Coach Scott Cagnet is in his fifth year serving as the Rochester University men’s hockey coach. He also is the assistant dean of students.
What brought you to RC and why do you choose to work here?
“Before coming to Rochester, I was working in sales in Indiana. I had a friend tell me about an
opportunity at Rochester University. I was feeling restless where I was, and wanted to go somewhere where I could combine my business experience in a ministry setting.”
What is the easiest and hardest part of your job? And is your job more difficult or easier at certain times of the year?
“For me, probably the hardest part of my job is just managing all the different responsibilities and using my time effectively. There are times for my job when it is harder, usually the month following up to the school year along with the first few weeks of class. After about a month of class, things start to settle down a bit.”
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
“I would say the most rewarding part about my job is getting to know students of all different
backgrounds.”
What do you do outside of your job to stay sane, relieve stress, etc. What about hobbies?
“I like the outdoors, so camping, hunting, fishing, hiking. I am into urban gardening and raising chickens, along with spending time with my family.”
Where did you grow up? What was that like?
“I grew up in a small town in northeast Indiana; the name of the town is called Monroeville. It’s a small farming town with a population of about 800 people. There are no stoplights, and we have a family farm there made up of 180 acres. My family mostly worked in trades and farming. There I learned the value of hard work and close community.”
What is your favorite thing to do in the Rochester area, or anywhere in Michigan?
“I really enjoy visiting the farmers’ market during the summer months. I also enjoy going downtown and going to Georgios Pizza. Outside of Rochester, my family does have a campground pass in Howell, Michigan, but we do plan on getting a pass for all the state parks. But most of our camping experience has been in the Howell area.”
What is your most prized possession?
“I would say my family and our dog. I value them more than any specific possession I have.”
What is your most embarrassing moment?
“Well when I was in college, we had racquetball courts and the boundaries were made of all glass you could see through. While I was playing I somehow accidentally pants’d myself completely, and it took me a moment to realize why it was so breezy. There were also a few spectators watching the match from outside the glass.”
What is the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome?
“Before my daughter was born, my wife and I had to go through two miscarriages. Those will always be our hardest of times.”
Who was your biggest influence?
“I would have to say my dad. He was my best man at my wedding, and he worked extremely hard to make sure we were always provided for. And he was always making sure he was being kind and treating others fairly, even if they weren’t being fair aback. If someone acted out of hatred towards him, he would still care for them and always act out of love no matter what.”