Making the Move to the Empire 8
It was recently announced that SUNY Poly will be joining the Empire 8 (E8) Conference, beginning in the 2024-25 academic year. The conference, which currently sponsors 23 NCAA Division III sports, is comprised of 12 member schools, all located in New York State.
“I extend a warm welcome from the Empire 8 to SUNY Poly,” said Nazareth University PresidentDr. Beth Paul, who serves as the Chair of the Empire 8 President’s Council. “SUNY Poly reflects the deep commitment of the Empire 8 to maximizing the strengths of the student-athlete experience. Together, the Empire 8 conference exemplifies the best of NCAA Division III athletics, with a most impressive record of athletic, academic and leadership success. The future is bright for Empire 8 student athletes!”
“We are excited to join the Empire 8 and for the new opportunities and relationships it will create,” said SUNY Poly President Dr. Winston Soboyejo. “Our institution is aligned with the conference and its members’ commitment to academic excellence and serving the educational needs of our student-athletes.”
SUNY Poly currently sponsors 13 Division III sports, and has a storied athletics history, with many accomplishments including:
- 23 North Eastern Athletic Conference/North Atlantic Conference Championships
- 22 NCAA Tournament Appearances
- 517 All-Conference players
- 29 Conference Coaches of the Year
- 35 Conference Players of the Year
“SUNY Poly is an ideal fit for Empire 8,” said Empire 8 Executive Director Chuck Mitrano who also serves as the NCAA Division III Championships Committee chair. “A strong academic institution with competitive teams that fits perfectly into our geographic footprint. This is consistent with our goal of adding quality institutions while supporting fiscally responsible athletics competition. We are excited to welcome SUNY Poly and provide their student-athletes with exceptional athletic competition and educational experiences.”
“SUNY Poly athletics is excited to be joining the Empire 8 which has a preeminent face in the athletics community,” said SUNY Poly Interim Athletic Director Kelly Colbert. “Supporting our student-athletes with an exceptional experience, one in which they can continue to learn and grow, remains our priority. We appreciate the past three years of participation that the NAC and its leadership have provided. We look forward to building new relationships and competing against some of the best teams in New York.”
SUNY Poly, SUNY Brockport and SUNY Geneseo will all be joining in the fall of 2024 boosting the conference to 12 full-time member institutions, all located in New York State: Alfred University, SUNY Brockport, Elmira College, SUNY Geneseo, Hartwick College, Houghton University, Keuka College, Nazareth University, SUNY Poly, Russell Sage College, St. John Fisher University and Utica University.
