Empire 8, SUNYAC joint effort nets Kevin McGoff as inaugural coordinator of soccer officials
UPSTATE NEW YORK – A collaborative effort between administrators of the Empire 8 (E8) and the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) has resulted in the selection of Kevin McGoff as the first coordinator of soccer officials for the two NCAA III athletic conferences.
Administrators and coaches from around the two conferences developed and brought to fruition the position over the past year.
McGoff, who will begin his duties immediately, is excited about the new position.
“I am honored to be the coordinator of officials and welcome the challenges that this new position presents,” he said. “I am looking forward to working closely with administration, athletic directors and coaches to create an atmosphere of professional growth in officiating."
McGoff brings an extensive officiating background to the position, including serving as a college soccer assignor for the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) during the past 25 years. Each year he is responsible for assigning officials to more than 75 colleges and universities in New York State that spanned 65 men’s and women’s teams, 3,000 assignments, and more than 300 officials per year.
McGoff’s impressive resume includes more than 30 years (1972-2004) as a soccer official. He has officiated for the Big East, Atlantic 10, Ivy League, Patriot League and America East NCAA Division I conferences, and he has worked both the Big East Championship and the Patriot League Championship.
At the Division II and Division III levels, McGoff officiated for the ECAC, Northeast-10 and SUNYAC, and he has worked 25 regional playoff games and the NCAA Division III Finals in 1999 and 2003.
McGoff worked as a high school official for more than 30 years and served as an official during 10 New York State High School Finals.
In 2010, McGoff was the recipient of the George Shiebler Award, given annually to an ECAC official who has demonstrated dedication to his vocational activities.
“Kevin has an impressive depth of officiating and assigning experience,” E8 Commissioner Chuck Mitrano said. “He shares our vision and has all of the tools to recruit and develop outstanding officials plus work constructively with conference coaches and leadership. It is an exciting time for Empire 8 and SUNYAC soccer.”
Tom Di Camillo, the new commissioner for the SUNYAC, agrees.
“Our goal always is to provide our student-athletes with the best possible experience both in the classroom and in the arena of competition, to place our coaches in an optimum environment for competitive success, and to provide a high-quality game-day experience for our fans,” he said. “Kevin’s experience, leadership and professionalism is an outstanding addition to the administrative services provided by the SUNYAC and the Empire 8.”