Fontaine and Augstein-Collins Appointed First and Second Vice President
The Empire 8 Athletic Conference is proud to announce it's new First and Second Vice Presidents for the next two academic years.
David Fontaine, the Director of Physical Education and Athletics at Utica College will begin his term as first Vice President, having served Empire 8 as the second VP for the last academic year alongside outgoing VP H. 'Skip' Lord of Houghton College.
“Skip has been a source of strong and steady leadership for the Empire 8," said Chuck Mitrano, Commissioner of the Empire 8 Athletic Conference. "His insight is always valued by his peers and we were fortunate to have him as an integral part of the conference’s leadership. We wish him well in his next professional endeavor. “
Fontaine has an extensive background in athletics as he is a former Utica student-athlete, head coach and administrator. He was appointed Director in January 2012 and puts great focus on ensuring a high-quality experience for student-athletes.
In his six years as Director, Fontaine and UC have hosted several E8 Tournaments, the field hockey team has won three conference titles, the men's outdoor track and field team have won two titles and most recently the women’s cross country team and outdoor track and field team won their first E8 title.
"I am looking forward to continuing to serve the amazing student-athletes and educational professionals of the Empire 8," stated Fontaine. "This is a special group of people and it’s an honor to be part of the exciting things the E8 is doing."
The Sage Colleges Director of Athletics Sandy Augstein-Collins was elected as the new second Vice President by her peers.
"I am thrilled to be able to serve the Empire 8 as second Vice President going forward," said Augstein-Collins. "The Empire 8 is a well-known and well-respected conference with terrific leadership and an outstanding group of colleagues. The Empire 8 has welcomed Sage as a new member for the 2017-2018 academic year and I look forward to helping the conference continue to grow!"
Augstein-Collins was appointed the Sage Athletic Director in the June of 2017 and has helped stabilize and grow the athletic programs with the addition of field hockey and men’s lacrosse that will be starting collegiate competition in the 2018-19 academic year.
During Sage’s first year in the Empire 8, the Gators advanced to the conference finals in men’s soccer and the semifinals in women’s basketball. Seventeen student-athletes were named All-Conference while Sage was also honored with the men’s soccer player of the year, men’s volleyball rookie of the year and the women’s basketball coaching staff of the year.
Prior to being named the AD, Augstein-Collins served as Associate Athletic Director and Head Women's Volleyball Coach since 2011. As an administrator, Augstein-Collins served as the department's Senior Woman Administrator (SWA), while also supervising Sage's academic support and leadership development programs. In addition, she has expanded her administrative skills, and continued her professional development, while pursuing her doctoral degree in Sport and Exercise Performance.
“We are excited to add Sandy to the Empire 8 leadership team," said Mitrano. "She is a highly respected professional with a diverse background as a coach and administrator that will be a great asset for the conference.”
The duties of the First Vice President shall be to serve as the chief liaison to the Commissioner on day-to-day business of the Conference and the AD/SWA Committee. The duties of the Second Vice President will be to assist the Commissioner and First Vice President as needed.
Fontaine and Augstein-Collins will begin their term effective July 1.