Conference Mailing Address
Colonial States Athletic Conference
PO Box 489
Villanova, PA 19085-0489
Marie Stroman - Commissioner
stroman@csacsports.com
The Board of Directors of the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) has selected Marie Stroman as the Commissioner of CSAC, effective October 14, 2021. She comes to this position bringing experience as a Division III student-athlete and as an administrator with the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) for more than a decade.
Dr. James Lytle, chairman of the CSAC Board of Directors and President of Clarks Summit University, says, “In our last round of interviews, we faced six highly qualified candidates. Through that process, Marie’s experience, leadership skills and strength in communication stood out and made her the clear choice to become our Conference commissioner.”
In 2011, Stroman began as Coordinator of MAC 100, a year-long centennial celebration, and she progressed to assistant executive director two years later. She was named associate executive director of MAC in 2015. In this role, Stroman directed all aspects of 14 conference championships and assisted in 23 playoff championships. She served as a staff liaison to the MAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, advanced the MAC through a five-year strategic plan and administered the NCAA Division III Strategic Initiatives Grant Program.
The Minnesota native earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Educational Studies at Macalester College, where she was a two-year captain, four-year starter and named Most Valuable Player for women’s volleyball. She went on to earn her Master of Education in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership at the University of Washington.
As a Division III student-athlete, she participated in student organizations, engaged in community service and studied abroad, giving her the ability to relate to and appreciate the diverse pursuits of the CSAC student-athletes.
“Division III student-athletes understand how to capitalize on their athletic experience to shape and enhance their overall educational experience,” Stroman observes. “I truly believe in athletics as an integral part of the educational model, and that's why I'm passionate about working in Division III athletics.”
Self-described as focused and deliberate, Stroman’s concern for student-athletes shines through her accomplishments, including organizing the MAC Women’s Coaching Symposiums and ensuring student-athletes’ voices were heard through MAC Student-Athlete surveys. She rallied students who aspire to work in athletics to attend Mid-Atlantic Region Commissioner Association Ethnic Minority Careers in Athletics Symposiums, an event which earned the NCAA Division III March 2019 Diversity Spotlight under her leadership.
With a background in special education work, she forged a partnership between NCAA Division III and Special Olympics that propelled volunteering and fundraising for the organization.
“Inclusion has been important to me for a long time, especially in the educational sphere,” Stroman says, crediting her mother for instilling this value through modeling it in her career and volunteer work. Stroman believes, “Inclusivity can provide avenues for student-athletes and those within the athletic department to grow as individuals. I hope an emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is something that can be incorporated in my work with the CSAC, just as it has with the MAC and when I was a student-athlete.”
As a trained facilitator, Stroman provided Gameday the DIII Way training to hundreds of people at the MAC institutions. She also oversaw new technology efforts, served on the NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Committee, developed brand messaging and visual identity and organized successful bids to host regional and national championships.
Stroman is a member of the College Sports Information Directors of America, Division III Commissioners Association, National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators and Women Leaders in College Sports.
Stroman was attracted to the CSAC position because of the conference’s growth mindset, which she says, “creates a passion for learning and room for collaboration and innovation.”
“I'm eager to listen, learn, and understand the experience of the many student-athletes, coaches and administrators on their campuses. CSAC schools have a unique story that I can't wait to promote.” Stroman continues, “I want to thank Dr. Lytle, the entire search committee and the presidents and athletics directors for their careful consideration of my appointment. I'm excited to roll up my sleeves and get to work with the membership!”
James Wagner - Assistant Commissioner
wagner@csacsports.com
James Wagner began his appointment as CSAC Assistant Commissioner on July 1, 2016.
Wagner comes to the CSAC from Ursinus College, where he was the Director of Athletic Communications from 2007 to 2015. During his eight years at Ursinus, Wagner served as the chief statistician for 25 varsity sports, in addition to running the social media accounts. In addition, Wagner also served on the Hall of Fame committee and started the Ursinus College Sports Network, which provided live video of various athletic events. Wagner also helped Ursinus host several NCAA events, including the 2007 and 2008 Division III Field Hockey Championships.
Prior to Ursinus, Wagner also served two years as the sports information director at Holy Family University. As the first SID in school history, he handled day-to-day public relations requests for 14 varsity sports and also performed play-by-play of men's and women's basketball games.
With more than 11 years experience in the field, Wagner also served on the executive board of ECAC-SIDA as the College Division Representative from 2014 to 2016. Wagner served as co-chair and host of the 2017 ECAC-SIDA convention, which was held in Valley Forge.
Wagner has also served as the emcee for the Philadelphia Area Small College Basketball Association bi-weekly luncheon, in addition to serving on the Hall of Fame committee.
Wagner is a 2001 graduate of Susquehanna University with a degree in broadcasting, working with the college radio station and sports information office.
Wagner, who has two sons, Chase and Connor, and a dog named Finn, resides in Limerick, Pa.
Antonio "Tone" Cockrell - Assistant Commissioner of Strategic Initatives
cockrell@csacsports.com
Antonio “Tone” Cockrell began his duties with The Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) as the Assistant Commissioner of Strategic Initiatives on August 1, 2022. The position is funded by the NCAA Division III Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship grant.
Cockrell is no stranger to the CSAC, as he attended Keystone College where he was a student-athlete. He was a two-year captain on the Men’s basketball team where he was a two-time All-CSAC first-team selection, two-time All-Atlantic Region selection, and 1,000 point-scorer throughout his stint with Keystone. During the 2019-2020 season, he also received N. Scott Thurston student-athlete award.
Cockrell also excelled off the court. He graduated Magna Cum Lada with a 3.9 GPA, while serving as a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and earning the Business Award for Excellence from Keystone College in Spring 2021.
From August 2021 until August 2022, Cockrell served as a graduate assistant admissions counselor for Keystone College along with completing his MBA program.
“We are excited to provide this opportunity to one of the CSAC’s own former student-athletes,” said CSAC commissioner Marie Stroman. “With a strong knowledge of the conference’s mission and values, Tone portrayed in the interview process a passion to push the conference forward. His unique set of skills and experiences will be a huge asset to the conference staff.”
Cockrell is eager to assist with day-to-day operations of the conference, contributing to strategic planning, athletics communications, championships, and governance.