ONEONTA, N.Y. – The Hartwick College Athletics Department and Executive Director of Athletics Paul Vecchio are excited to officially announce the hiring of Mike Cacace as the Head of Strength and Conditioning for Hartwick College athletics. Cacace, who boasts a decade of strength and conditioning experience, began his duties prior to the start of the academic year.

"We are extremely excited about what Mike is bringing to this critical position in the Athletics Department," said Vecchio. "Mike has exceptional technical knowledge, understands the student-athlete mindset and brings tremendous passion to the role. Our Hawks will benefit greatly from his knowledge and enthusiasm."

In collegiate athletics, Cacace last worked with Eureka College as their Head Strength & Conditioning Coach and Offensive Line Coach from June 2024-July 2025. There, he helped develop and implement strength and conditioning programs for their 15 Division III varsity teams. He also scheduled all teams for workout sessions, and implemented operations, a fuel station, an internship curriculum, and had positive relationship with academic staff for student participation and coursework.  He also served as the graduate assistant strength coach at East Stroudsburg University from December 2019 – December 2020, working specifically with their volleyball and softball Division II programs. He helped redesign the weight room at ESU, and scheduled teams for workouts, as well as aiding with therapeutic and rehabilitation techniques. Prior to that, he was a volunteer assistant in the strength and conditioning programs at ESU, working with several of their Division II teams.

"Words can't describe my excitement for the opportunity to be here at Hartwick College," Cacace said. "I'm excited to get to work and do my best to help our student - athletes succeed! Thank you, to the Athletic Department for such an amazing opportunity, and to those that have supported me throughout the years."

Cacace also had experience at the Division I level, working with SUNY Albany and their 16 teams as a Strength and Conditioning Intern from May 2019-August 2019. There, he completed an internship curriculum, mastering exercise programming and myofascial release techniques.

Prior to coming to Hartwick, Cacace worked at Pocono Athletics LLC from December 2025 until August 2026, implementing Strength and Conditioning Programs for all strength and conditioning clients.

Cacace earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Exercise Science, Sport & Exercise Condition from East Stroudsburg University, with completion in May 2021. He also is USA Weightlifting Level 1 Certified and CPR certified.