Albany, NY – Russell Sage College's President Chris Ames and Vice President of Student Life Trish Cellemme have announced the selection of James Lyons (Geneseo, NY) as the new Director of Athletics. Lyons, who joined the Gator staff in October of 2021 as the Associate Director of Athletics, will commence in his new role immediately.
RSC's President Ames noted of the selection, "Jim Lyons has the experience in D3 coaching and administration to build on the growth and progress of the Russell Sage Athletics' Program and continue to advance our competitiveness in the Empire 8, while also ensuring great experiences for our student-athletes."
Lyons remarked of his selection, "I am honored and humbled to be selected as the Athletic Director at Russell Sage College." He added, "It is an exciting time to be a part of the Sage community, and I am eager to continue the great work being done by Sandy Augstein-Collins and our entire staff. I would like to thank President Ames, Vice President Cellemme and everyone involved in the search process for giving me the opportunity to continue to work with the greatest group of student-athletes in Division III. Russell Sage student-athletes truly exemplify the drive, determination and passion it takes to be a successful scholars and athletes. I look forward to working with our entire campus community in our effort to make Russell Sage, and our Athletics program the best it can be. "
Lyons, a 1988 graduate of Drew University, has more than 30 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics.
Vice President of Student Life Trish Cellemme noted "I am thrilled to have Jim taken on the Athletic Director role for the Gators." She added, "His background and experience make him the perfect person to lead our department into the future. I am confident that our student-athletes are in good hands."
Lyons arrived at Sage in the fall of 2021 and held the role as the department's Associate Director of Athletics. Prior to arriving at RSC, he 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.
Lyons replaces Director of Athletics Sandy Augstein-Collins, who served in the role from July of 2017 until September of 2022. She returns to her true passion, as the Gators' Head Women's Volleyball Coach.
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.