NEW YORK – The Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference is proud to announce that SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) and Davis College have been accepted for membership and will compete in league play and be eligible for HVIAC Tournaments starting with the 2015-16 season.
The decision to extend membership was overwhelmingly approved by the conference's athletic director committee in a special meeting this past fall. The addition on both Davis and SUNY ESF will bring the 13-sport league to 10 members next season, replacing St. Joseph's College and Yeshiva University—both announcing their departure earlier this season to join the Skyline Conference.
"As president of the conference but also representing a school that is departing the HVIAC I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome these two fine institutions," commented HVIAC President Joe Bednarsh. "The addition of ESF and Davis will increase the diversity of our membership and contribute to the educational component of our member institution’s programs. It will also allow the Conference a larger geographical footprint and will no doubt help broaden the appeal of our schools and the HVIAC."
Located in Syracuse, N.Y. and founded in 1911, SUNY ESF is the nation's oldest and most respected college dedicated solely to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies and building a sustainable future. With a student body of approximately 1,650 undergraduates, the Mighty Oaks sponsor nine varsity sports, five of which are HVIAC-sponsored sports—men's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer.
"We are very excited to join the HVIAC and membership with other excellent colleges," commented Daniel Ramin, ESF Coordinator of Athletics. "As the HVIAC does a tremendous job recognizing student-athletes hard work and achievements, our student-athletes are looking forward to competing and having the opportunity to succeed with conference accolades and recognition.”
ESF is a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) and come off a fall season where their men's cross country team won their fourth straight USCAA National Championship, the women's cross country team finishing third, and women's soccer advancing to the national semifinals.
Situated in Binghamton, N.Y. and founded in 1900, Davis College (formerly known as Practical Bible College) is a Christian college committed to making an impact on the world for Jesus Christ. With nearly 450 undergraduates, the Falcons sponsor four sports, all of which will compete in the conference—men's and women's basketball, men's soccer and women's volleyball.
“By joining the HVIAC, our student-athletes at Davis College will have a greater opportunity to be recognized for their individual and team accomplishments," remarked Davis Athletic Director, Dan J. Rathmell. "The HVIAC has an excellent reputation of promoting their student-athletes and providing quality competition which is exactly what we have been searching for. As our institution continues to grow, the HVIAC will provide the perfect platform for our athletic program to grow as well.”
The Davis men's basketball team are two-time NIT Bible College National Champions and three-time SCAC champions. Davis College is also in their first year of membership with the USCAA.
The HVIAC is comprised of four-year colleges in New York state, particularly the New York metropolitan area, who do not offer financial aid based on athletic ability. In addition to SUNY ESF and Davis, 2015-16 members are Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (Albany N.Y.), Berkeley College (New York, N.Y.), Culinary Institute of America (Hyde Park, N.Y.), The King's College (New York, N.Y.), The College of New Rochelle (New Rochelle, N.Y.), Pratt Institute (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Vaughn College (Flushing, N.Y.) and Webb Institute (Glen Cove, N.Y.).