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Sports News: Fall 2009

Friday, August 21, 2009

MORAVIAN, SCRANTON, AND SUSQUEHANNA JOIN EMPIRE 8 MEN’S GOLF
Teams Will Begin Play in Empire 8 Championship Immediately

ROCHESTER, NYMoravian College, The University of Scranton, and Susquehanna University will compete in Empire 8 men’s golf, starting in the fall.  The three Landmark Conference institutions will vie for the conference title in the Empire 8 Men’s Golf Championship Sept. 19-20 at Blue Heron Hills Country Club in Rochester and Apr. 17-18 at Susquehanna Valley CC.

“The Empire 8 is pleased to add these fine institutions and their excellent golf teams as conference affiliates,” said Empire 8 President Dr. Thomas Meier of Elmira College.  Empire 8 Commissioner Chuck Mitrano added, “The Empire 8 is extremely excited to announce this relationship.  Not only do they run quality men’s golf programs, but these institutions have reputations for great leadership, exceptional academics, and exemplary conduct, making them perfect members of the Empire 8.  We look forward to enhancing the quality experiences for all student-athletes involved.”

Moravian, America’s sixth-oldest college, delivers a values-based liberal arts education, through which it nurtures in students the capacities for leadership, lifelong learning, and positive societal contributions.  The golf program returns four starters and nine lettermen from last year’s 4-0 team under the leadership of John Makuvek, who enters his 43rd season as golf coach and is joined this year by co-head coach Kevin Edwards.

“We are excited to accept the invitation to join the Empire 8 in men’s golf,” said Paul Moyer, Moravian Chair/Director of Physical Education, Athletics & Recreation. “Participating in the Empire 8 will assure our men’s golfers of receiving the same opportunities as all of our student-athletes.  This affiliation with these other outstanding institutions will enhance the experience not only for our student-athletes, but also for Moravian.  We look forward to a long and healthy association with the Empire 8.”

Scranton is a comprehensive co-educational institution founded as St. Thomas College in 1888 and is, by tradition, choice and heartfelt commitment, a Catholic and Jesuit university.  The university is a community dedicated to the freedom of inquiry and personal developmental fundamental to the growth in wisdom and integrity of all who share in its life.  Scranton graduate Ed Karpovich leads the golf program which finished second in the season-ending Landmark Invitational in 2008.

“The University of Scranton is very grateful for the opportunity to join the Empire 8 as an affiliate member in the sport of men’s golf,” said Director of Athletics Toby Lovecchio.  “This is a wonderful opportunity for the student-athletes and coaching staff.  We look forward to our association with the Empire 8, in addition to competing with our Landmark Conference colleagues, Moravian and Susquehanna.”

Susquehanna is a national liberal arts college committed to excellence in educating undergraduate students for productive, creative, and reflective lives of achievement, leadership, an service in a diverse and interconnected world.  Head Coach Don Harnum enters his 21st season at the helm of the program he has directed to 12 Middle Atlantic Conference championships and seven NCAA Division III Golf Championship berths, including a school-best 15th-place finish in 2007.  Senior Mitch Mercer earned third-team All-America honors last season despite not competing until the spring semester.

“We are excited about the partnership with the Empire 8 in men’s golf,” said Pam Samuelson, Susquehanna Director of Athletics.  “This conference affiliation will give our student-athletes highly competitive tournament experience and the opportunity for individual recognition for excellence on the golf course and in the classroom.”

The affiliates will join Empire 8 men’s golf members Elmira College, Nazareth College, St. John Fisher College, Stevens Institute of Technology, and Utica College.  St. John Fisher has captured each of the past five Empire 8 titles and finished third in the national championship in 2007.

For more on Empire8 visit www.Empire8.com.

 

Release courtesy of Empire 8 Conference Office