Hilton, NY —At their November 23rd meeting, the Presidents' Council of the Empire 8 reached unanimous agreement on their intent to resume conference athletic competition with winter sports. The decision impacts men's and women's basketball, indoor track and field and swimming and diving. The safety and well-being of its student-athletes and campus communities remains the primary goal of the Empire 8. As such, these plans are contingent upon federal, state and local health guidance and the status of all contests will be subject to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The council approved March 1 as a tentative start of its conference basketball schedule while the Empire 8 Indoor Track & Field and Swimming & Diving championship dates have not been finalized. The league continues to support the NCAA Guidelines for the Resocialization of Sport and developed a detailed Pandemic Protocol Handbook. These plans include a rigorous testing strategy as well as protocols for travel and meals to ensure health and safety of all participants.

Fans can monitor the Empire 8 website, as well as each member institution's athletics website for updated schedules throughout the coming weeks as they are finalized.

Empire 8 Presidents' Council

Mark Zupan, Alfred University

Chuck Lindsay, Elmira College

Margaret Drugovich, Hartwick College

Shirley Mullen, Houghton College

Amy Storey, Keuka College

Elizabeth Paul, Nazareth College

Christopher Ames, Russell Sage College

Gerard Rooney, St. John Fisher College

Laura Casamento, Utica College

ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE

The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit www.empire8.com.