"Great competition can be paired with great collegiality and respect for the opponent." - Dr. Matthew Webb
About Dr. Matthew Webb:
Favorite Professional Athlete/Pro Team: Larry Bird / Boston Celtics; Leighton Baines/Everton
Favorite Movie: Star Wars (it was the first movie I ever saw in a theater - my grandmother took me)
Last Show You Binge Watched or Streamed: White Collar
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Mint-Chocolate Chip
What Do You Enjoy Doing While Away From College Athletics? Traveling, reading and disc golf
Favorite Vacation Spot: Anywhere on a beach
If You Could Use Just One Word To Describe The Empire 8 Conference, What Would It Be? Competitive
"The Empire 8 has established itself as leaders in DIII, not only with legislation to better the NCAA, but also has facilitated a culture of camaraderie and collaboration within the conference leadership." - Matt Webb
"My favorite aspect of Division III athletics is the life lessons learned in a highly competitive environment which allows for the teaching/learning of skills for life beyond athletics." - Matt Webb
"The most rewarding aspect of my job is the daily work with my outstanding staff, and seeing our student-athletes enjoy their athletic experience." - Matt Webb
"My advice for aspiring student-athletes is that athletics and competition can be an integral part of your four-year college experience. Take advantage of all that it has to offer (coaches mentorship, teammate relationships). - Matt Webb
"To graduating student-athletes, your athletic experience will help prepare you for the next step. Discipline, time management, conflict resolution - these are all things that participating in athletics has taught you. This will serve you well moving forward." - Matt Webb
"My favorite athletics memories as a coach/administrator are all the times on the bus and in my home having conversations with athletes about life. These moments are what keep me going in this job." - Matt Webb
"Matt is a highly respected voice amongst the Empire 8 leaders. He has been influential in our development as a conference and acts in the best interest of all Empire 8 student-athletes. He's been a tremendous leader for Houghton elevating its athletics program by investing in the University's staff through mentorship and development of student-athletes as future leaders." - Chuck Mitrano, Empire 8 Executive Director
"25 years from now, I hope that the Empire 8 continues its role as leaders and trend-setters for the NCAA." - Matt Webb
Former Alfred University All-American Swimming & Diving Student-Athlete
First Empire 8 Legend To Date To Be Named To A 25th Anniversary Team
"I am a believer in the fact that our experiences and lessons learned in athletics help shape who we are for the better. I strive to make sure that, in my case, swimming and diving is a positive, influential part of the collegiate experience." - Brian Striker
About Brian Striker:
Favorite Professional Athlete/Pro Team: Mariano Rivera/New York Yankees
Favorite Movie: Caddyshack
Last TV Show You Binge Watched: Fargo
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Black Cherry
What Do You Enjoy Doing When Away From College Athletics? Painting, building things, home improvement projects
Favorite Vacation Spot: Wherever I am vacationing with my family
If You Could Use One Word To Describe The Empire 8 Conference, What Would It Be? Sportsmanship
"The Empire 8 taught me a great deal about mutual respect amongst peers both as an athlete and a coach." - Brian Striker
"Division III athletics allows our student-athletes to grow into well-rounded people. I'd like to believe that the experiences are overwhelmingly positive and allow them to go on to do great things in their lives." - Brian Striker
"The most rewarding aspect of being a coach is seeing student-athletes happy. Helping them find direction when needed. The moments when they have great results and good experiences. I really enjoy seeing a group of former student-athletes get together after long stretches of time away from each other and act like they hadn't been a part, and knowing that in some small way, I contributed to a web of life-long connections and friendships spanning my time with the program." - Brian Striker
"From a swimming and diving perspective, I believe that we as a conference have had healthy relationships with our peers. We compete against each other with passion, but have a great deal of respect for each other. From a general athletic standpoint, I have always been proud to be a part of a conference that puts an emphasis on sportsmanship, academic experience, ethical behavior and competitiveness. Those are some qualities that I believe in wholeheartedly and am glad that I have been lucky enough to be a part of a conference that makes them a priority for its members." - Brian Striker
"My advice for graduating student-athletes is to Learn from all of your collegiate athletic experiences, good and bad; use them to grow and develop in a positive way. Don't stop taking lessons from your experience even though you are done competing. When you are able, give back to the sport in ways that deem appropriate." - Brian Striker
"Brian is one of a select few associated with the Empire 8 to have legendary careers as both a student-athlete and head coach. He is a champion of the student-athlete experience and has served as a model advocate for our student-athletes. What he has accomplished in both aspects of his career is truly legendary." - Joe Venniro, Empire 8 Senior Associate Director
"I hope that the conference continues to focus on the overall student-athlete experience, a positive environment and is made up of strong athletic and academic programs." - Brian Striker
"The members of the Empire 8 are committed to academic and athletic excellence, and aspire to be a nationally recognized and influential conference in NCAA Division III athletics." - Dr. Gerard J. Rooney
About Dr. Gerard J. Rooney
Arrived at St. John Fisher University in 1996
Named St. John Fisher University President in 2015
Empire 8 President's Council Chair 2020-2023
Favorite Professional Athlete: Julius Irving
Favorite Movie: Invincible
Last TV Show You Binge Watched: Ted Lasso
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Butter Pecan
What Do You Enjoy Doing When Away From College Athletics? Being with family
Favorite Vacation Spot: Ireland
"The most rewarding aspect of being an administrator is accompanying our students on their educational journeys and watching them grow and develop into young professionals."
"My favorite aspect of Division III Athletics is the chance for students to compete at a high level athletically in a student-centric and balanced collegiate experience." - Dr. Gerard J. Rooney
"My advice for aspiring student-athletes is to believe in themselves and their abilities, and encourage them to develop a work ethic both in the classroom and in their sport, which would allow them to attend a great institution and experience the added benefit of continuing to do what they love." - Dr. Gerard J. Rooney
"25 years from now, I would hope they will look back and say the the leadership of the Empire 8, at all levels, worked together to provide exceptional experience for our student-athletes." - Dr. Gerard J. Rooney
"The Empire 8 Conference has done a great job of focusing on providing the best educational and athletic experience for student-athletes."
"For most of our teams in the spring 2021 semester (coming out of the pandemic), we were the only DIII conference in the region providing athletic opportunities for student-athletes. This took the collective will of the member institutions and the tireless planning and efforts that each campus put forth. It was truly a team effort and a point of pride for the Empire 8 membership." - Dr. Gerard J. Rooney
"President Rooney is one of just a few individuals that has been a stakeholder since the inception of Empire 8. His tenure as Empire 8 President's Council Chair was the most challenging in our history. First, he successfully navigated the conference through the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic as we provided opportunities for student-athletes to compete when many conferences were unable. His presidency also included the addition of three core members, staffing and financial stability that ensures Empire 8 will be viable for many years to come. His leadership during the most challenging time in our history is legendary." - Chuck Mitrano, Empire 8 Executive Director
"The Empire 8 has taught me the value of campus leaders working together with a common purpose."
"The Empire 8 Conference has done a great job of understanding the future of Division III college athletics and having a vision for the long-term sustainability of the conference." - Dave Fontaine
ABOUT DAVE FONTAINE
Favorite Professional Athlete/Pro Team: Cal Ripken/New York Yankees
Favorite Movie: The Godfather
Last TV Show You Binge Watched: Band of Brothers
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Pistachio
What Do You Enjoy Doing When Away From College Athletics? I enjoy spending time with my wife and family, working out, running the Utica Boilermaker 15k Road Race and doing woodworking projects
Dream Vacation Spot: Italy
"The Empire 8 has done an exceptional job of earning positive recognition on a national stage for its emphasis on sportsmanship."
"The most rewarding aspect of being a coach/administrator is watching student-athletes succeed athletically and in their personal lives. It's rewarding to see their successes and growth after they graduate. The hope is that in some small way, I had a positive impact on their Utica experience." - Dave Fontaine
"The Empire 8 stands out in that it has exceptional conference leadership, a group of athletic directors that are collegial and work very well together, and student-athletes that are inspirational."
"My favorite aspect of Division III is that student-athletes are truly playing for the love of the game. DIII athletics gives so many student-athletes the opportunity to continue to play the sport they love while forging life-long friendships and creating special memories." - Dave Fontaine
"As the head softball coach at Utica (1994-2000), my favorite memory was being part of the program's first ever 20-win softball season (when the season was 28 games) and qualifying for post-season play." - Dave Fontaine
"As an administrator, my favorite memories are watching student-athletes celebrate a great win or competing in conference championship play. To watch them celebrate with their teammates is a special feeling." - Dave Fontaine
" Dave has had a tremendous impact on the Empire 8. He is highly respected and trusted by the Presidents and Athletic Directors and provides invaluable leadership critical to our growth and collaborative culture. Dave has also built Utica into a highly competitive program across the board while emphasizing our shared values of competing with honor and integrity. We're fortunate to have the impact of this great leader, he is most deserving of this distinguished honor." - Chuck Mitrano, Empire 8 Executive Director
"The Empire 8 taught me the importance of working collaboratively with my colleagues across the conference to provide the best experience possible for the membership and the student-athletes we serve." - Dave Fontaine
"The Empire 8 stresses the values of the small private college philosophy and it stresses hard, fair play." - Dave Tomkalski
About Dave Tomkalski
Favorite Professional Athlete/Pro Team: Jim Brown / Cleveland Browns
Favorite Movies: Dirty Dozen & Sound of Music
Last TV Show You Binge Watched: Shrinking
Favorite Ice Cream Flavors: Moose Tracks & Pistachio
What Do You Enjoy Doing When Away From College Athletics?: Spending time with family. Traveling. Read nonfiction books about American and World History and autobiographies.
Favorite or Dream Vacation Spots: Canyon area in Western U.S. & someplace tropical
"The Empire 8 is made up of a group of colleges who believe in providing their student-athletes with good academics, with liberal arts as an important aspect and the ability to compete competitively in many different sports."
"My favorite aspect of Division III Athletics is the emphasis of academics over athletics, while still providing the student the ability to continue their love of athletics and to nurture those important attributes that are learned in athletics."
"My favorite athletic memory at Elmira is winning the 2013-14 Men's Ice Hockey ECAC West Championship with my son on the bench with me."
"My advice for aspiring student-athletes is be a good student, go to all of your classes, listen and learn from your teachers and coaches, work hard at everything you do and have fun. The four years go by very fast, so don't waste time."
"Dave is a legend in the athletic training field and have served in such a valuable role for our student-athletes since the Empire 8's inception. He is a champion of the Division III experience and is an integral part of the Elmira community. Equally as important, Dave has served as a mentor to countless student-athletes and staff members during his time at Elmira and throughout the Empire 8. I am fortunate to call Dave a mentor, colleague and friend."
- Joe Venniro, Empire 8 Associate Commissioner
"Dave has been a very important part of our staff and institution for many years. He is well respected for his service and his outstanding work as the leader of our sports medicine staff. Numerous young trainers have worked with Dave throughout his years in our graduate program that would attest to what a great teacher and mentor he is. Those that know Dave would describe him with words such as knowledgeable, kind and dedicated. He also has a great sense of humor that makes day-to-day work interesting and fun. His commitment to Elmira College and its student-athletes is unmatched."
- Rhonda Faunce, Elmira College Director of Athletics
"To graduating student-athletes: Always work hard, always be honest and never give up your dreams. The most important thing is to make sure you laugh every day; laughter is what makes everything ok." - Dave Tomkalski
- 31 seasons as Nazareth University Head Women's Soccer Coach
- 12 Empire 8 Championships
- 13 NCAA Tournament Appearances
- 350-156-69 overall record, 140-21-17 conference game record (.834 conference winning percentage)
- Coached 67 regional All-Americans and nine national All-Americans
- Five-time Empire 8 Coach of the Year
- Ranked 11th among all active Division III women's soccer coached in career wins (350), ranked 23rd all-time
- 2015 Jean Giambrone Community Service Award Winner
"We value sportsmanship and I feel our coaches and players in the Empire 8 truly embrace the true spirit of competition and respect for one another." -Gail Mann
About Gail Mann
Favorite Professional Athlete/Pro Team: Michelle Akers / United States Women's Soccer National Team
Favorite Movie: It's a Wonderful Life
Last TV Show You Binge Watched: The Morning Show
What Do You Enjoy Doing When Away From College Athletics?: Being by water, beach, boating, etc.
Favorite or Dream Vacation Spot: Hawaii
Favorite Athletic Memory as a Coach: A few that come to mine are defeating William Smith in 1999 to advance to the Elite 8, and hosting the NCAA first and second round games in 2014 and advancing to the Sweet 16 on penalty kick's.
"The Empire 8 is a conference that places the values of respect and sportsmanship over winning. The culture of the E8 is all about mutual respect for one another." - Gail Mann
"My greatest mentor is Doug May. He taught me how important it is to form relationships with your players. The importance of teaching players to be good human beings and to live your values. Culture and leadership are more important to winning than the x's and o's of the game."
"My favorite memories from my time in the Empire 8 is forming rivalries, they are always fun. It was Ithaca for so long. We competed in the finals for seven of the first eight years of the conference. It was so intense!"
"My favorite aspect of Division III athletics is the balance between athletics, social and academic life. The ability and time to be part of other things outside of your sport."
"Gail has established her team as a perennial conference championship contender for all 25 years of the Empire 8. The competitive consistency of her team is a direct result of Gail's leadership, hard work and effort. She's an incredible leader and a huge asset to the athletic department and the Nazareth community."
- Pete Bothner, Nazareth University Director of Athletics
"Gail has forged an indelible legacy at Nazareth and in the Empire 8. Her teams have not only proven to be champions on the field, but embrace the true Division III identity, serving as campus leaders, while excelling in the classroom. A natural leader, Gail's mentorship with Nazareth's SAAC has enriched the collective student-athlete experience. She is a most deserving Empire 8 Legend."
- Joe Venniro, Empire 8 Associate Commissioner
"25 years from now, I hope people will describe the Empire 8 as a conference that is competitive and hold student-athletes and coaches to a higher standard of respect and sportsmanship." - Gail Mann
ABOUT ANN KING
Favorite Professional Athlete/Pro Team: Arnold Palmer, Brianna Stewart, Peyton Manning, and Ryan Preece. Boston Red Sox!
Favorite Movie: A Walk in the Clouds, Sweet Home Alabama, and The Blind Side
Last TV Show You Binge Watched: Castle, Rizzoli, and Isles, Heartland and Yellowstone!
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Vanilla
What Do You Enjoy Doing When Away From College Athletics?: Riding and showing horses, gardening and spending time with my family and friends!
Favorite or Dream Vacation Spot: Sedona, Arizona! I would love to visit Greece and Tuscany. I have been to 47 different states and I am only missing Alaska, Minnesota and Alabama.
If you could use just one word to describe the Empire 8 Conference, what would it be?: Transformative!
"The last few years have certainly had so many emotional events in my personal life as I have been battling breast cancer, and now leukemia. I am in need of a transplant. This past fall, I had two occasions that just blew me away emotionally as the support I have gotten not only from the Gator athletic community, but the entire Empire 8 community, has been unreal" - Ann King
"My favorite aspect of Division III Athletics is that the student-athletes are just that, student-athletes. They are well-rounded individuals that do so much beyond what they do on the playing fields and courts. They are engaged in their communities and deeply care about making a difference. They appreciate what being a member of a college athletic team involves and how they are able to develop as future leaders and professionals beyond their collegiate athletic careers." - Ann King
"The most rewarding aspect of being a Director of Athletic Communications is being able to help tell the stories of our student-athletes and coaches, and help them find their voices for their unique gifts and talents, as well as their great academic success." - Ann King
"Ann is a legend and pioneer in the field of college sports communications, as well as the Empire 8. She has been a tireless advocate for ethnic and gender diversity in college sports communications. Her leadership, advocacy and mentorship has been impactful in helping the industry evolve. In addition to her substantial influence, Ann's boundless energy and passion for student-athletes, makes her an ideal individual to be named an Empire 8 Legend."
- Chuck Mitrano, Empire 8 Executive Director
"The Empire 8 is a group of passionate, innovative leaders in intercollegiate athletics, with a vision to create the best possible experience for its members as they look to the future!"
"Ann King's name has been synonymous with excellence in Athletic Communications for four decades. With roots as deep as her undergraduate days at Drew University, Ann has spend a career extolling the accomplishments and contributions of thousands of student-athletes. I can't think of anyone who deserves to be recognized as a Legend by the Empire 8 more than Ann King. Her selfless dedication to her craft, along with her indelible impact on everyone she has ever worked with are legendary in their own right. I am honored to have worked with Ann in the early days at Drew, and now in her role as Director of Athletic Communications at Russell Sage. I am proud to see Ann recognized by the Empire 8, and on behalf of all the athletes, coaches and administrators she has worked with over the years, I say thank you Ann, you will always be an All-American to all of us."
- Jim Lyons, Russell Sage Director of Athletics
25 years from now, what do you hope people are saying about the Empire 8 Conference?: "The Empire 8 has made a difference in Division III Athletics, and is a conference that exudes class, excellence, academic prowess and athletic success, while maintaining high standards and high expectations for the future!"