Women’s Golf to Join Empire 8 in 2017-18

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Suffolk women's golf program will be joining the Empire 8 in an eight-team expansion starting in 2017-18, the league office announced. 

Suffolk along with affiliate members SUNY Canton, SUNY Cortland, Husson, Johnson & Wales, Keuka, Rhode Island College, and Westfield State will join full-time Empire 8 women's golf members, Elmira, Nazareth, St. John Fisher and Utica. 

"This is a great development for Empire 8 and the sport of women's golf," said Empire 8 and Hartwick College President Maraget Drugovich. "Providing quality opportunities for women is an important aspiration and we are thrilled to provide this enhancement." 

The conference began sponsoring women's golf in the fall of 2009, but has strictly relied on full-time members to field teams. 

"Women's golf is an emerging sport across the country," said Empire 8 Commission Chuck Mitrano. "By adding these fine institutions, Empire 8 has added further support to an important opportunity for women and is a building block toward access for the NCAA Tournament. It's an historic day for Empire 8." 

Despite not having an automatic qualification, the Empire 8 sent an individual to the NCAA Division III Championship in 2013 and then had team representation for the first time in 2014.

"The additional members will really enhance our conference by allowing our teams to get an automatic bid in two years and be provided the same opportunity as the men," said Empire 8 women's golf chair and St. John Fisher head coach Bob Simms. 

"Joining the Empire 8 is another example of our commitment to growing our athletic department and our young women's golf program," said Athletic Director Cary McConnell. "As we expand our Suffolk Athletics, the extension of championship opportunities is also a priority as the chance to play for conference championships, and an eventual automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, adds to the competitive culture and student-athlete experience as a whole. Suffolk is thrilled to give these opportunities to our new program and we're excited for what's to come this fall." 

"This is a momentous occasion for Suffolk women's golf," said head coach Jay Parker. "We are very proud to join the Empire 8 with the other great institutions that are part of this league." 

A member conference of the NCAA Division III, the Empire 8 has nine full members and sponsors championships in 23 sports. The member institutions place the highest priority of the overall quality of the educational experience and on the successful completion of its student-athletes' academic programs. The membership seeks to distinguish itself among its peers group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the Empire 8. 

The Empire 8's beginnings trace back to 1964 with the founding of the Independent College of Athletic Conference (ICAC). In 1991, the ICAC regrouped to become the Empire Athletic Association (EAA) and in 1999, the EAA became the Empire 8 Conference.