Union College Athletics

Steve Eichfeld is embarking on his 11th season as assistant coach for the Union College women's and men's crew teams. In 2012, he was a member of the Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year.

Eichfeld was instrumental in helping both programs turn in successful seasons in 2014-15.

The Dutchwomen won seven races (Varsity Eight-2, Novice Eight-1, Varsit Four-2, Novice Four-2), including the Varsity Eight Petite Final at the New York State Championships.  The women also earned Liberty League Boat of the Week honors (Oct. 13) and placed nine student-athletes on the Liberty League All-Academic Team. Senior Maggie Hoffman was chosen to the All-Liberty League squad.

On the men's side, the Varsity Eight and Second Varsity Eight crews won a combined six races (three each) and the 2V8 squad defeated Hamilton to capture the Gilman Bowl. The Dutchmen were twice honored as Liberty League Boat of the Week (Oct. 13, Oct. 27). Elliot Ern was named to the All-Liberty League Team and Union recorded the most selections (14) to the Liberty League All-Academic Team.

Eichfield led the Union teams to many accolades in 2013-14.  The Dutchmen won seven races, highlighted by a 3-1 home record by the Varsity Eights. The V8s were also honored as Liberty League Boat of the Week (April 7). The Second Varsity Eights won four races, including a Gilman Bowl victory over Hamilton on the road.  The men also placed a league-high 12 student-athletes on the Liberty League All-Academic Team.

The 2013-14 women's squad recorded seven first-place finishes in five different events (V8-3, 2V8-1, N8-1, V4-1, 2V4-1). In addition, the 2V8 squad earned Liberty League Boat of the Week honors (April 14).  A total of 10 student-athletes were named to the Liberty League All-Academic Team.

Both squads' performances at the season-ending New York State Championships earned Union the Most Improved Team Award. Eichfeld also coached a pair of All-Liberty League Team performers in Greg Brenn and Lauren Hafkemeyer.

Eichfeld was a four-year member (1996-2000) of the Union Crew team, serving as team captain his senior year.  He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history in 2000. Steve went on to earn a teaching degree from the Union Graduate College.  He serves as a high school economics and history teacher in the Niskayuna Central School District.

Steve and his wife, Beth, have twin boys, James and Cole, and a daughter, Anna.  The Eichfelds reside in Charlton, N.Y.