Bernard Empie is in his eighth year as an assistant coach at Colgate, and his fourth as the assistant coach for both women's cross country and track and field. Empie is responsible for coaching the Raiders' jumpers, sprinters, hurdlers, and multi-event athletes, and assists with the cross country team in the fall. Empie is also the primary recruiting coordinator for the cross country and track and field programs.
Empie's sprinters and jumpers had a successful 2006 season. Under his watch he helped guide Lisa Germain '06 to both the indoor and outdoor Patriot League long jump title. He also mentored rookie sprinter Curry Knox to the 100-meter dash title at the Patriot League Championship in a school-record time. Knox also finished second in the 200 dash at the championship meet.
The track and field program has seen much success since Empie returned to his hometown in August, 2000. In his four years, Empie has recruited the best pool of Raider athletes in the history of the women's cross country and track and field programs. His athletes have produced 25 school records, 18 conference championships, 37 all-conference performances, 44 ECAC or IC4A qualifying marks, three All-East performances, two provisional NCAA qualifying marks, and six Junior National qualifying performances.
Empie returned to Hamilton after serving as the assistant track and field and cross country coach at his alma mater, the Citadel, from 1994-98. Empie was responsible for recruiting, promotions and marketing, as well as assisting with on-field coaching for both the men's and women's teams. His primary duties included working with the cross country, middle distance and distance runners, however he also assisted in coaching athletes competing in all other events. During his stint with the Bulldogs, Empie helped coach numerous all-conference athletes, five conference champions and two Junior National Qualifiers.
Empie graduated from the Citadel with a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1994 and a master's degree in physical education in 1996. He resides in Hamilton with his wife, Andrea, and their son, Connor, and daughter, Gwendolyn.
