Empire 8 Announces Football Affiliate Decision
March 5, 2008
ROCHESTER, NY – The Empire 8 has announced its recent decision by the Presidents Council to allow qualifying New York State public institutions and public institutions contiguous to New York State to apply for membership as an affiliate in football.
“The Empire 8 is one of the premier Division III athletic conferences in America,” said Dr. Charles Edmondson, Empire 8 and Alfred University President. “By potentially expanding our football affiliates, we will be able to sustain that status, enhance the quality of competition, and contain the costs of long-distance travel.”
In football, the conference currently consists of full-time members Alfred University, Hartwick College, Ithaca College, St. John Fisher College, and Utica College, and affiliates Norwich University and Springfield College. Norwich will no longer be a part of the conference after the 2008 season.
In six seasons, the Empire 8 has recorded 17 postseason victories with six of the seven teams playing in at least one postseason game during that time. St. John Fisher advanced to the regional final this year and made it to the NCAA Division III Final Four the previous season. Three Empire 8 teams (Hartwick and Ithaca joined the Cardinals) were selected to play in this year’s national championship, while Alfred captured its fourth consecutive ECAC bowl title. The teams posted a 23-11 record out of conference with each team finishing .500 or better outside of the conference schedule.
“This decision has the potential to enhance our football conference and position us for a very stable long-term future,” said Empire 8 Commissioner Chuck Mitrano. “It can also potentially enhance our relationships with public institutions in our area and communities.”