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Joe D’Antonio is focused on the present and the future. He said he intends to “hit the ground running” in his new capacity as commissioner-elect of the Colonial Athletic Association.

But first, he paused to acknowledge the past.

D’Antonio, a 48-year-old senior associate commissioner of the Big East, was introduced Wednesday as the second commissioner in the CAA’s 31-year-history. The first, Tom Yeager, will formally retire June 30.

The fact the league is robust “is a true testament to Tom and the job he has done and the type of person he is,” D’Antonio said in an afternoon teleconference. “You’ll find it very difficult to find anyone who has anything bad to say about him. He’s done it all — literally. Quite obviously, I have very big shoes to fill.”

D’Antonio’s tenure as CAA commissioner will begin July 1. Yeager is expected to remain with the league in an advisory capacity for the next year. D’Antonio expressed delight at that development.

“For me, personally, (Yeager’s presence) will be a tremendous resource,” D’Antonio said. “Let’s face it: When you’ve done something for 31 years, you’re going to have an incredible knowledge base.”