Albany, NY — Russell Sage College's director of athletics has announced the selection of James Lyons (Geneseo, NY) as the program's Associate Director of Athletics. Lyons, a 1988 graduate of Drew University, joins RSC's department of athletics with 30 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics. Lyons will begin his new role with the Gators on September 29.
Lyons noted, "I would like to thank President Ames, Vice President of Student Life Trish Cellemme, Director of Athletics Sandy Augstein-Collins and the members of the search committee for inviting me to become a part of the Sage family as the new Associate Director of Athletics." He continued, "I couldn't be more excited to join Sage's outstanding cohort of coaches and administrators, in their ongoing effort to provide Sage students with the highest quality experience both academically and athletically. Sage's commitment to inclusivity and diversity, along with it's goal of competing at the highest levels of the Empire 8 and Nationally drew me to the position right away. I can't wait to get started and to join the incredible staff at Sage as we move forward to fulfill the mission and goals of the college and athletic department."
Director of Athletics Sandy Augstein-Collins commented of Lyons' selection "I am thrilled to announce that Jim Lyons will be serving as our new Associate Athletic Director!" She added, "I extend our warmest welcome to Jim as he joins the Gator Family! Jim's extensive experience in college athletics will mesh nicely with our current administration and coaching staff and serve to continue to move Sage along our goal of competing at the highest levels in the Empire 8."
Lyons, who served in numerous roles at SUNY-Geneseo from 2000-2017, including head men's lacrosse coach, Senior Athletic Department Staff Assistant, and Assistant Director of Athletics, brings a wealth of experience to the department. During his time at Geneseo, he guided the program to the NCAA Division III Tournament in 2004, 2006 and 2007 after also reaching the Elite Eight round in 2006.
Prior to his time at Geneseo, Lyons served as the head men's lacrosse and head men's soccer coach at Goucher College from 1995-2000. A former assistant men's lacrosse coach at Princeton University (1994-1995), he served as the head men's soccer and men's lacrosse coach at Potsdam State from 1990-1994.
He has also served as an instructor and lecturer in physical education and wellness for 26 years during his tenure at Potsdam, Goucher and Geneseo.
A former men's lacrosse player at Drew University during his collegiate career, Lyons was inducted into his alma mater's hall of fame in 2004. As a reserve attackman at West Genesee High School, New York, Lyons had already won a state championship. From 1985 to 1988, Lyons and his classmates compiled a record of 43-18, winning both a MAC East Championship and an ECAC Championship. Lyons was recognized as team MVP and MAC All Star in 1988; the Acorn selected him as their Senior Male Athlete of the Year and the Star Ledger named him College Athlete of the Week, and he ranked 15th in the nation for assists in 1988. Upon graduation, with nominations for two Athletic Department awards, Lyons ranked first in career assists with 99, second in career points (190) and fourth in career goals (91). His records for assists in a season (44) and most games played and started (61) still stand. He was vice president of Varsity "D" in 1988 and was one of two students on the Athletic Advisory Board, as well as serving as a resident assistant in 1987-88.
In addition during his extensive coaching career, he served as the chair of the NCAA Division III Men's Lacrosse Committee in 2010, after serving the previous three years on the committee. He also served as the chair of USILA North South Division I, II and III Senior All-Star Game from 2010-2017. Three times he has earned SUNYAC Men's Lacrosse Coach of the Year (2002, 2004 and 2006), while earning the USILA Division III National Coach of the Year Award in 2004.
Russell Sage College, an NCAA Division III institution, competes as a member of the Empire 8 conference in most of its sports and offers 21 varsity programs.
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