John Fanta, a name synonymous with college basketball broadcasting, didn’t just appear on the Fox Sports screen. His story is deeply rooted in the values and experiences cultivated at Saint Ignatius High School. For Fanta, a 2013 graduate, Saint Ignatius wasn’t just a school; it was a family legacy and the foundation upon which he built his remarkable career. Growing up immersed in the tales of his grandfather, father, and uncles – all Saint Ignatius men – Fanta internalized the essence of being a “Man for Others” long before he walked the halls of 1911 West 30th Street. “From the time I was little, there was never a question of whether or not I would be at 1911 West 30th,” John Fanta recalls. “It was always known. And when you grow up going to Byers Field on a Saturday night, or going to Sullivan Gym on Fridays and Saturdays during the winter to stay warm, you quickly learn that Saint Ignatius is a place for everybody.” This deep-seated connection and early exposure to the school’s community spirit set the stage for Fanta’s transformative journey.
Initially arriving at Saint Ignatius with aspirations of Wildcat football glory, John Fanta’s path took an unexpected but ultimately defining turn. Just after his freshman football season, a conversation with his father sparked a pivotal moment. Encouraging him to explore the diverse opportunities Saint Ignatius offered, his father’s advice resonated with the school’s ethos of developing well-rounded individuals. This nudge led Fanta to Athletic Director Rory Fitzpatrick ’88, seeking new avenues for involvement. Fitzpatrick directed him to Jeff McCormick ’83 and the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Network (SIBN). The SIBN, a relatively new initiative at the time, became the launching pad for John Fanta’s broadcasting career. A lengthy and engaging discussion with McCormick sealed the deal, and Fanta eagerly joined SIBN, unaware of the incredible trajectory it would set in motion.
Under McCormick’s guidance, John Fanta immersed himself in every facet of broadcasting. Starting as a cameraman for Wildcat basketball games, he quickly ascended to on-air roles. “I proceeded to learn every position on a broadcast, from behind the scenes to play-by-play to analyst to pre-game host to halftime host to reporter to interviewing coaches and student-athletes, and everything in between. That all goes back to Mr. McCormick,” John Fanta emphasizes. This comprehensive, hands-on experience at SIBN was instrumental in honing Fanta’s skills and nurturing his burgeoning passion for sports broadcasting. Beyond McCormick, Fanta credits the supportive relationships he forged with faculty members like Coach Chuck Kyle ’69 and Rory Fitzpatrick for shaping his success. His active participation in various extracurriculars – football, chorus, the Cat-o’-Tonics, student senate, and SIBN – reflects the enriching and multifaceted environment Saint Ignatius provides. “For me, this place has countless relationships and connections and lessons that I still take with me today about doing things the right way,” Fanta reflects. “Anything is possible at Saint Ignatius High School.”
John Fanta’s involvement with SIBN ignited a passion that propelled him towards a career as a professional sports broadcaster. After graduating from Saint Ignatius, he pursued journalism at Seton Hall University. There, he relentlessly honed his craft, broadcasting for various university teams – men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball – and traversing over half the United States in the process. His dedication and talent were quickly recognized. Upon graduating from Seton Hall, the Big East Network tapped John Fanta to host his own show, The Big East Shootaround, marking a significant step in his professional journey. Then, in 2018, John Fanta achieved a major milestone, joining Fox Sports as a college basketball play-by-play commentator and reporter. Today, John Fanta is a prominent voice in college basketball broadcasting, known for his insightful commentary and engaging on-air presence.
Despite his demanding career, John Fanta remains committed to giving back, particularly to aspiring young broadcasters. He consistently volunteers at camps and school broadcasting programs, both in New Jersey, his current home, and at Saint Ignatius, his alma mater. His message to these young talents echoes the core values instilled in him at Saint Ignatius: “Do it for someone else when they need you down the road. Be that person, be that Man for Others.” For John Fanta, “Man for Others” is not merely a motto; it’s a lived principle that guides his actions and inspires his commitment to service. “The feeling that you get when you’re in this building and on this campus is a feeling I never want to leave my heart,” John Fanta passionately states, underscoring the enduring impact of Saint Ignatius on his life.
The recognition of John Fanta as the 2024 Young Alumnus Award recipient was a deeply moving occasion. The honor carried profound personal significance, especially in remembrance of his late father, a constant source of encouragement throughout his journey. John Fanta attributes his achievements to the unwavering support of his family, particularly his parents, Gerry and Molly, who prioritized his Saint Ignatius education, and his wife, Victoria, his steadfast partner. For John Fanta, this award is more than individual recognition; it’s a celebration of his family’s enduring legacy at Saint Ignatius High School and a testament to the transformative power of the school’s values. John Fanta will be formally presented with the 2024 Young Alumnus Award at the 1886 Society Leadership Awards on September 26th, 2024, an event that promises to be a fitting tribute to his remarkable journey and ongoing contributions.
