision of integrated care a reality at Hartwick College.

After establishing his Otsego Orthopedics practice in 1973, the athletic trainers under his supervision worked daily with Hartwick student athletes. Dr. Elting served as the team physician and spent many years on the sideline during football and men’s soccer competitions.

Throughout his 40 years of association with the College he inspired other orthopedic surgeons to volunteer their time to the sport programs at Hartwick. Dr. Elting’s advocacy on behalf of Hartwick student-athletes continued long after athletic trainers became full-time employees of Hartwick College in 2001.

Himself an accomplished athlete, Dr. Elting assured the health of others through the generous gifts of his time and financial support. His gift in 1993 made possible the creation of Elting Fitness Center, giving students access to a space in which to maintain and increase their strength and fitness. In 2003 he honored his close friend and Hartwick College’s first athletic trainer, George Mitchell, with a gift that funded the creation of the Mitchell Room, an expansion of the Elting Fitness Center.

Throughout his life he would prove to be one of Hartwick’s most dedicated advocates. Jim Elting’s commitment to Hartwick College sports changed the course of history for the program and its athletes. He was as kind as he was generous. He will always be remembered with fondness, respect and gratitude.