Hilbert athletics photo

The Empire 8 Conference announced the addition of Hilbert as an affiliate member in football effective with the fall of 2024.

"We are excited to welcome Hilbert to the Empire 8 football family," said Empire 8 commissioner Chuck Mitrano. "Their profile, location and leadership with President (Michael) Brophy, Tim Seil and Jim Kubiak make them an excellent addition. They are ambitious and we're excited to play a role in their growth and history."

Hilbert started football this fall and is playing a seven-game independent schedule.

"We are very excited about the opportunity to compete in the Empire 8 in 2024," said Hilbert football coach Jim Kubiak. "Without question it is highly competitive and full of well-established football programs. We are looking forward to our partnership as well as the chance to grow and develop within this strong conference."

Hilbert currently sponsors 18 Division III sports, the majority competing in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference, which does not sponsor football. Barring any changes in the conference membership, Hilbert will become the eighth Empire 8 football program in 2024, joining full-time members Alfred, Hartwick, St. John Fisher and Utica, in addition to fellow affiliate members Brockport, Cortland and Morrisville State.

With Utica actively exploring membership in Division II and Division I ice hockey, the Empire 8 needs to find another core member to play football in order to shore up its automatic bid to the NCAA Division III football playoffs. From the time Utica (or any other core member with football) leaves the conference, the Empire 8 would have two years to find another football member. That could come from one of its core members adding football, or enticing an affiliate member to join the conference for all sports. Elmira, Houghton, Keuka, Medaille, Nazareth and Sage are Empire 8 members without football.

"This is an exciting time for Hilbert College and our football program," said Hilbert athletic director Tim Seil. "I'd like to thank the Empire 8 Presidents Council, football athletic directors, and commissioner Chuck Mitrano for providing us with this great opportunity. We are honored to join the other seven institutions that make up the football conference and look forward to a great partnership."

"Our community is grateful for this opportunity and our team plans to be a positive contributor to Empire 8 football," said Brophy.