ALBANY – Russell Sage College Athletics is pleased to announce that Greco Construction will be the inaugural sponsor of its women's flag football athletic program, the first of its kind in the Capital Region.   

Building on the momentum of the fastest-growing sport in the world, the multi-year agreement will help establish the 22nd athletic program at RSC, which is slated to begin play in spring 2026.  

Since 1977, Greco Construction, under the leadership and direction of founder and chairman of the board, Sam Greco Jr., JCA '64, Sage '11, has successfully covered the complete spectrum of construction services. Its experienced team provides expert construction and management services, specializing in interior and exterior renovations, new buildings, additions, construction management and facility maintenance.

Greco Jr., who was inducted into the RSC Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015, distinguished himself as a basketball player for two seasons with his speed and tenacity after starring locally for Ichabod Crane High School. A team MVP as a rookie in 1962-63, he was the squad's leading scorer from the guard position, while also setting a program rebounding record with 17 boards in a single game. 

"As I watch Sage grow and become a household name in our community and watch their athletic programs develop, I could not be more proud of its achievements, academically and scholastically, and to be able to support them in this new athletic program for women," Greco Jr. said. "Sports were a way of life in the Greco family, and they still are today. Getting involved with Sage flag football will be great!"

"Sam's commitment to Russell Sage speaks to his transformational experience here as a student and student-athlete," said Russell Sage President Matthew Shaftel. "We are proud to call him an alum, and we are so grateful for his support of this new women's flag football program. Sam understands, through experience, how much athletics can shape a student's life in college and their future as a professional as they gain valuable teamwork and leadership skills in their chosen sport. We can't wait to have Sam and his family on the sidelines this spring, cheering on this pioneering team – the first intercollegiate women's flag football program in the Capital Region."

"Russell Sage Athletics and our brand new Flag Football program are thrilled and honored to partner with Greco Construction and Russell Sage Hall of Famer Sam Greco Jr.," said Jim Lyons, Director of Athletics.  "Russell Sage is uplifted by our strongest relationships, and Sam and Greco Construction has been one of our longest standing alumni donors and is a shining example of the power of alumni giving and support.  Greco Construction's support will help to empower a new generation of athletes for Sage Women's Flag Football, opening a door many thought would be forever closed to them.  Sage athletics is immensely grateful to all our alumni supporters and once again thank Greco Construction for their generous support of our programs."

"Russell Sage College Flag Football is incredibly appreciative of Greco Construction for choosing to sponsor our flag football program," said Head Coach Denver Divens, who officially started on July 1. "We are very excited to have a partnership with such a generous and successful local business. As a coach who is new to the Capital Region, it is so encouraging to see the amazing support from not only the college, but also the local community. Thank you again to Greco Construction for helping make this inaugural season possible!"

Flag football, which will make its Olympic debut in 2028, recently launched in Capital Region high schools, with 12 teams competing in 2025. According to the Times Union, "The New York State Public High School Athletic Association's girls' flag football pilot program started in 2022 with approximately 50 teams, while 185 teams played the sport this spring. According to a NYSPHSAA spokesperson, the number of teams participating around the state is expected to exceed 200 in 2026"

On a state level, RSC joined four other Empire 8 Conference schools in adding the sport in 2025-2026. The other E8 members include SUNY Brockport, Elmira, SUNY Geneseo, and Hartwick.

The women's flag football team continues the growth of the RSC Athletic Department. Since 2008, 17 teams have joined the fold, most recently baseball, eSports, and women's golf in 2020.